Put Alcohol on Colored Pencil & SEE WHAT HAPPENS!💥(pro trick)

Using Alcohol on my coloured pencil drawings is one of my favourite blending techniques. I have been doing this trick for nearly 10 years! It makes coloured pencil drawings look like paintings and makes coloured pencil drawing easier too!
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[@cjjersey2455]

Decades ago, I discovered that I could go over my Prismacolor colored pencil drawings with a lighter shade of Prismacolor marker to blend colors and to get rid of tiny white dots between strokes of color. Several years later, Prismacolor started selling clear markers for that purpose. They are essentially alcohol in marker form (and much more expensive than using alcohol & a brush.) The markers pick up some of the color, so I used to have one for each basic color. (I added a piece of tape around the barrel of each marker to identity red or blue, etc, so I wasn’t transferring red tones to yellow, for example.) Later Prismacolor made blending pencils that were essentially colorless. One problem with the markers was that, if I hadn’t used them in a while, they tended to dry up. So, I tried putting the markers’ tips in rubbing alcohol so they would soak it up. Later I tried a brush, and voilá, similar results with dollar store alcohol & a bottle cost less than one colorless marker or pencil.

[@a-3841]

I'm a digital artist and I'm always in awe of traditional artists. The patience and precision is incredible.

[@elainnatividad104]

Kirsty's videos motivate me to get out of my comfort zone. It makes me think to master a different medium and really explore all there is to art.

[@KirstyPartridgeArt]

That’s amazing to hear 🥰 keep exploring!

[@xxgamerxxchrischris2325]

​@@KirstyPartridgeArtheyy do you still have patreon im trying to learn how to draw like you could you help me out

[@nerokakashi939]

@@KirstyPartridgeArtyou are Unique ❤️☺️👍

[@lhardy1118]

This!

[@cnd140]

I found this out accidentally. I used an alcohol blender markers. The blenders act like it melts the wax in the media so only pigment is left and if you haven’t burnished you can add more layers on top several more times to add even richer tints, tones, and shades to your work.😊❤

[@Xane_Dragon]

Yeah, the markers ✅️

[@Fernandojra]

Provided you use proper pure ethanol or isopropyl alcohol, rather than Smirnoff which is 50% ethanol with other stuff mixed in possibly staining the art work and rendering it non-archival...

[@miabibby275]

I'll just add orange....to the Smirnoff that is, then it will be 'hey, oh, here we go' hic! 🤯

[@LM-fn6qb]

Smirnoff makes you very admiring of your own artistic efforts ... for a while.

[@_mcknight]

Oh my God, you are a hero! THIS is the kind of thing I've been looking for to help me. I tried using coconut oil which does work really well but this might be better. And yes, I was making that mistake you mentioned of not layering enough first. Thank you for this.

[@carmenzaldivar4393]

I started watching your videos one year ago and you inspired me. Thanks.Color pencils is my relaxing therapy

[@starbrand3726]

I am dying to try this. I just did a color pencil picture yesterday and was disappointed by the graininess of the pencils. So now I'll try this.

[@TiffanyT-LaDolceVita]

How did it go?

[@starbrand3726]

@@TiffanyT-LaDolceVita Not well, but it was my fault. I could see a slight difference in the texture of the colors, but my mistake was using cheap color pencils with too much wax in them. I will invest in much better pencils in the future. We starving artists must be patient when trying to afford new quality materials. 😢 The hack will definitely work but more so with better pencils.

[@TiffanyT-LaDolceVita]

@@starbrand3726 awe. Well, thank you for letting me know. Please keep me updated. I wish you the best! Xo

[@pburch1897]

So vibrant on finished painting!! Absolutely gorgeous. Thank you

[@JenniferJJones-cq7yl]

THIS IS AWESOME !!!!! What a great technique and I love the concise way that you explained each step! Thank you.

[@thesincitymama]

I love it that she mentioned possible challenges, so I won’t make the common mistakes

[@michelec7006]

I am today years old after watching this! I am really excited to try this on a picture I am working on right now! 🥰

[@user-eq8pp2jj4o]

Were the same age!

