Tutorial: How to Create a Smooth Gradient Background with Caran D’Ache Neocolor II

[@ColourwithClaire]

🔥 WATCH NEXT > How to Create a Rainbow Background: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nKjXap56nrKHgNU

[@CLAldridgeArt]

Proof positive that a beautiful blend really is all about layering the colors! Fabulous tutorial Claire, and that Lion page from Mythomorpia is FANTASTIC work!

[@ColourwithClaire]

Thanks lovely!

[@Dobieslady1]

I saw one tip that when you use brush to crayon, you might want to brush the flat end of the crayon so you don't end up with a wonky tip for crayon to paper application. I love all your tutorials Claire!

[@idaloo62]

Nicely done! I enjoyed your galaxy background tutorial, as well. I have the full set of Caran D'Ache Neocolor IIs and love them! As you've said, they really are a great medium, they blend easily, and the colors are fantastic! You do beautiful work, Claire, and I believe I speak for all of your subscribers when I say "We LOVE your channel!" -Helen

[@sharynlowry2757]

Thank you! I'm working on a koi pond piece and this is just what I needed for coloring the water around the fish.

[@MayBrox]

Great video Claire 👍 Beautiful blend. And I'm with you. Often when people say they don't like their work, and ask me for advice. I see that it's because they aren't done. They need to keep going, and add more layers and pigment. So this will be at good help for them 😊

[@Dobieslady1]

You can also mix the Neocolor II with clear gesso, white gesso, matte gel medium or matte varnish instead of water so your colors won't move when you add water (i.e.. base layer of complexion or flower.) And you can use water with them to make the splatters in all sorts of colors!

[@wandahebert6350]

this technique helps a lot!! Thanks for posting this!

[@margaretkopp1064]

Hi Claire, I have the set of 15, and have used them in Nick Filbert's Fantasia on the pirate page. I did a background of the ocean and mixed in blues green and a bit of lime. On that I left it more blotchy, but also used them on the parrot and the jacket and got them to blend well. Thanks for the video. Must remember to use them more.

[@ColourwithClaire]

That sounds lovely!

[@aishakhan8553]

I just got my full set yesterday. I love your videos, like you i prefer blending from dark to light in my books, i think it works better. Ive not used them yet i thought id see how they are used as ive never used them before. I saw the galaxy picture you did and thought i needed to try them. I cant wait to use them. Keep up the good work. :-)

[@Linda-qq5mg]

Thank you for sharing your coloring techniques with these crayons. They are so nice, but a bit tricky to get a smooth blend!

[@Kylie050770]

This is fantastic Claire. What a shame I didn't watch this yesterday before I did the worst sunset ever with my Neocolor II. Looking forward to trying this out.

[@cateyes3813]

Hahahaha! 😄😆 Sorry! I don't mean to laugh but what you said really did made me burst out laughing - and I needed a laugh today, so thank you for your absolute... bluntness (don't worry, I'm like that too - anything you've said, I'm sure I've said something 10 times worse and made all the people near me wish they could... fall through the floor/just disappear! 😄)

[@joeygalvin8860]

Very informative Claire thank you for showing I'll have to try this on a book with thicker paper

[@bobbig.793]

Love the effect and results!!! I never thought this possible. Thank you, thank you and thank you!!! I have been struggling with backgrounds and am soo thrilled to see your techniques and options! Love u 💗🖍💗🖍💗🖍 BG in TX... 🙃😉🤪😍💕

[@kyphih1586]

I have the entire set of Neo IIs and am totally obsessed with them! I haven't yet tried them on backgrounds but I will now! Thank you so much for the tip! I love playing with them.

[@beckyorstevejohnson7838]

Thank you so much Claire! I have a forty set of these and really only use them for small things like grasses and flowers, sometimes trees too. I’m excited to try this as a background. I had no idea that so many layers had to be applied so thank you! I’ve finished the two flamingoes in Anamorphia, one in blue and one in pink and was at a loss for how to do the background. I think I’ll try this, I think it will be really pretty! Becky

[@maryellenthompson8261]

Thank you for this video! I needed to learn how to blend the Neo Color II. Now I know. These are also my favorite water based medium. They have even upstaged my Inktense and watercolor pencils.

[@HillbillyTrash]

You truly, truky out did yourself on this page! I use your gold combination but I could never get my gold to look this fantastic. I absolutely cannot wait to get some Neocolors but I'm excited to get my Munygo watercolor crayons.

