Using Inktense Pencils - blog 1

Inktense Pencils:
I have been experimenting with these for several years now and am beginning this blog with my findings. Each new blog, for awhile will be about Inktense pencils, until I exhaust the theme.

Finding 1: I use Strathmore 400 series Mixed Media paper, or Strathmore watercolor paper most of the time. Arches "Art Board" that is cold press watercolor paper doesn't curl at all, has the texture of pad-type watercolor paper, and holds up well to several layers of Inktense.
a) there are two ways to use the pencils to paint -- the first is to put the pencil directly on the paper and color the object with the pencil. Then go back and add water to turn the color into ink. This is a fairly basic way to use the pencils and it's quick. The down-side of this method is that you will see an uneven texture in the painting, caused by the rough surface of the paper. And, it's very difficult to control the intensity of the color.
b) the second way is to use them as you would use dried watercolors. Sharpen the pencils periodically. Wet the brush, tap it on a paper towel, then fill the brush with color by drawing it across the pencil. Begin with the lightest value of color you want to use and using a regular brush (size appropriate), or the water-filled brush (called Aqua brush), fill in the highlight area with the lightest color you are going to use. Do only a small section because you usually don't fill in an entire area with highlight color, so it must stay wet while you apply the second lightest color. Use the brush to blend the two colors so that there's a smooth transition between the colors. Let that dry thoroughly -- usually about 1/2 hr. - sometimes less depending upon the weather in your area. This type of painting with Inktense pencils results in a smoothly blended surface.

I do quite small and intricate pieces, by using very small brushes, and working on small single sections of my drawings. The best brush I've found is a fine point aqua brush.

Have a CREATIVE day! Meldra