On step #1 I layer on the cool zone process red, pink and white colored pencils over light blue artist crayon (see more on “layering” on previous post). I use the side of the pencil, not the point.

After moving the paper to the warm zone I start blending with a paper stump. Here, again, I’m using the side, not the point, and make small circles as I blend. Step #2 shows you the blending in progress.

On step #3 you can see the end result: a very smooth and flawless color gradation. This technique will allow you to blend a large area in a very short time.

#1 - Color Gradation

#2 - Color Gradation

#3 - Color Gradation

As you can see on step #1, it’s impossible to layer a hard medium over a softer one. The pink colored pencil can only make indentations and scratches over the light blue artist crayon. Here is where the Icarus Drawing Board can help you.

On step #2 the thick layer of crayon is thinned out on the warm zone with a gray paper stump. I use the side, not the point of the paper stump and make small circles until I’m left with a thin, saturated layer of color.

After moving the paper to the cool zone, I’m now able to easily layer colored pencil over artist crayon (see step #3).

#1 - Layering Colored Pencil Over Artist Crayon or Oil Pastel

#2 - Layering Colored Pencil Over Artist Crayon or Oil Pastel

#3 - Layering Colored Pencil Over Artist Crayon or Oil Pastel

The Icarus Drawing Board is featured on Alyona Nickelsen’s new book “Colored Pencil Painting Bible” in the “Helpful Tools” section.

Colored Pencil Painting Bible

Icarus Drawing Board on P. 9

Read an Icarus Drawing Board review on Heather Mewis’ blog “Feathered Friends Mementos“.

A new smaller Icarus Drawing Board measuring 14″x20″ is now available for sale.

Read about the Icarus Drawing Board on Teresa Mallen’s November 2008 Newsletter. You might also enjoy her blog: Teresa Mallen Studio.

The Botanical Artists Guild of Southern California was this year’s host of the 14th Annual Conference of the American Society of Botanical Artists. Icarus Art was one of the exhibitors and I demonstrated my new Icarus Technique to the numerous attendees.

ASBA Conference 2008 (1)

ASBA Conference 2008 (2)

Read about the Icarus Drawing Board on Katherine Tyrrell’s blog Making a Mark.

My new technique (Icarus Technique) has been officially approved for International Competitions by the Colored Pencil Society of America.

The second demonstration of my new technique using a heated drawing board (prototype of the Icarus Drawing Board) took place at the Los Angeles Chapter meeting of the Colored Pencil Society of America on October 6, 2007.