Drawing with such material as plasticine is an art located at the junction of two visual genres - “flat” painting and sculpture, that is, a three-dimensional image of the world. Plasticine can be called excellent material for creators and artists, but it seems that they have not yet been appreciated.
Plasticine drawing
If the artist knows the secrets of the material and can turn its flaws into undeniable advantages, then he will learn to create not just home crafts, but real works of art from plasticine, starting from the finest paintings, almost indistinguishable from oil painting, to convex complex bas-reliefs.
What are the benefits of a material like clay?
The first advantage of plasticine is that it easily takes any form, it easily kneads and rolls out. In addition, he lays on the surface with any layer at the request of the artist. In other words, drawing with plasticine is extremely convenient: the creator works with unusually pliable material. However, plasticity is only one of the many secrets of plasticine.
The second advantage of this material is that it is of such quality as viscosity, or “stickiness”.
The third advantage of plasticine is its rich color scheme and bright colors. This gives the artist ample opportunities, making drawing plasticine one of the most exciting activities. However, this is not the last secret.
The fourth advantage of this material is that the plasticine palette can be treated in the same way as art paint. Plasticine painting technique involves mixing different colors to get new ones. In addition, you can get a full range of intermediate shades.
Thermolability is the fourth advantage of plasticine mass. It softens easily when heated, even to the temperature of your palms. This makes the artist’s hands the main tool in such an activity as plasticine painting. Some creators do most of the work by smearing the material with their fingers over the entire surface of the future painting.
Plasticine drawing in kindergarten will contribute to the development of fine motor skills in the hands of babies. This is undoubtedly another advantage of the described material. In addition, plasticine painting in kindergarten and school contributes to the development of creative imagination of children.
Next, we will talk about the secrets of the technique of drawing such material.
What is needed for that?
For the most expressive depiction of objects in a picture from plasticine, the artist will need, firstly, tools, and, secondly, his imagination.
First of all, high-quality and bright plasticine is needed. The less he sticks to his hands, the better. In addition, he should warm up well and mix with each other.
The basis of the future picture may be plexiglass, hardboard, plywood, thick cardboard or glass. If this is cardboard, then oil stains from the material should not appear on it. In addition, you will need hand wipes, a molding board, a glass of water, an awl, a rolling pin for rolling out the material, tweezers, as well as various improvised tools so that the artist can create the desired texture. For example, you can use a metal strainer, comb, crush for garlic. To create blades of grass and stems, you can use a medical syringe without a needle. For thick "sausages" you can use a pastry syringe.
Various natural materials, jewelry, plastic parts and more can be used to decorate the picture. For example, cones, twigs or dry leaves.
A pencil is needed for sketching on cardboard, on which you will draw with plasticine. Templates are also not forbidden.
Plasticine paintings should preferably be framed under glass. If the picture is flat, then it can be stored under a transparent film.
Plasticine drawing: master class
To begin a conceived composition should be drawing a sketch on a piece of paper. At this point, select the colors for the image details and background. Do not forget about the combination of shades and contrast. For example, a yellow detail will appear brighter against a green background, and blue - on yellow. Remember that the background should not be too bright, as it will distract the observer's attention to himself.
Next, you need to select the desired format for the future picture and cut a rectangular plate from the material that will serve as the basis. Drag the sketch image onto the canvas. You can use children's crayons and a grid. If you use glass, you can simply put a sketch under the material and fix it with tape.
The preparatory work is completed, now you should start creating the image.
Features of working with plasticine
“Pure” colors are always suitable for working with this material. Often, when working, a mixture of both colors and plasticine grades is used to implement the intended color scheme. Proportions should be selected to obtain the desired result.
Do not forget about the primary colors. It is red, blue and yellow. Derivative tones are obtained by mixing them in a certain proportion. If you mix yellow with blue, you will get green, red with blue - violet, red with yellow - orange.
If you add white plasticine to the resulting shade, it will lose its brightness and become pastel.
If you do not want to get a “dirty” color, you should not mix more than two colors at a time.
If you mix fluorescent and opaque plasticine, then you will get a new quality material.
In order for the surface to acquire a glossy effect, your fingers must be moistened with water.
Sculpting techniques
There are five basic techniques for sculpting. This is rolling, rolling, pulling, smoothing, flattening and pinching. In addition, in order to achieve the desired textured effect, it is necessary to use additional improvised tools.