Category: Hamburger System

Are Staedtler Pigment Arts Brush Pens AS MAGICAL as Pitt Pens by Faber-Castell??

3/7/2024

I am super excited about today’s video on my Mixed Media YouTube channel. If you’ve been following me for a while, you KNOW how much I adore my Pitt Pens by Faber-Castell, and am OBSESSED with their new dual tip re-design (watch that review here). Pitt pens have been my go-to for creating whimsical girl art on canvases and in my art journals for YEARS.

Their only downfall? PRICE.

A set of 30 gorgeous Faber Castell Pitt Artist Pen Dual Markers will set ya back about $180. I KNOW....

I've never found an alternative until today. Join me on YouTube to see if Staetdler Pigment Arts Pens can be trusted to deliver dramatic results in YOUR Hamburger System projects!!

Karen Campbell Mixed Media Artist, YouTuber, Author, and Online Art Lesson Instructor.png

*All product links are affiliate & for U.S. residents only.*

Not sure what the Hamburger System is? It's my tried-and-true mixed media layering process for achieving stellar results EVERY TIME I sit down to create whimsical girl art at my art table :)

CLICK HERE to grab a copy of my cheatsheet for your own art table!!

When you're ready, check out this playlist to learn about each layer of the Hamburger System, and if you prefer, grab a copy of the full-color book on Amazon. It's such a helpful resource!!

Karen Campbell's Mixed Media Hamburger System Book Available on Amazons Worldwide.jpg

Now back to today's video.

For years, Pitt Pens have been the only color PERMANENT pigment marker I could rely on. Today, we're diving into Staedtler Pigment Arts Brush Pens. I'll be unboxing and comparing them to my beloved Pitt Pens, focusing on price, quality, and usability.

My big question is can pigment arts pens deliver STELLAR results in Hamburger System projects AND save my students money?

Staedtler Pigment Arts Pen Set of 36 Review and Demo by Karen Campbell Artist.png

Right from the start, I know the pigment arts pens will save ya money. A set of 36 is available on Amazon for just over $50.

When comparing a pigment arts pens with one of my "skinny" barel (single nib) Pitt Pens side by side, they look pretty similar in terms of barrel and nib sizes (Pitt pen shown on the bottom).

Pitt Pens vs Pigment Arts Pens with Karen Campbell Artist.png

Staedtler offers a great variety of colors in their set of 36, especially in the pink family – a huge plus for me as a mixed media artist focused on whimsical girl art!

If we compare the pigment arts pens set of 36 with the dual tip Pitt Pens set of 30, you actually get MORE shades of pinks, greens, and blues (my favorite colors!) from Staedtler. BONUS!!

Staedtler Pigment Arts Pens vs Faber Castell Pitt Pens Demo with Karen Campbell Artist.png

As someone who loves creating whimsical faces, I did find the variety of skin tone markers in the Staedtler pack a bit lacking:(

It looks like I can make about four of them work for my signature “Hamburger System” style projects. But we'll have to see how they perform and what the ink actually looks like over mod podge.

Pigment Arts Brush Pen Skin Tone Markers Reviewed by Karen Campbell Artist.png

When I first started working with the Staedtlers, the nibs felt a bit small for me because I love to work big. However, I know many of my students PREFER working on a smaller scale, so they might just love pigment arts brush pens– especially considering a price point of $53 for a set of 36 colors (compared to $180 for 30 dual tip pitt pens, or $207 for a set of 60 single nib pitt pens).

Staedtler Pigment Arts Brush Pens Set of 30 Cost on Amazon with Karen Campbell Artist.png

Initially, I felt there weren't enough skin tone markers in the Staedtler set, but after working with them on a light-skinned acrylic painting of a whimsical face, I LOVE how the pale tan and pink markers added subtle, yet gorgeous shading to my painting.

How to Shade an Acrylic Painting of a Whimsical Face with Pigment Arts Pens and Karen Campbell Artist.png

All the colors I tested ranged somewhere between transparent and opaque, which is perfect for blending and how I typically use pitt pens in Hamburger System projects.

One interesting omission from the Staedtler competition is a white marker. However, I absolutely loved their black pigment arts pen! The nib was PERFECT for adding delicate outlines, eyelashes, and eyeliner to my girl's face.

How to Draw Stunning Eyelashes on a Whimsical Face with Staedtler Pigment Arts Pen and Karen Campbell Artist.png

Wanna Create Whimsical Girl Art Like the Canvas
Featured in Today's Mixed Media Art Tutorial?