[@vickigonya9432]

Georgeous!!! Im going to do this!!! ❤ The tips are great and you are cheerful, talented, concise and fun to watch!!

[@dianetaslitz1442]

I’ve been using nail polish remover for years dries fast with no odor also only use sanded paper it’s remarkable to work with.

[@jimcorbett3764]

That is so cool. It looks like there's a bit of a learning curve, but I'm thinking that it would save any drawing with a lot of sky background.

[@michaelhead8668]

Damn, Kirsty really stepped up her editing game since last time I was drawing.

[@missabork]

pretty cool trick,i just want to mention that watercolor pencils exist and are super cool too!

[@jdjemkins3885]

I haven't seen any of your videos in such a long time, glad you're still doing great tutorials!

[@kawaiiluvlis5805]

Love it that you go straight to the point. I've learn so much.

[@katharinatrub1338]

Fascinating technique! Thanks for showing us. And You do have an extraordinary gift, giving your painting a 3D impression! Wow!

[@Ronyal]

Me gustó el resultado cuando usas el alcohol encima de los colores. Esto es arte. Me gusta tu trabajo. Muchas gracias por compartir tus conocimientos con toda la comunidad de artistas aficionados. Un saludo desde España.

[@tatesiemens3045]

This is amazing and I am a very new student in watercolor and these pencils have been my inspiration! You have inspired me to try this with my own art! Thank you

[@oliviaerickson4672]

I love your vids kisty they have helped me achieve drawings that are SO good❤ i was wondering how do you store your art?and will you still be doing weekly emails with your course and all?

[@Ya_Love]

Thank you for this amazing help ❣

[@sixloups]

Oh, this is an amazing hack ! Thank you so much !

[@LM-fn6qb]

Thanks for a fantastic method. I found a cottonbud/Qtip worked really well, and I could just rotate it for a clean spot for working on different colours.

[@MelodyLovesMusic]

Excellent advice!! Thank you so much Kirsty! x

[@cynthiaswain4070]

Very pretty. The cup looks amazing. I noticed it has a handle. Great!

[@nevazegrati5543]

Wow! That was awesome. Great job!

[@arachne4070]

These videos are so nice! They teach me things I never would have even thought of! ❤

[@KirstyPartridgeArt]

Glad you enjoyed it 🥰

[@BreM-xb8im]

Thank you for the very useful tips.

[@mayetmahulilileilani2501]

Wow what a fabulous detailed video! Thank you!

[@user-lu7jn1cm9t]

So cool. I love it. Thanks for sharing and teaching us. ❤

[@BamBuntz]

I’ve been using gamsol for years with this technique

[@staceys173]

That's gorgeous!!!

[@JT-kp2ex]

Beautiful drawing! Great tip!

[@georgerethe9692]

Hi kirsty. I just wanna say that I love watching your videos and you have really inspired me to start drawing and painting again. Also have you tried using pastelmat for the solvent technique with colored pencils?? I tried it recently and I was shocked at how well it worked. It was almost a whole different experience because it made everything so vibrant and smooth and it also took layers like a dream. I think it would be very interesting if you made a video about it

[@terrycandlish1569]

0:47

[@thesincitymama]

Me too!

[@Xane_Dragon]

I use vinegar and peroxide together

[@smoss29743]

Wow 😳 this is amazing! Good job!!

[@Shilo2020]

I love this! I've always been a better drawer than painter. When using watercolour I've been gravitating more to drawing my picture first then using watercolor. It gives me more control. This would work well for me! Can't wait to try it!

[@nicoleraheem1195]

Same

[@vernonhedge4530]

The image really becomes 3D. Great stuff!

[@rayvirgoe7231]

I tried using it on mixed media paper. It bled through. Be careful what paper you use, it may ruin work on you.

[@pancake4729]

That's so amazing!!

[@alexiswilliams3233]

This is a great hack definitely going to try this

[@KirstyPartridgeArt]

Yay, have fun 😁

[@pavelmartinez6084]

😯Incredible!!

[@nitamckeethen6986]

Excellent tutorial. Thanks!

