Composite Drawing

Using drafting film

I have been trying lots of different ink techniques this term with my groups. One of the most enjoyable (I think) has been working on drafting film as an overlay to loose Inktense wash drawings.

Step 1: Draw from life a botanical subject, using Art Spectrum Acrylic Black Ink and dip pens on a Hot Press paper. I prefer the Art Spectrum ink over India ink as it has a rich black matt surface when it dries. Draw direct to the paper, no pencil lines. Work as precisely as possible, slowly and carefully. Make sure you take a photo of the subject so you can do a print out in colour for next week.

Some sort of Carnation/Sweet William from the garden - Bristol 250gsm

Red Geranium - Bristol 250 gsm

Step 2: The second session - securely tape 300 gsm Hot or Cold press paper to size onto your board. Using either Inktense pencils or watercolour pencils roughly block in areas of colours and shapes of the subject. Refer to your photographic reference and black and white drawing as needed. Quickly wet and wash the dry colours to create a soft focus image. Don't get all fussy or try for detail, just loose and fresh areas of colour.

Sweet William on Lana Cold Press

Geranium on Fabriano Artistico Hot Press

Step 3: Once the colours are dry position a sheet of Drafting film over the soft focus image. Note that Drafting film is not the same as tracing paper. It is a polyester material that takes an ink line beautifully. Unlike tracing paper it is not absorbant and will erase pencil lines or 'scratch' out ink lines as required. I purchase my film from Draftex.

With the Drafting film securely taped into place, repeat the drawing of step 1 onto the film surface. I find that dip pens and ink flow well over the drafting film - and if you make a mistake and are very quick (!) you can gently blot and wipe of the error with a dampened cotton bud.

Once again refer to your photo and original line drawing. You can be as loose or detailed as you wish with this ink drawing. It should enhance the drawing under the film adding detail and expression.

Ink drawing overlay - the drafting film gives the painting underneath it a lovely frosted effect.

Ink drawing overlay

Working with drafting film is fun and it can be used in many different ways. Why not give it a try?