[@Marina-dm5oj]

I just got these colors Caron D ache neo color 2 set of 30. You are right they are beautiful,! marina

[@Kazaorm]

Thanks for another great tutorial Claire! I've been saving for these and the Faber-Castell pastels. I can't wait to get my mitts on them all. I'll definitely be coming back to this video for a refresher 😉🤗💐💖

[@cyndipaonessa113]

This is fun! I am looking foward to trying this with some of the Neocolor IIs ; trying some other color blends, too. Thank you for the inspiration, Claire!

[@phoeniciaaltaire4269]

Thank you Clair, considering buying some!

[@mouseydeb3245]

Thank you! I’ve had the Neo s for a few weeks but not used them yet. Videos like this are a great help!

[@pamelasertich9850]

What a wonderful video. I have never heard of these but I have to check them out. Beautiful work. Thank you

[@tappy6080]

Really useful, thank you so much - this appeals to me more than acrylics as I can never get that totally even. Will definitely have a go with this method.

[@voltkc]

Thank you for another amazing video! I picked up 2 neocolor ii from Blick today to try out, after watching this. They are awesome! I'm ordering a set from them now. Lol. Vern Warner.

[@laurakenney100]

Thanks for this tutorial. I have them but, have only tried(unsuccessfully) to use them a few times. I'll have to give your method a try. 😊

[@Beecosy]

Thank you so much, lovely blend, fabulous image. I am having issues with splotches and hard lines with my neo IIs with light washes. I have yet to try direct to paper opaque gradients.

[@chrissefiffipix6509]

Ive just ordered the 40 piece set, cant wait for it to arrive👍

[@sarah28681]

Thanks for sharing this Claire. Could you do a coloring page with them and show us how you use them to do a complete page. I have them but need so more ideas on how to use them more.

[@atxroque]

Thank you so much for teaching us!! I was gifted some of these but like others, could not get it seamless. Yours came out so beautiful 💙

[@marie-colouringmehappy]

Perfect tutorial, thanks so much for sharing this, can't wait to try later! 😊

[@elizabethnaisbitt1795]

Great tutorial Claire, and it worked perfectly, your picture is excellent. I've used Neo's in my Kerby books and one or two have gone through to the page underneath and some haven't, I guess it's the quality of the paper, which I believe varies depending on who did the publishing. Tfs xo

[@connieedwards6580]

Thank you so much for this and all your videos. Think I need these Neocolors!!!

[@MeeshColours]

Fabulous tutorial Claire. I have the 40 set of Neos and I LOVE them, but yes, smooth backgrounds were a bit of a challenge. Guess What I will be doing this evening :D

[@kathybradley8315]

Thanks so much for sharing this technique - it looks beautiful!

[@tabbylynn4130]

Love the video. Don’t have neo colors but they are now on my wish list

[@wtfareyoureading]

Thank you so very much! I was given the neos as a gift and have yet to try. I will now though.💕

[@katieanderson7847]

Thank you so much for this video ❤

[@ColourwithClaire]

You are so welcome!

[@AtSusiesCottage]

Great explanation and demonstration, I’m hoping to get some neocolour twos soon so I can play! xxx💕

[@margaretf667]

Thanks Claire, I have just bought some of the neocolors from cultpens.

[@barbaracolling7820]

Wonderful!!!, but I have a question. You didn't dry the paper between layers. When I do that it gets all mushy if I use that much water. I really want to do this. Can't wait..

[@ColourwithClaire]

You can do it either way :)

[@kel06901]

Thanks again for sharing another great video. I love your channel. 👍🏻❤️🐲🎨🖍🖌

[@lizrenwick1180]

I've got the 30 set too and I hardly use them, in fact I haven't for a long time, I'll have to give them another go.

[@sydneykramer8677]

THANK U CLAIRE!!! Ive been trying to find a good easy tutorial that was straight to the point and I watch your videos but just saw this! I actually was wondering but I agree looks better when you put the brush to the crayon! I'm glad I found your video first since I follow you

[@ColourwithClaire]

Yes I got the full set!!

[@kirstendecoster3201]

Great tutorial, thank you!

[@rosavaldes2599]

So gorgeous😍👍🏻

[@snappypants99]

Thanks for the tutorial! I still struggle with backgrounds. Do you do the watercolor background at the beginning or the end. (I don't like how the water warps the paper.)

[@ColourwithClaire]

End

[@Colors_in_the_attick]

Thank you. I use Neocolor II. This video is great. Am fairly new to coloring. Some colorist start with the background, others finish with it.Why is that? 🌺🐚

[@ColourwithClaire]

Personal preference I think!

[@rosavaldes2599]

When u use them on coloring books do you gesso page or directly on page? I’m thinking good quality paper correct?

[@ColourwithClaire]

Direct to the page, good quality paper helps!

[@patricgold3896]

When mixing media, dry or wet first? Also, did you do the lion or background first? Thanks for all your great videos!

