I went all out and splurged on the 24 set of Derwent Graphitint pencils and the painting set of 12. I love the moody colors. I watched a Mind of Watercolor video and agree with Steve that the painting set mislabeled Russet—it’s actually Sage. More splurging: a three-pack of Molotov water brushes, a Croquis sketch pad, and three Fabriano watercolor sketchbooks.
This is my second completed drawing using drafting film. Gracie, our Cockatiel, is such a sweet bird, so I tried capturing her image. It’s difficult to obtain a likeness, but we share a space, so she’s always there if I need to take a closer look.
I used diluted Ampersand ink on the reverse side to create the sky and trees. I’m keeping my fingers crossed that it’s permanent.
This drawing sped right along. I’m completing these drafting film drawings very quickly which isn’t a goal, just something I’ve noticed.
Where have I been? How have I missed out using drafting film?
It’s one of those smooth, unusual surfaces that I love. This one is 100% polyester, perhaps not as green of a product as mineral paper. Like mineral paper only a handful of layers of pencil can go down before the tooth is used up, but unlike mineral paper, drafting film is archival.
It’s also semi-opaque, which opens the experimenting door wide open. Because I purchased the two-sided variety (Grafix Duralar matte), I can draw on both sides, making darks darker, adding additional colors and details. If you can’t add more layers on the front, flip over the sheet and add them to the back. Adding different backings can add a totally new dimension to the final piece.
While I worked on this one, I put used a sheet of Bristol vellum underneath. The slight texture of the paper added a lot of detail when I was drawing the branches. When I didn’t want the paper surface to contribute, I slipped a smooth metal tin under the film.
I think the quality of this surface lends a dreamy look to the finished piece. The possibilities are pretty much endless with this discovery.
I followed along to a tutorial by the virtual instructor, Matt Fussell, to draw this Kingfisher in colored pencil. I think it was the first time I totally focused on creating a finished-looking colored pencil portrait, and I’m really pleased with it.
As always, I struggle with perspective. My bird has a few issues, but I won’t dwell.
I used Strathmore 500 Bristol and a variety of colored pencils, mostly Caran d’ache and Derwent. He used Prismacolor, and the few I have are nearly gone. The course is called Three Little Birds, and there’s also a Bluejay and a hummingbird.