Claybord and Micron™ illustration with Vic Hollins
Watch this tutorial by Vic Hollins and learn how to illustrate on Claybord with Micron pens. Claybord and micron pens are perfect art supplies for #inktober challenges.
Materials:
- Ampersand Claybord
- 05 Black Micron™
- 05 Light Cool Gray Micron™
- Graphite or transfer paper
- Eraser
- Water
- Paintbrush
Step 1: Start with a sketch: Use graphite or transfer paper to transfer your source image onto the Claybord. Use an eraser to clean any smudged or excessively dark lines. This is important, especially when working with a technical medium such as Micron Pens. The foundation of the illustration must be solid.
Step 2: Block in light gray midtones: Using the Light Cool Gray Micron, build the lightest midtone values. For large areas where a softer edge is needed, use a paintbrush with water immediately after placing lines. If blocking in a larger area, fill with the Light Cool Gray Micron. Then brush the edges that need to be softened.
Step 3: Place darkest values: Using the Black Micron, block in the darkest values. Try to avoid the wet brush technique for now. These areas of darkest shadow should be solid shapes. The more pure black that is added to the piece, the more contrast you have. This will set the mood for the piece.
Step 4: Plug in black midtones: Using the Black Micron, start around the areas that were just blocked in, and add a few black lines, followed by a wet brush. Build up as much shadow as needed to blend the midtones. This step will help the illustration become more seamless by connecting the light gray midtones to the darkest black tones.
Step 5: Refine edges: This step can dramatically change the illustration’s appearance. Using either the Black or Light Cool Gray Micron, outline the edges of the main subject and anything in the foreground. Use the Black Micron for a bolder look or the Light Cool Gray for a softer look.
Step 6: Add detail lines: This final step brings the illustration together. Add extra detail around focal point areas to direct the viewer’s eye. If any shading is disjointed, using the Light Cool Gray Micron can help bridge the tones together.
Although it seems like an unexpected combination, using Microns on Ampersand Claybord has such a unique smooth feel. The ink glides across the surface like an absolute dream. The Microns could be blended out with water, hatched or stippled with endless possibilities of layering and lining.
Perhaps the most wonderful thing about Claybord is how it truly supports mixed media illustration. If desired, this surface could easily support watercolor as a next step, and gold foil after that... but why stop there?
Tips from the artist:
For seamless lines:
Try using the Light Cool Gray Micron as an extension over the top of a wet black line. This technique will blend the two tones together into a darker gray.
For washes & large areas:
The quicker the water is added, the easier the lines will fade. If the inked lines are left to dry then it may be beneficial to add a couple extra lines, and glide over the top immediately with a wet brush.
For accidents:
Claybord is very forgiving. If a mistake is made, take a wet brush to pool some water on the affected area. After about a minute of the water resting, take a soft rag and lightly rub to simply lift the ink lines off the surface.
Artist bio:
Vic Hollins has a BFA with an emphasis on illustration and is interested in creating beautiful layered, mixed-media illustrations. Inspired heavily by the desert, patterns, and color, her illustrations are both vibrant and complex.
Since 2016, Vic has been an art ambassador for Royal Talens and has internationally taught workshops, demos and paints for them often. In her free time, Vic runs an Etsy shop that features her self-published comic book series, card game, and original illustrations.
Vic also teaches art classes weekly at Assisted Living communities for seniors and is determined to make the world a happier place through art creation. To see more of Vic's work, visit her website, Instagram, and Etsy.
