Silly Watercolor Ghosts

Ghosts can be spooky specters or silly spirits. In today’s class, we’ll focus on the silly and whimsical aspect of these adorable Halloween inspired illustrations. Using the blending and translucent properties of watercolor, we’l create beautiful ghost shapes that are colorful and unique. We’ll begin by creating a sketch in pencil. Class includes a two-page downloadable template with 4 ghost shapes. Also included, is a Silly Ghost Ideas Page that you can refer to for inspiration for playful accessories, like thick framed glasses, or an elegant chapeau. I’ll show techniques for altering the template and then we’ll start painting. In class, I’ll show a wet-on-wet technique using blues and purples to paint the body, but you can personalize the colors as you choose.

For your Class Project, select a ghost from the templates or sketch your own with pencil. Then, trace your ghost as shown in class. Modify the template as shown to make longer or shorter “bodies,” “wings,” and other shapes on the ghosts. Then, select an expression for the face. Choose fun accessories and add them with pencil. When you’re pleased with your sketch, select paint colors and begin painting the ghosts in layers. We’ll start with large shapes and lots of blending and work our way to detailed pieces of our paintings. When your painting is complete, snap a photo of your work and post it in the Project Section.