Peacock by Natalie Oswald created using DANIEL SMITH Watercolor Sticks

Peacock by Natalie Oswald created using DANIEL SMITH Watercolor Sticks

In our DANIEL SMITH Summer Sale Catalog with “Reflecting” by Luke J. Tornatzky on the cover, we had an excellent article by Natalie Oswald with Tips on “How To” use the DANIEL SMITH Watercolor Sticks.  I am sharing that article here since right now that article is not available on the danielsmith.com site.

 
Like many artists, I am continuously looking for new and exciting materials to broaden my artistic horizons.  Although the staples in my studio always have their place, there is a unique inspiration that comes from trying a new technique of working in an entirely different medium.  Discoveries are made, new ways of seeing can develop and often the challenge is worth the reward of creating work that you might not otherwise have considered.  The new DANIEL SMITH Watercolor Sticks are a great way for painters to get back in touch with drawing or for artists who typically sketch to add painterly color.
 
They really are unlike any artists’ material I have used.  These handmade sticks look similar to a pastel; however, they are very solid and dense (they would be difficult to break or cut).  The are wrapped in a plastic label that keeps the sticks neat and clean during watercolor techniques.  The weight of the sticks and their dark, rich color let me know right away that these sticks were loaded with pure pigment.  To experiment, I chose subjects I am familiar with.  I often paint birds and decided to try a pheasant and peacock – two birds with bold color and dramatic markings.
 
Example 1

Example 1

For the peacock study I liberated my brush and focused on making marks with the sticks, only using brushwork for the finishing details and touches.  I started with a sheet of hot pressed watercolor paper stretched on a board and damped with a spray bottle.  Hot pressed paper is a nice surface for drawing with the sticks as the smooth surface allows the lines to flow.  I started my “drawing” by tapping Sap Green, French Ultramarine and Quinacridone Burnt Orange sticks to the wet paper anywhere I wanted to add color and value. Example 1

 
Example 2

Example 2

Keeping the paper damp really draws out the pigment and I worked fast to create an impression of the peacock with dots and dashes of color, adding some yellow to the back and Burnt Umber to the wings.  Watercolor Sticks have a very high pigment load and my drawing quickly became saturated with bold color.  

 
After creating the shape of the bird, I added details with the sticks and, finally, a brush.  The spots of the peacock’s tail feathers were made by dipping the tops of the sticks into water and drawing “U” shapes, one color nested into another. Example 2
 
Example 3

Example 3

To add depth I applied Sap Green and French Ultramarine on the top of the tail, and then used my brush to draw down a more subtle wash of color toward the bottom.  I added detail to the head and beak by touching a wet brush to the stick and painting, similar to using a pan of watercolor.  A daub of white gouache finished the head and eye on this quick study.

 
The Pheasant began as a rendering using the sticks on cold press watercolor paper.  I drew the body shape, wings and tail with the Watercolor Sticks on dry paper.  Out in the field this would be a very convenient way to create a sketch that could easily be transformed into a watercolor painting at a later time.  I wet the paper and blended the color.  Example 3 
Example 4

Example 4

While the paper was still wet, I created marks and texture by drawing with Burnt Umber and Sap Green.  I let the paper dry and made an orange wash with shavings from the Quinacricdone Coral and Hansa Yellow Medium in a small dish.  Example 4

 
Example 5

Example 5

I glazed the entire body with the light wash and went back into the dark areas with the sticks of Burnt Umber and French Ultramarine while the wash was still wet.  I finished the head by using the Quinacricdone Coral and Hansa Yellow Medium sticks with a brush.  Example 5.  White gouache  was applied for highlights on the face and feathers.

 
Pheasant by Natalie Oswald with DANIEL SMITH Watercolor Sticks

Pheasant by Natalie Oswald with DANIEL SMITH Watercolor Sticks

I made some unexpected, yet pleasant observations at the completion of my studies.  My water jar was nearly clear, the Watercolor Sticks still looked brand new and there was no messy palette to contend with.  My use of a paintbrush was kept to a minimum so the pigment went directly to the paper and stayed there – a convenient and economical way to achieve great results.  The new DANIEL SMITH Watercolor Sticks are a pleasure to work with and will easily find their way into my studio and travel kit.

 
DANIEL SMITH Summer Sale Catalog 2009 Article
 
Thank you Natalie!
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Every Day,  Express Yourself  with  ART….
 
~Deborah Burns
 
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