This is my favorite hero-cature I've done so far. It's a commission for a Nightcrawler fan named Matt. I decided to document my process since I put a lot of time and effort into this one.
I start with a very light, loose sketch with my dark umber Prismacolor.
I tie down the lines with the same pencil.
I tie down the lines with the same pencil.
I lightly block in the watercolors.
Then I build up the layers of watercolor and start putting in the shadows.
I continue to build up the layers of color until I finally force myself to stop for fear of messing up the painting. Watercolors are a very unforgiving medium.