A stick of colored wax that is used for drawing is called a crayon (or wax pastel).
A crayon, according to the provided reference, is specifically defined as a stick of pigmented wax used for writing or drawing. These popular art tools are composed primarily of wax, mixed with pigment to give them color. They are commonly used by children and artists alike for their vibrant colors and ease of use.
Understanding Crayons
Crayons offer a simple yet effective way to add color to paper and other surfaces. Their wax composition gives them a distinct texture and blending characteristic compared to other drawing media.
- Composition: Primarily colored pigment mixed with a wax binder.
- Use: Widely used for drawing, coloring, and artistic expression.
- Accessibility: Known for being non-toxic and easy to handle, making them ideal for beginners and young artists.
Crayon vs. Other Art Supplies
It's useful to understand how wax crayons differ from similar art supplies:
| Art Tool | Binder | Characteristic Use |
|---|---|---|
| Wax Crayon | Wax | Drawing, Coloring |
| Pastel | Dry binder (e.g., gum arabic) | Sketching, Blending |
| Oil Pastel | Mixture of wax and oil | Rich color, Blending |
As stated in the reference, wax crayons differ from pastels, in which the pigment is mixed with a dry binder such as gum arabic, and from oil pastels, where the binder is a mixture of wax and oil. This difference in binding agents results in variations in texture, blending capabilities, and the final appearance of the artwork.
Creative Uses for Crayons
Beyond simple coloring, crayons can be used in various techniques:
- Layering: Building up color by applying multiple layers.
- Sgraffito: Scratching through a top layer of crayon to reveal colors underneath.
- Rubbings: Placing paper over textured surfaces and rubbing a crayon over it to transfer the texture.
- Melting: Carefully melting crayons for unique textural effects (requires adult supervision).
Crayons remain a fundamental tool in art education and creative exploration due to their simplicity and versatility.
