Having not drawn much since University, it got me wondering how easy it would be to pick up the craft once more. I have a basic level of understanding when it comes to sketching etc but I really wanted to learn a little more.

There are hundreds of drawing books on the market so I decided to choose a comprehensive guide, which encompasses many skills and techniques. The Drawing Bible by Marylin Scott (Search Press, 2005) promises to be ‘An essential reference for the practicing artist.’ Notice the word ‘practicing’ there. I must admit I was initially worried about being very much a beginner but decided to give the book a whirl.

Much to my surprise the contents were easily accessible with a clear contents area broken down into informative headings such as ‘Choosing and using materials’ and ‘Subjects’. The materials pages for example, were packed full of photos and an extensive range of products you can use to draw, such as pencils (of course!), waterproof inks and even how to make your own oil charcoal. I did feel spoilt for choice at this stage!

One of the most useful aspects of the book was the sections that showed techniques for each type of drawing material. I enjoyed practicing the skills taught such as cross hatching for pencils and blending with pastels. These techniques are so important to master as they are the basis of all drawing and the book covered these skills thoroughly.

 

Once I found my grounding in the techniques I moved on to the ‘Further Techniques’ section. This was exciting for me as it meant I could begin tackling a ‘real’ drawing and not just little hatches and scribbles on a scrap of paper! There are various sections such as ‘Line and Wash’, ‘Sgraffito’ and ‘Masking’ all of which were well explained and beautifully illustrated with clear photographs. This area of the book is perfect for even the most developed artist – there really is something for everyone!

The final section of the book is ‘Subjects’ and believe me, there is a wide range of subjects to master. My favourite study area is animals so I decided to develop my knowledge in this field. I used some of the skills I’d learned in the previous sections in the book to draw a frog. Despite not having drawn for many years I was really surprised at how easy I found it. Using 2B and 4H pencils I used a ‘Stippling’ technique to create areas of shade and texture on the bumpy skin of my frog. I also used a ‘Masking’ technique on his eye area to create highlights.

 

Overall I loved this handy book. The contents were clearly displayed and the sections colour referenced for ease of use. It’s a fantastic book for dipping in and out of or as a handbook for taking out and about. With the wide range of easy to follow techniques and varied subject matters, it really is an essential book for both amateur and professional.

The Drawing Bible, by Marylin Scott (ISBN: 978-1-84448-094-4) is available from all good retailers RRP: £12.99

 

 

When Derwent first asked me to write a blog piece for them, they said I could write about anything I liked – straight away I thought “Coloursofts”!

 

Ever since they sent me their products to try Coloursoft pencils have been my number one favourite, I love the softness of these pencils, the way they blend so easily & the vibrancy of the colours. They have an almost buttery texture that goes on so smoothly and blends like a dream!  You can see here how you can use the colours to make light and shade leaving no harsh lines and how you can even mix the colours as in the last one using blue and pink to create purple, gorgeous!

 

 

In the craft world at the moment, colouring in is a big trend, its gives us that feeling of a simpler time, when you were little and would sit with a colouring book for hours, it's so soothing to use your stamps and spend a few hours just colouring them in ready to use on cards and craft projects.

Here I’ve used one of the very popular ‘Magnolia’ images of a little girls and coloured with my Coloursofts.

 

 

 

I start by adding the blush to her cheeks using the Red pencil very softly; I then add shading to her face using the Orange and Rust colours before using the Orange pencil very lightly to blend over the whole face, using circular motions to blend the colours as I go.

 

 

 

The face looks a little orange at this point as if my Magnolia has been fake tanned! So I blend the White pencil over the whole face, this tones the colour down, blends all the colours together perfectly (using a lighter colour over the whole area gives it a lovely shiny finish) and used more firmly in area of light, i.e. her nose and forehead gives a highlight to her face.

 

 

 

 

With the hand I don’t colour the whole hand, just the shading, I then use the White pencil to blend the pigment out over the white area to show where the highlights will fall – the pigment is so soft that you can use a white pencil to move the pigment around a little bit and blend outwards – just remember to scribble on some scrap paper between uses so you don’t contaminate your colours!