Check out my Mixed Media Society over at Awesome Art School.

It's perfect for artists of ALL levels, including beginners.

We're having a blast learning about ALL the mixed media supplies, plus how to combine and layer them to create mixed media art we can be proud of on canvases and in our art journals :)

We would LOVE to have YOU join us!!

karen-campbell-mixed-media-artist-author-instructor-founder-of-the-mixed-media-society.png

Looking for Something Else?

❤️ CHECK OUT ALL my art books on AMAZON
❤️ CHECK OUT ALL my online art classes @ Awesome Art School
❤️ MY FAVORITE ART SUPPLIES on AMAZON (affiliate links)
❤️ MY BELOVED FACEBOOK GROUP

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Mind BLOWN over NEW DESIGN of Faber-Castell Pitt Pens + The Magical Way I Use Them!

26/6/2024

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I've been using Faber Castell Dual Pitt Pens FOR YEARS to simplify my mixed media painting. They are an essential part of my mixed media art supplies, especially for anything I create using the Hamburger System.
Recently I discovered Faber Castell re-designed these faves, and let me tell you, it's a game-changer!

*All product links are affiliate & for U.S. residents only.*

Before we get too far intotoday's video, I wanna make one thing EXTREMELY clear. The pitt pens I use all the time and are reviewing today are NOT watercolor markers.

They contain pigment, water-based, PERMANENT india ink. They're also not watersoluble, as you'll see in the demo during today's video.

For some reason, the pitt artist pen dual markers reviewed in today's video are NOT showing up on Amazon for purchase. However, you CAN buy them on the Faber Castell website, and may be able to find them in person at your local art store like I did at Jerry's Artarama.

Now, let's chat about WHY Pitt Pens are worth every penny!

Pitt Pens LAST FOREVER :)

I've had my giant set FOR YEARS, and have only needed to occasionally replace my black, white, and skin tone markers because THOSE are the ones I use the most for the whimsical girl art I love to create!!

But the versatility of the NEW dual marker DESIGN is unmatched. I used to have to buy a set of the smaller nib markers PLUS a set of the fat ones. Now you only need ONE SET to achieve the line variation or intricate shading you're after!

When I'm making my whimsical girls "hamburger style," I use Pitt Artist Pens ALL THE TIME in Layer 5 of my Hamburger System for shading the faces I create.

Make sure you click over to watch the video to SEE THIS IS ACTION! It's seriously magical because it makes mixed media face shading SO much EASIER than blending and layering with traditional acrylic paints.

You no longer have to be a master at blending with acrylic paints to add some serious drama to your mixed media portraits. Plus this FUN mixed media technique is easy enough for beginners, as well as those who are timid about adding shading to their work because they're afraid of messing it up (you KNOW who you are!!).

One of the COOLEST things about adding mixed media shading with Faber Castell Pitt Artist Pens is you can even "erase" them with a baby wipe or wet finger if you work quickly!! (shown in today's video)

Not sure what my "Hamburger System" is? Simply click the button below to download a cheatsheet of my signature mixed media layering process.

It's like a tried and true recipe that tells you what supplies to use when during you creative process so you end up with a mixed media masterpiece EVERY time you sit down to create, instead of a mixed media HOT MESS!!

If you've been looking for mixed media help - my hamburger system might just be the answer you've been searching for! It's simple enough for beginners, a FUN mixed media technique for seasoned artists, and easy on your wallet because you can use the same supplies over and over to create TONS of amazing mixed media projects :)

If you prefer working with a physical book at your art table (like me!!), you might also enjoy my Hamburger System book, available on Amazons worldwide.

Wanna Create the Whimsical Girl Featured in Today's Mixed Media Art Tutorial?

She's a lesson inside my Mixed Media Society over at Awesome Art School and is perfect for artists of ALL levels, including beginners.

We're having a blast learning about ALL the mixed media supplies, plus how to combine and layer them to create mixed media art we can be proud of!!

We would LOVE to have YOU join us!!

Wanna Create THIS Mixed Media
Speakeasy Showgirl for FREE?

Tune into the REPLAY of my LIVE Mixed Media Paint Along from a few weeks ago! We had soooo much fun creating this whimsical girl together!! I just know you will too!

