The Secret to Stunning Colored Pencil Drawings: Toned Gray Paper
Colored Pencil Drawing of a bag of Sour Patch Kids - Richard Jasso
Have you ever had that 'aha' moment when a simple change completely transforms your work? That's exactly what happened to me when I switched from white to toned gray paper for my colored pencil drawings. It felt like unlocking a secret level in a game, where suddenly everything looked richer, deeper, and more alive. This wasn’t just a new kind of paper; it was a whole new canvas that opened up unexplored territories in my art.
Advantages of Using Toned Gray Paper
When I first switched to using toned gray paper for my colored pencil work, the difference was like night and day.
Realistic Depth and Tone
On white paper, achieving depth and realism can be a challenge, but the natural mid-tone of gray paper makes this so much easier. It's like having a head start in the race to realism. The gray background provides a natural shadow, allowing the colors to stand out more vividly. This shift in the base tone adds an instant depth to my drawings that I struggled to achieve before.
Colored Pencil Drawing of an In & Out Burger - Richard Jasso
Mistakes Are Less Noticeable
We all make mistakes, but on gray paper, they don't scream for attention like they do on white. It's more forgiving; minor errors and stray marks blend into the background, making them easier to correct or incorporate into the artwork. This has made my drawing process more relaxed and enjoyable.
Efficiency in Shading
The gray base acts as a perfect mid-tone, cutting down the time I spend on establishing the initial layers of shading. This efficiency allows me to focus more on refining the highlights and shadows, which are crucial for bringing my drawings to life.
A Bridge to Painting Skills
As someone who also dabbles in painting, I've found that working on toned gray paper has improved my understanding of light and shadow in painting. It's a great way to practice managing a full range of tones, which is an essential skill in both mediums.
Unifying the Composition
There's a cohesiveness that comes with using gray paper. The background color peeks through the pencil strokes, tying the entire piece together in a way that white paper just doesn't. This unity is particularly noticeable and beneficial when trying to convey a specific mood or atmosphere in my work.
Enhanced Value Range
Starting with a mid-tone means I can easily add both lighter and darker values, creating a fuller range of tones in my drawings. This has enabled me to produce more dynamic and visually compelling pieces than I could on white paper.
Why I Like Strathmore Toned Gray Mixed Media Paper
When I first started using colored pencils for my artwork, I was pretty content with the usual white paper. It was familiar, readily available, and seemed to do the job. But as I grew more serious about my art, I began to feel like something was missing. That's when I stumbled upon toned gray paper, specifically Strathmore's toned gray mixed media paper, and it completely changed my approach to drawing.
One of the first things I noticed was the texture of the paper. It was a perfect middle ground – not too rough, not too smooth. This texture allowed my colored pencils to grip the paper just right, enabling me to build up layers and blend colors effortlessly. Before, I had struggled with getting my colored pencils to lay down and blend the way I wanted on the smoother white paper. The slightly grainy surface of the toned gray paper was a game-changer.
Colored Pencil Drawing of a Twix Candy Bar - Richard Jasso
Another aspect that drew me to this paper was its durability. I'm the kind of artist who likes to layer colors, erase, and rework sections until I'm satisfied. This paper could handle it all without showing signs of wear or tear. The heavyweight feel of the paper also added a professional touch to my finished pieces, making them feel more substantial and high-quality.
The archival quality of Strathmore's toned gray paper was a huge plus for me. Knowing that my work wouldn't yellow or degrade over time gave me peace of mind, especially when considering selling my artwork or displaying it over long periods. This acid-free paper ensured that my efforts and expressions would stand the test of time, maintaining their vibrancy and integrity.
But perhaps the most significant benefit I found in using toned gray paper was its versatility. Initially, I was focused only on using colored pencils, but this paper opened up new avenues for me to explore. It was compatible with other mediums, like watercolors and inks, allowing me to experiment with mixed media techniques. This flexibility was exciting and inspired me to push the boundaries of my creative expression.
Techniques and Tips for Using Colored Pencils on Toned Gray Paper
As someone who's spent a fair amount of time experimenting with colored pencils on toned gray paper, I've picked up a few techniques and tips that have really made a difference in my work. Here's what I've learned:
Layering is Key: On toned gray paper, layering colors can produce some stunning effects. I start with lighter layers and gradually build up to the darker shades. This approach helps in creating depth and dimension in my drawings. The gray background acts as a mid-tone, so it's easier to judge the right intensity of colors.
Playing with Highlights and Shadows: One thing I've noticed is how the toned background naturally sets up the mid-tones, letting me focus more on the highlights and shadows. I use lighter pencils for highlights, which really pop against the gray. For shadows, darker pencils blend more seamlessly than they do on white paper. This contrast is what really brings the drawing to life.
Choosing Colors Wisely: Colors behave differently on gray paper compared to white. I've found that vibrant and high-contrast colors stand out more, while softer colors provide a subtle, more natural look. It's fun to experiment with different palettes to see how they interact with the gray background.
Burnishing for Smoothness: To get a really smooth finish, I often use a technique called burnishing. Once I've built up several layers of color, I press harder with a light-colored pencil or a colorless blender. This smooths out the pencil strokes and gives the colors a more vibrant, paint-like quality.
Working with the Paper's Grain: The texture of the paper can be used to your advantage. I pay attention to the grain and use it to add texture to my drawings. This can be particularly effective for rendering natural elements like skin, fur, or foliage.
Embracing the Gray: Lastly, I’ve learned to let the gray of the paper show through in certain areas. It acts as a natural mid-tone, which means I don’t have to fill in every single space. This not only saves time but also adds a unique dimension to the artwork.
These techniques have really opened up new possibilities in my colored pencil work. The toned gray paper isn’t just a surface to draw on; it’s an active participant in the creative process, adding depth, mood, and complexity to my drawings.
Conclusion
In wrapping up, my switch to toned gray paper for my colored pencil artwork has been a real eye-opener. This simple change has had a profound impact on my drawings, bringing in depth and realism that was harder to achieve on white paper. The way the colors play off the gray, the ease of covering up little mistakes, and the overall feel of the finished pieces have all contributed to a more satisfying and engaging artistic process. If there's one thing I've learned from this experience, it's that sometimes, the right background can make all the difference. For fellow artists considering a switch or just starting out, I highly recommend giving toned gray paper a try. It might just change your perspective on colored pencil drawing as much as it did for me.
