In art, specifically with colored pencils, burnishing is a technique used to create a smooth, opaque finish that can resemble the look of oils, acrylics, or even airbrush.
Understanding the Burnishing Technique
Burnishing with colored pencils involves applying layers of pigment with pressure to create a dense, polished surface. According to the provided reference, burnishing is a colored pencil technique that's used to create an opaque look similar to oils, acrylics or airbrush.
Here's how the technique is typically performed:
- Layering: You start by applying layers of colored pencil. The reference notes, "To achieve this opacity, you start with the darkest value, then lightly layer wax- or oil-based colored pencils on top of it until you arrive at the lightest value."
- Pressure: As you layer, increasing pressure is applied, especially in the later stages, to blend the colors tightly together and fill the tooth (texture) of the paper.
- Blending & Polishing: The pressure helps to push the wax or oil binder of the pencils into the paper and into each other, creating a smooth, unified surface where individual pencil strokes are no longer visible. This process essentially "burnishes" or polishes the surface.
The Result: Opacity and Smoothness
The primary outcome of burnishing is an opaque and smooth finish. This differs from lighter layering techniques where the paper's texture might still show through and colors appear more translucent. As the reference states, the goal is to "create an opaque look similar to oils, acrylics or airbrush."
Key characteristics of a burnished area:
- Opaque Color: The color appears solid and dense.
- Smooth Texture: The surface feels and looks flat, without visible paper texture or pencil lines.
- Vibrant Blends: Colors are seamlessly mixed, often achieving deep, rich tones.
This technique is invaluable for artists working with colored pencils who want to achieve highly rendered, photorealistic, or bold, saturated effects.
