Title: River Pebbles, No. 4
- Size: 5" x 5"
- Medium: Caran d'Ache Neocolor I and II, Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencil, Caran d'Ache Luminance Colored Pencil
- Miscellaneous: Tortillions
- Surface: Art Spectrum Colourfix Supertooth Board
- Technique: Icarus Drawing Board
- Mounted on a 5" x 5" Ampersand Claybord with 2" cradle (if you are interested in learning how I mount and varnish my artwork, you can read my post on Glassless Framing)
After drawing the outline with Verithin colored pencils on the cool zone of the Icarus Drawing Board, I proceeded to map the main colors of the project with Neocolor artist crayons on the cool zone.
For more on color mapping with artist crayons you can view the following videos:
- Exercises on Colourfix Paper - Layering Artist Crayons on Colourfix Paper
- Mussel Shell - Blocking in Colors with Artist Crayons
With temperature setting at maximum, I melted the artist crayons using a clay shaper (color shaper).
For more on melting artist crayons you can view the following videos:
- Exercise on Colourfix Paper - Melting Artist Crayon on Colourfix Paper
- Mussel Shell - Melting Artist Crayons
With the temperature set at medium I developed the colors, values and details of the orange pebble by layering colored pencils and blending them with a tortillion.
The blue pebbles were accomplished in the same manner as the orange pebble.
I finished the drawing by completing the red pebble in the same manner as the other pebbles.
Finally I cleaned up the drawing and emphasized the highlights with a white artist crayon. I like my signature to blend in and I can achieve that by using a sharp, white Verithin on the warm zone. It lightens the colors underneath just enough to make the letters visible without detracting from the art.
When I first started experimenting with heat I was always on the lookout for different tools that would work with my technique. I remember trying tortillions and disliking them. I found that I couldn't really use them by the long side of the point because they would leave indentations/ridges on the waxy pigments.
The paper stumps that I normally use for large artwork were too thick and soft for this small project. At the same time I was getting very frustrated with how inconsistent the various colorless blenders have been lately. Finally I decided to give the tortillion another try and, guess what? It works great! The point is very thin and sturdy, not as soft as the paper stump's, perfect for blending colored pencils. It's easy to clean with sandpaper and very inexpensive. If you're using it already, you're way ahead of me. If you're not, try one and you'll be pleased!
12 comments
Pat Averill
April 02, 2012
You make it look like magic, Ester! I’ll have to get that board out and try it more.
I wish tortillions were made in a hard, smooth rubber surface with a rounded point for blending. Even without the Icarus Board, that would be a handy tool!
Thanks so much for your generous step-by-steps.
Ester Roi
April 02, 2012
I appreciate it, Pat, and thanks for visiting!
Katherine
April 02, 2012
That’s gorgeous! I’d love to attend a workshop with the icarus board. Will you be demonstrating it in Cincinnati this summer?
Ester Roi
April 02, 2012
Thank you, Katherine! Unfortunately this year I won’t be going to Cincinnati - I will be at the Laguna Festival of Arts for two whole months, July and August. At this moment I don’t have any workshops planned but things might change. Let me know if you travel to California - I give classes and mini-workshops in my studio.
Jill
April 03, 2012
What a beautiful picture! Those three colors really complement each other.
Ester Roi
April 03, 2012
Thank you, Jill! I always appreciate your kind comments.
Debbi Friedman
April 05, 2012
Another great demo, Ester. I am going to HAVE to use my Icarus board soon.
I am so sorry to hear you won’t be going to the convention in Cincinnati. Isn’t there any way Mario can watch Laguna Arts for you so you can attend?
Ester Roi
April 05, 2012
Thank you, Debbi! I know, I wish I could go to Cincinnati too! I’ll miss seeing everybody. But this is my first year at the festival and I must be there, especially on the weekends. Next year however, if I’m lucky to be juried back in, I’ll have more flexibility and Mario will for sure take over for a few days. Besides, the convention will be in Brea, practically in my backyard!
Debbi Friedman
April 06, 2012
Well that makes sense, but I am going to miss you terribly. I am very excited about going to SoCal for 2013!
Ester Roi
April 06, 2012
Same here, Debbi! At least we get to see each other in 2013 (unless you decide to take a little trip to SoCal before that).
Danica
July 10, 2018
Wow its amazing!
I’m trying to copy your work for my GCSE Art project :)
Ester Roi
July 10, 2018
Thank you, Danica! Best wishes!