Do you like the smooth sleek look of polished stone?
It glows. It calls to be touched. It has a sense of rich, elegance. It's grace will dominate, over a bed of coarse gravel.
It will POP!
YOUNG BALD EAGLE: ALERT & READY - Graphite $700
Can you feel the softness of his feathers and the rough surface of the stump?
Can you feel the softness of his feathers and the rough surface of the stump?
At this point your are probably wondering how to get that STRONG Contrast of Textures in a Pencil Drawing.
The Answer. Blenders.
*** NOTE: There is additional information on working with blenders with my YouTube video:
What are blenders?
There are lots of different types of blenders that are used in drawing. The usual thing that comes to mind is a rolled wad of paper, compacted into a pencil shape - blending stumps. They come in various widths. And yes, they are very handy but there are many other kinds of blenders.
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| Many things are Blenders!! |
My favourite Blenders: A Chamois, a soft #4 Round Paintbrush, a pointed rubber tipped colour shaper (size 0) , Q-tip, kneaded eraser and even a Kleenex can also work as blenders in your graphite drawing.
To work with Blenders you need to think layers. . . . patience . . .
How to use a blender?
Blenders are used in two different ways:
1. Graphite is put on the drawing and then the blender is used to blend it. This can be done in several layers to get a good dark blend. Don't forget blending the graphite means some is lifted off so your first pass may not be dark enough.
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| Blending Graphite on Paper |
Here I have put a dark line of Graphite (4B pencil) along the stem of the poppy. Using the blender I will blend the graphite along the stem and brush it over to the right side of the stem to give it a lighter layer of graphite.
2. Graphite is 'loaded' onto the blender and then applied to the paper. In this case a layer of graphite is put on a separate piece of paper and then the blender is rubbed across it to pick up graphite. This is then applied to the subject on the paper.
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| Loading the blender with graphite |
As you can see above, I am loading the graphite onto the blender and then work on the petals of the poppy. This will take more than one layer of blending depending on how dark the petal needs to be. Here I need it dark closer to the center so more layers will be added there.
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| Using a Brush to 'Finish Up' |
Once I the petals are nearly done. I use my paintbrush to add the final touches or to smooth the edges. These changes will of course be more subtle, as the brush does not pick up as much graphite as the blending stumps nor can I press as hard on them to put graphite down.
The Finished Poppy
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| Note the contrast between the petals and the dark band |
I have finished the poppy with petals, stem, and leaves blended. But the dark band at the left is not blended. You can see the difference in texture. The petals appear smooth and delicate. The band, not so much. I feel that mixing the two textures makes for a good contrast that helps to enhance both of them. What do you think?
Any of the blenders can be used in this fashion. It depends on how big an area to blend and how dark/light you want to make the area you are shading. Once you start I am sure you will find a few more things to use as blenders. I would love to hear about your favourite ones.
*** NOTE: There is additional information on working with blenders with my YouTube video:
Awesome Opportunity - 2 Artist Retreats in the Shuswap
June 23-26 or September 15-18, 2023
Join me for 4 DAYS of Outdoor Sketching, nature walks, deck and beach time, creative conversations, gourmet meals and simply relaxing
June 23-26 or September 15-18, 2023
Join me for 4 DAYS of Outdoor Sketching, nature walks, deck and beach time, creative conversations, gourmet meals and simply relaxing
Your Hosts, Joanne Denis and Myself
Cost: $450 single room or $300 shared room
Art instruction, transportation, meals and lodging included (Bring your own art supplies.
Cost: $450 single room or $300 shared room
Art instruction, transportation, meals and lodging included (Bring your own art supplies.
Space is limited to 6-8 attendees, Register Early
Always Available at Art by Wendy's Studio
Original work, Commissions, Private Drawing Lessons, Prints and Cards of her Work,
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Have a great Artful Day,
Wendy
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