Colored pencils, a versatile and beloved medium for artists and hobbyists alike, come in various forms, each with unique properties and characteristics. Among these, wax-based colored pencils hold a prominent position, offering a range of qualities that make them suitable for diverse artistic applications. This article explores the properties of wax coloring pencils, comparing them to their oil-based counterparts, and delving into techniques for their effective use.
Colored pencils consist of a narrow, pigmented core encased in a wooden cylindrical case. The core comprises pigment, a binder, filler, and wax. The binder is what differentiates a wax-based pencil from an oil-based one. Wax-based colored pencils utilize a waxy binder, while oil-based pencils utilize an oil-based binder. What most people would refer to as 'regular' colored pencils are wax-based.
Wax-based pencils are generally softer than oil-based pencils, allowing for smooth and easy color laydown. They layer nicely and reach a state where burnishing occurs relatively quickly, provided you are using a quality brand. Softer binders allow color to mix quickly as they are layered. The softer leads of wax pencils mean pastel-like effects can be achieved.
Wax-based pencils are generally easier to erase than oil-based pencils. Lighter lines can be erased with ease, either with a kneadable eraser or a sand eraser.
Wax-based pencils can create a more saturated look than oil-based pencils. They allow for rich, bold colors to be achieved easily.
Wax-based pencils are prone to wax bloom, a process where the waxy binder slowly evaporates to the surface of the drawing over time. This produces a light, waxy film over the surface of the drawing. If you see some wax bloom, you can wipe the affected area with a clean, dry cloth before applying more color. Once the artwork is finished, you can seal it with a fixative, which will prevent wax bloom from returning.
Since wax-based pencils are softer than oil-based pencils, the cores tend to break easily. However, harder core versions of wax-based pencils are also produced, such as Verithin by Prismacolor.
Colored pencils layer nicely, allowing the color that’s layered on top to alter the appearance of the color underneath. As colors are layered, they naturally mix. It may be better to layer colors instead of using a pre-mixed color. Colors that are mixed will have a bit more variety in them and look a bit more natural.
Burnishing is the act of exploiting the binder of the pencil to blend and work the medium into the tooth of the paper, creating an even appearance of application. It can also be used to blend and mix colors. A colorless blender, which is either a wax-based pencil absent of pigment or a marker that thins the pigment, can be used. The waxy binder in the pencil is worked over applications of color, mixing and blending the medium into the tooth of the paper. This results in an even appearance of color. A lighter pencil can also be used to work colors already applied to the surface working the medium into the tooth of the paper. One major drawback to this technique is that it lightens the value of the color.
Solvent can be applied with a brush to colored pencil applications, thinning the medium. This results in an even application of color.
Colored pencils, when used to their full potential, can resemble paintings. The key to creating this effect is to build up layered applications. When applications are layered heavily, the binder allows the colors to move and blend in a manner that is similar to painting, logically resulting in a look that is not dissimilar to a painting.
Details are important, but with colored pencils, they can be defined and refined later in the drawing process. They do not have to be addressed in the early stages.
Colored pencils are a medium that require a time commitment. While they are a “slow” medium, the trade off lies in the detail and control that can be achieved in a drawing. Slow down and take your time.
| Feature | Wax-Based Colored Pencils | Oil-Based Colored Pencils |
|---|---|---|
| Binder | Wax | Oil |
| Softness | Generally softer | Generally harder |
| Erasability | Easier to erase | More difficult to erase |
| Color Saturation | Can achieve more saturated look | Less saturated look |
| Wax Bloom | Prone to wax bloom | Not prone to wax bloom |
| Core Breakage | Cores tend to break easily | Cores are less susceptible to breakage |
| Blending | Colors mix faster and burnishing is easier | Superb control over color layering and detail work |
| Smearing | Less prone to smearing | More prone to smearing |
| Price | Generally less expensive | Generally more expensive |
| Availability | More prevalent and easier to find | Less prevalent and may be harder to find at local stores |
When choosing wax-based colored pencils, consider the following factors:
Colored pencils can be used in combination with several other drawing mediums, such as graphite, markers, gel pens, watercolors, crayons, pastels, and gouache.
Roughening is a technique, which creates a rendering of textured surfaces by placing a rough piece of paper underneath the drawing paper. Next, rub the drawing paper with a very smooth object to leave indentions on the paper.
Scoring patterns can be used to create highlights on objects. The technique requires tracing or transparent paper and a sharp pen. First, place the paper over the area being impressed.
Fusing colors encourages the colored pencil pigments to be physically blended using solvents, colorless blender, or a combination of both of these.
A thick, archival paper with ‘tooth’ will provide an adequate surface for either wax or oil pencil medium.
All art media can fade over time as light and humidity break down the molecular bonds of the colors. The ability to resist this process is called "lightfastness" and it's a major concern for fine artists who want their work to last. If you’re especially concerned about permanence, be aware that it doesn’t just vary across brands, but also amongst pencils of the same brand, depending on the specific pigment used for each color. For this reason, most artist grade brands provide lightfastness ratings for each pencil.
tags: #wax #coloring #pencils #properties
