Colored Pencils On 70x70 Cm Paper: A Comprehensive Guide

Hey guys! Today, let's dive deep into the vibrant and fascinating world of creating art with colored pencils on a substantial 70x70 cm paper. This is a fantastic medium for artists of all levels, from beginners just starting their artistic journey to seasoned professionals looking to explore new techniques. We'll cover everything from the best types of colored pencils to use, to essential techniques, and even how to choose the right paper for your masterpiece. So, grab your pencils, and let's get started!

Why Choose Colored Pencils?

Colored pencils are a surprisingly versatile medium. The versatility of colored pencils allows for a wide range of artistic styles and effects. They offer a unique blend of precision and expressiveness, making them ideal for detailed work as well as broader, more painterly approaches. Unlike some other art mediums, they're also incredibly portable and easy to clean up – no messy paints or solvents required! Think about it, you can take your art with you anywhere, whether you're sketching in a coffee shop, working in your studio, or even creating on the go during your travels.

One of the biggest advantages of colored pencils is their ability to create layers. Layering colored pencils is key to achieving depth and richness in your artwork. By applying multiple layers of color, you can build up complex hues and subtle gradations that simply aren't possible with other mediums. This layering technique allows you to create smooth transitions, blend colors seamlessly, and achieve realistic textures. For example, if you're drawing a portrait, you can layer different shades of skin tones to create a lifelike appearance, capturing the nuances of light and shadow.

Another great aspect of using colored pencils is the control they offer. You can achieve incredibly fine details with a sharpened pencil, making them perfect for intricate designs and realistic drawings. The precision of the pencil point allows you to create sharp lines, delicate textures, and minute details that bring your artwork to life. This level of control is especially beneficial when working on larger pieces, like our 70x70 cm canvas, where every detail counts. Think about the intricate patterns you could create, the fine hairs you could render in a portrait, or the detailed textures you could achieve in a landscape. The possibilities are endless!

Selecting the Right Colored Pencils

Choosing the right colored pencils can feel overwhelming, especially with so many options available on the market. But don't worry, we'll break it down. The first thing to consider is the quality of the pencils. High-quality colored pencils are usually made with a higher concentration of pigment, which means they deliver richer, more vibrant colors. They also tend to be more lightfast, meaning the colors won't fade over time when exposed to light. This is crucial if you want your artwork to last for years to come.

There are two main types of colored pencils: wax-based and oil-based. Wax-based colored pencils are generally softer and blend more easily, making them great for creating smooth gradients and painterly effects. They're also more readily available and often more affordable, making them a popular choice for beginners and students. However, they can sometimes produce a wax bloom, a whitish film that can appear on the surface of your artwork over time. This can usually be wiped away, but it's something to be aware of.

Oil-based colored pencils, on the other hand, have a slightly harder core and tend to hold a point better, making them ideal for detailed work. They also produce less wax bloom and the colors tend to be more vibrant and lightfast. However, they can be a bit more challenging to blend than wax-based pencils, and they're generally more expensive. Professional artists often prefer oil-based pencils for their archival quality and intense colors.

Some popular brands to consider include Prismacolor Premier (wax-based), Faber-Castell Polychromos (oil-based), and Caran d'Ache Luminance (also oil-based). Each brand has its own unique characteristics, so it's worth trying out a few different sets to see which ones you prefer. Don't be afraid to mix and match brands as well! You might find that you like the blending capabilities of one brand for certain effects and the detail capabilities of another for other aspects of your artwork.

Choosing the Perfect Paper for Your 70x70 cm Masterpiece

The type of paper you choose can significantly impact the final result of your colored pencil artwork. For a large 70x70 cm piece, selecting the right paper is even more critical. Choosing the right paper ensures your colors lay down smoothly, blend effectively, and that the paper can withstand multiple layers of pencil without buckling or tearing.

Look for paper that is specifically designed for colored pencils. These papers usually have a slightly textured surface, often referred to as "tooth," which helps the pencil pigment adhere to the paper. A smooth paper might seem appealing, but it won't grab the pigment as effectively, making it harder to layer and blend colors. The tooth of the paper acts like tiny little hooks, grabbing the pigment and allowing you to build up your colors effectively.

The weight of the paper is also an important factor. You'll want to choose a paper that is heavy enough to withstand multiple layers of colored pencil without warping or tearing. A weight of at least 100 lb (200 gsm) is generally recommended for colored pencil work, especially on a large format like 70x70 cm. This heavier weight will provide the necessary support and prevent the paper from buckling under the pressure of layering.

