The Mentor8x10 inches
Coloured pencils and Pan Pastels on Colourfix Suede
Well, as many of you may know, I have been working quite a bit with coloured pencils on Pastelmat and have been really loving this combination of media. I ordered some more Pastelmat from the UK a couple of weeks ago, and whilst waiting for the shipment to arrive, thought I would play with some other surfaces. I first tried the Art Spectrum Colourfix Suede surface 2 years ago when it was launched and at that time loved the way it accepted coloured pencils, but found the bubble like texture overpowered the artwork. I decided to revisit this suface again and to my delight found that the texture has been refined and it is now very similar in texture to the Pastelmat. It accepts about the same number of layers of coloured pencil as the Pastelmat, but is slightly better for getting crisp lines and fine detail. It also grabs the Pan Pastel pigments really well, meaning that there is less need for fixative. I was able to lift off both the pencil and pastel using a kneadable eraser. I have yet to see how it responds to having a solvent such as Zest-it applied in conjunction with the coloured pencils but will keep you posted. This surface is an excellent alternative for any artists who are struggling to source the Pastelmat and works out around the same price.
P.S. Have just gone onto the Art Spectrum site and cannot find this board listed on their site anymore, so will keep you posted as to whether this product is still available.
5 comments:
Darn it. Just when you find it is working better they discontinue it. I really hope that this is not the case but anyway you still have the supply of pastel mat coming from the UK. I love this piece. it's lovely as is all your work.
Thank you for your kind comments on my graphite... I know I should also keep trying different surfaces. I guess I feel I am onto a good product with the Arches 300 gsm. I just love it. Having said that I must pop into Eckersleys and see if I can get some more of the paper I am using at the moment... I don't think it is 300gsm... They gave me a special discount on this sheet to try out. Now darn it I can't remember what it was other than it's Arches. I really like it. It is a little smoother than what I have been using.
Keep the great work coming. xx
You make me smile Dors - I think I should write in pencil on every surface I buy so I never forget what I'm working with. I do sometimes work on a surface and then haven't got a clue in the end what I'm working on because it's not marked LOL :)
Glad I'm not the only one. LOL
Hi Karen, great to see what you're doing with Suede. I just wanted to reassure you that the Suede is still being produced it's just that it hasn't been added to the website. A new site is under construction. James
Thanks James - much appreciated :)
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