Grab the supply list here:
https://awesomeartschool.com/p/speakeasy-special-event

Watch the video and create her from start to finish with me step-by-step, HERE:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QjHcI7LIHZM&t=2066s

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Mixed Media Collage & Art Journal Tutorial: "Modern Day" Girl With a Pearl Earring - Hamburger Style with Karen Campbell

20/2/2024

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Hey there, creative soul! I’m SO excited for today’s mixed media art tutorial!! It’s been a while since I dove into the world of full-on mixed media with collage and ALL the FUN supplies using my favorite layering process, the Hamburger system!

I’m feeling SUPER inspired after last week’s Fun Fab version of Vermeer’s Girl with a Pearl Earring alcohol marker drawing tutorial. I got even MORE excited about turning her into a Hamburger-style project when I discovered my favorite YouTube channel (Royalty Now Studios) had created a modern-day facial reconstruction for Vermeer’s model for this painting.

If you’re not familiar with this YouTube channel - I shared it last week on my Drawing channel. They’re incredible! They take bring faces from history - either historical figures or subjects of famous paintings (like Girl with the Pearl Earring or the Mona Lisa), and “bring them to life” using facial reconstruction graphic design after studying whatever art is available on the subject from paintings to death masks, sculptures and more. This channel is fascinating and I HIGHLY SUGGEST you check it out right after this video!

I asked Royalty Now if I could use their modern version of Girl with a Pearl Earring as a drawing reference. They said of course, so she’s my model for today’s grungey, mixed media art journal spread :)

Isn't she gorgeous?!!!

*All product links are affiliate & for U.S. residents only.*

Before we get started - if you’re art-ing along with me from home, make sure you’ve got a copy of my “Hamburger System Cheatsheet.” This will serve as your guide to help you through what supplies go where AND WHEN in your mixed media layering process. It’s kinda like my tried-and-true “recipe” for creating mixed media MAGIC every time I sit down to create instead of creating a hot mess!!

Grab the cheatsheet here, or click on the button below.

My students loved the “Hamburger System” so much, that I created an entire book about it - going even more in-depth on what supplies work well together and when they should be used in your mixed media layering to avoid a hot mess.

Back to TODAY’s art project! I’m working in my hardcover Strathmore watercolor journal because it’s my fave, and these babies can totally handle any wet mediums you decide to throw at them (even collage!).

On a recent trip to HomeGoods, I scored some super cute butterfly napkins, which are gonna be perfect for the mixed media collage portion of today’s project.

If you haven’t collaged with napkins before – they're thin, thinner than paper, so a bit tricky to work with. They also add SERIOUS texture to your mixed media art! So beware- collaging with napkins (or tissue paper for that matter!) means you’re gonna get visible wrinkles poking through your piece, which I happen to love!! If you hate wrinkles, don’t reach for napkins- grab something sturdier to collage with like scrapbook paper!

When it comes to gluing down delicate collage materials like napkins, I swear bymatte medium. AND using a LOT of it both under and over your collage materials (this helps minimize wrinkles).

I also prefer to get down and dirty as a mixed media artist, and I simply use my fingers to smooth out those inevitable wrinkles and bubbles where I can. Embracing the messiness is all part of the true mixed media experience, right?

Fast forward to the inky part – I pulled out my inks and went a bit crazy on the page. The streaks from the fan brush added a unique touch that I just rolled with. Today's project was less about perfection and more about pouring my emotions onto the paper. That's the beauty of mixed media – it's a truly expressive outlet where I can let loose and make a mess and embrace the process.

Embracing imperfection is key in this process. I didn't even use a palette today and poured all my supplies directly onto the paper, with ZERO precision. The goal was to see what happens, and trust me, the results were liberating! For me, and a LOT of other artists- the art isn’t even really about the art.

It’s about WHO is behind the art and what they were feeling the day they created it, WAY MORE than the end result.

Now, the real fun began as I introduced doodles with my trusty pitt pens. They're filled with permanent India ink, allowing me to smudge them for added character.

And here's a tip – if you go overboard with your pitt pens,
a quick wipe with a baby wipe erases any mishaps.

As I wrap up this unique mixed media art journal spread of “modern day” Girl with a Pearl Earring, I'm excited to announce that this is just the beginning of a Historical Faces series I'll be running on both YouTube channels, inspired by Royalty Now Studios. I plan to bring historical figures to life in my own signature Fun, Fab style.

It's my way of making history relevant and intriguing.

A quick reminder for if you're venturing into mixed media and just getting started – be fearless. The journey may look rough along the way, but the end result can be surprisingly satisfying.

So, don't stop, keep going, and embrace the creative process.

Once the final touches with my pit pens and pentel pocket brush (my secret weapon for GORGEOUS eyelashes) are finished, my wrinkled, grungy, mixed media masterpiece is complete.

