1. Freehand draw a skeleton (or print a skeleton template from the web and transfer it to a substrate. I used Saral Transfer Paper in Yellow to transfer the image to heavyweight Watercolor Paper, 9"x12")
2. Darken the skeleton image with a black China
Marker. I like the rough texture of the China Marker, but anything black would
work: pastel, crayon, marker, etc.
3. Choose background color; paint around the skeleton
image and in between bones.*
4. Fill in the eyes and mouth with
black acrylic paint.
5. Using floral colors, stencil flowers and leaves around the crown of the skeleton's head.
Stencils I used: Wild Daisies, Mini Rose Bouquet, Woodland Floral Wreath, and Rose Bouquet.
7. Continue rough sketchy lines
around facial details and bones.
*If desired, stencil over the background to make it look spooky.
I used Andrew Borloz' X& O Stencil and Mary Beth Shaw's Makes a Mark Pipette stencils in another Skeleton portrait I painted. I also added more painterly details in this one.
Have fun experimenting as you make a Day of the Dead skeleton portrait that is perfectly unique to your style!
Jennifer
Day of the Dead is a favorite holiday of mine. Thanks for the delightful project!
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