New Surfaces

Pheasant feather in colored pencil, on Colourfix paper, 2.5" x 3.5"

The piece above is on soft umber Colourfix paper, 2.5″ x 3.5″.  I think this feather was from the neck area of a Ring-necked Pheasant.  I use these feathers in my colored pencil class as a beginner exercise; they are easy to draw, and the beginners don’t need to worry about how to draw volume or cast shadows (yet).  Although the exercise uses a different surface.

I like to try new surfaces, and Art Spectrum’s Colourfix paper is intriguing, especially as it is available in multi-color packs of ATC-sized pieces.  It has a gritty surface and takes colored pencil really well, without unduly wearing down the pencil as rough surfaces can do.  It’s a very “forgiving” surface too, as it erases without changing the texture of the paper, and I was surprised that you can put light color over dark, and it will cover!  You don’t really need to use a lot of pencil layers, as you might with other papers.

Some of my students have tried it, and those who have really like it.  It covers more rapidly than bristol board or other papers.  You can also purchase it in primer form, to paint onto any surface.  We are trying the “clear” primer, painted on Stonehenge paper (it’s still drying…..).  I will definitely be exploring this surface some more….

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