Gem Painting Practice Sheet - Cabochons and Slices

A great way to practice painting different gemstones and gem shapes.  

Print on Fabriano Tiziano, Canson Mi-Teintes or other paper suitable for gouache.

We recommend Windsor & Newton gouache and da Vinci brushes. (others are available)

Tips:

• Permanent white is great for highlights, and Zinc white is better for mixing.
• Mixing colours with white creates a more pastel colour, not a brighter colour.
• Undertones - use a base colour that matches the undertone. 
• Shadows - use opposing colours, rather than black, to create depth. 
• Same colour stones does not mean the same look on paper - diamonds and white quartz are very different. Use white highlights to add shine, reflections and sparkle.
• For transparent/translucent stones, be aware of the inside of the stone, amber can have bugs, rutilated quartz has rutiles etc
• Add shadow around the stone to make the stone look like it's coming off the page. You can use gouache, watercolour or Chinese ink for this.
• Don't be afraid to use paint and pencils on the same design. They can work together really well.

More than anything, make it yours!  Experiment, have fun and create something unique! 

And please do show us - tag us on Instagram @getstonedfair