Conté Sticks: Landscapes

What You Do

1. Preliminary Sketching: Start by sketching your chosen landscape in your sketchbook. Focus on the composition, noting the placement of key elements such as trees, mountains, water, and sky. Keep the sketch light and simple, focusing on the overall structure rather than fine details.

2. Transfer to Final Paper: Once satisfied with your sketch, lightly transfer the composition onto your final paper using a pencil. This will serve as the foundation for your painting.

3. Blocking in Colors: Begin by using the Color Conté sticks to block in the major areas of color in your landscape. Apply broad strokes to cover large areas, such as the sky, ground, and water. Don’t worry about details at this stage; focus on establishing the color palette and general mood.

4. Blending and Layering: Using your fingers, blending stumps, or additional layers of Conté sticks, start blending the colors to create smooth transitions between areas. Layering different colors can create depth and texture, especially in areas like the sky or foliage.

5. Adding Details: With the basic colors and textures established, use the Conté sticks to add finer details, such as the texture of trees, ripples in the water, or shadows in the landscape. Use sharper edges of the sticks for finer lines and details.

6. Enhancing Texture: Experiment with different techniques to enhance the texture of your landscape. You can apply the sticks more heavily for bold, textured effects, or lightly for more delicate shading. The Conté sticks' versatility allows for a range of textures that can mimic the roughness of rocks, the smoothness of water, or the softness of clouds.

7. Final Touches: Review your landscape, making any necessary adjustments to color, texture, or composition. Pay close attention to how light and shadow interact, enhancing the realism and mood of the piece. Once satisfied, you can spray the artwork with a fixative to preserve it.