Feb 17

Feb 17 How Tools Change the Mood of Your Drawing

Welcome to Draw Tip Tuesday!
Let's explore how changing your tools can completely change the feel of a drawing.

Expressing yourself isn't about becoming more skilled. Use different materials to influence mood, energy, and playfulness on the page.

Let's pick the same subject as last week, but this time using watersoluble crayons.
Start with loose, scribbly marks, turn them into a quick wash, and then draw straight on top while the page is still damp.
This way of working is fast, intuitive, and a great way to get over any fear of the blank page.

This approach is all about letting go and trusting your instincts. And allowing the drawing to develop as you go.

The blunt, buttery feel of Caran d'Ache Neocolor II crayons makes for a different kind of mark making. It helps me to feel more free, and less precious about the result.

Materials used:

Etchr Sketchbook Square 20.4 x 20.4 cm
Caran d’Ache Neocolor II crayons - Sky Blue and Salmon Pink
Flat brush
Water

Your drawing assignment this week:

Choose a blunt, watersoluble tool.
It's great if you have watersoluble crayons. Watercolor pencils or Stabilo woody pencils: great.
Otherwise, colored pencils or kids’ crayons work too.
Pick just two colors and keep it simple.
If your materials are watersoluble, make random scribbly marks on the page first without drawing anything. Add water and turn those scribbles into a quick wash.
If your materials aren't watersoluble, then create a layer of light color with them. No adding water.
Draw a simple subject on top. Make it easy on yourself and use the same subject as last week.
If you want, use the reference photo I used, you can download it at the bottom of this post. But drawing something that is yours, will be more fun
Switch colors whenever you feel like it. Follow your instinct.
Scribble in the background using both colors until it feels right.
If you have time left, add a title in playful lettering.

Have fun, keep it loose and enjoy the process.

While drawing, I'll tell you a personal sketchbook story about how drawing can spark unexpected connections. And I have a fun assignment for you at the end.