Want to make that Pencil REALLY Sing? Painting and Drawing Tips

NEW WORKS FROM THE STUDIO OF ART BY WENDY

Isn't she a Beauty?  

PRETTY LADY - Graphite 5 x 6.5 - $130 Matted Unframed

I know, it is just another Stellar Jay, there is probably one squawking at your bird feeder looking for a treat right now . . .
But I loved the lines of this little one.  It must be a Lady.

You are probably saying what's different?  Isn't this my usual graphite drawing?  Actually it has quite a different twist.  Take a closer look.  It is very soft and blended but not in the usual way.  PRETTY LADY is done with washable graphite pencils on Illustration Board.  Neat eh?!

I tried the washable graphite pencils on Illustration Board as I wanted a very smooth surface and I knew I wouldn't be using much water.  I had also read that the colours would be more intense.  They are certainly that.  The darks are darker and very easy to get.  Now the lights, that is a different story.  Things can get away on you very easily.

But First - Here's the materials.

Derwent Sketching Wash Pencils, a brush, bit of water and Arches 140lb paper Cold Press

Not much eh?  You can probably see this as being another one of my small packs to take on sketching trip.

How to work with the pencils

You can draw with the pencils as you normally would do, lay out with the light wash pencil.  However when it comes time to shade that is where the fun starts.

Sample of each pencil with a portion activated with water.

I have laid out an area with each of the pencils, from Dark Wash 8B, Medium Wash 4 B and Light Wash HB.  Then I took a brush and water, and activated a portion of each.

Things to note: 
- graphite floats on the surface and can be dragged beyond the shaded area
- the more graphite you put down with any of the pencils the darker it will be
- the Dark Wash 8B can get very dark
- the texture of the paper shows through after it has been washed with water

Practice Drawing - left half has been brushed with water and the right has not

A close-up of my little drawing. 
As you can see the part on the left has been activated with water and the part on the right has not. Don't you just love the roughness on the post from the texture of the paper.  I couldn't do that with Illustration Board. I love the smearing of gray tones that can be done with the brush.  Similar to smearing charcoal to get different tones.

Other things to note:
- the graphite can be lifted if you wet and pat it with a cloth
- the graphite can be dragged across the paper (this can be good and bad)
- your brush picks up the graphite so make sure you want it in that spot when you put your brush down
- another layer can be put on top and activated once the first layer is dry
- graphite can be left dry, no water to activate it, for a nice contrast of texture
- your other pencils can be used for different effects but of course they will not change with a wash put on them.

Lots of Possibilities, Eh?!

I am definitely going to play around a bit more with these pencils and I can see ways I would want to mix them with my other pencils. A nice softly blended bird on a rough post, the mixed textures would be very neat. 
Have you tried working with these pencils? Any secrets to share?  I think everyone would like to hear your experiences.  There seems to be very little out there with washable graphite.

Special Note: 
February is Marketing Month for Artists.  This is when we have the time to plan our marketing strategies for all those January Resolutions.  For the last 8 years I have been running this full day workshop, it is an awesome way to get your Marketing Skills up to Speed and Focused for Success.  Come Join me.

1 -Day Marketing Workshop for Artist - Let's Get Your Art Out There! with Wendy Mould, AFCA 

Sunday, Feb. 25, & Sunday, March 4, 2018 10-3pm $84(Tax Incd)

During the day you will learn what the main focus of your marketing materials should be, see  effective ways to promote your work and find a path that is right for you.  It is a full day and the synergy generated from the experience will keep you on track for 2018. Turn your Art Making into a Business. Maximum 8 people so register early. 

I look forward to working with you.  

 REGISTER  Contact Wendy               Gift Certificates Available

Good Follow-Up Session to the Marketing Workshop: 

April 9 - Building Your Online Presence 6-8pm. Federation Gallery, Vancouver, BC. $20 nonmembers $15 members.


Looking for more Drawing Tips, check out my previous posts in this latest Drawing Series.  

How to Find Your Starting Point in a Drawing - here

4 Ways to Grow the Sketchbook Habit - here

Time to Meet Your Drawing Friends - here

Ready to Start Drawing - Get Your Materials Together - here

Get Those Values Working for you - here

Blenders the Secret to the Soft Touch of Graphite - here 
Values and Colours in Action - here

 Be sure to like and share my posts.
 You won't miss a single one if you Follow by Email or Like my Facebook Page.