Remember, it's not about the perfect end result, but the journey and expression that matter. So, fellow artists, don't be afraid, keep creating, and enjoy every messy, beautiful moment. Thanks for joining me on this artistic adventure. Until next time, happy art-ing!!

LOVED this Video?

Share it with an artsy friend!! Maybe she's always wanted to learn how to paint or art journal too, but never taken the time!!

Here's the link to copy & paste into a text or email to her: https://youtu.be/TK8nhi2-J-I

If you're watching the video on YouTube using your phone, try this!

Loved this Project & Wanna Do MORE?

Check out the Mixed Media Society over at Awesome Art School!! It's perfect for artists of ALL levels including beginners. We're having SO much FUN over there learning about ALL the mixed media supplies and how to use them to create mixed media art we can be proud of!!

We would LOVE to have YOU join us!!

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The Hamburger System: Your Foolproof Recipe for Creating GORGEOUS Mixed Media Art!

21/6/2023

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Hey there! Are you itching to try your hand at mixed media art but feeling a bit overwhelmed by the supplies and how to layer them successfully? You're in the RIGHT place!

I've got a solution that will make it super easy and fun for you. I call it "The Hamburger System," and it's seriously going to revolutionalize your approach to mixed media art (if it hasn't already!).

In my signature 7-step process, you'll learn MORE about your art supplies (what they do & if they play nicely with others), plus I'll teach you exactly how, and when to layer your supplies to set you up for mixed media success EVERY time you sit down to create.

Let's dive in!!

Need a Cheatsheet Before We Get Started?

I thought so!! Click the button below, and I'll deliver a 1-page, printable PDF straight to your inbox outlining each step of the Hamburger System.

Feel like you want an even MORE TANGIBLE way to understand the Hamburger System? I turned it into a BOOK so you can have the entire step-by-step process ready and waiting for you at your art table! Check it out on Amazon here.

Layer 1: Substrate

Back to today's video :) Our FIRST LAYER is super easy! It's the substrate or "plate" for our hamburger. A substrate is simply whatever surface you plan to create your masterpiece on. Canvas? An art journal, watercolor paper, altered book, or wood panel? One of the beautiful things about mixed media is there are SO many options to choose from!

Before we continue, super quick announcement: All product links are Affiliate. I may earn a small commission if you choose to order through these links but by law there is never any additional cost to the consumer for doing so. I thank you for your support.

Layer 2: Collage

Collage is our second layer. It's is a SUPER FUN way to get in the mood to art, and a great way to move through creative block if you're feeling stuck or have no idea what you want to create yet.

Grab your matte medium (or any adhesive YOU like) along with a few sheets of scrapbook paper. Then rip the scrapbook paper into chunks and start gluing it to your substrate. I think collage is an awesome foundation for your piece and adds visual sophistication to your work!

Layer 3: Acrylic Paints (This Includes Stencils!)

Once you're done with the collage layer, it's time to bring out the paints! Acrylic paint is your best friend in the Hamburger System.

Lots of people ask me how I choose my paint colors for each project. Typically I look to my collage layer for inspo, and simply pull 3 shades of paint that match my scrapbook paper. Easy, right?

Once you've got your colors, add them throughout your collage layer wherever you want to jazz things up, or even cover something up that you don't like.

Feel free to experiment with different colors and techniques like stenciling to achieve the effect you're after.

Layer 4: Mark Makers

Here's where things get even more interesting. The magical mark maker layer is all about adding a focal point to your artwork. You can use any drawing tool you like—permanent or water-soluble (like the Black Stabilo All pencil I'm using in today's video) to create a foreground subject like a face, flower, or animal. No drawing skills? No worries! Many mixed media classes (LIKE MINE, in the Mixed Media Society!!) provide traceable templates to make it super easy for you.

Layer 5: Gel Sticks

Now, it's time for some serious shading. Enter gel sticks or gelatos! These highly pigmented sticks can be smudged with your fingers, creating beautiful shading effects. It's super easy to blend them to create realistic-looking shadows and depth. They're forgiving and allow for easy corrections, which makes them perfect for both beginners and experienced artists.

Layer 6: Pitt Pens

We're almost there! In the 6th layer of the Hamburger System, Pitt pens take the spotlight. These pens are fantastic for adding details, outlines, and more shading to your artwork. Their India ink pigments create rich and permanent lines, giving your composition that extra oomph. The best part? If you make a mistake or want to modify your design, Pitt pens are erasable with a baby wipe, so you have total control!

