Media & Techniques

INTRODUCTION

Here you will find information (including student samples, step-by-step instructions, and links to video tutorials) on various media and techniques you may work with in class. This list is constantly growing, so be sure to stay tuned for more content as it pops up!

Sketching and Quick Rendering Techniques

Alcohol Marker and Line

You will need:

Paper (cardstock or mixed media paper works best)
One or two light or mid-tone alcohol-based markers. Neutral tones are best.
A dark pen (any water- or oil-based kind works)
A pencil (optional)

Instructions:

Use the alcohol marker to render the basic shape of your subject. Your shape should resemble a silhouette of sorts, capturing some general information about the object. If you'd like, you can use two different values of marker: one to capture the lighter parts of the object, and the darker value to render the general shapes of the darker values. Keep this rendering simple and short (1 minute or less for an 8x10 drawing), and don't be afraid to go outside of the lines.
(OPTIONAL): Use a pencil to lightly sketch in your object over the alcohol marker drawing. This should just be a 'placeholder' for your pen rendering so that you can get things like proportions and placement more accurate for your final.
Use a pen to create a contour line drawing on top of your alcohol marker drawing. If desired, use line-as-shading techniques to create value.

Torn paper and Line/Value

You will need:

One sheet of colored paper
One sheet of white mixed media paper
Mod Podge or glue
A dark pen (any water- or oil-based kind works) OR India ink
A pencil (optional)

Instructions:

Tear the paper, removing sections until it resembles the basic shape of your subject. Your shape should resemble a silhouette of sorts, capturing some general information about the object. It doesn't have to be exact!
Glue your torn paper onto your larger sheet of white mixed media paper.
(OPTIONAL): Use a pencil to lightly sketch in your object over the paper silhouette. This should just be a 'placeholder' for your pen rendering so that you can get things like proportions and placement more accurate for your final.
Use a pen to create a contour line drawing on top of your sketch. If desired, use line-as-shading techniques to create value. OR use India ink to add value on top of your image (as shown at right).

WATERCOLOR & PENCIL

You will need:

Watercolors
Mixed media or watercolor paper
A brush, water, and a paper towel
A pencil

Instructions:

Sketch your composition lightly in pencil. Try to focus on providing some scaffolding, and figuring out how much space your sketch is taking up on the page. This sketch should be quick: no more than a minute for an 8x10 sketch.
Use your watercolors to add color and value on top of your sketch. Try to keep your colors translucent enough to still see the pencil lines underneath.
Once your piece has somewhat dried, go back in and add more details with pencil. Don't erase any of your lines you've created.
(OPTIONAL): Add some finishing touches with watercolor. Don't overdo it, though: remember, this is just a sketch!

India ink & Plants

You will need:

Various kinds of dried sticks and leaves
Mixed media or watercolor paper
A brush, water, and a paper towel (optional)
India ink

Instructions:

Sketch your composition lightly in pencil. Try to focus on providing some scaffolding, and figuring out how much space your sketch is taking up on the page. This sketch should be quick: no more than a minute for an 8x10 sketch.
Dip your sticks and leaves in India ink. Draw in the contour lines and, if desired, hatching or cross-hatching. Don't be afraid to get messy, and embrace the fact that you don't really have control over the medium!
(OPTIONAL): Add tone by dipping your paint brush in water and going over inked areas with a light wash. The ink will run and create tones, like in the sample at top right depicting the gourds.

Water-soluble pen and water

You will need:

Mixed media or watercolor paper
A brush, water, and a paper towel
A water-soluble pen
A pencil

Instructions:

Sketch your composition lightly in pencil. Try to focus on providing some scaffolding, and figuring out how much space your sketch is taking up on the page. This sketch should be quick: no more than a minute for an 8x10 sketch.
Create a contour line drawing of your object on top of the pencil sketch.
Add tone by dipping your paint brush in water and going over inked areas with a light wash. The ink will run and create tones. Experiment with different water-based pens: some will simply run like watercolors, but for others the ink will separate into different colors and create a multicolor effect.

Here's a basic ink chromatography experiment for a set of office pens. Notice how some colors are combinations of different inks.

For this piece, I recommend using the scented markers, or any black, blue, purple, or brown markers you see in the marker bin. They tend to yield the widest range of values when augmented with water.

Student samples coming soon!

Page updated

Google Sites

Report abuse