[@rcpowres]

Good job!!!! Very inspiring!!!! Thanks!

[@zoridahall4732]

Loved the tutorial, so a awesome artist, thank you for the tutorial nice tips ,,looking for for the next tutorial,,, Zoe

[@tierrabrewer543]

Could you please do a side-by-side of color pencils versus mineral spirits and alcohol for blending?

[@marilynisaacs7739]

FAB tutorial - gonna try this!!!!

[@DreamsDrawing10]

Amazing 🤩

[@VictorCharlesEvans]

GREAT TUTORIAL GIRL!!!

[@ryzingpassion]

That is soo cool! And sooo pretty! ✨️✨️✨️✨️❤️💎❤️💎✨️thank youu! I never before knew of this method! I'm super excited to try! It's like photoshop for my drawings! 😂🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@YaTaSay]

Loved this

[@consueloyoung4484]

You are a very smart woman Kristy!.♥️

[@maryhughes6390]

Beautiful!

[@PatriciaPageMosaicArtsCrafts]

Thanks Kirsty yiu just saved me some money! 😊👍🏾❤

[@Emj772]

Cool technique. Can't wait to try it

[@neva3504]

Great job 👏 👏👏👍❤️🇺🇸. First time seeing this technique. Will be using your tip. Thank you will come check out more of your skills soon. Have a beautiful day

[@NekoSakuraBlossom]

Oooh this is a clever idea! I remember discovering this by accident when using a colorless alcohol blender. Only thing, the color sticks on so you have to swatch the paper a lot to get it off💧 I will try this alcohol technique on my water color pencils ^^ Hope my sanitizer is ok cause that’s all I got lol. It’s the watery kind so it should work fine hopefully ☺

[@ZarpeParadise]

Great tips! Thank You.

[@jeraldbaxter3532]

Thank you!

[@lisavento7474]

I've written articles 20 years ago on using mineral spirits and a brush or qtip to blend Prismacolor colored pencils. Certain areas like the curls on a head blend better and you don't see all the white spots, larger area use dabbing cotton balls. I've done this with illustrations also that look now more filled in like watercolor or acrylic, but not.

[@sebastianca6494]

Very useful for colour pencils artists.

[@cmaranatha9890]

The colors are exquisite.

[@scocassovegetus]

Amazing! Learn something new everyday!

[@catherinemitchem5170]

That is really cool, never would have thought of that

[@sricharcoalworks]

Nice technique 😅❤❤❤❤Kirsty the besty ...you get gorgeous in every video😍

[@KirstyPartridgeArt]

Thank you so much ☺️ ❤️

[@ArturGlass.C]

I honestly just clicked on the vid because I thought you were gonna dunk alcohol on some pencils and it was gonna look really cool and satisfying. Instead I got a really nice explanation of an amazing hack to elevate art made with coloured pencil. That's pretty nice. I'll use that. So Thanks.

[@KG-kl9gc]

I do this but I still use Bristol board and have not had a problem with it. I do have a good amount of layers before I blend with alcohol though.

[@DebbiePike77]

I watercolor and I have some great color pencils and I tried blending with water. It worked, smooth like paint.

[@InjiArtistry]

Amazing. Thank you.

[@ChantelleArts]

This is such a cool idea, I definitely want to try it 😍

[@KirstyPartridgeArt]

Glad you liked the idea, good luck trying it 😁

[@michaelrosspearson9756]

OMG, this will be perfect for our AA craft nights.

[@TheTishy44]

That is pretty cool, thanks.

[@AmKhaibitu]

This was berry nice.

[@CraftStashcoukTV]

Great tip!

[@Pawanarts-ot9yw]

Love from India 🇮🇳💞

[@jasminbowler1998]

You can do that or use oils like Vassalin or coconut oil

[@sage9836]

Ive got coconut oil, unrefined, and it will smell nice. Glad you mentioned.

[@whutzat]

Amazing tutorial.

[@valkyrie4340]

Loved your video. I have been hesitant to try it, but you make it seem accessible to me! I am also fascinated with your eraser. What brand is that, please?

