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Fashion illustrator FRANCESCO LO IACONO shows how to recreate five challenging fabrics in watercolour

1

FURS

To create the first layer of texture, apply the paint quite loosely with the tip of a mop brush. Use different shades of brown and ochre to create shape and volume, thinking about how the light hits the surface. Next, work the details with a small round brush, adding individual hairs little by little. Create a soft outline for the coat with more small strokes. Be careful not to overdo it, keeping the sketch as fresh as possible.

2

FEATHERS

Just like fur, you can’t describe every single feather, so it’s important to create a sort of rhythm, working up lighter and darker areas. I recreate the sense of movement by having some of the feathers pop out from the silhouette.

3

KNITS

Knits are soft yet quite structured at the same time. When recreating this fabric, use a slightly dry brush for the first layer to begin to build this sense of structure. With a small round brush and a darker mix, describe the details of the cable braids, typical of certain knits. Small dots and fine lines also help replicate the texture.

4

WOOLS

I use the tip of a quite wet mop brush to recreate woollen fabrics, building it up with bold strokes while leaving small areas white to create space. This way there are no outlines, resulting in an overall soft vibe.

5

PVC

Garments made from PVC require strong, neat, precise brush strokes. It’s vital to think about the light and identify the highlights straight away. Start with the mid-tone, then add the dark tones. Round brushes are perfect for reproducing these sharp surfaces.

This is an edited extract from Francesco’s new book, Watercolour Fashion Illustration, published by David & Charles. davidandcharles.com