From Sketch to Painting: Mixed Media Italian Restaurant Facade

Join me as I take you through my complete mixed media process for a charming Italian restaurant facade using colored pencils and watercolor.

In this beginner-friendly class, you'll learn how to combine these two mediums to create expressive artwork full of depth, texture, and personality.

We'll begin with a freehand pencil sketch in a sketchbook before transferring our drawing to watercolor paper. From there, we'll build our artwork step by step, first with colored pencil line work, then watercolor washes, and finally a second colored pencil layer to add rich textures and finishing details.

Along the way, I'll share the same techniques and workflow I personally use to create polished mixed media pieces while helping you strengthen your drawing and painting fundamentals.

*In this class, you'll learn how to:

• Simplify buildings into basic shapes
• Draw frontal building facades with improved proportions and perspective
• Work from large shapes to small details for greater accuracy
• Combine colored pencils and watercolor for balanced mixed media effects
• Create clean watercolor washes, vibrant color mixtures, and convincing depth
• Add texture, detail, and expressive mark-making with colored pencils
• Use a reference photo while still making creative artistic decisions

Whether you're new to mixed media, enjoy urban sketching and architectural subjects, or simply want a relaxing project that strengthens both your drawing and watercolor skills, this class will give you practical techniques you can continue using in future artwork.

*Supplies:

• Drawing Sketchbook *Suggested size: 9"x 12" (or larger)
• Tracing paper, Carbon Paper or Lightboard
• Drawing pencils *Suggested grades: HB, 2B
• Soft graphite eraser
• Kneaded eraser
• Sharpener
• Wax-Based Colored Pencils
• Watercolor paper *Suggested type/weight: Hot Press, 140 lbs.
• Watercolor paint set
• Mixing palette
• Brushes *Suggested type and sizes: Rounds (3, 10, 14)
• 1-2 Containers with clean water
• Absorbent towel or kitchen paper towels
• Masking tape or artist's tape (3/4's " or 1")
• Backing board (to tape watercolor sheet onto for support)
• Scrap pieces of watercolor paper

*Extra Resources:

What You Should Know About Watercolor Paper Sizing

How I Transfer Sketches with Tracing Paper

How I Use a Light Board to Transfer Drawings

Drawing Practice for Beginners Understanding 1 and 2 Point Perspective

Let's Draw Houses Together (Live Workshop Recording)

*You can also find Erika here:

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