Today’s question comes from a reader looking for help using colored pencils on drafting film. Here’s the question:
I need instruction on handling Dura-lar drafting film. Do you know of any books or articles regarding this ground?
Thank you for your question. Drafting film is popular now, so there’s a lot of information available.
While I have yet to try drafting film personally, I am always watching videos and participating in discussions, so I can point you in the right direction! Following are a few of the better sources I’ve discovered.
Where to Find Help Using Colored Pencils on Drafting Film
Since there are so many resources available, let me share a few videos, then a few books and printed material, and finally social media resources. Some of them will deal specifically with Dura-Lar.
Videos about Drafting Film
Lisa Ann Watkins (Animal Art by LAW) uses drafting film for some of her colored pencil work. She has three or four videos about drafting film on her YouTube channel. The best place to start is her Introduction to Drafting Film video.
Bonny Snowdon also uses drafting film for many of her pet portraits. She has a very good real-time video on drafting film, Drawing Dog Eyes on Drafting Film.
Both artists also have Patreon channels. For a small monthly fee, you can get access to all of their videos, not just those about drafting film. You can find Bonny’s Patreon channel here, and Lisa’s Patreon channel here.
Many other artists have also published videos about drafting film and colored pencils. Search for “colored pencils on drafting film” and you’ll get dozens of potentially helpful videos.
Karen Hull’s website includes a full page dedicated to drafting film and how to use it. She explains the differences between drafting film and regular papers, the differences in drafting films, special techniques, and framing finished art.
Drafting Film Books & Tutorials
Ann Kullberg* has two resources that may be of help to you.
One is a drawing tutorial featuring peppers drawn on drafting film. Plenty O’ Peppers* is by Gretchen Evans Parker, and Gretchen walks you step-by-step through her drawing process.
There are also a couple other kits for beginners on drafting film.
All three come in a digital format you can download today, or in print. Plenty O’ Peppers also comes in a bundle that includes the printed tutorial and a few sheets of drafting film.
CP Surfaces: Drafting Film* is a book published by Ann. It contains several projects on drafting film by Gretchen Evans Parker. The book features five full demos ranging from marbles and abstract glass, to a duck on water.
*Affiliate link
Karen Hull also has a wide variety of kits and tutorials available for artists at all levels, including drafting film kits. Subjects include still life and portrait work, as well as a graphite tutorial on drafting film.
Colored Pencil Art Groups
There are several good colored pencil groups on Facebook.
At the time I’m writing this article, I’m a member of Colored Pencil Animal Artists, Colored Pencils for Beginners and Beyond, and Colored Pencil Pushers. All three groups are great places to get questions answered, see how other artists are doing what they do, and get tips on different types of supports.
Participation is free, but you will have to apply to each group and be juried in. Colored Pencil Pushers is a group specifically for experienced and advanced artists, but go ahead and apply. No matter what level you think you may be currently, your work will have to speak for you, and it may be accepted!
Drafting film is currently a favorite support in all three groups. They’re free to join, though you need to apply, and the beginner’s group is especially helpful if you’re new to colored pencils.
Artworks on Drafting Film is a Facebook group dedicated to drafting film. It covers all media, but is an invaluable group if you want to learn all about drawing on drafting film.
Those are just a few places to find help if you want to use colored pencils on drafting film.
There are a lot more videos, tutorials, and other resources available, but you will find something in this selection to get you started!
I can just about guarantee it!
