Illuminated Manuscripts

Introduction

Illuminated Manuscripts were a popular art form during the middle ages.

A very popular subject was the Annunciation-- when the angel Gabriel announced to Mary that she would conceive and bear the Son of God, Jesus.



Source

Introductory Slideshow Presentation

Materials

-pencil/ eraser (my favorite is a kneaded eraser)
-sketching paper
-watercolor paper
-board for mounting watercolor paper (cardboard works)
-masking tape
-art pen (fine black marker)
-watercolor pencils
-regular colored pencils (optional)
-gold or silver sharpie

Process:

For expanded version showing the process in detail open this slideshow.

Slideshow-- Illuminated Manuscripts

 For abbreviated version keep reading.


Phase I:  Research/ Design

My example:

I drew inspiration from these two reference images that I found online.  Drawing from these two images, I designed an original composition.  I worked out this design through sketching before starting with my final version.

Source

Source

Phase II: Execution

Transfer your final image to your piece of taped down watercolor paper.

Color with water soluble colored pencils. 

Add water, beginning with lightest colors. 

With a gold sharpie, add gold background and accents.