 

 

 

After colouring her hair and dress I use a soft cloth to gently buff over the surface to finish the blending and make sure there is no stray pigment. I then use the Burnisher pencil (sold separately) very gently over the top to give the image a shiny finish.

 

 

 

Here is the finished card.

 

 

And some more cards made using stamped images with my Coloursoft pencils.

 

 

Bear in mind I’ve only used a set of 12 to do these images, with all 72 colours you could create even more detailed images – the possibilities are endless!

 

 

 

My top tips!

• Start with the darker areas and use your lighter colours to blend into and over them so there are no harsh lines
• Make use of the White pencil – it really is a fantastic tool for blending and moving pigment around as well as for creating highlights
• Blend blend blend! Make sure you keep a soft cloth, blending stump or some kitchen roll next to you as you work
• For animals and surfaces with texture don’t use the Burnisher, the texture of the pencils makes them look almost fluffy and more realistic (as you can see from the chicks on my step by step card)
• Keep your pencils and paper clean of pigment, dust the image lightly as you go to remove stray pigment and clean the tips of your pencils by scribbling on some scrap paper so you don’t muddy your colours
• Keep a light pressure – you can always add colour and build up but its much harder to take it away and tone it down
• Keep practising – there are NO mistakes in crafting only experiments!

Have fun!

 

Thanks so much to Sarah for her fantastic post on just how easy it is to incorporate colour into your crafting projects!

 

For more information on Sarah Hurley visit her website www.sarahhurley.com

Or you can 'Like' her on Facebook www.facebook.com/SarahHurleyDesign

 

 

 

We are so excited to announce the launch of our Inktense Blocks, the Grate 'n Shake and the block Grippers! We asked Liz Dulley to put them through their paces for our blog to show you how they work!

Liz first reviewed the Inktense Blocks and later writes about the features of our new accessories - take it away Liz!

Inktense Blocks

What a fantastic opportunity! Derwent inviting me to ‘play’ with some new products.

They arrive - What are they like?

Delightful. The perfect name for compact ink in chunky rectangular blocks.
Great, no waste, just solid sticks of substance.

I need to experiment - I want to try everything
I can draw and shade with them or use them on their side to make wide marks.

What happens if I add water?

Words can not express my delight as the water on my brush runs over the marks. There is something magical in the intensity of colours now glowing before me. Like aspectrum of transparent scattered light. I am a delighted child 'Magic Painting' with a wet brush, watching vibrant colours emerge.

I love the fact that they come in block form, I am able to use them as paint pans or crumble them as well as use them wet or dry. Great to hold, any way up and wonderful for mark making.

I am inspired, I want to create colourful bold ‘Blocks using Blocks!’

Working on various papers gives different results. Textured watercolour paper is a personal favourite, colours are staining and the grain of the paper can be revealed. I like softer papers for a more flowing effect and find that card is kind to a certain extent for lifting colour out.

I can’t stop using these ‘chunks of colour‘ and creations just keep coming!

As a watercolour painter I am introducing Inktense into my work, adding an extra quality and some how bolder approach. I am sure they would complement many other media.

Working with Inktense Blocks is exciting and rewarding. They are intense, vibrant and versatile and certainly work for me. I find them a joy to use. A must for the lover of quality luminous colour!  

Top Tip
Work flat and hold them upright to prevent drips

The wet block slides over the paper fluently. I like the slightly gluey consistency and areas where thick deposits are left behind. Fantastic for some looser drawing.

Conclusion

These 24 fabulous blocks fill me with pleasure and energy! An exciting product which is versatile and vibrant!

Grate 'n Shake

What a great product! I can now mix washes. Easy and no mess.

Grate the pigment and shake with water. It's simple, quick and effective. The detachable grate is handy for cleaning and good for grating pigment over work! See the picture below for the effects created using this technique.

Hint – Keep grate clean and dry to prevent 'muddying' colour.

