Japanese Iris
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| Japanese Iris |
| Multimedia – Acrylics, Watersoluble Pencils and Dry Pencils |
Introduction
I like to experiment with new products and to share the results of my analysis with subscribers and students. On this piece I was trying water soluble pencils underneath Prismacolor Premier pencils.
I used Pastelbord, my surface of choice, because:
1. its sanded support finish holds many applications of layers
2. it is a hard surface that will not break when water or acrylics are applied to
3. colors look vibrant on this surface
4. I can varnish my final product and frame it without glass.
I always tell my students some tips to avoid building up the wax too fast. Having too much wax will prevent from further applications of color. If the students follow these tips they can have better results:
1. Use light pressure when applying the layers of pencil.
To release some of the pressure off your surface, try holding your
pencil further away from the tip. Holding the pencil very close to the
tip gives you more control, but places more pressure on the surface.
2. Use a well sharpened point.
Some ways to remove some of the wax buildup can be:
1. Use Gamblin Gamsol to partially burnish your piece. This mineral spirits product will break the wax and dissolve your pencil, helping in the blending process. After this application you can apply more layers of color.
2. Use a stiff brush. I have told my students in the past not to use this method on the Pastelbord because it could scratch it. However, I found out recently that if you use it over heavy layers of pencils, it will help in the blending. Student have to be careful not to use it over bare areas of the Pastelbord.
Methods
I used Neocolor II, watersoluble pencils, to apply my first layer of pencils, then applied water over and let it dry. Afterwards, I proceeded to apply a layer of Prismacolor Premier colored pencils.
Results
I noticed that there was a lot of wax buildup on the surface after the application of the Neocolor II pencils and when I applied my layer of Prismacolor Premier it was not blending well. Since there was so much wax buildup I decided had to break the wax off that surface and applied a layer of Gamblin Gamsol to help in the blending process. I did some research and found out that you can also use a stiff brush to break the wax from the surface as we do when using paper.
Discussion
When using water soluble pencils you cut the painting time in half as less layers of pencils are needed. But, you have to keep in mind you will have to work against the wax buildup and your details will not be as crisp as can be achieved by using dry pencils alone.
Another advantage would be to use this method when you are painting large background areas. The water dissolves the pencils and fills in the crevices of the surface.
I noticed that the effect that this method has was the same as when I apply Gamsol to dry pencils. And, the advantage to use Gamsol is that you will not have the wax buildup.
Seminars Update
I opened a date in my 2013 calendar for seminars (August 9 -11) and have one date left for 2014 (August 1-3). Visit my schedule here: http://tolebrush.com/seminars.php
Let me share my knowledge and experience with your group. Email me at Nildarodri@aol.com for more information.
New Pattern Packets in Colored Pencils
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