Water-soluble graphite has quickly become a new favorite medium for me. I like the richness that the graphite creates along with the freedom to add more layers and not end up with a shiny end result. The diversity of this medium allows for quick, tight sketches like the kitten seen here, or can be utilized for loose, free-flowing sketches with a more painterly effect. (I will post a loose sketch next week.)
Drawing detail does take some practice and experimentation. If too much water is added to an area the graphite will bleed; I almost lost the cat’s eye on this sketch because my brush was too wet. Drawing can be done dry, using water, or both; it all depends on what effect you want to create.
I also added an element of color to this sketch utilizing a great new drawing tool by ArtGraf. ArtGraf produces water-soluble graphite along with pigmented water-soluble drawing mediums, most art stores and Amazon now sell this new art product from Portugal. Here I worked with a very light wash of the pigment, however the same pigment can be used to create deep intense colors.
Paper used: Canson Mixed Media
