Fearless Friday, The magic of shading
The current resident in my studio is not a canvas but a giant dollhouse
DD’s grandmother gave her this Southern mansion style dollhouse when she was a little girl
She got it at an estate sale and lovingly fixed it up with curtains, dolls and furnishings, most of which are long gone, but I did save the house in hopes of passing it down one day
“Mom, I think you should give CC the dollhouse this Christmas…”
Dear Santa, please give me more days before Christmas!!
So this house is what I’ll be painting this week
I keep a sketch book and art supplies within reach and love to idly draw for relaxation while I’m watching the news or my favorite holiday movie
I did manage a quick sketch of a gingerbread house…
Gingerbread has been in the air this week,
and I want to demonstrate the dramatic difference a little shading can make
A simple line sketch
Gingerbread colored marker and a line of darker brown to dramatize the snow covered eaves
Look at the difference it makes when you compare the left and right sides in the photo above
More color and shading
I stopped the tree color short of the outline, to indicate snow covered trees and white dots were added with a white gel pen
The loops on the house front corners were striped to look like ribbon candy
The final dramatic touch was added to the doorway using a gray water color brush pen
A wide line along the inside of the doorway was softened and blended out with a clear waterbrush pen
Gray water color pen was also added to the snow on the roof and on the path to add dimension
A little shading can really bring a drawing to life!
Be Fearless!
In case you missed it, last year we painted gingerbread people
You can see the tutorial here
Psst…25% off everything Friday, Saturday & Sunday at my Society 6 Shop
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I will be joining these fabulous parties and blogs:
Rustic and Refined, Between Naps on the Porch, Make it Pretty Monday
Coastal Charm, Cooking and Crafting with J&J, Celebrate and Decorate,
Delicious Dishes Recipe Party Oh My Heartsie Girl Full Plate Thursday
Thursday Favorite Things Creatively Crafty Foodie Friday & Everything Else
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Oh the gingerbread house is darling and I cannot wait to see what you do with the doll mansion 👍😉. It is sure to be fabulous as only grandma Jenna can do!! ❤️
I am feeling so much pressure, and my shoulder is killing me from overuse, I hope I can do it justice…I wish you were here to help me!
Oh Jenna. Be kind to yourself. I am sure there are things you can let go of that you are pressuring yourself with. People will understand if you allow yourself to be vulnerable. It’s really ok. And everyone will still love you. ❤️❤️
thanks Jodi, I’m not really stressed about it, just mad that I hurt my shoulder!
👍😉
I love it! Yes, shading is what brings art to life. Also, when I’m painting eyes on a person or an animal, I’m always delighted when I add the “shine” to the eyes. Suddenly I see my piece come to life, staring back at me. It’s a thrill every time!
Do you ever paint on canvas? You are so talented!!
Adorable Jenna! I love the shading on your wonderful gingerbread house! I’m looking forward to seeing the transformed dollhouse after you take your paintbrush to it! Happy Painting and Selling to you!
I use the gel pen for white dots, too, like in animal eyes and snow. Better control! And you are so right about the shading. I’ve always known that but to see it in terms of this drawing and how it evolved into a wonderful and completely delightful piece is a terrific example. The gingerbread is adorable.
I have to get to the art table this week to finish a commission. I have about 10 minutes of work but it’s the part where I can mess up the entire thing!
Thank you Jeanie!
The gingerbread house is one of my favorites….I love it, Jenna! I love your whimsical, and dare I say, fearless style!
I bet the dollhouse will be a work of art when you’re done. I can’t wait to see it!
xo,
RJ
It’s a bigger project than I want right now, I wish I had more time to devote to it, but my daughter was insistent 🙂
So Christmassy, thanks for your step by step, awesome art!
That dollhouse is positively darling, Jenna. And I love your painting of the gingerbread house. The colors are gorgeous. Hope you have a wonderful weekend. For some reason, I have been able to comment – I think the problem was on my end.
so sorry about the comment thing, Sarah has the same problem…thank you for the sweet words~
I love your tutorials!! I have ALL these supplies, and have had them for many months – maybe in January during a blizzard i will start to play with them! The gingerbread house is adorable and the doll house is even cuter! Have fun updating it!
January is such a great month for projects, I hope you do have time to play!
Jenna, that is one adorable gingerbread house! I can’t wait to see the finished doll house after you put your magic artistic hand to it!
It is a bigger project than I wanted right now!