02 | Workbook | Polychromos & Birds
Why Faber-Castell run the art world and this weeks drawing inspiration
Hello and welcome to week two of the Artists Handbook- The Workbook.
Last weeks drawing prompt was “Plants” and below is my ink drawing of a clover plant. I love clover, seeing how it blossoms in the garden with shades of white and pink. A busy plant too, being able to fix nitrogen from the atmosphere into the soil.
For the love of colouring pencils
Over the years I have used various coloured pencils from different brands. They were always, just fine, you could gain good colour from them on their own. But try to blend with them and it was a loosing battle, as they just wouldn’t. Then I tried the Faber-Castell Polychromos pencils, and realised what I was missing.
Being able to blend with the pencils was amazing, they are almost slightly oil like. Some shades are softer, I found reds and rich chocolate browns easier to blend with. While others like the purples and blues with slightly harder in texture. They made building shades easier, provided you have the right paper. I often found thin or low gsm paper was not going to help.
With these coloured pencils, I began drawing animals and pet portraits. Being able to build up layers and get the detail of fur was a delight, and it makes sense why artists use them. They are on the more affordable side for professional coloured pencils, but still “up market” in terms of pencils. But you get what you pay for, and they are lovely to work with.
Below are some of the pieces I have made with these Faber Castel coloured Pencils:
This weeks drawing or artwork prompt is “Birds”. What birds are in your garden or local area? Spend a few minutes taking note of what is flying around or singing this week.
Share your drawings with me and I can feature them in next weeks post! Just reply to the email with your image, comment on this post on the Substack app or pop me a message.
I made a collection of bird artwork in both pastel pencils and lino printing over the last few years.
Here are some of the pieces I have made:
Lino Printing
Pastel Pencils
Happy Sketching,
Cleo.