Color Tools with Faber-Castell Part 1: 5 Techniques with Gelatos

Color Tools with Faber-Castell Part 1: 5 Techniques with GelatosGelatos are one of my favorite mixed-media tools to work with. This creamy smooth product blends easily with or without water and can be used on all sorts of canvases and substrates. There are also a lot of techniques that can be used with these gelatos. Use them as watercolors, or as a blendable pigment — the possibilities are endless!

Technique #1: Textured Gesso Board

Textured Gelatos on Gesso board

Substrate Used in Photo: Smooth gesso board

Scribble gelatos in patches over the whole board. Apply plenty of pigment to the board because you will need a lot of pigment to allow for the texturing at the end.

With a round-tipped brush, begin to blend the colors together with water, starting with the lightest colors and working through to the darkest colors last.

With the same brush, plant the brush flat on the page multiple times in rows to create a stippling pattern across the board. Apply more water as needed to allow the pigments to flow well and continue creating this stippling pattern over the whole page.

When finished and satisfied with the result, allow the board to air dry. Tip: Do not use a heat tool to speed up dry time because this will blur your stippling pattern when the heat gun blows across the page.

 

Technique #2: Dry Blend

Dry Blended Gelatos

Substrate Used in Photo: Watercolor paper primed with clear gesso

Apply gelatos in random patches across the entire page. The idiom is usually “less is more,” but in this case, more is more and be sure to apply plenty of pigment to the page so that the pigments blend easily. Colors should be close together, with no need to leave a border in between.

With a blending tool, begin smoothing out the lightest colors, slowly working in the darker colors.

This method requires plenty of elbow grease and patience. I recommend this technique only for sturdier papers. However, the end result is beautiful, vivid, and fluid color, so it is totally worth it!

 

Technique #3: Watercolor Effect

Using Gelatos as Watercolors

Substrate Used in Photo: Watercolor paper primed with clear gesso

Apply gelatos in random patches across entire page, keeping plenty of white space in between the different colors. This technique doesn’t require a lot of pigment on the page, so you don’t have to press very hard when scribbling the gelatos onto the page.

Use a brush that absorbs plenty of color to blend the colors, from lightest to darkest. Add additional water often to keep the colors flowing easily. Blot away any excess pigment that isn’t needed with a paper towel.

 

Technique #4: Wet Blend

Wet Blended Gelatos

Substrate Used in Photo: Watercolor paper primed with clear gesso

This is one of my favorite new techniques with gelatos. It is very similar to the watercolor effects technique, but the end result is very ethereal vertical stripes that are well blended and beautifully translucent like watercolors.

Color plenty of gelatos at the very edge of the page. You will only need pigment in a stripe along the edge of the page to make this technique work well, but that stripe will need to be somewhat saturated with gelatos.

Wet the entire page with a spritz bottle and wet the gelatos stripe with plenty of water. If desired, rub your finger along the gelatos to gently blend the gelatos, keeping them at one end of the page.

Hold the page vertically and allow the gelatos to flow freely down the page. Because the rest of the page is already wet, the gelatos shouldn’t form drips, but instead should blend and flow easily. Spritz more water as needed until desired effect is achieved.

 

Technique #5: Drips

Dripped Gelatos

Substrate Used in Photo: smooth watercolor paper primed with clear gesso

This technique is very similar to the wet blend, but does not wet the entire page. It’s a great technique for adding a little bit of grungy detail to a page.

Scribble gelatos along one end of the page. Mask the rest of the page and spritz just the gelatos with water.

Hold the page vertically and allow the gelatos to form drips down the page. Spritz top of the page as needed until you have the desired amount of drips.

 

Enter to Win Your Own Set of Gelatos from Faber-Castell!

[This giveaway has ended.]

Our friends at Faber-Castell have graciously provided this set of gelatos. That’s a retail value of $62.95!

Faber-Castell Gelatos

Gelatos® are unlike any other product on the market today.  This dynamic medium is a compact, acid-free pigment stick that glides on cream smooth for vibrant color and coverage.  Gelatos® blend easily with or without water and work well on virtually any porous surface!

Click here for more information on this amazing product.

To Enter:

1) Share your favorite image above on Pinterest or Facebook by pinning or liking the image.

2) If you pinned to Pinterest, share the link in the comments section below. If you “liked” on Facebook, tag us so we can see.

