Wurmz

The fun thing about creating the crayons is thinking about the different ways in which new colors can be created. As you look carefully at the actual make-up of each crayon, however, think of the waxy colors it would leave on the surface, such as paper...hmmmmm. 

"Wurmz" - Pencil and black .5 micron pen on Strathmore 300 series mixed-media paper.  Click on image to enlarge. 

 This series of images represents stops along the creative process to catch the progress.  I am finding this a useful tool to analyze and critique my work before I get to the final product and am not happy.  Along the way, there is still time to course-correct! 

"Wurmz" -Pencil and black .5 micron pen on Strathmore 300 series mixed-media paper.  Click on image to enlarge. 

 If I do more of these types of images, I would like to get some broader tipped pens to fill in the relatively large areas of solid black.  This is way to time-demanding for the end result.  The challenge will be to find a comparable product that is the same shade/tone of black AND is also NOT water soluble!  Many products say "permanent," but are really "ALMOST permanent;"  NOT the same thing!

"Wurmz" -Pencil and black .5 micron pen on Strathmore 300 series mixed-media paper.  Click on image to enlarge.   

 The next step is the point at which the permanence of the pen ink is put to the test.  I have had great success with both the Micron product line and the India ink in the Pentel pocket brush pen.  I am currently testing a variety of relief inks for the same permanent properties;  I have yet to find one of those that is more than "ALMOST permanent...."  The search will continue. 

"Wurmz" -Pencil, black .5 micron pen and Intense pencils activated with a water brush on Strathmore 300 series mixed-media paper.  Click on image to enlarge.

 I have also been very pleased with the permanent properties of the Inktense pencils and blocks (these are a Derwent product.)  I have been disappointed with their lightfastness, however, so have only used them for images I am photographing and saving early in the process.

"Wurmz" -Pencil, black .5 micron pen and Intense pencils activated with a water brush on Strathmore 300 series mixed-media paper.  Click on image to enlarge.

You will notice that the name of the crayon color has been included on the crayon wrapper.  I think it would be interesting to think about two important crayon elements:  what does the waxy crayon look like under the wrapper - I might be tempted to peel off the wrapper soon after opening the crayon box.  Secondly, as I mentioned earlier, what would this color look like on paper????  

The opinions about products are strictly my own and are specific to the way I am using them and my specific demands.  I strongly encourage each user to explore a variety of available products and find those that best meet each personal creativity and financial need.