When I was asked whether I’d be interested in trying out Derwent’s XL Blocks I jumped at the chance – what sketchoholic wouldn’t? As I waited for the blocks to arrive, I started to question how different they could be from other similar products on the market. But nothing could have prepared me for the chunky XL blocks, which measure a generous 20x20x 60mm and fit comfortably into the palm of the hand – they invite you to grasp them in a fist with just the tip of the block protruding.
What’s so special about them? Each set has six subtly moody colours: very soft, soft, burnt umber, raw umber, dark Prussian and dark olive in graphite; and ochre, sanguine, Mars violet, sepia, black and white in charcoal. Simply looking at them fired my imagination and I set to work immediately on a series of test sheets. It wasn’t long before I was doodling happily and making fanciful images from the ostensibly random marks.
Derwent’s XL graphite and charcoal blocks really score, having a softer, creamier composition than some other compressed blocks; they are more responsive to variations of pressure and therefore release a hitherto undiscovered vocabulary of inspirational marks, everything from the fattest, broadest slabs to the frailest and most delicate lines, and the loudest statements to the barely discernible whisper.
The blocks responded intuitively in my hand, instantly presenting different facets, edges and points of contact, each with its own unique mark-making potential. The chunky dimensions enhances their balance and handling, facilitating an expressive approach and more imaginative applications, which for me frequently resulted in unique and unpredictable outcomes.
この記事は Artists Drawing and Inspiration の Issue 36 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
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この記事は Artists Drawing and Inspiration の Issue 36 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です? サインイン
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Throughout her story you can feel the delight and joy that radiates from this artist as she describes her passion for art.
The Noble Equine
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Making The Picture Sing
Using her fine attention to detail, this artist creates a loving tribute to her subject.
Thanks to Da Vinci
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My Story
Sharing her passion for art has become a way of life for this determined and talented artist.
Link to Life
This artist adores pastels … a medium which she believes can fall between painting and drawing. Her art is truly her link to life.
Don't Rock the Boat
What comes first … the title or the painting? For this colourful artist, it can be either – and experimenting can lead to accidentally creating individual techniques.
Art for Steven
Some years ago, this man was inspired to make the transition from cartooning to painting. He had always wanted to express himself in this way, and he dedicates every painting to his late brother Steven who inspired him.