Application Samples: Patches Plus

Before tackling larger compositions we practiced other "patches" incorporating background techniques, layering, washes, and overlays with simple objects. All sizes, as in the previous page, were again 3¾"X 3" fitting easily on 9x12" drawing paper.

Small Skill Practices

• 1. Blend 2 or 3 light colors, leaving open paper in a few areas. Paint it.
• 2. Design a Patterned Background of 3 colors with Regular pencils around a simple object to be painted. Let it dry and add tonal layers over it.
• 3. Draw any shape. Create the background combining both Regular and Soluable pencils. Paint both areas adding 1-2 spatter colors while it's wet.
• 4. Draw any shape. Create an Impressed Line design (see directions below) for a background. Apply 1 light color layer of Regular pencils over the impressed area. Add other colors around the individual spaces with the Soluable colors.

• Paint the shape. Carefully paint around the impressed lines without allowing them to be covered.
• 5. Draw a shape. Use 2 or 3 hues, applying and painting each separately, allowing areas to dry in-between. Add Regular pencils in a Stipple technique over the dry hues.
• 6. Paint a light background of 2 or 3 colors. Sketch an animal, insect, bird over it with darker hues. Paint it. Let dry; add Regular colors for more contrast.

NOTES:

  The "Impressed Line" technique can be an interesting aspect in background or object design. It makes a striking linear effect if left unpainted or nicely modified if covered with washes. To create this effect, put your drawing paper over a few thicknesses of newspaper. Place a piece of tracing paper over your work. With pencil, draw heavily into the tracing paper without tearing it. Cover over the design with a layer of colors as you desire.

Small inserts show layered patterned backgrounds. Some impressed lines covered.

  Painting single color areas one at a time allows clearer, cleaner blends.

  Painting mixtures requires remembering to paint from light to darker hues to avoid dominance of the latter.

  Spattering can be a very interesting background effect as well as a foreground consideration. Control its strength and visibility by the wetness or dryness of the paper when applying.