Hellebore
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| Hellebore Oils | Giomar’s Orchid Colored Pencils |
| 2 to 3 days | Class 102, Tuesday 8 am to 12 pm
This is the picture of one of the classes I am teaching at the Artist Expo convention this year. I am very pleased with the frame selected. Information on the frame will be available to participants. Join me!
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Colored pencils tips and techniques
I can not emphasize enough the importance of selecting the right type of surface for your piece. In a previous blog I mentioned several of the surfaces I like to use, Pastelbord being my favorite. In the next posts I will talk about mediums and varnishes because that would be an important factor in determining which surface to use.
Which medium do I use with colored pencils?
I sometimes use Gamblin Gamsol which is a very safe solvent with absolutely no odor. I am very allergic to mediums and solvents and this one is really odor free and does not give me any allergies. Like any medium you have to take precautions when using it. Always use a tiny amount and wash your hands between each use. Ensure that you keep the lid closed during the painting session.
Why do I use this medium?
I like working with surfaces that have “tooth” or texture because I apply many layers of pencil. These layers of pencil will be contained between the grains of tooth texture and will not rub off the surface. Burnishing the piece will give it beautiful richness.
Burnishing means to blend and fill in the tooth of the surface.
There are several ways to burnish a piece:
1. Using heavy pressure with the pencil to blend the pigment and flatten and fill the tooth of the surface. This produces a slick and shinny surface but will not allow adding anymore layers.
2. Using a colorless blender will have the same effect as using pressure with pencils. It will bring the wax of the pencils to the top of your surface and will not allow applying anymore layers.
3. Applying Gamsol will work as a burnisher by blending your piece and filling in the tooth but you will be able to continue adding layers of pencil.
Why using Pastelbord?
Pastelbord is a hard surface that will allow you to use solvents. It also can be burnished with pencils without running into the trouble of making a whole on your paper. It also permits you to varnish your piece. Varnishing techniques will be on our next blog.
One final thought; your piece will have more value if it is not framed under glass. If the piece is varnished there is no need to frame it under glass.
Do you want to try Gamsol?
Join me at the Artist Expo 2012 class #202 – Multimedia Apple, Wednesday 8am to 12 pm. Beginners are welcome!
