Learn how to create watercolor backgrounds and draw a vintage camera
Whether cameras, old keys or pocket watches: Vintage motifs are modern and are perfectly suited for decorating a picture frame or for use as a greeting card motif. A light, transparent watercolor background is easy to create and imparts your drawing or lettering with an atmospheric framework.
Vera gives you step-by-step instructions for how to create both using the ABT Dual Brush Pen Vintage Set and how to draw a lovely retro camera.
If you already know how to create watercolor backgrounds, you can skip directly to the illustration here.
You will need these materials:
For watercolor backgrounds with a vintage motif:
- HB pencil, such as the MONO 100
- ABT Dual Brush Pens Vintage Set
- Water tank brush
- Film, such as our Blending Pallet
- Aquarelle paper
- Spray bottle with water, such as the Blending Mister
- Ruler
- Compass
You still need some of it?
Step 1: Preparation
Choose the colors for your background. I have selected the colors 817 mauve and 407 tiki teal.
It is best to use watercolor paper for your drawing because it absorbs water well and doesn’t curl easily. Lay the film on the sheet of paper so you know exactly where the color should go.
Step 2: Distribute the color
Now move the ABT Dual Brush Pens across the film and distribute the color any way you like.
Step 3: Bring on the water!
Now apply water to the film using the spray bottle. Take care to use the right amount of water. Too much water leaves visible stripes, and too little water makes the colors look pale.
Then press your watercolor paper onto the film.
Tip: If you are using only a small piece of film or a Blending Palette, you can simply repeat this step.
Step 4: Allow to dry
Carefully remove the paper and turn it over. Wait until the paper is completely dry before moving on to the next step.
Step 5: Create sketch
Once the paper is dry, start with a sketch. The best thing to use is an HB pencil; it makes very light, fine lines that are easy to paint over later.
I have selected a retro camera as motif. It is very easy to draw using a ruler and compass: a square and a circle. A few details, like knobs and dials, make the drawing more realistic.
Step 6: Vintage look
Then you can add vines and leaves to your illustration to create a dreamy vintage look.
Step 7: Mix colors
You can create wonderful blends using the water-based ABT Dual Brush Pens. Take a ceramic mixing palette or a Blending Palette and put some color on it using the ABT Dual Brush Pen. Then you can use the water tank brush to mix and take up the colors.
Step 8: Details
Now start filling the areas with color. Let your imagination run free and mix the colors any way you like.
Letterings
This could also be a sweet birthday card, or you could use the watercolor technique as a background for your handlettering projects.
Quotes for your vintage illustration:
- You don’t need a time machine if you have a camera.
- Life is like a camera / Focus on what’s important / Capture the good moments / Develop from the negatives / And if things don’t work – just take another shot
- Memories are timeless treasure of the heart
- Memories last a lifetime
Done!
Please let us know how helpful this article was for you to copy. You are welcome to write us a message if you have any suggestions for improvement or other feedback for us. We read everything, we promise PS: We are of course also curious about your results. Feel free to show us your work on Instagram or Facebook and share it with the community.
