Adding Contrast Makes a Difference!

I was very inspired by a member of my facebook drawing group to try my hand at some steampunk tangling.  

before adding contrast

Pattern Collections has a bunch of steampunk patterns.  I absolutely love the pattern "Vintage Key" from Ina Sonnenmoser.

After adding some contrast

Adding contrast with watercolor pencils is what really made this tangle come together for me.

 I love using these watercolor pencils to add a pop of color.  Watercolor pencils have a little more control than regular watercolors in my opinion.  Since I don't usually use watercolor paper, using less water is usually a better option for me.  Watercolor pencils help with that a lot.

Oh!...and the edging on the paper is from a diecut from Tim Holtz.  I LOVE his diecuts! This is one of my favs. It's now retired, but I did find it on Amazon here: