The Latest Rhino Painting WIP: plus a step by step on how I layer colors (and mediums) on suede
Angela asked me to explain about how I use Inktense as my base color on suede. And I thought “Heck why not get a post out of it.” Plus it’s so much easier to explain with pictures. I decided to just show the entire process while I was at it.
The Inktense Pencils are scribbled in (literally) dry. For the areas that I want to be lightest I keep the color to a minimum. Here I used Deep Indigo and Moss Green.
I imagine a brush would work just as well for this but I like the q-tip because I can scrush around the color if I want to. I am pretty sure this would ruin a paint brush.
Note: Once again whenever adding water to suede be aware of it’s wicking tendency so apply water sparingly to the edges.
While the suede is still wet I “impregnate” the suede by rubbing a dry pencil (or Neocolor ll) over the surface. Since Neocolor ll has a tendency to allow only so much pigment to be applied I started doing this with the wc pencil first. Though it turns out when used this way the Neocolor ll works just as well and doesn’t limit the amount of layers I can apply over the top. Here I used a orangey pink color.
Note: Be aware that the you’ll use a lot of pigment (pencil or crayon) this way.
After letting the suede dry completely I begin the dry work which in this photo is just the tips of the horns. You can see the subtle lightening of the image when the suede dries along the area at the base of the horn. I am using both wc pencils and Neocolor LL for this stage.
Note: The impregnation layers looks more intense when everything is still wet. It will lighten and soften when it dries.
And then finish the area and move on. I uses wc pencil as the last medium to cut through the Neocolor ll to create skin texture.
Excellent tutorial, Mona. Although I understand the steps, it still looks like magic to me!!
Thanks, Mona, wonderful description and photos to illustrate. I agree with Lorie. I will try this sometime, as I have all of the materials — I am fairly certain that it that it won’t turn out to be my cup of tea, though.
Frankly it’s a lot of process that I doubt I’ll do again.I tend to keep trying new things just to see what happens and well . . . to keep me interested and motivated.
On the other hand the bit about Inktense should work equally well with cp.
Thank you! This is a fascinating process that tempts me to sink $40 into a suede board sometime when I have spending money. The results are gorgeous! I think this painting is a winner. Got to bookmark this entry.