[@guiandro]

Another tutorial I wanna try!!!

[@cateyes3813]

Hi! I remember that galaxy one that you did! It was very good! What is the link for that? Yes I will go and look through your videos now and see if I can find it but for future reference and for other people who haven't seen the galaxy one (it's very good dudes), a link to it would be very handy. It was so good that it really stuck in my mind, and I would have watched it... probably over six or more months ago. Love from Australia 🇦🇺 💕

[@sabrinaimbrogno7932]

Hi Claire. Thank you for the demo. Do you have a recommendation on whether it’s best to wait until each layer is dry before adding the next or if you’ve gotten smoother results by working the layers when wet?

[@ColourwithClaire]

You can do either xx

[@twinksheartsong4478]

Thank you so much for sharing Claire! When working in your Mythomorphia book...did you let the layers dry in between, or did you just go full ham?😙

[@ColourwithClaire]

Full John Hamm!

[@taiee66]

Thank you, was my question too😁

[@SiennaDeBruin]

Great video!!

[@annettekurlemann353]

Hi. I have them. That is amazing. Thank you for showing us this. Also. What type water brush do you use

[@ColourwithClaire]

I’m using a Pentel one here but any will do x

[@heatherpede8509]

Thank you!!! Beautiful as always!! With the water brush. how often are you squeezing it??

[@ColourwithClaire]

Barely at all x

[@heatherpede8509]

Thanks Claire!! I’ll have to try it out on my picture I’m working on now.

[@gagaforgluing8247]

This is a fabulous video. New subbie xx

[@amieelaun]

I dont have neocolors (yet 😊). But I am thinking I can try this same technique with my inktense pencils? Does the paper buckle or pill?

[@basrahg.250]

Thank you sooo much

[@Snickerszn]

I’m torn between neocolor 2 or derwent inktense. Want them for easier backgrounds and maybe some color book stuff. 3x for a background?

[@ColourwithClaire]

It goes quickly. I’d definitely go Neocolor II because they can be reworked and smoothed. Inktense would be streaky on such a large space

[@evaj7657]

Hi Claire nice tutorial. I've used the neocolor on my Animorphia book for the peacock. Unfortunately they went through the paper after only 1 layer. To much water maybe?

[@ColourwithClaire]

Oh no, sounds like too much water yes :(

[@Andrea-jm1tr]

Hey Claire, great video as always! I notice your neocolors have a lovely point, what sharpener do you use for them?

[@ColourwithClaire]

A electric sharpener I got from amazon xx

[@ashleyhoffmeister1506]

I know you made this video 4 years ago, so I probably won’t get an answer… but when I use these In coloring books I try to use as little water as possible so I don’t ruin the paper. My question is, how do you go in and layer and blend that many times without the paper pilling and ripping?! Thank you for this video! You did an amazing blend of colors! Hopefully you see this 🙂

[@lilmisscoloring]

I was just going to ask the same thing

[@soucky1]

Hi Claire, your picture is absolutely Stunning! Love your Background and the lion is spectacular, Thank You for this great Demo, i have the full set of Neocolor 11 but i haven't try these yet at christmas i was so excited and i tought i would use these faster but i'm not confident with these but more you show tutorials with these Neocolors more i feel to try these so Big Thank's Claire for the great video!

[@AngelasMixedMediaArtist]

love ❤️ thx informative 👍🏻

[@dropdeadpinkkk]

Love it! Fantastic tutorial as always Claire! I do use neocolors as well but I could never achieve that kind of smooth texture! Your waterbrush is amazing what brand is it?

[@ColourwithClaire]

It’s just a cheap pentel one x

[@dropdeadpinkkk]

@@ColourwithClaire oh wow! and to think ive been snobbing off the pentel brand at the artstore lol! Thanks Claire for always taking the time and effort to share your wonderful ideas !

[@michelinelavoie2086]

I find the coloring books don’t accept water easily....all I see is a big mess of pigment and I would have a hole on my coloring book page but you make it look so easy Claire and I love what you do.

[@Jamie_4ktips]

Hi Claire, when you used this background technique on the colouring book did you colour the picture first with colouring pencils then the watercolour crayons second or vice versa. What happens if you get watercolour crayon on the main drawing itself can you crayon over the top of it. I've never used these watercolour crayons before. Many thanks.

[@ColourwithClaire]

Yes I did the background last. I'm not sure about covering Neocolor II if it goes out of the line, so I just use a thin waterbrush to make sure I'm as neat as possible x

[@Jamie_4ktips]

@@ColourwithClaire many thanks for your help.

