Believe me, a lot of my college work was embarrassing. But once I had the watercolors (which were quite expensive for a struggling college student) I just kept dabbling with them from time to time over the years. Then when online / internet lessons became available, I finally figured out how to use them. I was never one to sit and just draw, but the watercolors spoke to me. But only when used for detailed work (wet on dry).
And yes, designers do always seek a better (different) solution to a challenge. I find Matt’s lessons inspire me, but can’t resist changing something (or even a lot of things). What’s so great is that Matt encourages you to try whatever you want to make it your own. He is a really good teacher.
Hi Jane, this looks good and I thank you for posting it. I’m glad I’m not the only one without all the Posca markers. The handful of markers I have are the cheap gray tone ones from Hobby Lobby, because Matt tends to use those more than the others. I just don’t want to spend the money on the Posca or Prismacolor markers for how little I would use them.
When I ended up doing my project in acrylic paint, it was good for me because it was a reason to force myself to use a media that I struggle with. While this is a colored pencil course, I’m comfortable with colored pencils, so it’s okay that I ended up learning more about another media, even if it was unintended when I started. Maybe the 3rd lesson of the course will be a charm and I’ll actually do what Matt is teaching.
I was thinking about using ink as I have all the colors needed and can’t buy Pasco markers at this time. What do you think? I have all the appropriate colors in ink, and they would be a bit more translucent than acrylics.
My effort with Poscas and colored pencils with the avocados. I’m pretty pleased with the result. I’m not sure I would intentionally use these two mediums together again, but I enjoyed the process.
Hi June - This looks good. And it is all about giving yourself permission to try a lot of things whether they are your favorites or not. (I find shadows to be tricky too.)
Your avocado looks great. Thank you for sharing about using other markers. It encourages is to try things with what we have. Avocado is definitely on my to do list, I really don’t want to buy poscas because I’m not sure I’d use them often enough. I did a little swatch with the dupes I have and think it will be ok.
Your tomatoes look good! I can totally relate to the good experience from watercolors with colored pencils. I actually love the combination and am pretty sure it will be a combo I will keep practicing to get better at.
Very nice. I like Terri enjoy the willingness to try everything Matt does and then post your results. I am now trying some of the other work from pasts posts (like 3 Little Birds which I’m currently working on) but want to try these.
If I may ask, since I haven’t tackled this course yet, why would you not choose to combine these two mediums? Was it a workability issue, personal preference, outcome, or other reason?
Just curious and many times the pit falls shared here help others (or at least me) to understand problems that may be encountered and remedies for them.
Hello June @junenez , I think these came out great. I don’t like to eat tomatoes or avocados. But can’t wait to tackle drawing both projects.
Both sound interesting. I am intrigued by different media and mixed mediums. Understanding how they can enhance a drawing is something I’d like to understand better.
Thanks. Lenet. I actually found it frustrating to apply the colored pencils over the Posca markers. At times, it was as if the Posca markers “scratched off,” making it difficult to create a smooth transition between colors. I particularly had problems with the green around the edge of the creamy avocado center. I don’t know if it was a “me” problem or a problem with the materials. I would much prefer watercolor for the under painting. I was, however, quite pleased with my eventual outcome.
It sounds like the Posca markers also filled the tooth of the paper, just to a lesser amount than the acrylic paint I tried as the underpainting. I agree, I would also always choose watercolor for the underpainting (a combination I’ve used many times.) And Lenet, thanks so much for asking Brenda for clarification. It helps all of us learn.
