The explorations and experimentations that make an artist!

Hello Everyone,

Exploration and experimentation are important parts of the artist’s journey. They help in expanding the knowledge of the artist and figure out new ways of working. This is the reason why it is crucial to try different materials, which can be a really fun process too. In “Materials Testing”, I will be giving my first impression and/or opinion about different materials that I test, and I hope that you learn a thing or two from this article.

I would like to start with a material called “Art Graf Watercolor Graphite”, which is a water-soluble graphite that comes in a form of a circular pan in a metal container. When I started testing it, I decided to use my mechanical pencil to make a comparison between the two.

The “Art Graf” graphite has a watercolor quality to it. Therefore, you should consider working from light to dark with it.  The more water you add the less intensity you get. It’s an unforgiving medium, which means that you cannot completely erase the mistake that you made. However, there are ways to go around that. 

In the Image above, I am showing random marks I made by using regular graphite pencil and the water-soluble one. 

This image shows the same marks after using an eraser. You can see that the regular graphite has left a subtle mark on the paper. On the other hand, the watercolor graphite is still visible, but with less intensity. This feature could be used to keep modifying the shading. 

With watercolor graphite, you can create 3D effects and sketches quickly. Medium and big brushes can help covering big areas with graphite in a short period of time. 

This small drawing shows the amazing part. You can use both types together, and the result remains great. If you focus on the drawing you may figure out which one is which.

One more thing, graphite is shimmery by nature. If you press on your pencil, you may get a shimmery marks. Also, the higher you go with the “B” range of pencils, the more noticeable it gets. The same thing applies for the watercolor graphite, but it looks a little bit different. 

That’s all for now, I hope you found some of what I shared useful. If you are interested in getting this product, you can find it in online art stores, or even Amazon. 

Artists and art lovers, feel free to join Qatar Living's very own Qatar Artists Group.