How to Blend Oil-Based Colored Pencils
Blending oil-based colored pencils requires a slightly different approach than wax-based pencils. The key is to use circular motions to blend the colors together before adding more layers, as subsequent layers become harder to blend due to paper saturation.
Several techniques effectively blend oil-based pencils like Faber-Castell Polychromos or Caran D'Ache Pablos:
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Circular Blending: Apply all your colors first, then use circular motions with your pencil to blend them seamlessly. This is a fundamental technique mentioned in various resources. This approach works best on smoother papers with less texture.
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Blending Tools: While not strictly necessary, colorless blenders designed for oil-based pencils can assist in achieving smoother blends. Some brands may work better than others; for example, Prismacolor, Caran D'Ache, and Derwent blenders are reported to work well with oil-based pencils.
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Solvent Blending: While not covered extensively in the provided references, some artists use solvents to help blend oil-based pencils more efficiently. (This requires careful consideration and safety precautions).
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Burnishing: This technique involves layering color heavily until a smooth, almost waxy, sheen is achieved, thus blending the colors under pressure. (Often used in conjunction with other methods).
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Powder Technique: Create a fine powder from the oil-based colored pencils using sandpaper or a similar abrasive material. Apply this powder using a brush, cotton swab, or even your finger to create smooth color transitions.
Paper Selection Matters
The texture of your paper significantly impacts blending. Smoother papers provide better results, while textured papers will show more grain and make blending slightly more challenging.
Layering is Key
Remember that layering is crucial. Apply all colors before attempting to blend. Adding layers after initial blending may result in less effective color mixing.
Choosing the Right Tools
While a standard oil-based colored pencil is sufficient for the circular blending technique, a colorless blender can aid in more refined blending and smoothing.
