My specialty is colored pencil and graphite pencil on top of watercolor and/or gouache. I’ve been experimenting with different types of watercolor paper, Bristol, and pastel paper in the search for the perfect surface for my technique. I need a paper that can take paint well, yet also allows for smooth application of the colored pencil. Using watercolor or gouache as a ground layer creates a unifying color that connects the whole artistic piece and adds a little tooth to the paper for layering colored pencil. The amount of tooth is important because I need a little tooth in order for the colored pencil to adhere to the surface of the paper without becoming scratchy, waxy, or patchy, but too much tooth can create visible texture and the colored pencil looks too rough for my liking. (I continue to strive towards a look of smooth perfection!)