3) If you don’t have Facebook or Pinterest, please comment below and tell us which technique you find most appealing and why.

Winners will be randomly selected from the comments below for our giveaway and contacted via email. Contest is open to U.S. residents only, and ends 11/15/16 at 11:59pm PST.


Posted: Tuesday, October 11th, 2016 @ 5:41 pm
Categories: Art Journaling, Contests and Giveaways, How-To Project Tutorials, Mixed-Media Art.
Tags: , , , , , , .
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232 Responses to “Color Tools with Faber-Castell Part 1: 5 Techniques with Gelatos”

  1. Rochelle J says:

    I like technique #4. I love the soft colors and the vivid intense colors that this technique produces.

  2. Michelle says:

    Thanks for these inspiring techniques- I am itching to try them in my art journal as bases for mixed media collages with layers of Gelato showing through. The watercolor technique looks like a thrill… lots of depth and variation in vivid colors.

  3. Sheila Parker says:

    I like the drip technique it looks like it would work well with mixed media. For example art journaling.

  4. Becky Benson says:

    Watercolor effect!! I have always loved the muted “Monet” looks!

  5. Sharon McDonagh says:

    I love all techniques and want to experiment with #4…interested in how the blends are integrated.

  6. Katherine says:

    Gelatos are one of my very favorite supplies to create with – so versatile and beautiful results are incredibly easy to achieve!

    https://www.pinterest.com/pin/347903139948907171/

  7. Missy says:

    Technique #4: Wet Blend is my favorite! I like this method best as the end result will be unique each time the gelatos are applied and water is spritzed onto the paper.

  8. Renee Zarate says:

    Technique #5 making drips is so intriguing, I love Gelatos every which way!

  9. DianeD says:

    Love wet blending and stenciling with Gelato!
    Thanks for the opportunity.

  10. Cindy K says:

    I love the DRY BLEND that was shown. The colors remain vibrant, yet you get a smooth, soft effect. I love that look!

  11. Pam Weiler says:

    I love the dry blend technique. I have always liked the smooth beautiful effect of a blended look.

  12. Susan Schultheis says:

    Gelatos blend so beautifully and I have tried several of these techniques with fabulous results. I have not tried the first tecnique, textured gelatos so I am eager to give this a try. i am sure the result will be beautiful as usual. Thank you for the chance to win this group of gelatos.

  13. Carol LaBorie says:

    I love the watercolor effect…and the wet blend effect…and the drip effect. The colors are so vibrant!

  14. Kathleen B says:

    I liked the dry blend the best. It is so vibrant and lively looking. Thank you for the instruction and a chance to win the set.

  15. Kathy F says:

    I absolutely love these techniques. I saw a technique using resist a couple of years ago. I love these water color techniques. https://www.pinterest.com/pin/372391462922592153/

  16. Kathy F says:

    I love the water color technique because it can be used so many different ways.

  17. Ann L. says:

    I love the watercolor effects. Gelatos are wonderful. I would be thrilled to win this super prize!

  18. Judith strausbaugh says:

    Love gelatos. Would love to win this set. I love the dry blending. I have started using them in my Bible journaling.

  19. Jan G. says:

    My favorite is the watercolor effect. Love the softness of that look.

  20. Blythe says:

    I have not tried Gelatos. This SO makes me want to play with them and try every technique! How can you have a favorite? They are all so beautiful!

  21. Nita says:

    Love the Dry Blend look. Like the idea of clear gesso underneath, must help keep the transparency of the deep color. Yum!

  22. Francine Roca says:

    Honestly, I have a bottle of clear gesso for some time and never knew what to do with it. I love gelatos and now have 4 options to use both the gesso and gelatos. Thank You

  23. CHERYL says:

    I LOVE THE CREAMINESS AND EASE OF USE WITH GELATOS.
    I HAVE FABER CASTELL OIL PASTELS, COLORED PENCILS AND LOVE THIER COLOR VARIETIES AND ALL THEIR PRODUCTS. BEEN USING FOR YEARS.

  24. CAROLYN GLEIN says:

    I love the Drips style the best, it gives such an attitude of freedom. As primarily a mixed media artist all the methods definitely have their places,however the drips both fascinate me and excite. At this time I only have one crayon & need more to blend. Soon! Thanks for the chance.

  25. Carol B says:

    I love the drip technique, so fun!