 Have a great artful day,
Wendy

Putting Your Mark Down - Painting and Drawing Tips

NEW WORKS FROM THE STUDIO OF ART BY WENDY

 Drawing Is Mark Making.  Most people  Are fascinated with it.  

 

"I always wanted to draw but . . ." 

"I can't draw stick people".

"Wow! How long does it take to do something like that?"

"Have you always been drawing?"

WE'RE IN TROUBLE NOW - $225 Matted Unframed

Degas said “Drawing is not what one sees but what one can make others see.”

I totally agree.   Drawing is like magic.  You take a flat piece of paper and with a pencil or brush  you can make others see anything.

Is there a limit to what Mark Making can be ?

I think we define our limits through our preferences.  Each of us has our own personal preferences.  This is what governs our marks. Here is how my preferences influence my work. 

Texture is a Big One for me

Having a variety of smooth and bumpy marks on my paper attracts my eye and provides a sense of satisfaction for me.  This preference affects my choice of paper and also my choice of subjects.  I want a paper that has a strong tooth that I can leave untouched or flatten.  I like the the way my fur and feathers are soft and fluffy.  It seems to invite you to touch.

Polished Construction is a Big Draw for me

Loose flowing lines, running across the page are okay for my sketches but quickly tighten up when I get focused on my subject.  Again this preference affects my choices in medium and methods.  In graphite I like my subject fully developed but often leave the background blank. Working in layers, I sculpture the shape of my birds and animals letting the values give the feeling of mass.  My work in watercolour is very similar with a loose flow of colours in the background but with subjects that are build up with layers of paint until they appear alive and ready to move.

These little guys have soft fur that contrasts well with the rough wood they are standing on.  

Black, Sharp, Crisp Lines Fascinates me

As much as I love the soft grays of graphite I often rebel and pick up my pen.  I love the intricate marks that a pen makes and the smooth easy way it moves across the paper.  Again the choice affects my paper.  For ink work I want smooth bright, white paper and a black pen.  Although pens are available in other colours I don't feel the same attraction. 

Mixing Textures, Layers and Crisp Lines Excites me

I am not sure if any artist is a purist to one medium. As much as you are attracted to one or two main points your eye is often drawn to other things. The desire to mix things leads me to mix different mediums: graphite and pen, coloured pencil with ink and pencil and watercolour and ink. 

As you move further along your Journey into your Art Making do you feel the pull of certain things.  Are they shaping the directions you are going?   What things really hold your interest and keep you coming back. 

Up next week, Can't wait to show you a new approach with my old Standby! 

Looking for more Drawing Tips, check out my previous posts in this latest Drawing Series.  

How to Find Your Starting Point in a Drawing - here

4 Ways to Grow the Sketchbook Habit - here

Time to Meet Your Drawing Friends - here

Ready to Start Drawing - Get Your Materials Together - here

Get Those Values Working for you - here

Blenders the Secret to the Soft Touch of Graphite - here 
Values and Colours in Action - here

Time to Move Inside and Draw
Drop-In & Draw Sessions: 
Tuesdays: Jan 9, 23, Feb. 6 & 20, Mar 6 & 20, April 3 & 17 - 10-12pm or 1-3pm
Expressions Art Gallery, 227 & Lougheed Hwy, Maple Ridge.  
Choose a morning or afternoon session. Bring your sketchbook or your project and come draw.  I will be happy to give you a few pointers as you work on a drawing.  $15 Pre-Register Required. Contact Wendy Here

 Be sure to like and share my posts.
 You won't miss a single one if you Follow by Email or Like my Facebook Page.

 Have a great artful day,
Wendy

What does it mean "to Draw"? Painting & Drawing Tips

The last couple of months I have been working on a series of post about how to draw, ways to get started, things to focus on, ways to celebrate success.

But I felt something was missing.  

What does it mean "to draw"?  Many people come to me for lessons 'wanting to learn to draw.'  Talking with them I find there are many different answers.  

I searched around the Internet looking for a definition of what it means 'to draw': "In fine art, the term "drawing" may be defined as the linear realization of visual objects, concepts, emotions, and fantasies, including symbols and even abstract forms." Encyclopedia of Art . 

This seems so dry.  Not the real picture.

FAR FROM THE MADDENING CROWD - Certainly how we sometimes feel at this time of year. 

Drawing is an adventure. 

Like any explorer you study your subject and decide where you will start.  Sometimes it is very logical, a shape or a line.  And sometimes you just like the way the lines converge on a spot; eye candy. 

