Discover the Magic of Blending Colors

Discover the Magic of Blending Colors

Recently, someone asked me why I use lots of layers in my artwork. They wondered if it's easier to just use one or two layers and a special liquid to smooth things out. But, you know what? It's not just about getting rid of the bumpy paper; or paper that has a lot of tooth, it's about making colors look really awesome by layering them and I use a variety of blending techniques to do this. Imagine colors blending smoothly, some faint in some areas and bold in others. Some parts are rich with color, while others are gentle, letting the paper shine. I've learned that using many layers and mixing certain pencil brands is the key, and blending is like the helper that makes all the colors sing together.

Method #1: The Mystery Solvent or OMS

You can find these in any art store and online. Solvents are special liquids that make colored pencils blend smoothly. This product is often found in the painting section of art stores as it is a product used by painters - oil painters, to help thin their paints. For coloured pencil artists it disolves the binders in the pencil and makes it a liquid that is easily blended into the paper. 

This blending trick may sound fancy, but it's super cool and easy! But no worries, it's not complicated! Just dip a cotton swab or soft brush in a tiny bit of the solvent. Gently blend your colors with the wet cotton swab or brush, and ta-da! The colors magically blend together. It's like seeing a science experiment in action!  The solvent softens the binders in the pencils and turns them into a liquid which sinks into the tooth of the paper.  It creates a very filled effect.

Issues that can happen with solvents:  

1- Once applied the solvent and colors cannot be erased, so don’t use the solvent until the very end or if using on an areas that you will add more colours, make sure you're 100% happy with what you've created and are ready for the next stage of the drawing.

2-only use artist grade solvents, don’t use alchohol, or oils as they are not tested and can yellow and degrade the paper over time

3- use the solvent sparingly.

Solvents I recommend:  Gamsol, Zest-It, Mona Lisa .

Method #2: The Blending Pencil Whiz

Did you know that there are special pencils made just for blending colors? They're called blending pencils, and they're like little wizards that help create smooth transitions between colors.

Here's how it works. After you've colored a section with your regular color pencils, grab your blending pencil and gently go over the area. The blending pencil smooths out the colors and helps them blend together seamlessly. It's like having a secret weapon in your art arsenal!

You can use these pencils at any stage along the way in your drawing but you need to have enough pencil colour and binder on the paper for it to work successfully.

TIP: The key or tip, is to always start off light at the beginning, think of it as another layer you’re adding to your work.The more you build and the closer you are to the end of the drawing the more you can layer with the blending pencil and add more pressure.  Remember to keep it light at the beginning and build from there.

Pencils I recommend are:

Prismacolour Coloureless blender

Luminance Blending Pencil

Faber Castell Colourless Blender

Derwent Coloureless Blender and Burnisher.

Method #3: The Colored Pencil Dance

Okay, this method doesn't involve any actual dancing, but it's still pretty awesome. Sometimes, blending can be achieved by using different colored pencil techniques.

For example, you can use the cross-hatching technique, where you make tiny strokes in different directions to create a gradient effect. The images below are exagerated for you too see the way the lines lay on the paper. For this technique you want to put the lines very close together and then layer colours ontop of each other.

Or try the layering technique called glazing. This is where you color one layer, then add another layer on top to mix the colors together. It's like building layers of flavor in a delicious cake! You can do this with various colors to achieve your desired results.

Adding more layers results in the accumulation of binder and pigment, creating a blended and smooth texture.

Expanding on this further:

• Multiple layers allow for better color saturation

• Each layer adds depth and dimension to the artwork

• Layering can create interesting visual effects and textures

Conclusion

Exploring Blending Techniques with Colored Pencils

These three blending techniques are just the beginning of your colorful artistic journey. Embrace the spirit of experimentation and find what resonates with your unique style. Grab your colored pencils, ignite your imagination, and watch your creations come to life!

1. Solvent Blending

• Use a blending solution such as odorless mineral spirits or rubbing alcohol.

• Dip a brush or cotton swab into the solvent and gently blend the colors on your artwork.

• Experiment with different solvents to achieve varying blending effects.

2. Pencil Master Blending

• Layer different colors of pencils on top of each other to create a smooth transition.

• Use varying pressure and stroke techniques to blend the colors seamlessly.

• Practice blending with different pencil types to discover unique effects.

3. Experimental Techniques

• Explore additional blending methods such as burnishing, sgraffito, or stippling.

• Combine different tools like blending stumps, tortillons, to blend colors creatively.

• Don't be afraid to push the boundaries and invent your own blending techniques.

Whether you choose to dive into solvent blending, master the art of pencil blending, or venture into experimental territory, these blending approaches will elevate your artwork to new heights. Enjoy the artistic journey, keep refining your craft, and always remember, the world is your canvas, waiting for your colorful expressions!