[@miriamhakimian]

If I had to chose between this and the inktense which should I choose? What are the pros and cons? Are they similar?

[@ColourwithClaire]

I would choose Neocolor II. They are kind of like paint in a stick and can be activated with water and blended. Even the shavings are pure pigment so can be used like a paint. The Inktense are made of a permanent ink that cannot be reworked. They are handy being pencil format, but it's hard to get light shades out of them. Hope this helps

[@meganaunchman9436]

Great demo! Have you ever found when you are going in with the second or third layer, that you actually accidentally pick up and remove previous layers? That has happened to me when I tried to layer. Very frustrating.

[@ColourwithClaire]

Yes, I suppose it also depends on the type of paper you’re using

[@Marina-dm5oj]

Did you color the page first @. Then the background. Thanks marina

[@ColourwithClaire]

Yes x

[@Marina-dm5oj]

Thanks that makes a difference.I am going too try it .This colors are are so pretty!,

[@Marina-dm5oj]

Do you wait for it too dry each time or do you keep on going? Thought I would ask you because it’s knew to me. Mine didn’t come out like yours . Need too try this. Thanks marina

[@ColourwithClaire]

Wait for it to dry

[@Marina-dm5oj]

Colour with Claire thanks !!

[@deb8262]

Do you begin with gesso in order to watercolor without bleed through to the back of your coloruring page?

[@ColourwithClaire]

Nope there was no bleed at all x

[@cateyes3813]

Hi 👋 Do you do the neocolor background before you finish the rest of the picture or after - or even... a mixture of both or something? Hi from Australia 🇦🇺 👋

[@ColourwithClaire]

You can do either, I usually do it last though x

[@cateyes3813]

Colour with Claire Thank you for replying on that - I really appreciate that 🙏 🌹

[@carolesauter4205]

Best way to sharpen the neocolonial 2?

[@ColourwithClaire]

Wide hole sharpener

[@guthriecar08]

Would this technique work with inktense blocks?

[@ColourwithClaire]

No because they are permanent ink that can’t be reworked. You could try to be quick and blend whilst wet

[@Becca-UK]

I’m confused……this demo you are doing is on very textured paper but the result you showed us at start was in a smooth paper colouring book? Different papers create different results. Could you show us this in a smooth paper colouring book please 🙏

[@rosavaldes2599]

Which sharpener do you use for the Neocolor II?

[@ColourwithClaire]

A electric one I got from amazon but they don’t sell it anymore :(

[@suzeh9535]

How come your pages don’t curl at the edges?! Mine always do when using them..... x

[@ColourwithClaire]

I don’t know, it’s good paper in this book but some copies can be different x

[@suzeh9535]

Colour with Claire hmm strange! I’ll maybe try another one, see if I had done something wrong x

[@vgreer069]

I have the Neo’s but only used them once bc the galaxy tutorial I followed with you turned out horrible 😂😂😂. Does the paper not buckle in those books with the wet medium?

[@ColourwithClaire]

No it holds up very well xx

[@brianerskine1332]

I either get a watered down look or it looks like wax almost….this should help

[@kathymcmanus1425]

I have just gotten the neos but haven't used them yet. Can I ask the best way to remove the wax coating on them?

[@ColourwithClaire]

What wax coating? You haven’t bought the Neocolor I have you?

[@idaloo62]

There was a protective coating of wax(?) on the tips of my Neo IIs as well. I simply wiped them off with a dry cosmetic pad...worked beautifully! Sharpening them will also remove that coating.

[@kathymcmanus1425]

@@ColourwithClaire no it's the neo 11 it has a coating on tips

[@beckyorstevejohnson7838]

Kathy McManus I just used a Kleenex to wipe it off.

[@kathymcmanus1425]

@@idaloo62 thanks

[@chloemarie7610]

Are you letting your layers dry in between normally? If not have you tried and found the results weren't what you were looking for?

[@ColourwithClaire]

You can do either, even if they dry you can still rework them with water so it doesn’t matter :)

[@chloemarie7610]

@@ColourwithClaire Thank you, I seem to apply too much water or put the layers on too quickly and my paper buckles. I ran into this technique by accident, trying to get them to lay better but I'm glad you put this out because now I realize I didn't put on enough layers and that I was on the right track :)

[@be_a_bright_sparkle3687]

Very helpful, can I ask how saturated the page in Myth got and how do they dry? Are they like coloured pencils or crayons? I am going to treat myself to either Prismas or these or a good quality watercolour pencil set...I can only do this once and daren’t make an expensive mistake...💐🥰

[@ColourwithClaire]

Myth got very saturated, I did the same amount of layers and water as in the demo. They are crayons made of paint, that’s the best way to describe them!