Beginner Lesson - How to Use Derwent Inktense Blocks
Channel: Monet Cafe' with Artist Susan Jenkins
Date: 2021-12-26

Learn how to use Derwent Inktense Blocks in a new way in this Beginner Lesson! 

In this Beginner-focused lesson I will create 2 winter landscapes using Derwent Inktense Blocks in a new way.... (new to me anyway).  I was happy to discover that by using a paint brush and water I could paint right on the stick to receive the color and then apply on watercolor paper (or whatever water-friendly surface you choose) for a more brilliant effect!  Now I know what those little wells are for in the container.... lol! 

You do not have to use Inktense blocks to participate in this lesson, however. You could simply use watercolor or even pastel for the underpainting portion. 

Here are the steps and supplies: (I earn $ from qualified purchases at no cost to you):
1. Use Watercolor Paper or any water-friendly surface. I used an Arches watercolor block: https://amzn.to/3Ev5jii
Here is a less expensive watercolor paper option by Canson:
https://amzn.to/3z7rRog
2. Create an Underpainting (explained in the video) for a dynamic and colorful beginning. I used Derwent Inktense Blocks. Here is a 12 piece set, but you can order larger sets also: https://amzn.to/3mAn6hP
You could use watercolor or soft pastel for this step if you like. 
3. Apply a coat of Clear Gesso (not white gesso) to the surface once dry with a foam brush. Here is the brand of clear gesso I use all the time to create DIY soft pastel surfaces:  https://amzn.to/314yvPy
4. Once the clear gesso is dry you can apply soft pastel to get nice layering. I primarily used the 40 Half Stick Set of Sennelier Pastels:  https://amzn.to/3mxIIvm

REFERENCE IMAGE from Unsplash.com:
Painting #1: https://unsplash.com/photos/okk5s08qkq0
Painting #2: https://unsplash.com/photos/-AjghYpDMi8

FYI... as of the date of this video, the 72 Piece Derwent Inktense Blocks set is on sale on Amazon: 
https://www.amazon.com/finds/post/photo/amzn1.shoppablemedia.v1.2377668c-31f0-40fc-97b5-5fdb43214259?programId=8af65eae-b2c6-4642-a988-dc519b0bef1e&ref=exp_si_spark_monetcafewithartistsusanjenkins&cancelCallback=%2Fshop%2Fmonetcafewithartistsusanjenkins&domainId=influencer

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