Cosmic Invader

So I finally get to share my entire artist process with you! I recently finished a piece I've been working on for about a month and a half now.  It began with a late night sketch.  

(My beginning sketch using General's Cedar Pointe Pencil, and then various sized Micron Felt Tipped Pen.) 

I can't say enough about General Pencil or Sakura of America which makes Microns . My first set of drawing pencils were from General pencil and I still have a few nubs hanging around! 

I have always loved Felt Tipped Markers and have used various types but Microns are so far the best.  They are waterproof and have archival ink. I've had a few problems with pens smudging even after dry, but Microns don't budge!

(I chose Canson's Pastel paper for my sketch.) 

I used 9x12 Mi-teintes Pastel paper from Canson. It is a Grey brown color. If I had planned this picture out before I started I would have liked a heavier paper. This paper is 98lb and there's a small rip on the left side of the original piece! 

( Details of the finished sketch) 

(Full finished Sketch) 

So I really liked this sketch and decided to take it further.  I am a big fan of the TV show Cosmos and my Boyfriend and I recently got the video game Destiny,  so I had plenty of pretty space to inspire me. 

(So I grabbed my Prismacolor pencils set and went to work.) 

I love Prismacolor products, especially their colored pencils!  They are the first (and only) Artist-grade pencil set I have used or owned.  So I might be a little bias! I have the Prismacolor Verithin 36 set,  and the Prismacolor Premiere 24 set. also as you can see from the picture above,  I also have a colorless blender.

 The verithins are a harder pencil and can sharpen to a very thin point,  as the name suggests. I love the colors and the intimate details you can achieve with these. 

The Premieres are a softer core and can blend easier and lay. The colors are the basically the same as the Verithin, but much richer! 

Which leads to the colorless blender. Didn't know it existed till recently and I love it.   I always used white to blend before and it just washed all your colors out. The colorless blender is a must have! 

As you can see you plan out the highlights and then the shadows. Always go more on the light side because it's easier to give than take away with colored pencils. 

Here I have started with the blender on the background and started the build up the highlights. 

It's kind of crazy the difference a blender can make. My alien instantly comes alive and has depth! Hooray! Prismacolor also has a silver verithin which I used on the body a bit. 

(Holbein Acryla gouache,  titanium white) 

I brought out the white highlights with Acryla,  Holbein's Acrylic Gouache. I have just recently started using these and they are amazing! 

I then used Daler Rowney India Ink to bring an intensity to the black.  I picked this up at Walmart on a whim. 

 And there he is, My Cosmic Invader! This piece is available and I have a pretty cool release planned for it. So keep your eyes peeled! Please inquire if interested. 

(Follow me on instagram Bambeii_) 

I post a lot of these pictures and tons more on my instagram! Make sure to follow me and see what I'm working on now! 

I love comments and questions! 

-till next time-

Dick Blick Sale!

So I'm awaiting a delivery of new amazing products!  New as in I've never tried them before but have drooled over them for months. First of all Dick Blick is holding a great sale which is half the reason I got these things!  (starving artist and all) 

So I got some Prismacolor colored pencils both the verithin and the premier variety! AND I got the 36 color verithin pack.  The difference between the verithins and the premiers are that the verithins can be sharpened to a very small point and are more hard than the premiers which are richer and better for laying down color. I have used prismacolor pencils before (and love them).  I only have the 12 pack so I can't wait to update my color choices! 

:) 

(Prismacolor Verithin Premier Pencil Set 36 count) 

I also ordered Sakura Koi Watercolor set with 18 colors.  Sakura makes the micron felt tipped artist markers that I love so much. I haven't used there paint but the reviews were great! 

(Sakura Koi Watercolor Set 18 count) 

And what I am anticipating the most is a 12 set of Holbein Acryla Acrylic Gouache. I have been obsessing over these paints forever.  I noticed some of my favorite artists use them and they seem to give a smoother thinner consistency than normal acrylic without losing any pigment. I can't wait to see if I'm right.  

(Holbein Acryla Gouache Set 12 count) 

So I'm watching the mailbox, and I can't wait to finish up some pieces I've been waiting for watercolor for.  All my old paints (not my acrylic I use Trekell)  were over 10 years old and from high-school. Over due for an update!

-A

Playing with Artist Trading Cards

So a few months ago I subscribed to this amazing monthly box for artist, called Pigment and Palette. You get a handful of fine art products every month for 18$. The best part about this box is it opens your mind to things you never knew existed,  or just never really thought to try. They feature a guest artist every month and you get a cool card of there work. 

(August's Box) 

Last month's box is above. The featuring artist is Sam Larson.  Follow him on instagram @samlarson . You can follow Pigment and Palette on instagram @pigmentandpalette

Anyways.  As you can see last month I got a sample pack of Artist Trading Cards.  Which I never knew existed. Mind blown. Artist from around the world make and trade these cards. Such a cool concept. So I had to try them out. The pack comes with 7 different kinds of paper. Vellum Bristol, Smooth Bristol, canvas, textured, watercolor, illustration board, and Acrylic.  I choose the Smooth Bristol and went to work. 

(Gnarwhal by Amber Lussier) 

This video above breaks down the process I use and shows the supplies I used. I do this all on my phone so I apologize if the quality is lacking. 

(If your too lazy to watch the video) 

This item is available if anyone is interested,  and don't forget you can follow me on instagram @bambeii_

Till next time

Welcome!

Welcome 

From here on out I will be taking you on a journey fueled by pure creative juices and pencil lead. Welcome to my blog about all things art, and probably some other topics as well. 

A little disclaimer before we start here:

All photos, videos, and words on this site are MINE. (yes I own words) 

I am a terrible sharer so please do not take anything without permission or I'll sick my attack cat on you. 

Okay so maybe not. 

Anyways please feel free to comment with any questions, concerns or suggestions. This is my first blog so deal with me a little please. 

Ciao!