Rena
9″ x 12″

Here are the candid reference photos that I took of Rena. (Yes, the fairy outfit does exist!) I really loved what she was doing with her arm in the first photo, but I thought her head was turned a little too much for the portrait. So I used the second photo for reference of her face.

Following are photos of Rena’s portrait in progress:
1) After pencil sketching Rena’s portrait (from photos) directly on the surface, I start to add watercolor washes.

2) Then I collage acid-free tissue paper over the entire image. For the background, I traced the pattern onto another sheet of tissue paper and then also collaged it onto the area around her.

3) With pen and ink I go back in and redefine her features and details. In some areas, I apply more watercolor and acrylic paint.