Keeping Whites, White
In
a graphite drawing, artists create highlights by withholding
graphite from letting the white paper show through.
One way to keep areas truly white is by masking them
with a frisket. While you probably will not need to
use a mask for every drawing, friskets are an extremely
useful tool in graphite art. Friskets come in two
forms, liquid and film. Each serves the same purpose,
but the one you choose to use depends on the shape
and size of the area you are protecting. Since it
conceals the are where it is applied, it allows you
to do your shading without affecting the lighter portions
of your drawing.
Liquid
Frisket is commonly made of a mixture of natural latex.
This product works especially well for masking small
areas, like highlights in the eyes. Make sure the
liquid Frisket you choose is for use on paper, easily
removable, and non-staining. Friskets are usually
applied with a tool called a "Nib", which is a pencil
shaped stick with either a pointed or angled end.
The "Nib" is dipped in water, and then into
the Frisket, which thins it slightly before application
on your paper. You will need to allow the Frsiket
to dry completely before trying to work on you drawing.
It should also be completely dry before you try to
remove it, otherwise you may damage you paper. Full
drying may take 30 minutes to an hour. Once Liquid
Frisket dries, it usually comes off easily by being
rubbed with your finger or an eraser.
Another
method of masking is Frisket Film, which is commonly
used for air brushing. Frisket Film is sold in sheets
that have a slightly adhesive back. They can be cut
in any shape or size and applied to the areas you
want to protect. This makes it the best choice for
masking large areas. Most Frisket films peel easily
from paper when you are done. There are also several
types of Artists Tapes which can serve the same purpose.
What
if you're drawing on tinted paper? Friskets can still
be useful in protecting the areas where you will later
apply highlights. Once removed, you can add in your
white highlights with white charcoal, or a white pastel
chalk pencil. Masking with frisket can also help you
create beautiful effects with watercolor or other
mediums.
In
conclusion, Liquid Frisket, Frisket Film, or Artists
Tape are useful tools to protect areas in your drawing
that you want to keep white. Follow the directions
for application, and you should see some great results.
In
the next article . . .
After
masking, it's time to start drawing! Usually it's
easier to begin with the darkest areas of your drawing.
But how do you get those dark shades of black?
Read
about the different grades of graphite in Making
Blacks, Black.
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