Oil-based colored pencils offer a unique approach to coloring and drawing. Their rich pigmentation and blendability allow for creating smooth, vibrant artworks. Mastering their use involves understanding layering, blending, and the potential use of solvents.
Getting Started with Oil-Based Colored Pencils
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Choosing Your Pencils: Select high-quality oil-based pencils from reputable brands. Many brands offer a variety of colors and shades to suit your artistic needs.
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Paper Selection: Use paper with a slightly rough texture. This provides a better "tooth" for the pencil to grip, facilitating better color layering and blending. Avoid very smooth surfaces which can make layering difficult.
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Layering Techniques: Oil pencils, unlike wax-based pencils, rely heavily on layering for achieving depth and intensity. Apply thin, even layers, allowing each layer to dry slightly before adding more. This prevents muddying of colors.
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Blending Techniques: The key to successful oil pencil blending is patience and layering. Gently layer colors over each other, using the side of the pencil to create smooth transitions. You can also use a blending stump or cotton swab for broader areas. The reference video suggests returning with your next color and blending those colors together to achieve a seamless finish. [This is indicated by the snippet: "Pencils you don't want to see any harsh lines. So you need to make sure to come back with your next color. And always blend those colors. Out so as i'm going down the sides of this wagon."]
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Solvents (Optional): Solvents like Gamsol can be used to further blend colors and create smoother transitions. Apply sparingly using a brush or cotton swab. Remember to work in a well-ventilated area when using solvents. [This is mentioned in the reference: "This is usually used by Oil Painters to thin their paint. This ... How To Use Gamsol. How to use Gamsol and Colored Pencils: 1. Color ..."]
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Burnishing: This technique uses firm pressure to smooth out the layers and intensify color. This technique helps to achieve a rich, saturated look. [The reference mentions: "Oil-based pencils will cover the tooth of the paper either by layering, burnishing, using solvents, or a combination of these techniques."]
Advanced Techniques
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Combining with Other Media: Oil-based pencils can be used in conjunction with other mediums such as watercolors or acrylics for interesting mixed media effects.
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Experimentation: Don't be afraid to experiment with different techniques and layering methods to find what works best for you.
Example: Creating a Smooth Color Gradient
To illustrate, let's say you want to create a smooth gradient from blue to green. You would start by laying down a thin layer of blue. Then, gradually add green, overlapping the edges to blend the two colors. You can further refine the blend by using light layers of both blue and green until a seamless transition is achieved. You might use a blending stump for even smoother transitions, especially in broader areas.
