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Post by toonMom on Jan 4, 2006 7:10:05 GMT -5
I am starting to use art stix to color my work but I am getting poor results. Can anyone give me some tips on using them?
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Post by chrisneuenschwander on Jan 4, 2006 10:48:17 GMT -5
getting poor results with art stix huh? well, i read in an earlier post somewhere that you get your best results with colored pencils, with that said, I'm having trouble understanding why you have difficulty with art stix. technically, they are the same material, the difference, one is thinner and covered with wood and one is thicker and stands on its own. The purpose of art stix is to cover a larger area in short amount of time. I do have a couple tips for you, I do use art stix often and used them at seaworld Orlando where I worked for almost 3 years with great artist like Joe Bluhm and Dino Casterline.
1.) Most importantly, do not use art stix on top of a grainy surface, the grain will transfer from the surface to your paper. I suggest two or three sheets of the same paper and a piece of foam to eliminate the unwanted grain. foam will also allow the colors to go on more smoothly.
2.) Because Art Stix and Prismacolor Pencils are EXACTLY the same material, use them together! thats what they are meant for. You can use the art stix for shading large areas, putting down bases and such. While the pencils can be used to do more detailed work.
3.) One thing that I found helpful the way you hold it. For me, it may be different for other people, but for me I hold it so the corner of the color stix is the part that make contact with the paper. That allows you to control the pressure and almost ensures that you will get the results you want.
4.) You can modify an art stix. Try sharpening one in a pencil sharpener. Rub down one side so that it is shaped how you like it. They are difficult to use when they are "fresh" shape them to you liking.
I am no expert on color stix, this is just what i found works best for me. Be creative though, if mastered, the results can be AMAZING within a few minutes, trust me.
Hope this helps!
-Chris
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Post by toonMom on Jan 4, 2006 11:29:30 GMT -5
That does help Chris, thanks. I think my problem is with the way I'm holding it and they are all brand new sticks. I have been using a flat side at an end (not sure how to explain this). I know they are the same as colored pencils, but I can't seem to get the hang of them. I have only used them a few times and I have just started using colored pencils as well. Color is completely new to me. I will keep working with them though and I know I'll get better.
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