    Carol B
    ciaoitalia2007(at)gmail(dot)com

  26. Sherri says:

    I really like the drip technique–I tend to do more “organized” art; the beauty of the “randomness” appeals to me and encourages me to try something less structured.

  27. Tammy Oviedo says:

    Hi you all I choose #3 the watercolor effect. I’ve been learning about painting with watercolors through online classes. So I’m excited to see that Gelatoes can be used as a watercolor also! I love their creamy feeling and wonderful colors. I have a few colors but would love to win this great set, especially since I now see I can do watercolor painting too! I did post your techniques on FB but I don’t know how to add a tag so you can see! Another thing I need to learn,but thank you for a chance to win this is awesome!!

  28. Melody Johnson says:

    I like Wet Blend technique because it is a great mix of colors and textures.

  29. Audra Delyea says:

    I like the drips and especially the colors, it speaks to me!

  30. April Lopez says:

    I love the watercolor look. I’m going to try putting clear gesso down as a base. Great ideas shown.

  31. Tammy Jackson says:

    I really like the dry blend – the fluid look of this technique is very appealing. Thanks for your offer give-away chance.

  32. April says:

    I would love to work with these! I have pinned the image to my Artfully board on Pinterest located here: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/533887730809853547/

  33. Tina says:

    The watercolor technique is amazing, would like to try.

  34. Connie M says:

    I loved the watercolor effect and would like to try more with the dry blend. they are really cool and small enough to take on the go.

  35. Bridget Linton says:

    Love love love the ‘Drips’ effect. That was a new one to me as I have always blended my gelatos before. I only have 6 colours so far – that set looks AMAZING!!

  36. Ro says:

    The watercolor effect caught my eye first thing. Lots of possibilities with different color ‘families’in my future!

  37. Kathy S says:

    What a beautiful range of colors. The textured gesso board is an interesting technique, but the possibilities are endless.

  38. Lynn says:

    Technique #1 – the textured blend is my choice because I love to add the look of blended textures with any of my artworks. The use of Gelatos would be fun to work with in creating wonderful, inspiring works of Art! The ideas and techniques seem to be endless with the vast array of colors.

  39. Chris Calabrese says:

    I love all of these techniques but especially #3 watercolor effect! I would love to win these! I have not seen these colors sold anywhere. Thanks!

  40. Barb says:

    Thank you for the opportunity to win this set of Gelatos! Love them for many art applications. Have not tried #5 as of yet, so that is my new favorite. https://www.pinterest.com/pin/24206916727245312/

  41. Shay says:

    I love #5 drips! I have always loved drips from blowing paint around with a straw as a kid to all of the paint drip techniques artists use today. There is so much possibility no matter which angle you turn the page. They have such movement that can show emotion from reaching , spreading out, taking over, falling, crawling, sweating, melting, and defeat. Drips move your eye around the page.

  42. Jeanette Jones says:

    Absolutely intrigued by the textured gesso board. Have never tried that yet and will doing that soon. Gelatos are amazing to work with in mixed media. They are versatile and easy to use.
    Love the opportunity to win such a beautiful set of them. Delicious colors.
    Thank you
    Jeanette

  43. Susan Auburn says:

    Oh to have so many colors to choose from! I’d start with the free and random #5.

  44. Karen L. says:

    These are all great techniques! But I like #2 best because it is so vivid and bold. And it seems to have a textured look a bit like fresco or an old plaster wall. Thanks for sharing!

  45. Theresa Grdina says:

    I am really loving the watercolor effect…..It would make a great background for some stamping!!!

    https://www.pinterest.com/pin/11962755241019965/

    I pinned it to my HOW TO board!!!

  46. Pat G says:

    I like the watercolor technique. It gives that impressionism effect.

  47. Susan says:

    I love the watercolor effect and the dripping one as well. Pinned to my board:
    https://www.pinterest.com/pin/125889752063717595/

  48. Tish Rowe says:

    Thanks a million for these tutorials. I love gelatos but do not use them enough due to wondering what to do..Now you have shown us.
    What a wonderful gift and talent you all have.
    Love it.

