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Wayne Crossland

How to Use Watercolor Pencils: A Series of Step by Step Guides

Last updated: February 18, 2021 by Wayne Crossland

How to Use Watercolor Pencils

Most people learn to write their first words and draw their first shapes using a pencil. That’s why I think it’s pretty safe to say that pencils are the most famous media there is. Although when it comes to art, pencils come in many types and purposes. Pencils have varying tones of graphite and charcoal pencils. They also have tons of colors from colored and watercolor pencils. And pencils also get precision for technical and detailed illustrations from the thin leads of a mechanical pencil.

Today, we’re going to find out how to use watercolor pencils properly. This type of pencil is easily mistaken for standard colored pencils. Unlike colored pencils, watercolor pencils are much softer, more vibrant, and it’s water-soluble. Without water, you can put down thicker layers and produce more vibrant shades with the more delicate tips, and it’s far from the experience of using colored pencils. Brush a bit of water with your illustration, and the watercolor pencils pop out and show broader capabilities and possibilities. But, it won’t be as straightforward as you might think. So here are tons of tips to help you ensure the best results on your first try. Are you ready? [Read more…] about How to Use Watercolor Pencils: A Series of Step by Step Guides

Filed Under: Guides Tagged With: how-to, watercolor

How To Make Oil Paints Dry Faster: 6 Easy Tips To Improve Your Painting Habits

Last updated: February 17, 2021 by Wayne Crossland

It’s evident that oil paints existed and have been used as early as the 7th century. Then it became famous in the renaissance period. And up until now, oil paints are still the most trusted by artists. Especially for artists who are painting on canvas. Why is that? Well, for instance, oil paints give more confidence to the artists since these are incredibly customizable. And it’ll give off better color, texture, and overall quality than acrylics, watercolors, and more.

How to Make Oil Paints Dry Faster

Although you might expect a good result, you’ll need to work hard and smart to get the product you want. You’ll face problems like uneven drying, cracking, and painting stress. In this article, we’ll teach you how to make oil paints dry faster and make your painting habits a bit better. And most importantly, the things we’re going to teach can be your tool to achieve that masterpiece your mind holds. Grab a drink or a snack, relax, and keep reading. Enjoy! [Read more…] about How To Make Oil Paints Dry Faster: 6 Easy Tips To Improve Your Painting Habits

Filed Under: Guides Tagged With: how-to

Prismacolor vs Copic Markers – Comparison

Last updated: February 1, 2021 by Wayne Crossland

Whether you’re a beginner or a professional looking into using art markers, then It’s likely that you know or at least heard of Prismacolor and Copic markers. These markers are famous for their bright and consistent colors making them the most trusted by artists. But, these are also some of the priciest due to manufacturing and design costs. That’s why it’s important to find out what you need before going out to buy a set of markers.

The Copic Sketch markers and Prismacolor Premier markers have very similar overall performance. Both are a line of dual-tipped markers, and both bring similar color performance. One is unexpectedly pricier than the other. Let’s get to the bottom of this and figure out what’s the best marker set for you.

Copic Sketch Prismacolor Premier
Image
Available Colors  36 in Basic Set (358 max.) 48 in current set (200 max.)
Tips Super Brush tip and Medium Broad Chisel tip are the standard options. The bullet tip is available as tip replacement. Fine bullet tip and Chisel tip are the standards. The brush tip and fine bullet tip markers are available.
Inks Alcohol-based ink, you can also mix your own colors Artist-grade alcohol-based ink, non-refillable
Replaceability Replaceable tips, refillable inks Non-replaceable tip, non-refillable inks
Cost Pricier upfront, but saves more in the long run Cheaper upfront (inks and tips are irreplaceable)
Design Oblong body profile, more comfortable grip Round body profile, traditional grip
Best For Shading and sketching Blending and precise details
Price Check Price Check Price

[Read more…] about Prismacolor vs Copic Markers – Comparison

Filed Under: Markers and Pencils Tagged With: Comparison, review

How to Use Watercolor on Canvas: Professional Tips for Preparing and Choosing Your Canvas

Last updated: February 15, 2021 by Wayne Crossland

Watercolor is a unique medium to create beautiful artwork. For novice artists, watercolor is the easiest medium to learn. Artists find it honest, transparent, and spontaneous, as mistakes in watercolor may actually be used as an artistic effect.

There are also practical reasons why some artists prefer to use watercolor over oil. One factor is the faster drying time compared to oil. Watercolor does not smell as strong as oils, and it’s easier to carry around a watercolor palette than tubes of oil. [Read more…] about How to Use Watercolor on Canvas: Professional Tips for Preparing and Choosing Your Canvas

Filed Under: Guides Tagged With: how-to, watercolor

How to Blend Oil Pastels: Quick Guide to Improve Your Pastel Skill

Last updated: February 18, 2021 by Wayne Crossland

Have you been wanting to experiment with oil pastels for your next project? Or are you already painting with oil pastels but are struggling to get the results you want? Working with oil pastels, especially when it comes to blending, can be really tricky. If you’re getting frustrated, I don’t blame you!

It doesn’t have to be this way. I’m here to help you learn how to blend oil pastels with detailed step-by-step instructions. You’ll be blending pastels like a pro in no time once you’re done reading this article. Creating whimsical oil pastel paintings will be a piece of cake, even if you’re just a beginner! [Read more…] about How to Blend Oil Pastels: Quick Guide to Improve Your Pastel Skill

Filed Under: Guides Tagged With: how-to, pastels

Best Oil Pastels of 2021: Colorful, Smooth and Affordable

Last updated: February 18, 2021 by Wayne Crossland

Most artists know how important it is to use the best tools. Cheap and generic brand items may work well at first but they can make you feel like a complete amateur. You might think that you’re not talented or that your art isn’t any good and you should give up. The truth is that most of the time, it has nothing to do with your skills and has everything to do with the tools you’re using. Even the most renowned artists would have trouble with fragile, low-grade tools.

Best Choice
Sennelier Oil Pastels
Sennelier Oil Pastels
Best Oil Pastels
Artists love the Sennelier oil pastels and with good reason. The quality is impeccable which makes them the crème de la crème of oil pastels. They would probably be a great investment for your collection.
Read Verified Customer Reviews

Pastel sticks can be used on their own even without any special brushes or sponges. Still, they can be quite tricky and messy to use especially for those who are less experienced. It is in your best interest to snag a high-quality set. [Read more…] about Best Oil Pastels of 2021: Colorful, Smooth and Affordable

Filed Under: Pastels Tagged With: pastels, review

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