Grippers

What do these do?
Looks so much simpler than I had expected but - Wow! - so effective. Wish I had always been using them. The firm grip actually makes the block more comfortable to use, if that is possible? And my hands are clean!

With this "shock absorber" around my block I can even use a bit more brute force without snapping my block. I am developing a freer, speedier tecnique already. I have realised that materials and tools used can steer my style - amazing!

I will never be without this superb device.   

We'd love to say a BIG thank you to Liz for reviewing our new Inktense Blocks and accessories! Here's a little bit about Liz and her work:

 I was born in Nottingham and moved to Invergowrie ( by Dundee ) at the age of 14. I have always loved creating, achieved my Queens Guide and was awarded Art Prizes at school. Having considered many options, I was keen to study and earn, so chose a career in Nursing. Now, many locations and a variety of jobs later, as a wife, a mother, a gardener and a housekeeper, I have developed my passion to create.

My son started school in 2002 - the perfect opportunity to feed my creative mind! I enrolled in watercolour and figure drawing classes then studied Fine Art in Dundee.

I now like to art at home (we have just completed my real studio!) Painting alone gives me a chance to work things out for myself, find my own way and develop my own style. I enjoy this challenge.

Art is 'me time'. I escape into a world where thoughts flood, time passes and developments emerge on the drawing board.

My subject always stems from still life and is often symbolic. I select objects which represent associated themes.

 I paint mainly in pure watercolour and find it an exciting versatile medium. I love bright colours and enjoy working up to a rich, vibrant finish.

I love to really get my teeth into a simple idea and turn it into an elaborate labyrinth of statements.

I am keen to develop, constantly pushing forward can be frustrating and a struggle but so rewarding when it finally works.

Recent work involves fragmenting objects. I enjoy layering paint and creating a detailed finish. Experimenting with the new Inktense Blocks from Derwent has filled me with excitement and energy. The nature of the blocks seems to have steered me towards a looser, bolder approach, which I enjoy. The strong colours stand alone and I found detail unnecessary.

I was delighted to win first prize at The Scottish National Art competition in 2008, exhibit regularly with Dundee Art Society and Art 309, (a group of artists from my former college class) and had my work accepted for the RSW Open Exhibition.

Coming soon - I am looking forward to participating in Perth Open Studios Sept 2011.

perthshireopenstudios.com / lizdulley@blueyonder.co.uk

This is your chance to embellish our logo any way you want. Enter our competition and let your imagination run wild! Illustrate around it, over it, under it, or just simply add bling! All using Derwent products, of course!

The winning creation will become our profile picture on Facebook and Twitter and will be used on a Derwent advert in the June edition of the Artists & Illustrators magazine.

The winner will also feature in our May blog post and receive a wooden box containing 72 Inktense Pencils. 2 runners-up will receive a tin of a new Derwent range to be launched over the next few weeks, accompanied by some very funky new accessories.

To enter upload your finished illustration to our Facebook page or email it to derwent.pencils@acco.com

The illustration must be executed using Derwent products and fit into a 15cm square.

Closing date for entries is Friday 29th April 2011.

You can download a high-res version of our logo at the bottom - you are welcome to hand draw it yourself or simply cut it out and draw around it!

 

Terms and Conditions

1.No purchase necessary.
2.All work must be executed in colour, water-soluble, graphite or pastel pencils.
3.Entries should be 15cm x 15cm.
4.Entries should be submitted as a 300 dpi jpeg. Between 1 and 5MB.
5.Only one entry per person.
6.Winner will be required to send original drawing to Derwent.
7.The prizes must be taken as stated.
8.No cash alternative will be offered.
9.Not open to employees of the Cumberland Pencil Co, their families and its agencies.
10.Winners will be notified within 14 days of the competition end date.
11.Submission of an entry constitutes acceptance of the rules.
12.Promoter: The Cumberland Pencil Co, Derwent House, Lillyhall
Business Park, Workington, Cumbria, CA14 5HS.  

