Can you paint over a graphite drawing?

Question

I was wondering if it is possible to paint over a pencil drawing with watercolor. I enjoy both mediums but am not sure what would happen if I combine them.

blondwerewolf.etsy.com

Answer 1

Watercolorists usually paint over a graphite drawing, you know. Although they usually try to keep their pencil lines pretty fine, so they won't be all that visible in the finished painting..

As long as your graphite isn't built up too heavily, you should be able to put watercolor over it. The watercolor will settle on the exposed paper and bead up where the graphite blocks the paper. You can gently blot up the beads with a tissue or nearly-dry sponge.

Go ahead and try it, you might like the effect.

You can also use a brush dipped in turpentine to blend your graphite in a more painterly manner. You can even pick graphite up from one area and lay it down as a brushstroke in another. It's kind of like using a graphite paint.

Answer 2

The graphite would be smeared or smudged by the water, and you would likely see a trace of the original graphite drawing through the paint, unless you use a very opaque paint.

Answer 3

Yes you can.. I do it all the time.
But be careful that you don't paint like "coloring book". Ignore the lines and just let the watercolor create or enhance the mood of your drawing. Use washes of TRANSPARENT watercolors.
GOOD LUCK

Answer 4

most likely the pencil will show through, the water color isnt dense enuff to over power it. i guess it kinda depends on how dark the shade of pencil it is. trying it will be the best answer though