How I Use Caran D'ache Neocolor Crayons - A look in my sketchbooks

I have wanted to experiment more with some of the art supplies stored away in my draws (see my previous video on favourite art materials)- I initially mistook these crayons for the water-soluble II ones. However, after exploring them more in sketchbooks and even on canvas, I realise their versatility. Maybe some of these ideas will be useful for your art practice- and I invite you to come up with 5 different ideas to use a forgotten/or not previously loved art supply in your current practice. I like the creative practice of coming up with a number of solutions as it is often the ones further down the list that are the most creative or fun.
I think many of the ways I have used these crayons can also be extended to the Neocolor IIs and other types of crayons.
Thanks for watching !
Sonia

[@rachelleandrichard]

The reworking over an old painting is great. Colours, shapes and mark making. I liked that one very much. Also your canvases. Wow! Theyre so vibrant and have great energy. I love seeing hand drawn lines and lots of texture and marks. That's the artists hand in their work. Youve really helped me push past some obstacles in my own work. Creating backgrounds and layers and being free to do what I enjoy. Love your channel Sonya. You and your content are solid and relatable without a lot of hype. Really down to earth information and examples. 💯 Rachelle, Australia

[@soniabrittain]

Ah thank you really appreciate it - know I can jump around a bit …. But that’s how I enjoy it and maximize my art time. So glad you are enjoying your art practice and also getting into layering !!!!

[@jamieherron8300]

This is a wonderful deep-dive into caran d'ache crayons! Thank you for sharing!!!! Re-inspired to add more of I and II into my work!

[@soniabrittain]

You are so welcome! It was good for me to think about how to use them more !

[@madelynsmith8281]

I love my neocolor 1. I also have the neocolor 2. The neocolor 1 is new for me. I have been using them in my mix media sketches in my sketchbook. Thanks for all the tips! Love your artwork. 😊

[@soniabrittain]

Thank you !!!! I’m really getting into the I s which is a good thing since I have the big set !!!

[@ApohMay]

I've seen many reviews that state that Caran D'Ache says both the Neocolor 1s and 2s are very lightfast.
Edit to add - They do make a specific sharpener for these as well, they're only a few bucks most places. Definitely comes in handy for people like me... Whenever I try to sharpen something with a blade/knife, I always end up cutting off too much, or it falling apart into chunks lol.

[@soniabrittain]

Thank you very much - that is really helpful info - and I’m so pleased to know that !!! In case do want to sell pieces I’ve used these supplies in. Also didn’t know about the sharpener! They I did see somewhere people were keeping shavings of neocolor IiI to use as watercolor paint

[@fontainerouge]

I have a few Neocolors. Bought them to add to my 48 set of Koh-i-Noor Hard Pastels --which are not chalk at all but a mix between wax crayons & colored pencil sticks. The colors are very good (they dont look like food coloring !), they are very pigmented, mix beautifully & cost so much less. Only drawback: can't be bought open stock except maybe on the manufacturer's website. I highly recommend them.

[@soniabrittain]

Cool - thanks for info not heard of those ! Do love the kor I noor magic pencils !!!

[@fontainerouge]

@@soniabrittain Restraining myself from buying those too 😉😀

[@ohbli_oh]

Interesting video. One point is the neocolor 2 are cruelty free whereas the 1 contain body parts from young animals. Until they change their formula under growing demand for cruelty free art supplies I’ll have to not restock my old neocolor 1.

[@soniabrittain]

Oh my , thanks for info -good to know!

[@kazmichelle1535]

This made me laugh😂- its the sort of thing i would do thinking why dont these work!’ Thus cheered me up after a crap day Sonia ❤

[@soniabrittain]

Sorry to hear you had a crappy day - but glad I could give you a laugh 😂 man I actually thought they’d gone off !

[@PursuingHeaven]

I like using them with solvent...I am the solvent queen, and love to dissolve nearly ever base layer I do lol

[@soniabrittain]

lol - not tried solvent , at some point will give it a go ! :)

[@nicky_stevenson]

Just to add, you can sharpen these crayons with a pencil sharpener. If you don’t want to ‘waste’ the expensive sharpenings, you can keep them (the 2’s), add water to them and use them like watercolour paint. 🙂

[@soniabrittain]

Great tip! I have recently tried that and it worked so well- I thought I'd need a special pencil sharpener but the larger end of my double one worked well and as paint it is lovely and thick

[@ElisaExplores]

I just bought a pretty large set. These things break soooo easily. Is it just me, did I get a bad set or is this typical?

[@soniabrittain]

So - I too have broken them at times , if you press hard they do have a tendency to snap , however I feel you do get used to them and even small pieces are great for loose drawing / color

[@jenns_artlandia7896]

Theyre just very overpriced crayolas right..?! 😂

[@soniabrittain]

lol - they are ! but I have to say they do feel so much more pleasant to use - I am going to make the assumption they are full of quality pigment!

[@buckybarnes1544]

Neocolor I's layer a lot better than normal crayons. They're worth trying. I love them.

[@jenns_artlandia7896]

I know. I was just being silly. I received my first big 84 set of neocolor 2's. I'm excited 😃

[@soniabrittain]

Oh my gosh - that 84 set is on my wish list - let me know if it is worth it re the color choice etc!!! Have fun !

[@buckybarnes1544]

@@jenns_artlandia7896 That's exciting! I wish open stock Neocolor IIs in store had as many colors available.