I’m always on the lookout for a great markmaking tool. I tend to gravitate toward black or white for many of the marks I add to mixed media collage. Finding the right white is a bit of a challenge. Today, I’m going to test and swatch several white pens, pencils, markers, and ink. I’ll show you how they perform on black cardstock, on black gesso, and on a paper collage. Take a look:
Adding white highlights and accents can transform your mixed media artwork, bringing depth, contrast, and a touch of magic to your pieces. But with so many white markers, pens, and tools available, how do you choose the right one? Here are some tips when searching for the perfect white marks.
OPACITY
For bold highlights and strong contrasts, choose a highly opaque white marker or pen. Brands like Posca and Sharpie offer white paint markers that deliver solid, opaque lines, perfect for creating striking highlights on darker surfaces.
DETAIL/LINE WORK
For intricate details and delicate accents, a fine-tip white gel pen or ink pen is ideal. The Uni-ball Signo and correction fluid pens are my favorite choices for smooth flow and precision. These pens are great for adding tiny highlights to eyes or delicate patterns and line work.
BOLD STROKES
If you need to cover larger areas or create broad strokes, a white paint marker with a chisel tip or a brush pen is your go-to tool. Acrylic paint pens offer versatility in stroke width and are excellent for larger highlights and dynamic lines.
TEXTURE
For more textured and blended effects, consider using white pastels, charcoal pencils or water soluble options. These tools allow for smudging and blending, giving you the ability to create soft highlights and gradients.
COMPATIBILITY
When working with mixed media, ensure that the white tool you choose is compatible with the other materials in your artwork. For example, if you’re working over watercolor, a waterproof white pen like the Faber-Castell Pitt Artist Pen will ensure your highlights remain crisp and unaffected by the underlying paint.
DO YOUR OWN SWATCHING AND EXPERIMENTING
Everyone has different preferences. The best way to find the right white tool for YOU is to experiment and swatch. Test different brands and types of white markers, pens, and tools on various surfaces to see how they perform. Keep a swatch sheet handy for reference (I have an old book!), so you can quickly choose the best tool for any given effect in your artwork.
Choosing the right white can make a significant difference in your mixed media artwork. By considering factors like opacity, tip size, texture, and compatibility, you can find the perfect tool to bring your creative visions to life. Happy markmaking!
MY FAVORITES:
Uniball Signo White Pen
Presto Jumbo Correction Fluid
Stabilo All Pencils
POSCA Paint Pens
I hope this post and video inspire you to add more white lines and marks to your mixed media work. What’s your favorite? Happy creating!
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