Applications & Techniques:
Graphite Drawing on Gel with Patti Brady, Director
Working Artists Program

Gels as a Drawing Ground

Many of the gels can be used to create varied textural grounds. The characteristics of the gel you choose will vary the absorbency, the grit (particulate matter) and slickness or hardness of your drawing surface. Gels can be used straight from the jar as a ground to create texture, or you can blend any color with the gel to create tinted grounds. Here is an example of how Fine Pumice Gel can be used as a ground for drawing:

Step 1. Paint the base coat with Fluid Diarylide Yellow. Let Dry.

Step 2. Mix a small amount of Heavy Body Quinacridone Red Light into the Fine Pumice Gel. Apply this over the Diarylide Yellow base coat. Use a palette knife to spread it as smoothly as possible. Some variations in the application give it an interesting surface, so don't worry if you have palette knife strokes. Don't apply thickly; allow the yellow underneath to show through for a rich, vibrant color.

Step 3. This drawing was accomplished with a number 2 graphite pencil, using a stomp to rub out the shadow area.