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Let's Get Your Creative Juices Flowing!!!
As an artist who thrives on the versatility and spontaneity of mixed media, I've come to rely heavily on a few key mixed media art supplies that consistently deliver fantastic results, like the black Stabilo All Pencil. The stabilo holds a special place in my heart and my studio for at least a million reasons, and has been a game-changer as I've developed my own personal artistic style.
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Unmatched Water Solubility
One of the standout features of the black Stabilo All pencil is its incredible water solubility. This pencil is designed to work on virtually any surface—paper, glass, plastic, and even metal—which makes it perfect for the unpredictable and varied nature of mixed media art!
When you add water, the graphite and pigment dissolve beautifully, transforming into rich, inky washes that can be manipulated just like watercolor! This property is something I leverage constantly in my work, allowing for fluid transitions and deep, expressive shading that would be hard to achieve with traditional graphite pencils. Perfect for the Hamburger System
The stabilo all pencil is also PERFECT for my signature mixed media process, The Hamburger System. If you're new to my world, this is my tried-and-true "recipe" for layering mixed media art supplies to create a masterpiece, instead of a HOT MESS! Grab a copy of it HERE, or click the button below to download a PDF of my Hamburger cheatsheet for your own art table!
Then, CLICK HERE to learn the steps of my Hamburger System for FREE on YouTube. I've found the stabilo works beautifully during multiple stages of the Hamburger. Whether I'm sketching the initial outline or adding intricate details on top of layers of gesso, acrylics, or collage, the Stabilo's water solubility melts my drawings into paintings, adds rich depth, and sophistication!!
Love this modern version of "Girl with a Pearl Earring?" Me too!!
Do it step-by-step with me HERE on YouTube for free! Rich Pigmentation
One of the primary reasons I adore my stabilo is its rich, jet-black pigmentation. This pencil doesn't just draw lines; it lays down a deep, velvety black that can stand out against even the busiest of backgrounds. When activated with water, the pigment remains intense, which is crucial for maintaining contrast and focal points in my work. This richness in pigment is something I’ve yet to find replicated in ANY OTHER water-soluble pencil. And believe me, I've tested a TON of them! Just LOOK at the top row below - THAT's the stabilo once activated with a little water. Amazing right?! It doesn't turn cloudy and gray like most black watersoluble pencils do once they're activated.
Flexibility and Control
The flexibility of the Stabilo All is unparalleled. I can use it dry for crisp, DARK lines (bottom LEFT), or wet for softer, more painterly effects (bottom RIGHT). This dual functionality means I don't have to switch tools mid-project, streamlining my process and keeping me in the creative flow.
Lots of my students AVOID playing with the stabilo because they fear losing control of their lines once it's been activated with water. But this SAME EFFECT gives me the feeling of MORE CONTROL.
I believe Stabilo "mistakes" can be EASILY corrected by adding a bit more water to blend and soften the lines. Alternatively, you can let the area dry and then go over it, creating NEW lines until you're satisfied with your piece. In mixed media drawing and painting, persistence is KEY. Sometimes all you need to do is KEEP GOING. Allow any bothersome areas to dry, then add another layer :) It's all good!!
Watch the creation of this Whimsical Girl in Stabilo Over Napkin Collage HERE on YouTube!
Personal Connection
On a more personal note, the black Stabilo All pencil has been with me through countless projects. It’s the tool I reach for instinctively, knowing it will perform flawlessly whether I'm teaching a class, filming a tutorial, or creating a piece for myself. This reliability has fostered a sense of confidence and freedom in my art, allowing me to push boundaries and experiment WITHOUT FEAR.
For me, the black Stabilo All is more than just a tool; it's been an integral part of my creative journey. Its water solubility, rich pigmentation, and versatility make it a staple in my mixed media arsenal. If you haven’t tried it yet, I highly recommend giving it a go. It might just help you uncover masterpieces you never knew were within you, just waiting to be set free! Looking for Something Else?
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Today's mixed media art tutorial might just blow your mind if you're a beginner. Not only will I show you how to use Faber Castell skin tone watercolor markers to shade a mixed media face, but you'll learn 3 UNIQUE WAYS to melt, blend and freeze the pigment from your watercolor markers so they BEHAVE in YOUR OWN gorgeous mixed media projects at home!
Got a new set of watercolor markers, colored pencils, pens or watercolors? It's SO important to SWATCH your new colors so you know what to expect when each color hits your page!
I've made this process MORE FUN for you by creating a FREE Swatchsheet! Simply click the button below, and I'll send it straight to your inbox.
LOVE swatching, and can't get enough?! Check out the book I created with my Facebook Group called The Fun Fab Swatch Pad. These playful pages will keep you swatching for days!
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.
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Karen CampbellFounder of Awesome Art School. Mixed Media Artist. Author of 19 Instructional Art Books! Whose work has appeared in...Archives
September 2024
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"Karen is flipping hilarious and she's very real...I like the way she teaches in a way that really gives you confidence, whether you're a beginner or advanced there's always something new to learn!"
- Elizabeth W. |
What Fans Are SayingKaren, you are absolutely fabulous! You make me feel like I can draw anything. I have recently retired and finally have the time to do some of the art that I have loved since I was in school. I am really at the beginning of my art journey and I hope to learn as much as I can. Thank you for all you do. |
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