3 Ways to Transfer a Sketch to Watercolor Paper
There are three main ways that I transfer a sketch or reference photo to my watercolor paper:
Tracing against a bright window.
Graphite paper.
Light table.
Generally, I do not draw directly onto my watercolor paper, because nine times out of ten, I’m going to ruin the paper. I am not confident with drawing. I tend to erase a lot, start over, or generally just get frustrated. I’ve learned that it is easier to create my original drawing on sketch paper so that I can adjust the drawing as much as I want. Once I have an outline and plan that I am happy with, I will use one of the three methods below to transfer that image to my watercolor paper. You can even snag a free mushroom outline to try out any of these methods at the end of this post.
Tracing Against a Bright Sunny Window
Using a bright window to trace an image onto watercolor paper.
This is the one I started with because anyone can find a sunny window somewhere. To use this method, tape your original reference photo or sketch to the window first. Then tape your watercolor paper on top of the reference photo. Depending on the kind of paper you decide to paint on (its thickness, composition, etc.), you’ll be able to see the bottom image through the paper. Sometimes it can be hard to pick out details from your reference photo using this method. When that happens, I’ll use a black marker first and identify the main shapes I want to transfer before taping it to the window.
Graphite Paper
I learned about this method when I started working on Let’s Make Art projects. With each box, you would receive a fresh sheet of graphite paper to use. It was a great way to take the pressure of having to draw away so that I could focus on the fun part, which is painting. Graphite paper comes in thin sheets. There is usually a shiny side with the concentrated graphite and then a non-graphite side. You place the shiny side face down on your watercolor paper and then your reference image on top. Then you can use a pen or marker to trace the main shapes of your reference. Anywhere there is pressure on the graphite paper, it will leave a mark on your watercolor paper underneath. You’ll want to experiment, because all graphite paper is a little different and you’ll want to figure out what pressure works for you as well as what writing implement works best for you. You are supposed to be able to erase marks made with graphite paper, but I have had limited success with fully erasing the marks. I can use a kneaded eraser to lighten the marks, but I rarely can make them disappear. Graphite paper also gets better with age. You have to be really careful with a fresh piece of graphite paper not to push too hard. My favorite piece of graphite paper, I have been using for a couple years and it is still going strong. I’ve found that my favorite pen to use to transfer is a Micron Pen size 005. I like using this transfer method when I am working on a watercolor block, where the sheets of paper are glued together.
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Two sheets of graphite paper. Top sheet has been used repeatedly. Bottom sheet is brand new. Graphite paper tends to get better with age.
Graphite paper is sandwiched between the outline on top and the watercolor block below.
Light Table
This is my newest gadget that I love. I use it for all kinds of things such as creating composite sketches using different reference photos, lettering, and transferring reference photos. This method is best when I am using loose sheets of watercolor paper or thinner paper. With thick watercolor paper, 300lb or more, it can be hard to see your reference photo underneath. I also like the light table when I am trying to simplify a complicated reference photo. What’s great about a light table is you can use it at any time of day. I tend to do a lot of my work at night, so it comes in handy a lot. For this method, you tape your reference photo to the light table and then your watercolor paper on top of that. Then you can use your pencil to carefully trace the main shapes of your reference photo. I like this method because it can be easier to erase regular pencil lines than graphite paper lines.
Using a light table to transfer an image to sketch paper. Learn more about this painting in my post: Realistic Watercolor Paintings: Grandpa’s Painting Tin.
Tips & Tricks for Transferring
Experiment
Do not use one of these methods on your nice art paper on your first go. Trace pictures or just doodle onto regular computer paper or cardstock to get a sense of how these methods work before using them on your watercolor paper.
Use a light touch
I have found that you can always go back and make your lines darker, but it is really hard to make them lighter. When I have finished tracing and my lines seem too light in some areas I can always go over them with a regular pencil again. I would not recommend trying to darken your lines with graphite paper because you might not line up your paper perfectly and end up with a double set of lines. If you end up with lines that are too dark, I recommend using a kneaded eraser. Press and lift rather than rub so that you do not ruin the textured surface of your watercolor paper.
Your outline doesn’t have to be perfect
I struggled at the beginning with wanting to capture every detail of the reference photo into my outline and it never turned out well. Now I focus on capturing the most important shapes and details. I also do not stress if I go outside the lines of my outline (gasp I know). In the end it generally doesn’t matter because the overall concept is still there.
Methods I Have Not Tried
I have seen these methods floating around on the internet, but have not tried them myself:
Make Your Own Graphite Paper
When you have completed your sketch or have your reference photo, take a piece of paper and cover the back with a light shading of pencil. Then you can use this like regular graphite paper. I have heard that this method makes it easier to erase your lines if you make a mistake.
Projector
I have seen this used when you have a really large piece you are working on. Think anything bigger than 12x14, which is the size of my light table. I have also seen this method used for things like mural projects. Currently I paint pretty small due to the cost of supplies and that I have very limited space to work. A 20x30 piece of watercolor paper wouldn’t even fit on my art table.
Watercolor Pencils
The benefits (I have heard) of this method is that watercolor pencils will dissolve as soon as you touch them with water. The downside is….your marks dissolve as soon as you touch them with water. I got a set of these in a long ago Let’s Make Art box, but I have yet to try them.
Do you know of a method I have missed or have a favorite method?
If you want to experiment with any of these methods, you can grab my free mushroom outline below. You can learn more about the painting I created with this outline in my post January Studio Update.
Use my free mushroom outline to try your hand at one of these methods. It also makes a great coloring page. 😉