From previous posts you would know that I like to do rough underdrawings for most of my acrylic and oil paintings - both studio and plein air. I start with water soluble pencil then lay in the final sketch using something permanent that can be seen through the first layers of paint but are finally covered with added paint. I use Sharpie black markers ( can be a challenge to cover with acrylics and oils will not cover easily) and China Markers - in a variety of colours that do cover well. I know many have trouble using these so when I heard of the new markers the obvious thing was acrylic over acrylic or oil over acrylic both work well so this might be worth trying.
So I get a few pens made by Montana. Got the very fine, fine, mid sized and larger to try.All are purchases as empty and need to be loaded. Got black and a few colours to try. It is a bit of a trick the first time opening the pen for loading but there are good instructions on the Montana web page.
Four sizes all loaded with acrylic paint |
Replacement nibs, pen, and two sizes of acrylic for filling |
It works as expected. Used as an underdrawing it dries well and can be over painted without concern. Ideal for my purpose may be to to get a variety of colours thinking more of value than hue.
I find that if I scrub hard I can lift some of the paint - but not enough to be a problem.
Have been trying it both in studio and plein air. Find the Fine (2mm) to be a good general drawing pen. The very fine is just too darn fine for what I do and will not work well on course linen or canvas but is great for sketching on paper. Also can be used to add fine details to a painting. Recently started playing with the wide tips to boldly block in dark values and think there may be a real role for it there as well.
Initial drawing with water sol red pencil (need to enlarge to see it) then rough block ins with wide black and colours.
Rub on of neutral warms ( transparent red iron oxide I think) to soften overall then start of bringing in opaques to boats.
20x30 nearing completion ( or scrape pile) |
Where it sits now. Need more thought. Am after a moody east coast feeling but went wild with water.
These pens are excellent for redrawing during painting - adding changes as they come. Also great for creating lines - masts in this case.
Not cheap but really a handy addition to the tool box. I am off to Tofino for a few days and plan to try them sketching on paper.
Used for initial sketch-in plein air and liked it
Cheers.
Wonderful initial drawing and will have to try these markers. BTW where did you buy a clamp like yours for the sketch book? I enlarged the photo, but could not find any helpful information.
ReplyDeleteThank you!
Brian... after you've been experimenting with the Montana markers for a while, could you let us know whether the felt tips get clogged/ruined with dried paint? Also wondering if you can refill them with your own paint or if you must continually buy Montana refills? Thx! Have fun in Tofino!
ReplyDeleteYes, I noticed and wondered about the clamp too. Would like to get one.
ReplyDelete