Image of scaled pressure test

The Colour Pencil Pressure Test

In my 2nd report about using color pencil I am concentrating on pressure. Comprehension the force you implement when laying down pencil is a single of the most crucial elements of performing with this medium. Right here I will explain how to evaluate and adjust the stress you use to support you attain better final results.


Why is pressure so crucial?

Image of a scream test

When setting up out with color pencils a lot of novices often give up quite early on. Usually this is merely for the reason that they are so unique to work with when compared to other a lot more conventional mediums. Colour pencil is viewed as very a gradual medium that requires endurance and perseverance. In addition they also desire a little bit of a distinctive approach to how you get the job done. Colors are mixed and blended instantly on the surface area employing numerous layers and glazes. Considerably of this is dependent not only on the total of stress that you use to implement the pigment, but also the style of aid or area that you are applying them to. Also, as we have presently noticed in this write-up, the form of pencil that you decide on also would make a massive change.

Obtaining out your tension is an complete have to when starting out. From my possess encounter of several decades of in particular person teaching I have often witnessed anyone who imagined they were being rather mild handed actually turned out to have a very heavy stress and vice versa. Understanding the tension utilised or required when doing the job with colour pencil is a basic point to obtain out by next a simple stress test.

How to do a force test

A force take a look at is where by we take our pencils from a whisper to a scream on our selected aid. Color pencils are a pretty tactile medium. It is not just about the effect that you can see with your eyes but also the truly feel and contact of the pencil heading down. To make your personal stress check you have to have to choose a handful of pencils. I suggest a few of lights, a pair of mid-tones and a few of darks.

Whisper to Scream

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Doing work from 1 side to the other use a vertical again and forth stroke. At the commencing stage use the lightest achievable contact to the paper. Little by little construct the tension as you get the job done throughout to the other aspect right until you are pressing as hard as feasible. This is having it from the whisper to the scream.

Make a scale

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You never want to use the heaviest force in 1 one layer. This is because it will crush the tooth of your help. That indicates that you just can’t lay down any of the layers or glazes necessary to obtain practical blends or tones. A typical stress is a light to medium pressure on the scale. Variety the scale from 1-5, you want to be performing close to pressure 2-3 for most of your layers.

Evaluate your force

image of how to adjust your pencil grip to reduce pressure

If your lightest strain is hunting additional like a 4 to 5 on the strain scale try out modifying your grip on your pencil. By holding the pencil about halfway up the shaft it prevents you from employing much too much stress. It will instantly permit you to be extra light-weight handed with your solution.

Observe can make fantastic

It is important that you practice this as a great deal as you can. If possible just before starting up any new venture and particularly if working on a distinctive assistance or using diverse pencils. In excess of time, as your expertise builds and you get to know your pencils and your supports improved then you will be able to differ your pressures additional inside of your function. But, when starting up out it will enable you to develop quicker if you attempt to use a gentle hand as a great deal as possible.

Enjoy the video clip

https://www.youtube.com/view?v=JDDxnPIVF0U

You could be interested in my very first short article about the distinctions in my most used Derwent pencils. Observe out for my 3rd website write-up about utilizing different pencil strokes.


Lisa Ann Watkins BA(Hons), AFC, CPCAM, UKCPS is well identified in the world of coloured pencils as a multi award profitable artist & tutor

In July 2017 Lisa set up her first formal teaching channel on Patreon. Lisa creates in depth videos & prepared tutorials for her online students each individual thirty day period & now teaches over 300 people today all around the environment. She has also just released her first guide with Research Press.  Lisa is a member of the prestigious tutoring teams of renowned artwork educators such as the SAA & Patchings Artwork Centre. She works closely with Clairefontaine and Grafix and is an formal Brand name Ambassador for Derwent Artwork.

You can continue to keep in touch with Lisa on her site Animal Art by Regulation and on her instagram or facebook pages.