Paper made from cotton rag is an excellent choice for colored pencils. Cotton rag paper is very durable and has a beautiful texture that works well with colored pencils. It's also acid-free, which means it won't yellow or deteriorate over time, ensuring the longevity of your artwork. While it might be a bit more expensive than wood pulp paper, the investment is well worth it for the quality and archival properties it offers.

Some popular paper brands for colored pencils include Stonehenge, Bristol Vellum, and Pastelmat. Stonehenge is a versatile paper that works well with a variety of mediums, including colored pencils. Bristol Vellum has a smooth, slightly textured surface that is perfect for detailed work. Pastelmat has a unique, velvety surface that allows for exceptional layering and blending of colors. Experiment with different papers to find the one that best suits your style and the specific techniques you plan to use.

Essential Techniques for Colored Pencil Art

Now that you've got your pencils and paper, let's talk about some essential techniques. Mastering these techniques will help you create stunning effects and bring your colored pencil artwork to life. Mastering colored pencil techniques will greatly enhance your artistic capabilities and allow you to achieve a wide range of effects in your artwork.

Layering is arguably the most important technique for colored pencil artists. As we discussed earlier, layering involves applying multiple layers of color to build up depth, richness, and subtle gradations. Start with light pressure and gradually increase the pressure as you add more layers. This allows you to control the intensity of the color and create smooth transitions. Think of it like building a painting, one layer at a time. Each layer adds to the overall richness and complexity of the final piece.

Burnishing is another technique that can create a smooth, polished look. Burnishing involves applying heavy pressure with a colored pencil or a colorless blender pencil to blend the layers together and fill in the tooth of the paper. This technique can create a luminous effect, making your colors appear more vibrant and saturated. However, be careful not to over-burnish, as this can make the colors appear flat and lifeless. It's a technique best used sparingly and with a deliberate purpose.

Blending is crucial for creating smooth transitions and realistic effects. There are several ways to blend colored pencils. You can use a blending stump or tortillon, which are tightly rolled paper tools that help to soften the edges of your pencil strokes. You can also use a colorless blender pencil, which is a pencil with a wax or oil-based core but no pigment. This pencil helps to blend the colors together without adding any additional color. Experiment with different blending methods to find the ones that work best for you.

Hatching and cross-hatching are techniques that involve using lines to create tone and texture. Hatching involves drawing parallel lines in the same direction, while cross-hatching involves drawing intersecting lines. The closer the lines are together, the darker the value will appear. These techniques are excellent for creating textures, defining shapes, and adding depth to your artwork. Think of them as the building blocks of your drawing, allowing you to create a wide range of tonal values and textures.

Tips for Working on a Large 70x70 cm Canvas

Working on a large canvas like 70x70 cm presents its own set of challenges and opportunities. Here are some tips to help you create a successful colored pencil artwork on this scale. Working on a large canvas requires careful planning and execution, but the results can be truly stunning.

Plan your composition carefully. Before you start drawing, take some time to plan your composition. Sketch out your design lightly on the paper to ensure that everything is properly placed. Consider the overall balance and harmony of the composition. On a large canvas, every element has a greater impact, so careful planning is essential. Think about the focal point of your artwork, the placement of objects, and the overall flow of the composition.

Work in sections. Trying to tackle the entire canvas at once can be overwhelming. Instead, break the canvas down into smaller sections and work on each section individually. This makes the process more manageable and allows you to focus on the details in each area. You can think of it like painting a room – you wouldn't try to paint the whole room at once, you'd tackle it section by section.

Use a light touch. When layering colors, remember to start with a light touch and gradually build up the intensity. This gives you more control over the final result and prevents you from pressing too hard and damaging the paper. It's much easier to add more color than it is to remove it, so starting light is always the best approach.

Don't be afraid to experiment. Colored pencils are a forgiving medium, so don't be afraid to experiment with different techniques and colors. Try layering different colors to see what happens, or experiment with different blending methods. The more you experiment, the more you'll learn and the more confident you'll become in your abilities.

Conclusion

Creating art with colored pencils on a 70x70 cm paper is a rewarding experience. It allows you to explore your creativity, develop your skills, and create stunning works of art. Remember to choose the right pencils and paper, master essential techniques, and plan your composition carefully. And most importantly, have fun! The beauty of art is in the process, so enjoy the journey and let your creativity flow. So, grab your pencils, your large paper, and get creating! You might just surprise yourself with what you can achieve. Happy drawing, guys!