Instead of using expensive frisket film to isolate a subject, I mask off the area with an alternative material.
Easy Liner is a brand of sticky drawer liner which can be purchased from big box stores. The entire 10 foot roll was only $6. I was looking for a repositionable surface that would grip on contact, that I could use as a mask. I wanted something I could cut easily and have enough adhesion, making it possible to apply an airbrush background over the top. I didn’t want any messy adhesive getting in the way.
To begin, I printed my line reference to 8 x 10 inches, which is the size I wanted for my final artwork. I placed the reference on top of the liner, using the reference as a template. I cut around the outside of the bird and tree limb. It’s best to a pair of sharp scissors.
Next, I peeled the liner away from its backing and adhered it to a sheet of Strathmore Bristol Smooth drawing paper. I needed the mask to stay put but be removable later for my colored pencil drawing.
With the mask firmly in place, I began airbrushing a cloudy sky, keeping things simple so the bird would become the focus of attention. I used one part Apple Barrel craft paint thinned to four parts water. Acrylic paint dries to a matte finish, perfect for matching my colored pencil application
Although I could have used colored pencils for the background, airbrushing is a quick and easy way to achieve an out of focus look in a fraction of the time.
Back at my art table, I re-taped the artwork and began slowly removing the mask. I was concerned the liner would stick, but it removed easily without rips or tears. I made sure my fingernails stayed away from accidentally scratching the background. The mask peeled back cleanly, revealing the drawing paper underneath. I was able to begin my colored pencil drawing.
Were there any drawbacks? I had to be very careful how I initially cut out the mask, because it revealed such a finite edge once airbrushed. Because colored pencils are a more transparent medium compared to acrylic, I had to cut the mask to exactly the right size. Otherwise I would have difficulty using colored pencils over the top of the paint.
Utilizing this masking method, I was able to complete my bird from start to finish in just under three hours, and I had plenty of material left over for future projects.
Steps:
Print reference to use as a template
Place reference over the liner and cut out shape
Peel and stick mask to drawing paper
Airbrush background
Remove mask
Complete your artwork with a colored pencil drawing!
Materials
Photo reference and/or line reference
Easy Liner drawer liner
Sharp scissors
Strathmore Bristol Smooth Drawing paper
Airbrush and compressor
Apple Barrel paints
Masking tape
Colored pencils
Watch the process in more detail here:
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