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CPC-Watercolor-Pencils-Part-1 3 PDF

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331 views5 pages

CPC-Watercolor-Pencils-Part-1 3 PDF

Uploaded by

Marina Venturini
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Module

20 Watercolor Pencils Part 1

? What is Explored in This Module?


In this module, we’ll begin
our look at watercolor
pencils. Watercolor pencils
differ from traditional colored
pencils in a number of ways.
These differences will affect
the behavior of the medium
and influence the manner in
which watercolor pencils are
applied.!
!

Key differences (characteristics) of


watercolor pencils include:!
!
• Watercolor pencils feature a Gum
Arabic binder!
!
• Watercolor pencils are “activated” with
water!
!
• The white of the paper is used for
“White”!
!
• Watercolor pencils do not “layer” as
traditional colored pencils!
!
• Watercolor pencils are not burnished

Finished Result - Module 20 and 21

Copyright (c) 2014 The Colored Pencil Course


Watercolor Pencils Part 1

Watercolor Pencil Application Techniques


There is quite a bit of freedom in using watercolor pencils. There are an endless number of
ways that they can be applied to a surface. Here are a few common techniques…

Activation!
Watercolor pencils are “activated” by water making them
behave like watercolor paints on a surface. Some fluidity of
the resulting “paint” is restricted. The pigment can be
manipulated and moved around on the surface with a soft
brush.

Wet Pencil

Watercolor pencils can also be applied by moistening the
pencil prior to applying it to the surface. This can be
accomplished by wetting the tip of the pencil with a brush or
by dipping the pencil into water. Water can also be heavily
applied to the surface prior to applying the pencil. Each “wet
pencil” technique will produce different marks.

Layering

Color mixing occurs as watercolor pencils are layered. When
activated, the layered colors naturally mix. Application
techniques can affect the finished texture. Marks can be
allowed to show through the wash or smooth gradations of
color can be achieved.

*Soft brushes should be used to activate watercolor pencils. Any brush that is used for
watercolor techniques is suited for use with watercolor pencils. These brushes include
nylon brushes, sable brushes, or any other soft hair brush.

Copyright (c) 2014 The Colored Pencil Course


Watercolor Pencils Part 1

The photo reference is first transferred to the


surface using transfer paper. (Module 8)
Watercolor paper or any other type of heavy
paper (illustration board, etc.) must be used
in order to absorb the subsequent washes of
water. Blue Grey is then applied using the
graphite lines as a guide.!

Attention is paid to the darker values in the


drawing. Highlights are avoided since the
“white” of the paper is used as the “White” in
the drawing. !

Heavier applications are made in areas of


darker value. This allows more pigment to
be applied to the surface in these areas.
When activated, the color will be more
intense in these locations. !

Small circular strokes are made with the


pencil. Applying the pencil in this manner will
aid in creating smooth transitions of value
and even coverage of pigment. !

Copyright (c) 2014 The Colored Pencil Course


Watercolor Pencils Part 1

With the initial application of Blue Grey


complete, Ivory Black can be used to darken
values. Ivory Black is layered over the Blue
Grey so that when activated, the two colors
will mix. Ivory Black is used sparingly in the
areas of darkest value or of high contrast. !

The activation process now begins by


applying water to the pigment with a soft
nylon brush. To force more intense colors,
less water is used. For less intense color,
more water is used. !

Pigment can be moved and manipulated with


the brush as it is activated. Textural marks
can be created with the brush as the pigment
begins to behave as watercolor paint. !

As the pigment becomes activated, color is


forced into the tooth of the paper. This allows
for solid areas of color to be created,
smoothing the broken texture created by the
pencil alone. !

Copyright (c) 2014 The Colored Pencil Course


Watercolor Pencils Part 1

Activated areas are typically darker in value


when they are wet. As these areas dry, they
become lighter in value. This is important to
keep in mind as you apply water, so that
areas do not become “overworked”.!

Strong lines and details are defined


throughout the activation process by pulling
the color with the brush. !

Pigment is also pulled into neighboring areas


with the brush. As pigment becomes loaded
in the brush, it can lightly be applied in areas
that did not receive pencil applications. !

The last bits of the first layer of color are


activated and allowed to dry.!

Copyright (c) 2014 The Colored Pencil Course

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