Experimenting with Different Mediums
Watch me illustrate the same subject, a yellow daffodil, using several different art mediums. I’ll be working with some of my familiar favorites, as well as trying out a few new ones.
The purpose of this exercise is not only to introduce you to new tools and techniques with mediums you may be less familiar with, but also to help strengthen your artistic abilities with those mediums you already know well.
I drew a daffodil six times and used gouache, markers, colored pencils, oil pastels, acrylic paint, and soft pastels to color each one.
Get out of your comfort zone and try something new!
Gouache Paint
Gouache is a water-based paint similar to watercolor but with a more opaque, matte finish. It's a versatile medium, giving you the ability to achieve solid colors and smooth, even coverage.
This is my personal favorite medium. I love that it can be applied thickly to create an opaque look or watered down for a transparent wash, similar to watercolors. Another benefit is that it can be reactivated once dry, meaning you can return to a painting and rework the colors even after it has dried.
Alcohol Markers
Alcohol markers offer bright, vibrant colors and can be used for both fine details and broad coverage. With some practice, you can even learn to blend them.
Alcohol markers are a new medium for me, but my children love using them so I wanted to give them a try. I found them very satisfying to work with. I loved how saturated the colors were and how easy it was to cover large areas. I definitely see myself using these again.
Colored Pencils
Colored pencils are made with pigment mixed with wax or oil. With these, you can create detailed, precise drawings and layer colors for depth. They're also great for blending or creating smooth gradients.
This is a familiar medium for me. I enjoyed using them and am pleased with how the illustration turned out. I like that I can achieve fine details with ease. They offer precision and are easy to control. I also really enjoy the blending process with colored pencils.
Oil Pastels
Oil pastels are similar to crayons but are made with oil-based binders, giving them a rich, creamy texture. They offer vibrant colors and can be blended easily, allowing for expressive strokes and a range of textures.
These were very satisfying to use. They blend easily and have a really smooth application. They're great for laying down color quickly, though they can be quite messy and may smudge.
Acrylic Paint
Acrylic paint is water-based and fast-drying, offering vibrant colors that can be used in a variety of styles, from thick, textured impasto to smooth, layered glazes. It can be applied to many surfaces, including canvas, wood, and paper.
This used to be my medium of choice. I like the versatility, but it's often too messy to be practical. However, it's great to have on hand for various art and craft projects.
Soft Pastels
Soft pastels are crumbly, vibrant, and highly pigmented. They blend easily and can be used for both subtle shading and bold color, creating a soft, velvety texture.
These are quite messy. While they're easy to use, blend, and layer, I don't enjoy how fragile they are. It's difficult to achieve fine details, and the final piece tends to smudge, so you'll need to take extra steps to protect your work.