#TuesdayToolsAndTechniques September 5

Mastering Pencil Crayons: The Art of Gradation

Welcome to another edition of #TuesdayToolsAndTechniques, where we dive deep into the world of artistry to unlock new skills and insights. Today, we're putting the spotlight on a fundamental artistic tool we all started with—pencil crayons. While we may have used them as kids to add vibrant hues to maps, hearts, and various school projects, it's surprising how little we were taught about the art of coloring with them.

Let's change that today as we explore the mesmerizing technique of blending two similar colors, specifically two shades of blue. This technique, known as gradation, can elevate your artwork to a whole new level.

Step 1: Selecting Your Colors Begin by choosing two similar shades of blue. It's important that they are close in hue but differ slightly in intensity. This subtle variation will make your gradation more visually interesting.

Step 2: Starting with a Firm Touch Using the first blue pencil, apply a slightly hard pressure to the paper. This initial layer of color will serve as the darkest part of your gradation.

Step 3: Gradually Lightening Up Now, gradually reduce the pressure on your pencil as you move towards the area where you want the colors to blend. This transition should be smooth and seamless.

Step 4: Transition to the Second Color Switch to the second blue pencil and, just as before, start with a slightly hard pressure, overlapping it with the first color in the blended section. Then, lighten the pressure as you move towards the fully blended part. This is where the magic happens, as the two colors seamlessly merge.

Step 5: Repeating the Process With the two colors now joined, it's time to repeat the process. Begin again with the first blue, using firm pressure and gradually lightening it. Then, switch to the second blue, following the same pattern. Each repetition will enhance the smoothness of your gradation.

Step 6: Achieving Perfect Transitions Keep refining your gradation until you achieve a flawless transition from dark to light and back again. The key is patience and practice. Don't be discouraged if it doesn't look perfect on your first try; mastery comes with time.

Application in Art Gradations are incredibly versatile and can be used in various artistic contexts. Consider using these gradual color transitions in your skies to create stunning sunsets or in the petals of a flower for a realistic and captivating effect.

Remember, the beauty of art lies not just in the end result but in the journey of creation. Experiment with different colors and subjects, and you'll discover endless possibilities with this technique.

So, the next time you pick up your pencil crayons, remember the art of gradation and watch your creations come to life with depth and vibrancy. Stay tuned for more #TuesdayToolsAndTechniques as we continue to explore the wonderful world of artistry together. Happy creating!

FaceBook LIVE: Art Creation Time

Hey everyone! I hope you’re having a great week so far! Just wanted to remind you about my LIVE play time, with art supplies in my FaceBook group, Art &Soul Insider, every Wednesday and Saturday at 10am (MST). If you love creating art and trying out old and new supplies, then you won’t want to miss it!

I’ll be bringing my art supplies and would love for you to join me and bring yours too. It’s a great opportunity to try out new techniques, share ideas, and just have some creative fun together. So mark your calendars and don’t forget to join my FaceBook’s Art & Soul Insider group to join in on the fun. Can’t wait to see you all there!

My World Rocks! An Online Art Course

Discover the joy of creating and letting your imagination run wild with My World Rocks! This course is designed to help you build confidence with acrylic paints, teaching you 19 different techniques, along with step-by-step instructions to guide you along the way. Not only will you learn a new skill, but you'll also have some much-needed "me time" to enjoy and relax.

With each new rock you paint, you'll feel a sense of pride and enjoyment, creating a colorful collection of rocks, each with a short-worded intention written on them. The course is self-paced, so you can go at your own pace, and you'll have weekly access to the teacher (Barbara Lynn Burns) via Zoom, to ask questions and get guidance. Plus, participate in guided meditations to enhance your overall experience.

Transform your everyday rocks into a beautiful and meaningful collection, pick one daily to set your intention, and bring color and positivity into your life. Sign up now at https://www.barbaralynnburns.com/my-world-rocks and start your fun and relaxing journey with My World Rocks!