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This is so lovely. The softness of line texture and colors are working beautifully together. I like the real blackness of the charcoal. The only waterproof charcoal that comes to mind is a litho crayon, but I've no experience in using them with watercolor, just printmaking eons ago.

Oh My!!!! I'm melting while seeing this Paige! This is so beautiful! Wonderful :o)

I really don't know of a waterproof charcoal, but I'll do a bit of research on the internet and see if I find something, I'll let you know. But this one with the charcoal done at the end is just gorgeous! Although I understand what you mean, if I'm working in pen and ink and then watercolors, I really love to have the outlines already established in black before working the washes.

I'm looking for that movie for sur! Is it an old one? I don't think because Rene is there, right?

(ooops... sorry.. this comment turned out really long ;o)

Hi, me again :o)
I was thinking, maybe you can try a black Polychromo pencil. I know is not the same as charcoal, but they do have waterproof tips and it might have an interesting finish.
Ok, I'm leaving now... ;o)

Paige, this is beautiful and sweet!

i have seen the movie and just loved it! It was one of those rare days I was alone! and I curled up with the movie and a pot of coffee...

I'm not sure of a charcoal that is waterproof, have you tried watercolor pencils? I know they aren't water proof but may work.

Hi Paige!
Have you tried spraying your charcoal drawing with "workable" fixative before coloring? I've been doing that with ink lines so that they don't run when applying watercolor. And the wc still works on top of the spray!
~Lisa

I really like this picture Paige, especially as it has rabbits, which are my favourites. :o)

You might try using a Faber-Castell Pitt OIL BASE pencil. They come in different soft/hard/extra soft and make a nice black broken line. Not as soft as charcoal to work with, but certainly they don't lift when a watercolour wash is applied.
I have used an 'extra soft schwarz/black' one with good results.

Thanks Paige! Rented the movie and is amazing! Thanks for recommending it. I talked a bit about it on my blog.

This looks so beautiful Paige!

Yippee! Lots of sweet comments today, thanks for all the info and kind words on this piece. It's the first one I've been truly happy and excited about in a long time. In fact--I think I've finally found 'my style' - although I hope I didn't just jinx it lol.

I'll research the names of some of these pencil types you mentioned, and Lisa I'll check out the fixative idea!

Thanks again!

"I think I've finally found 'my style'". Hey Paige, I think you're right!!!! Whoo hoo! And the squirrel is fantastic too.
~Lisa

love thiiis! I admire your watercolour, should make a peter rabbit books with Paige version :D

oh, this is just a beautiful and charming illo. -- so rich in detail and the line quality is so spontaneous and lovely.

(thanks for the movie tip; i'll go rent that from netflix today!)

~kim

I love Beatrix Potter! I love the play of light and shadow. I personally like the smudgy look of charcoal. However, I would definitely try the workable fixative. I'm glad it was suggested by someone who has experience with it.

Such beautiful color and line work. I love her little red cape! So beautiful!

This is so sweet! I love the softness created with the charcoal and watercolors. Great job!

So charming, I love the soft quality of your illos. I too loved the Beatrix Potter movie, especially when the drawings come to life!

An adorable scene! Beautifully drawn with lovely soft colours, your use of watercolour is great.

oh paige, this is such a sweet illustration. so warm and cozy. like everyone else so far, i love the linework mixed with the soft colors and all the subtle, yet important details.

that movie is a great one. very inspiring.

teri

How adorable!

Paige, you work is lovely. I have to wonder if a grease pencil would work. Do they still make/sell those?

just watched Miss Potter thanks to you and Alicia raving about it. So inspiring (and a bit sad!) but it was great. Oh, to make lots of money from illustrating books and be able to buy a house based on inspiration alone!

This is so reminiscent of her work, I love it!