After the reaction to the last video I posted, I hope you’re ready for some new art with the Staedtler Pigment Pens! The video announces the winner of the giveaway…but I wanted to also talk about papers for these pens.
And yes, I did hurt my hand! Walking the pups gets dangerous when the sidewalk jumps up to grab my shoe. My right hand took the brunt, but I saved you from having to look at a wound; when I see any wounded fingers, hands, or limbs on YouTube or any social media, I can’t click away fast enough!
This first drawing was done on Yupo for NAMTA, it’s a synthetic (think plastic) paper. It does some of what you might think would happen on plastic. While those who love watercoloring on yupo seem to be fine with it, I’ve never discovered that love; I like it for pen and ink, and for alcohol inks …but not with water.
That means the pigment brush pens can’t be used easily with water; and with limited success with the blending liquid. Things just stay sticky. However for some subjects this paper can be lovely. This parrot, who I’ve named Alex, looks great from a distance, but it does show that you don’t get much real blending done. Nothing soft edged.
Tutorial: Papers for water based markers | Drawing a pelican in 6 steps
Watch the video below and scroll to the end to leave comments or questions — or click HERE to watch it on YouTube and leave comments over there. I read both dutifully!
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Markers
- Staedtler Pigment Brush pens (60)
- Staedtler Pigment Brush pens (36): BLICK AMZ JACKSONS
- Staedtler Mars MultiInk Blending Liquid
Papers
Recommended paper for those who struggle with color not melting out on textured cotton paper:
Recommended paper for those whose subjects require soft, pale blends:
Six steps to drawing a brown pelican
I know, I know, it’s a silly thing to make it seem this easy, but hey – go download the photo and give it a try! You can even trace the outlines if you need to, then take it step by step.
Pelican eye
I need to find out why so many birds and animals have so many eyelids. Should I be jealous as a human?
Facial skin/eye ring
Which term is more correct? I need my own personal ornithologist to explain all this stuff to me.
Beak and gular pouch
I think I’m really glad this bird didn’t have a caruncle too – or a “nuptial tubercle.” Go look, really.
Head feathers
A group of very soft feathers contrasts nicely with the hard details elsewhere. Pet a pelican here, for sure. If he lets you.
The mohawk
Google’s AI smacked me down for not calling it a crest. But whatever. Mohawk certainly makes it sound cooler.
Contour feathers
All the outside feathers we see are for decoration/mating as well as to make flights smoother.
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ICAF
The International Child Art Foundation is a group I’ve fundraised for many years now. They just lost their National Endowment for the Arts grant because their work didn’t fit “the president’s priorities”…well even if he doesn’t care about kids, I do. And I’m doubling down on my support!
Class donations
During World Watercolor Month I’ve donated a portion of watercolor class purchases; this year, it’s ANY class. And not just in July – I’m starting today! So go nab a class and help support the kiddos.
Fine art sale donations
I’m also giving a 10% donation from every fine art purchase from now til the end of July! Please help me clear the shop and raise money to do good for kids. They need to know how valuable art is and to get the support at this age that will set them up for a lifetime of creating.
Both birdos in this post are for sale over in my shop – go check them out as well as everything else that’s available! Tap on any photo or button below to shop.
Shop for swag
Pick up a mug or a zipper pouch or both! Head over to the World Watercolor Month site…get my products or someone else’s. And think about getting one for a Christmas gift! Tap the photo to go shopping.
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