  49. Lisa M says:

    I pinned the textures technique! Looks so cool! https://www.pinterest.com/pin/169870217174550001/

  50. I pinned this to my Artsy Fabulous Watercolor page on Pinterest. It is GORGEOUS!

    https://www.pinterest.com/pin/73183562674750793/

  51. I would be honored to win a set of these babies!

  52. Erin Ellis says:

    These look like so much fun!
    https://www.pinterest.com/pin/402650022919545479/

    Thank you for the wonderful giveaway
    Erin
    erinloves2run at gmail dot com

  53. Heather Byars says:

    I appreciate this tutorial and will likely use each of these techniques. http://pin.it/vOLp4Nt

  54. Susan says:

    Wow, I had no idea those were so versatile! I liked the watercolor technique best, but I wouldn’t mind trying them all!

  55. Kat says:

    Love the Gelatos! I really like the drip and watercolor techniques. Great tutorial! thanks

  56. Meredith says:

    I love the look of the wet blend effect. All of these Gelatos techniques would make beautiful backgrounds in my art journal.

  57. Linda Reitz says:

    https://www.pinterest.com/pin/489836896955077134/

    Dry Blend Gelatos – I’m trying this technique today!

  58. I love all of the techniques, but I think the textured one at the top is the coolest.

    Would love to win this. Have not played with gelatos nearly enough.

  59. Jeanne says:

    Thanks for the techniques–some great ideas for a unique product!

  60. Jen says:

    Love these techniques, and love using Gelatos

  61. Ginny Markley says:

    I love all the techniques but especially love the texture on gesso board. I have no idea what gesso board is but i am going to try it on a cradle board primed with several coats of gesso and then sanded smooth.

  62. Debra A Armstrong says:

    I like Dry Blending best as the colors remain richest, but I love everything about Gelatos.

  63. Donna Karlan says:

    I am loving the “Drips” method because of the element of surprise. Where will this drips go? How will they interact? What designs do they make with their trails? A piece of artwork can answer those questions in color and never will the answer be the same!

  64. Watercolor effect!! Unpredictable, rich, one of a kind results. Gotta love those happy accidents!!!

  65. linda says:

    They are all beautiful but I love no. 5 DRIPS

  66. Carol b says:

    I like the watercolor technique best. I like the way the colors blend and create an ethereal effect without it being difficult to do.
    Carol b

  67. Karen says:

    Tech #5 – love the random drips and blending with the white ground. It looks gloriously messy!

  68. I love the drippy effect, but what I really want to try is #1, the textured gesso board, that is gorgeous! Pinned here: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/135741376248873887/

  69. Tisa Hosford says:

    Oh,clearly I need to learn how to use these to create some fabulous backgrounds for thought provoking quotations! The watercolor effect is FAB….but so is the gesso…which did I pick?
    https://www.pinterest.com/pin/494973815279100280/

  70. St. Heather says:

    I love technique #4 the best, although I’ve bookmarked this page to try each one out once I get my hands on some gelatos!

    PIN: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/232287293260861077/

  71. Debbie Gravenstein says:

    I love the Drip!

  72. Jen E says:

    I pinned to my Painting Pointers board here:
    https://www.pinterest.com/pin/502151427186376606/
    because I love the range of effects with a medium that looks so portable.
    Would be great for my artist journaling and mixed media class students!

  73. Debbie Hight says:

    I loved ALL the techniques so I pinned the top photo showing all 5 :-)
    https://www.pinterest.com/pin/180636635033868582/

  74. Ginnie says:

    Wet blend is my favorite. I like the unpredictability of it.

  75. Michele White says:

    I love the ways that I can use gelatos! From soft and blended… to bold and bright!

  76. Definitely the watercolor technique. Watercolor is still my passion even though I like and try everything.

  77. Karen says:

    I like all of them and am excited to see them all done in my favorite colors. I like the looks of the water colored effects and technique. It is softer and lighter than the other looks.
    Thank you for teaching all of the techniques to try for ourselves.

  78. Shannon says:

    I love them all but really am drawn to the dry blend today. Pinned it!
    http://pin.it/C79j3DA

  79. Jenessa says:

    Thanks for the tips and giveaway! I’ve never tried gelatos with gesso…I think I will now!

    https://www.pinterest.com/pin/35395547051063000/

  80. Belinda says:

    Pinned technique #5 – Drips but don’t know how to share the link! that was my favourite

  81. Brooke says:

    I find the drip the most appealing because I like the combination of outlines formed by the drip and the watercolory wash-together of the colors evocative.

  82. C says:

    I like the result of the dry blend the best. The colors are vibrant and well blended. Such fun!

  83. Janine Heifetz says:

    I like all of the techniques but my favorite is #5!