DERWENT LOGO.jpg (241.43 kb)

We're so excited that the Craft Test Dummies chose to review our Metallic Pencils that we're sharing it with you on our blog! Read on to discover more about our shiniest, sparkliest product:

 

"Colored pencils are so basic that I think most crafters overlook and underestimate them. If you’ve read my review of the Inktense Pencils, you know that I’m very impressed by Derwent quality & feel that they are a “must have!” Recently, those kind folks sent me the Metallic Pencils to try out, too.

Here’s the product description from the website:

Introduce a little sparkle to your sketches and drawings with these bright, highly reflective pencils. They work best on a dark background (try Derwent Black Books) and can be used on their own or with other media to add brilliant definition and glowing highlights. Derwent Metallic is watersoluble, so you can also create interesting line and wash effects. Great for all kinds of creative projects.

Um. Wait a second. Did you say water-soluble? Swoon!

So of course, I had to start off with some swatching, just to get a feel of how the pencils laid down color on paper…

 

And then I had to get out my H2O pen and give them another whirl. First on the white cardstock:

 

The colors stay nice and vibrant on the white background- good for using as washes.

Here on the black, you’ll see the color disappears somewhat. You still get a faint metallic sparkle, but the color dulls significantly.

 

Next I decided to stamp an image and give it a coloring with the pencils:

 

 

I’m a sucker for the water-soluble bit, so I did give it a go-over with an H2O pen. I also used some of those staturated colors as a wash for the background.

Next, coloring on black paper. To create the image, I stamped on the paper and then embossed with clear powder:

 

 

Doesn’t the color just pop on the black? OH so much fun!

Here’s another fun tip: draw on the paper with a Blender pen first (I used one by Tombow) and then color over the top. The blender pen will act as a resist, giving you a cool negative image:

 

 

Overall, I think these are great. I will probably use it for watercoloring only on light paper, and keep black for sketching/coloring and the resist technique. And really, for under $16 USD (£14.99) these area  great value and even come in the tin for easy storage. I think these might be slipping into my traveling craft kit, too! Can’t wait to Zentangle on black paper with these babies…..

I’d love to hear how you use pencils in your art/craft, and what you think of these…" 

Thanks so much to the Craft Test Dummies for reviewing our product! It was an interesting and informative read.

You can follow Craft Test Dummies on Twitter or become a fan on Facebook!

 

The fabulous Craft Test Dummies reviewed our lovely Inktense Pencils on their blog and kindly let us share it with you!

"One of the most versatile craft products you can have in your studio (right behind a good pair of scissors and a glue stick) is a nice set of watercolor pencils. While “regular” colored pencils are fine in a pinch, water-soluble pencils play “two-fer”: you can use them as both a pencil AND as a watercolor paint.

Recently, the nice folks at Derwent (in the UK, no less!) sent me a set of their Inktense Pencils - as they say, can be  “used to create a diverse range of art from Japanese Manga to vibrant silk painting; traditional watercolours to stunning botanical illustrations.” I thought, sure!

I cracked open the 12-pencil set in a tin and was greeted by the lovely aroma of fresh pencils. Ah, the memories of school came flooding back! But these are FAR and away better than anything I used at school.

So, you know me by now. The first thing I did was a little swatching. AND I made a video!

 

 

You can see that there is some opacity on the darker colors- the yellow on the black cardstock, for example.  I really love how you can see through the pencil in the sheet music sample. And I’ve determined that if you want to use Derwent Inktense pencils as a palette for watercolor painting, use glossy cardstock. It won’t absorb any of the pigment, so you get the best watercolor paint! (Good to know, right?)

The website said that you can use Inktense pencils for painting on silk, so I tried that. Now, I don’t have a set-up for this (no screen) so I just did a little watercoloring on the silk. (The end result is above.)

So what else can I tell you about Derwent Inktense pencils? Good on a variety of mediums, these are now my preferred watercolor pencils to take with my travel journal."

So there you have it! A fantastic and comprehensive review of how great Inktense are for all manner of crafty projects! So the question is: what will you make?

You can follow Craft Test Dummies on Twitter or become a fan on Facebook!