Then you're off and running.  Moving further and further away from your starting point, gathering more and more detail. Refining a spot.  Popping in a dark.  Checking your perspective. Stepping back.  Checking.  Feeling the pull to get back in.  Draw some more. 

Questioning?  What is that? Never mine, go back.  What do you really see?  Don't try to make sense.  Move on.

Suddenly he is alive. 

JOEY - Those eyes just grab you.  It seems like he really is there on the paper. 

Your cat, your bird, whatever you are drawing is there, staring at you, waiting.

You get pulled in again, fix the nose.  Where are the whiskers?  He needs a mouth.   Move along.  You like that feathery pattern.  So soft and yet such sharp points.  Get that soft fluffy spot under his chin.  Keep moving.

JOEY -  8 x 10 - Commission

He's done. There. Alive.

 It's dark out.  Where has the day gone?

Is drawing your adventure?  Do you get lost in it?  Drawing doesn't have to be just with a pencil, next post I will show you different ways I draw.  I am sure you have more as well. 

Looking for more Drawing Tips, check out my previous posts in this drawing series.  

How to Find Your Starting Point in a Drawing - here

4 Ways to Grow the Sketchbook Habit - here

Time to Meet Your Drawing Friends - here

Ready to Start Drawing - Get Your Materials Together - here

Get Those Values Working for you - here

Blenders the Secret to the Soft Touch of Graphite - here 
Values and Colours in Action - here

   Christmas is coming, here are a few ideas for those Art Lovers and Artists on your list:  
- Private Drawing Lessons with Wendy Mould
- Original Art
- Prints, Magnets & Memo Pads featuring Wendy's Work
See my website or contact Wendy to visit her Studio/Gallery to purchase

Etsy Shop now Open: WendyMouldsArt  Come on In!! 

Special Offer: Free Shipping with your order of 5 or more  Christmas Doodle Cards or Get Instant  Down Load with the digital Cards. Print as many as you wish. Still time till Christmas to personalize your cards with colour.  Your Special People will be WOWED by the Cards.

Kitten and Puppy are happy to be featured on those Special Card

Time to Move Inside and Draw
Drop-In & Draw: 
January Dates: Tues, January 9 & January 23, 2018
Expressions Art Gallery, 227 & Lougheed Hwy, Maple Ridge.  
Choose a morning or afternoon session. Bring your sketchbook or your project and come draw.  I will be happy to give you a few pointers as you work on a drawing.  $15 Pre-Register Required. Contact Wendy Here

Be sure to like and share my posts.
 You won't miss a single one if you Follow by Email or Like my Facebook Page. Keep up with all the art events by joining my email list (see sidebar on my blog)

 Have a great artful day,

Blenders - The Secret to the Soft Touch of Graphite - Painting & Drawing Tips

Whether creating a Drawing or Painting

 Values Make the Difference

WE'RE IN TROUBLE NOW! - WIP - Graphite (Completed $200 Matted, Unframed)
Working with values means that even white goats have a range of tones, without them the goats would just be a flat, white blob

As an Artist you know Values are Important. But when you are deep in the trenches, working on a picture, it is hard to see if the values are right.  Drawing with a pencil is a great way to train your eye to see values.  In a pencil drawing the values are clear.  You can see the tones of gray and compare them with a value scale. 

White being a Value of 1 and Black being a Value of 10.  (Often you will see the numbers reversed, White being 10 and  Black being 1. The important thing is you have a range of 10 values.)

In my last post the focus was on using a range of values to create the 3-dimensional poppy on the left.   One that had volume and felt like it was alive.  (See the post here) For that poppy the majority of the values were in the dark range, closer to the Black.  But what if you wanted to create some of those lovely light values like the ones in the poppy on the right.

Poppy Reference: The Poppy on the right has quite a range of light values in the petals. (Contact me if you would like a larger reference file to work with.  I would be happy to send it to you.)

This can be done with graphite pencils, using very light pressure.  However, there is another way to create soft tones - using a blender. (Note: I would not do one poppy in pencil and one with the blender, I wanted to show you how a blender works and the range you can get with it.)

I have drawn the poppy on the right - tools are lined up 2B & 4B Derwent Graphite Pencils, larger blenders, kneaded eraser, vinyl eraser, brush for cleaning off debris, Note the scrape of paper with the graphite on it. 

The names Blenders and Tortillions are often used interchangeably, basically they are rolled paper or cotton in various lengths and thickness. One approximately .5 inch thick and one approximately .25 inches thick is a good starter kit.  Often they will come in a package of 3 or 4 thicknesses.  The thicker ones are good for bigger spaces and the smaller ones for those tight corners.