  84. Wow! What an amazing array of techniques Stampington has posted for this hard-to-decide art texture using the Gelatos from Faber-Castell! The quality of their products always amaze me. I will have to say I like #1 as an artist can incorporate so many designs using an array of art supplies such as mesh stencils, stamping designs, coins, feather designs, laying burlap over the gelato/gesso board, and embellishing to one’s heart’s content. The sky is the limit as to what one could achieve with this combined duo of Gelato and gesso! If I win the pens, you can bet I will be experimenting in my Wonderland of Art!

  85. Oh! I did post this on Facebook!

  86. Ann says:

    I just love Gelatos, they have amazing color and versatility. I would love to try the “Drips” technique. I shared on Pinterest here, https://www.pinterest.com/pin/63331938489774182/

  87. Crystal says:

    I like technique #2 and the smooth, intense colors you can achieve! :-)

  88. Barb says:

    I’ve been looking for a good drip technique, amd the Gelato drip is perfect!

  89. Monika says:

    I really like the wet techniques. I’m always afraid of using water on my pages because I’m afraid of ruining the page, but these techniques show me what’s possible.

  90. Susan Klein says:

    I am head over heels in love with Gelatos ever since seeing them demo’d at a show! I’ve never tried the stippling, but may have to give it a go! Love their versatility and ease of use/blendability.

  91. Kelly Paquet says:

    I like all the possibilities of this new media! My favorite of the techniques shown is #3 the watercolor technique. It blends so nicely. I would love to try these in my watercolor works, and other art projects! I pinned on Pinterest and shared on Facebook, too, just to share with friends!

  92. Kathy K says:

    I would like to try technique #4. I like the beautiful results from the wet blend leaving what looks like small intense specs of pigment not totally dissolved. Love that!

  93. Trisha says:

    I ache to be an artist. To paint and create with confidence and flair. But I watch from the sidelines with a tinge of envy at the courage of others. So this set of Gelatos might be the key I need to step into my creativity. I think I would gaze at their jewel colours for days and then if I found the courage I would attempt #3. Watercolours have always inspired me. Perhaps that is where I would start.

  94. Trisha says:

    Oops, just seen that this competition is only open to US residents. Silly me. Anyway thanks for giving me another reason to begin.

  95. Chris Redford says:

    Love the ‘drips’ and can’t wait to try it!

  96. Russell says:

    Technique #2 is definitely my favorite.. I do prefer to use a gesso ground for this.
    https://www.pinterest.com/pin/356910339204037929/

  97. Lou Baker Downing says:

    I love all of these techniques. If I had to pick a fav, it would be #4. I have a small set of gelatos. This set would be awesome to own. Thanks!

  98. Lou Baker Downing says:

    I love all of these techniques. If I had to pick a fav, it would be #4. I have a small set of gelatos. This set would be awesome to own. Thanks! I did post this on Pinterest.

  99. Jackie P Neal says:

    Oh my gosh! I would love to be picked for these!! Love love love all the colors in one pack- gorgeous creamy color- yummy!!
    Pinned-
    https://www.pinterest.com/pin/135178426295432067/

  100. Brown eye sue says:

    I love the watercolor effect, esp for cards.
    Thanks for the great tips!

  101. Marilyn Podoll says:

    https://www.pinterest.com/pin/206673070379955839/

    Love the soft spread of color.

  102. Pat says:

    I use the gelatos in my scrapbooking. I use them to soften an edge or sometimes to make an object stand out more. It’s a little like using a crayon only better because you can take your fingers and move, change, etc the area in which you are working. Keep up the good work Faber.

  103. Darlene says:

    I like all the techniques.

  104. Mary says:

    I love the drip techniques in #5 and the wet blend in #4…I like the randomness of both.

  105. Cheryl says:

    I love the blending colors! I haven’t used Gelatos but would love to try them with my watercolors. Number 5 is my favorite of those featured, because of the drippy effect.

  106. Laura Taylor Mark says:

    I like the watercolor effect, have not tried these yet and would love to win a set! Good luck everyone!

  107. Valerie Fletcher says:

    It would be sooooo exciting to win this. Shared on Pinterest. https://www.pinterest.com/pin/174725660523224772/

  108. Melinda Davis says:

    I can never resist a drip technique!

  109. Barbara Milton says:

    I love the texture look. http://pin.it/MZpjiZA

  110. Dena Jardin says:

    I love all the techniques, but if I have to pick a favorite it would be the Dry Blend. The intense depth of color is stunning.

