Using tracing paper is a straightforward way to transfer a line drawing or sketch onto your watercolor paper without marking the original artwork. This method helps preserve the delicate surface of watercolor paper and allows for subtle guidelines that won't show through your paint.
The basic process involves tracing your design onto one side of the tracing paper, flipping it over, and then transferring the graphite from the traced lines onto the watercolor paper by rubbing the back.
Step-by-Step Guide to Tracing for Watercolor
Follow these steps to effectively use tracing paper to prepare your watercolor surface:
- Prepare the Tracing: Place the tracing paper over your original drawing or sketch. Fasten the tracing paper securely to prevent slipping. As noted in the reference, you can use paper clips, one for each corner, to hold it in place.
- Trace the Outline: Using a soft pencil, such as a 2B or softer, carefully trace the outline of your drawing onto the tracing paper. Using a soft pencil ensures a good amount of graphite is deposited, which is necessary for the transfer step.
- Flip the Tracing: Once your outline is completely traced, remove the tracing paper from your original artwork. Turn the tracing so that you flip your drawing facing down. This positions the graphite lines correctly for transferring.
- Position on Watercolor Paper: Take your watercolor paper and place the flipped tracing paper on top of it. Ensure the drawing you traced is now facing down onto the watercolor surface.
- Fasten for Transfer: Fasten the tracing paper onto a sheet of watercolor paper with your drawing facing down. This holds the tracing paper firmly in place during the transfer process, preventing the image from smudging or shifting.
- Transfer the Image: Using a blunt object (like the back of a spoon, a stylus, or even your fingernail), gently but firmly rub over the lines on the back of the tracing paper. The pressure will cause the graphite you traced on the other side to transfer onto the watercolor paper below, creating a light guideline.
Tips for Tracing onto Watercolor Paper
- Pencil Hardness: Always use a soft pencil (2B, 4B, 6B) for tracing. Harder pencils (H grades) don't deposit enough graphite for a good transfer and can also indent the watercolor paper surface.
- Light Hand: When transferring, use just enough pressure to get the lines to show. Excessive pressure can damage the paper or create indentations that show after painting.
- Minimal Lines: Trace only the essential outline. Avoid excessive detail or heavy shading, as these lines can be difficult to cover with watercolor paint, especially in lighter areas.
- Check Progress: You can carefully lift a corner of the tracing paper while it's still fastened on other sides to check if the lines are transferring adequately.
- Erasing: The transferred graphite lines should be light enough to dissolve into the watercolor paint or be gently lifted with a kneaded eraser if needed before painting.
By following these steps, you can effectively transfer your design onto watercolor paper using tracing paper, setting you up for a successful painting session without visible pencil marks.