When you get your Blenders they are nice and clean.  They will become black as they pick up graphite.  They can be cleaned with sandpaper but I have never found the need for that. (Notice how black mine are)

Tricks to using a Blender:

A light layer has been applied and now I am blending it

1.  Put a light layer of graphite down with a 2B, then blend it by rubbing hard with the blender.  Pay attention to the direction as you are sculpturing your shape at the same time. When working in a darker area use a 4B to set down a layer of graphite.  Work in stages to build up your value rather than trying to "slam it" on the first go.

Using my 4B to add some of the shadows on the petal

 2.  To build up the value, add another layer of graphite then blend it again.  To increase the value a small amount put a light layer of graphite using a 2B.  To increase the value alot, use a darker layer of graphite with a 4B or 5B. Build up your layers accordingly.  It is easier to darken an area then to be lightening it.

Holding the blender in a more upright position to keep the dark and to give it a hard line next to the petal

3. Holding your blender upright allows more pressure on a smaller area.  This gives you a sharper edges or line.  Holding it more on its side allows for a softer blend over a larger area.

4. Making circles with the blender will give a more even layer without streaks or lines.

Using the blender to give a very soft layer on the petal that is rolled over and reflects the light

5. Once your blender has graphite on it, you can also use it as a drawing tool for a really soft, light touch on your paper.  If it does not have enough graphite on it, take a 6B pencil and scrabble on a scrap of paper then rub your blender in it.  It is now loaded with graphite and ready to draw with.

Using the thinner blender to soften the dark shadow lines.  

6. You can soften a line by first drawing it then running your blender over it.

Rub the area softly with the kneaded eraser to lift off and lighten.  You will need to go in with your blender to soften any edges.  

7.  Use your kneaded eraser to lighten an area.  

A Closeup: The center has not been blended and makes a nice contrast with the soft petals.  (Petals are not complete, I would like to darken the far petal a bit more. I will wait til more of the flower is completed so I can compare the values in that area.) 

Using a blenders gives an image a very soft look, one that works well with flower petals, fur, feathers and more. Combining this soft look with a textured surface makes a great contrast in a drawing. Notice how I did not blend the center of the poppy.  This gives a roughness to the center that contrasts nicely with the petals.  (Note: I would not do one whole flower in pencil and one whole flower with a blender unless I wanted to practice and compare the results.)

 See my Post: Drawing A Seagull Part 2  to see how another way of mixing the two types of textures with a Seagull and to see other blending tools.

What are your favourite blending tools?  Do you mix it up in your drawings?

Looking for other drawing information, See the previous drawing posts:

How to Find Your Starting Point in a Drawing
  4 Ways to Grow the Sketchbook Habit
Time to Meet Your Drawing Friends
Ready to Start Drawing - Get Your Materials Together

      Next up: Values and Colour in Action  

Etsy Shop now Open: WendyMouldsArt  Come on In!! 

Special Offer: Free Shipping with your order of 5 or more  Christmas Doodle Cards or buy the Digital Down Load Cards and print as many as you wish. Lots of time till Christmas to personalize your cards with colour.  Your Special People will love their Cards.

Great DIY Christmas Project:  Make Your Own Christmas Cards 

Christmas Card Doodle Classes Happening in November

Kitten and Puppy are happy to be featured on Your Special Cards

You will make some Great Christmas Cards for those Special People using my friendly little kitten and pup.  You will make at least 2 cards and you will feel confident to make more.  $35 all supplies included.
Classes: 

Sat Nov 18, 10:30-12:30 or 2:00-4:00  Art by Wendy Studio, North Surrey
Thurs Nov 16, 2:00-4:00 or 6:00-8:00   Art Expression Gallery, Maple Ridge.
Wed, Nov. 22, 3:30-5:30 Gardenworks at  Mandeville,  South Burnaby 

 Contact Wendy Here to register. 

Time to Move Inside and Draw
Drop-In & Draw: 
January Dates: Tues, January 9 & January 23, 2018
Expressions Art Gallery, 227 & Lougheed Hwy, Maple Ridge.  
Choose a morning or afternoon session. Bring your sketchbook or your project and come draw.  I will be happy to give you a few pointers as you work on a drawing.  $15 Pre-Register Required. Contact Wendy Here

Be sure to like and share my posts.
 You won't miss a single one if you Follow by Email or Like my Facebook Page. Keep up with all the art events by joining my email list (see sidebar on my blog)

 Have a great artful day,
Wendy