[@CreativeAdrita559]

Woow i like your videos and I like your art ❤

[@yabelyart]

Excellent. Thanks

[@MrTRIPAN]

Considering that there are perhaps more than a 100 channels on KZbin, by far, this is Absolutely Superb. Thank You Ma'am. I have been doing art for around 60 years, but, your teaching is incomparable. God Bless

[@user-qw5bk1sg6d]

Thank YOU!

[@leeharsant]

Nice. I’ve been going out my head because highlighting ontop of my original drawing just don’t work. Thank you 🙏

[@Earthlover7373]

Hey kirsty partridge how are you? I’m really stressed of how to draw realistic shapes using charcoal pencil and it’s not getting the result I’m wanting . I’m using strathmore charcoal paper . Is that paper good for charcoal ?

[@CowboyHatsAndKuchen]

Magical❤

[@SheriWinston]

I'm definitely going to try that. Does anyone know of a product like Zest It available in the USA? The shipping of it from the UK would be crazy expensive.

[@4.1132]

With Zest-It, please pay attention to GHS warnings and safety instructions, don’t directly breathe it for prolonged periods or put it anywhere close to fire. It is still a solvent, it does burn at 68C and those can’t be put out with water. It’s also very hazardous to aquatic life so dispose of it appropriately and DO NOT pour unused product down the drain. These are chemicals that people shouldn’t necessarily be afraid of but treat them with enough common sense and respect to not hurt themselves or others.

[@polygonalmasonary]

Really beautiful technique but why not just use watercolour pencils which give almost identical results? 👍🇬🇧🌈🇺🇦🙏

[@bobbuethe1477]

I'm just guessing here, but I think it's because wax-based colored pencils come in a much greater range of colors than watercolor pencils. They also allow a greater variety of blending techniques you can use before applying the solvent. I've never had very good results with burnishing or layering watercolor pencils.

[@gsnjc2212]

Lightfastness.

[@normaspande3141]

You are amazing

[@StorytellingHeadshots]

Have you ever used clear gesso after blending the background to give the paper more "tooth" and allow adding more layers of pencil? Would you reccommend this technique?

[@theresesprinkle2103]

This is a great idea. I never thought of doing this. Great job.

[@mash7137]

I use entertainment safety glass to do all my art on (old sewing machine table as light table) w colored pencil I would put a incandescent light bulb in clip type light that is right up onto the glass I use 60lb paper heat up glass and the color pencil melts into the paper as your doing the art peace works nice you will go threw the pencils quick and the paper will weight more when done. never tried the alcohol method and going to give a try on some hot press paper water color w the heat thanks for the video

[@wendyvernon582]

Would this work on claire Fontaine pastel mat?

[@user-ox3ke7iv9y]

Such a juicy picture!!! I really need to try this alcohol technique!!!

[@leahollsson129]

If your using polychromos you can use white spirit or oderless thinner for the same effect :)

[@user-ug9nu5tq8e]

Is there other ways to getting the same result without using alcohol

[@josephfiorello9697]

Does this work only for oil based pencils, or will it work with wax based? Thanks

[@yourratking]

I use prismacolor and I think they are wax based, to get this blending I've always used mineral oil (what you use with oil painting) and it works excellent:)

[@aFinalNote]

Im gonna try this with graphite and see if it smoothes out the shading

[@ronmoes2312]

Great technique, I would use a white hair brush you are gonna like that, those are a bit softer so you and really go in soft and rub gently. You can buy then at any house redecoration paint shop. The brushes you use are probably only meant for art paint. though the brushes I mentioned are the same size and there are different kinds too. straight and curved etc.. You can also buy a soft brush of 16cm diameter and roll some tape on it to make the brush tight, this results in a stamp like brush which can be used with paper, decorative cuts and you then gently stamp some paint on the cut out arreas of the paper, be creative. It also think that treating the finished art with nitro celluose transparant laquer (satin) will greatly enhance the perception of the piece!

[@BirgulErguner]

Thanks for the advice, acrylic works I use clear matte varnish. Do you think the varnish should be matte in watercolor?