HOME | DD

Description
A while ago, I received a set of 72 Lyra Rembrandt Aquarell (watercolor) Pencils as the result of winning one of the Monthly Challenges by Colored Pencil Magazine. Now I finally got a chance to put them in good use.

Here is my short review on these pencils.

1. Good craftmanship, luxurious design. Each pencil is so well made. I almost reluctant to sharpen the pencils since they are just beautiful to look at.

2. Ease of application. Although it might feel chalky at first, I could quickly adapt to it. You may apply the color without the use of water. However, I would recommend use water at least once during the process to bring out the full potential of these pencils. Without the water application, the color is less vivid. Wax bloom also became less noticible after water application

3 - Each pencil is colored coded at the head. However, I found some of the yellow and greens are quite similar so I didn't bother to learn all the fancy names marked in the shaft of the pencil. Instead, I just picked the color by eyes and feel. If I like the appearance of the color on paper, then I would take note on those frequently used pencils.

4. Like I mentioned before, the Aquarell is great only after water application. However, applying solvent (e.g. water, OMS, etc.) is great for color and coverage but not somuch for detailing work. At the very end, I used my trusty Prismacolor for the final finishing layer, adding more definition and texture.

5. The paper I used was made for dry media. As a result of water brushing, the paper warped a little, but that didn't bother me. It's fixable by ironing......just kidding. Don't!

All in all, I like the pencils and will use it for future work. I think it's a great tool for underpainting and could be used for some nice painterly effect. New tool, new possibility.

Why "Ordinary Life"?

The subject matter (the doorknob) is quite mundane and often is neglected by everyday people, ordinary peole. It takes someone with artistic vision to see what makes a still life object beautiful. Kudos to the photographer.

Someone might argue that, "What's the point of drawing from photos? Use a photo copy machine is faster and better."

Art is like a language, and there are many ways to say the same thing. I'm just the interpreter or translator. What I said is an honest expression of my understanding of the subject matter from my eyes, to my brain, through my hand, onto the paper. The result is days and days of hard work. If you thought that could be easily reproduced within seconds by a copy machine, you're missing the picture...... THE PICTURE! That's the story of my "Ordinary Life." (the end)

Medium: Lyra Rembrandt Aquarell (Watercolor) Pencils (90%), Prismacolor Colored Pencils (10%)
Support: 9x12 Strathmore 300 Bristol Vellum (cropped to 8.75x11.75)
Other: water & water brush
Duration: 01/27/2013 ~ 02/14/2013
Reference: [link]
Facebook Me: [link]

WIP: Previous: Next:

Description
A while ago, I received a set of 72 Lyra Rembrandt Aquarell (watercolor) Pencils as the result of winning one of the Monthly Challenges by Colored Pencil Magazine. Now I finally got a chance to put them in good use.

Here is my short review on these pencils.

1. Good craftmanship, luxurious design. Each pencil is so well made. I almost reluctant to sharpen the pencils since they are just beautiful to look at.

2. Ease of application. Although it might feel chalky at first, I could quickly adapt to it. You may apply the color without the use of water. However, I would recommend use water at least once during the process to bring out the full potential of these pencils. Without the water application, the color is less vivid. Wax bloom also became less noticible after water application

3 - Each pencil is colored coded at the head. However, I found some of the yellow and greens are quite similar so I didn't bother to learn all the fancy names marked in the shaft of the pencil. Instead, I just picked the color by eyes and feel. If I like the appearance of the color on paper, then I would take note on those frequently used pencils.

4. Like I mentioned before, the Aquarell is great only after water application. However, applying solvent (e.g. water, OMS, etc.) is great for color and coverage but not somuch for detailing work. At the very end, I used my trusty Prismacolor for the final finishing layer, adding more definition and texture.

5. The paper I used was made for dry media. As a result of water brushing, the paper warped a little, but that didn't bother me. It's fixable by ironing......just kidding. Don't!

All in all, I like the pencils and will use it for future work. I think it's a great tool for underpainting and could be used for some nice painterly effect. New tool, new possibility.

Why "Ordinary Life"?

The subject matter (the doorknob) is quite mundane and often is neglected by everyday people, ordinary peole. It takes someone with artistic vision to see what makes a still life object beautiful. Kudos to the photographer.

Someone might argue that, "What's the point of drawing from photos? Use a photo copy machine is faster and better."

Art is like a language, and there are many ways to say the same thing. I'm just the interpreter or translator. What I said is an honest expression of my understanding of the subject matter from my eyes, to my brain, through my hand, onto the paper. The result is days and days of hard work. If you thought that could be easily reproduced within seconds by a copy machine, you're missing the picture...... THE PICTURE! That's the story of my "Ordinary Life." (the end)

Medium: Lyra Rembrandt Aquarell (Watercolor) Pencils (90%), Prismacolor Colored Pencils (10%)
Support: 9x12 Strathmore 300 Bristol Vellum (cropped to 8.75x11.75)
Other: water & water brush
Duration: 01/27/2013 ~ 02/14/2013
Reference: [link]
Facebook Me: [link]

WIP: Previous: Next: