In
graphite drawing, white and lighter shades are achieved
by withholding graphite from certain areas and letting
the white paper show through. One way to keep areas
truly white is by masking them with a frisket. While
you probably will not need to mask for every drawing
you do, friskets are still an extremely useful tool
in graphite art. Friskets come in two forms, liquid
and film. Each serves the same purpose, but which
you use depends on the shape and size of the area
you are protecting. Since its purpose is to protect,
it allows you to do your shading without tinting the
lighter portions of your drawing.
Liquid
Frisket usually is made of some mixture of natural
latex. This is commonly used for water color painting,
but are very useful for protecting areas that you
need to keep white in your graphite art. It works
especially well for small areas, like highlights in
the eyes. Always make sure the liquid Frisket is for
use on paper, easily removable, and non-staining.
Friskets are usually applied with a tool called a
"Nib", which is a pencil shaped stick with either
a pointed or angled end. The "Nib" is dipped
in water, and then into the Frisket, which thins it
slightly before application on your paper. You will
need to allow the mask to dry completely before trying
to work on you drawing, or remove it. This may take
30 minutes to an hour. If it is not completely dry
when you try to remove it, you may damage the surface
of your paper. Once Liquid Frisket dries however,
most remove easily by being rubbed with your finger
or an eraser.
Another
method of masking is Frisket Film, which is commonly
used for air brushing. Frisket Film is sold in sheets
that have a slightly adhesive back. They can be cut
in any shape or size and applied to the areas you
want to protect. This makes it best for masking large
areas. Most Frisket films peel easily from paper when
you are done. There are also several types of Artists
Tapes which can serve the same purpose, but be sure
you get the kind that will remove easily from paper.
In conclusion, Liquid Frisket, Frisket Film, or Artists
Tape are useful tools to mask and protect areas in
your drawing that you want to keep white.
What
if you're drawing on tinted paper? Friskets can still
be useful in protecting the areas where you will later
apply highlights. Once removed, you can add in your
white highlights with white charcoal, or a white pastel
chalk pencil.
After
masking, it is time to start laying pigment. Usually
it is easier to begin with the darkest areas of your
drawing. But how do you get those dark shades of black?
This is covered in the next article.
