Need some help with mixed media

[Mr. Funktastic]

I am trying to do a Drew Struzan style piece using paint as my background and color pencil. I read a tutorial which says to use acrylic paints, however I only have watercolors at this time. The problem I had was when I applied the paint to the illustration board after applying gesso hourse before and let it dry, my color pencils did not go on smoothly. I figure the dried watercolors are not condusive (did I spell that right?) to the color pencil. I am a total noob when it comes to mixed media and I don't regularly use paints, though I'm trying to branch out of my normal style as it were. If anyone has some feedback or can point me in the right direction, that would be great. Thanks.

[Elwell]

Don't gesso the board first.

[DSillustration]

you can also try this,
after your drawing is layed in;
lay a coat of matte medium mixed with a pinch of modeling paste.
this will add a clear workable surface with enough "tooth" for you to work colored pencil back into it.
you can use this process repeatedly (provided there is no oil based product prior).

also,
after your drawing,
try using that above mixture to create a textured surface.
you wont be able to see the strokes because its clear.
but when you go back into it with paint, you will get that cool brush effect drew achieves.

i am fairly certain drew uses this technique, as do a plethora of other artists.

[Mr. Funktastic]

would I apply the matte medium and the paste before I lay down the acrylic background?

[DSillustration]

if you want,
but if you want the brush stroke effect... yes.
drew keeps his paint very thin, so dont glop it on,
or the matte medium/modeling paste wont help at all.

[Ilaekae]

The problem is simply friction...or the lack of it.

Pencils need to be abraded to work. You can't draw on glass with a pencil, but you can draw on a plaster wall. The surface you draw on has to have enough tooth to abrade the pencil forcing it to leave behind particles of color. Otherwise, all you're doing is practicing arm/wrist movements.

If acrylic (or any other paint) is too smooth or flexible to wear or "catch" the pencil, it won't leave a mark. Try putting the paint down without medium in thinnish washes or layers that doesn't allow the acrylic medium to pile up.

If you're using watercolor instead of acrylic, don't use gessoed boards. Use a surface appropriate to water color. It also conveniently happens to be the best surface for pencils--paper, bristol, illus board, watercolor board, etc. Just make sure the paint is completely dry before you start your pencil work.

[CCThrom]

If you're using watercolor instead of acrylic, don't use gessoed boards. Use a surface appropriate to water color. It also conveniently happens to be the best surface for pencils--paper, bristol, illus board, watercolor board, etc. Just make sure the paint is completely dry before you start your pencil work.

Also... if you decide to work pencil over watercolor on paper, be aware that not all paper is created equal. I've found that most watercolor papers have too much "tooth" or texture to be good for pencils. Watercolor papers come in 3 general categories... rough has the most tooth, cold press is kind of in-between, and hot press which is the smoothest. I favor hot press for working pencil over my watercolor.

[Mr. Funktastic]

OK, I got it, thanks for the help guys.