Layer 7: Sealer

You've already made it to the final layer!! Time to seal the deal! A sealer like Mod Podge ensures the longevity of your mixed media piece. Plus, if you want to remove or adjust anything you've applied with the Pitt pens, sealer makes it a breeze. Simply let that layer of mod podge dry, then make your adjustments with a second Pitt pen layer!

Not long ago I tested Mod Podge against SEVEN other sealers to see if there were any others I wanted to start working with. Check out what I learned and which glossy one I I fell in love with!

Voila! Isn't she adorable?! I hope you enjoy the Hamburger System as much as I do! It really has provided me with a structured and foolproof approach to mixed media art. It eliminates the fear of making mistakes and will truly give you the confidence to unleash your creativity!

Did you grab my Hamburger Cheatsheet yet? Here's that button again in case you need the link again!

Dying to TRY the Hamburger System with Me?!

I have SOOOO many fun mixed media projects waiting for you in my art club at Awesome Art School called the Mixed Media Society. Tons of them are "Hamburger Style" using the exact process shown today.

Add your name to the waitlist to be notified the next time I'm taking new members!

Wanna See MORE "Hamburger Style"
Mixed Media Art Projects on YouTube?

I thought you'd never ask... this playlist has your name on it!

Need More Resources?

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Are Staedtler Pigment Arts Brush Pens AS MAGICAL as Pitt Pens by Faber-Castell??

Wanna Create Whimsical Girl Art Like the Canvas
Featured in Today's Mixed Media Art Tutorial?

Looking for Something Else?

Mind BLOWN over NEW DESIGN of Faber-Castell Pitt Pens + The Magical Way I Use Them!

Wanna Create the Whimsical Girl Featured in Today's Mixed Media Art Tutorial?

Wanna Create THIS Mixed Media
Speakeasy Showgirl for FREE?

Looking for Something Else?

Mixed Media Collage & Art Journal Tutorial: "Modern Day" Girl With a Pearl Earring - Hamburger Style with Karen Campbell

LOVED this Video?

Loved this Project & Wanna Do MORE?

Looking for Something Else?

The Hamburger System: Your Foolproof Recipe for Creating GORGEOUS Mixed Media Art!

Need a Cheatsheet Before We Get Started?

Layer 1: Substrate

Layer 2: Collage

Layer 3: Acrylic Paints (This Includes Stencils!)

Layer 4: Mark Makers

Layer 5: Gel Sticks

Layer 6: Pitt Pens

Layer 7: Sealer

Dying to TRY the Hamburger System with Me?!

Wanna See MORE "Hamburger Style"
Mixed Media Art Projects on YouTube?

Need More Resources?

Karen Campbell

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Are Staedtler Pigment Arts Brush Pens AS MAGICAL as Pitt Pens by Faber-Castell??

Wanna Create Whimsical Girl Art Like the Canvas Featured in Today's Mixed Media Art Tutorial?

Looking for Something Else?

Mind BLOWN over NEW DESIGN of Faber-Castell Pitt Pens + The Magical Way I Use Them!

Wanna Create the Whimsical Girl Featured in Today's Mixed Media Art Tutorial?

Wanna Create THIS Mixed Media Speakeasy Showgirl for FREE?

Looking for Something Else?

Mixed Media Collage & Art Journal Tutorial: "Modern Day" Girl With a Pearl Earring - Hamburger Style with Karen Campbell

LOVED this Video?

Loved this Project & Wanna Do MORE?

Looking for Something Else?

The Hamburger System: Your Foolproof Recipe for Creating GORGEOUS Mixed Media Art!

Need a Cheatsheet Before We Get Started?

Layer 1: Substrate

Layer 2: Collage

Layer 3: Acrylic Paints (This Includes Stencils!)

Layer 4: Mark Makers

Layer 5: Gel Sticks

Layer 6: Pitt Pens

Layer 7: Sealer

Dying to TRY the Hamburger System with Me?!

Wanna See MORE "Hamburger Style" ​Mixed Media Art Projects on YouTube?

Need More Resources?

Karen Campbell

Whose work has appeared in...

Archives

Categories

What Fans Are Saying

Contact ME

Wanna Create Whimsical Girl Art Like the Canvas
Featured in Today's Mixed Media Art Tutorial?

Wanna Create THIS Mixed Media
Speakeasy Showgirl for FREE?

Wanna See MORE "Hamburger Style"
Mixed Media Art Projects on YouTube?