Character Sketch outlines a theory of costume rendering that explores how a designer conceptualizes and creates a character on the page. Beginning with how to develop a sense of character through active, gestural poses, this book explores and explains the process of drawing and painting from rough sketch to finished rendering.
Helen Q. Huang ???, an award-winning costume designer for more than 25 years, breaks down her process, from understanding body proportions and active poses to applying research and color concepts to renderings. Her step-by-step watercolor painting techniques cover mixing skin tones, blending colors, and applying paint in different methods for a variety of fabric textures and patterns.
Showcasing how to capture a character on the page, Character Sketch is a must-read for any costume designer looking to communicate their artistic vision.
Table of Contents
Introduction: The act of drawing is the act of design
Part 1: Creating the Sketch
Proportion of the figure
Gesture Sketches
Core Masses of the Figure
The Head and Face
Arms and legs
Hand and foot
Feet and shoes
The Costume Sketch: Step-by-Step
Finding the Pose for the character
The Expression of Pencil Strokes
Part 2: Watercolor Techniques
Tools: Paint
Brushes
Paper
Techniques:
Painting Skin
Flat Wash
Wet-on-Wet
Dry Brush
Painting Wool
Painting Black Costumes
Painting White Costumes
Painting Patterns
Watercolor Techniques in Practice
Part 3: Putting Skills into Practice
Doodling
Gestural Poses
Grouping
Incorporating Research
Color Concepts
Part 4: Costume Sketch Gallery
