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Have you ever wished for a colored pencil surface that allowed for smooth blending, easy erasing, and vibrant colors? Your wish has been granted! Enter polyester film, a game-changing surface that's transforming the way artists approach colored pencil work.
What is Polyester Film?
Polyester film, also known by brand names like Duralar, is a transparent, durable plastic sheet. Unlike traditional paper with its textured surface, polyester film is incredibly smooth. This unique characteristic makes it ideal for colored pencil artists who crave fine details and seamless blending.
Why Choose Polyester Film for Colored Pencils?
Here's why artists are making the switch to polyester film:
- Effortless Erasing: Say goodbye to frustrating erasing sessions! Colored pencil lifts right off polyester film, allowing for easy corrections and clean highlights.
- Smooth Color Layering: The slick surface of polyester film lets you layer colors beautifully without getting caught in the paper's tooth. This is especially beneficial for achieving realistic textures like skin or metallic surfaces.
- Vibrant Color Payoff: Colors appear more vibrant on polyester film because the smooth surface doesn't absorb pigment as readily as traditional paper.
- Durable and Resilient: Polyester film is tear-resistant and waterproof, making it a great choice for artists who are hard on their materials or work with mixed media.
Tips for Drawing on Polyester Film
Ready to give polyester film a try? Here are some tips to get you started:
- Use a Light Touch: Because the surface is so smooth, you'll need to use a lighter touch than you would on traditional paper. This will help prevent scratching the film.
- Embrace Layering: The beauty of polyester film lies in its ability to handle multiple layers of color. Don't be afraid to experiment and build up depth gradually.
- Try Different Erasers: Experiment with different types of erasers, such as kneaded erasers and vinyl erasers, to find what works best for you.
- Consider Your Backing: Since polyester film is transparent, the color of your backing paper will show through. Experiment with different colors to create unique effects.
Exploring the Possibilities: A Spider Portrait
To illustrate the incredible potential of polyester film, let's take a look at the process of creating a colored pencil drawing of a spider portrait on this unique surface.
- Grid and Sketch: Just like with traditional drawing, begin by lightly sketching out your composition on the polyester film using a grid for accuracy. A 2H graphite pencil works well for this initial stage.
- Layering Colors: Start building up layers of color, focusing on one area at a time. For example, when drawing a spider, you might begin with the eyes, layering blues, browns, and blacks to create depth and realism.
- Experiment with Colors: Don't be afraid to experiment with different color combinations to find the perfect hues for your subject. Polyester film's forgiving nature allows for easy adjustments along the way.
- Embrace the Eraser: The eraser becomes a key tool when working on polyester film. Use it to lift out highlights, soften edges, and create fine details like hair or fur.
- Utilize the Slice Tool: A slice tool, commonly used for crafts, can be surprisingly effective for creating sharp, precise lines on polyester film. It's perfect for rendering details like individual hairs or whiskers.
Overcoming Challenges
While polyester film offers many advantages, there are a few considerations to keep in mind:
- Learning Curve: It takes some practice to get used to the smooth surface and adjust your drawing technique accordingly.
- Color Intensity: While colors appear vibrant, they might not be as intense as on textured paper. You might need to use more layers or brighter pencils to achieve the desired saturation.
Conclusion
Drawing on polyester film opens up a world of possibilities for colored pencil artists. Its smooth surface, combined with the ease of erasing and layering, allows for stunning detail and vibrant color. If you're looking to elevate your colored pencil artwork and explore a new, exciting surface, give polyester film a try – you might just be surprised by the results!
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