  111. Bambi Lee says:

    Love em too much to pick just one.

  112. stephanie says:

    LOVE the textured gesso board

  113. Mary-Beth says:

    The drips is my favorite! Thanks for showing the other techniques side-by-side so to speak as this is very helpful. The Gelatos have such vibrant colors… love them all!

  114. Barb Skinner says:

    Recently I have dabbled in watercolor so # 4 appeals to me and I would enjoy the chance to try gelatos, thanks!

  115. Barbara says:

    I love the look of the dry-blend Gelatos. I will have to try this technique! Thank you for the chance to win a fabulous prize! http://pin.it/FylVJMW

  116. ginger says:

    I’ve previously played with the open stock Double Scoops & have enjoyed just using various Mixed media experiments in my art journals.
    I’d be as thrilled as a kid in a candy store to win these inspiring colours!
    Thanks for the opportunity!

  117. Rosemary Chomos says:

    Have not tried any of the above. Am neophyte. But if should win would try all at least once then try whatever muse inspires.

  118. Scarlet Taylor says:

    Have tried them once and loved them!!! I would like to have a set to try in my journaling and in a poem book I am writing.

  119. Scarlet Taylor says:

    I have tried them once. Would like to win so I can use them in my poem book I am constructing with my granddaughter.

  120. I like technique 5, the drips. Although the others are very close behind.

  121. Peg says:

    I am going to try the wet blend technique first. I think it would be the prefect background for some birdcage stamps I was recently given. Black ink on the stamp with the gelato background would be gorgeous.

  122. Dolores Collazo says:

    http://pin.it/oj52ufh
    I thought you’d like this Pin on Pinterest…

    I want to try some of these techniques, especially the watercolor effect.

  123. Kate Yetter says:

    http://pin.it/vHwj07y I love all these techniques! Love gelatos.

  124. Susan says:

    All of the techniques look wonderful, but the wet blend appeals to me especially. I love the intense color at the top, fading into pale stripes.

  125. Bobbie Kangas says:

    I find myself being drawn to number three. The subtle blending of colors, is this what a storm cloud looks like from the inside?
    The possibilities are endless.

  126. I really liked the wet blend idea. I have a few gelatos but they’ve never seemed to really “work” for me, so I am going to try out these techniques!

  127. Sharlyn Premuda says:

    They’re all great, but the textured gesso board is so interesting and suggests so many other textures that could be achieved using the gelatos.

  128. Carola Bartz says:

    My favorite is the watercolor effect. I simply love watercolor and am learning how to use it. Of course you chose a very appealing combination of colors! This just speaks to me. Pinned here: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/573857177502601701/

  129. Misty says:

    Technique two is awesome and inspiring. Would make great base for a completed mixed media project.

  130. Cindy says:

    I think the textured gesso effect is the most intriguing. I have seen other similar techniques with various products, but this one is the most innovative and easy yet complicated looking. WHat beautiful cards and journal pages this technique will make. Thank you to your creative group who came up with all the ideas.

  131. CA says:

    I love the drips. This method lends itself to nature inspired art.

  132. Carolyn B says:

    Love the drip method, it is such an intresting effect that can be used in many projects

  133. Denise L. says:

    Love the watercolor techniques!

  134. SuzanD says:

    Love the texture in Technique #1: Textured Gesso Board.

  135. Edith Johnson says:

    I haven’t had much experience using gelatos but I found these techniques informative. I especially liked the watercolor techniques #2,3,and4 and can’t wait to try them.

  136. Meg Levitt says:

    I like the watercolor effect
    You can make a picture and blend the background, let it defy and add images on too

  137. Erin G. says:

    I have tried the watercolour and drip effects with the Gelatos, and they are fabulous, but the textured gesso board in Technique #1 is super cool!

  138. Sandee A says:

    I love #3, watercolor effect. I’m realizing that I really miss working with watercolors and this new method, gelatos, is very enticing.

  139. beth byrd says:

    Technique #5 is so fun … the messier the better!!

    http://www.pinterest.com/pin/61291244908188745

  140. Janeace says:

    I really like the dry blend, not only the texture of the material, but the vibrancy of the colors make the end result so rich to the eye.

  141. Patti Johnson says:

    I can’t wait to try all the techniques, especially the dry blending. Love the intense color of that one.

  142. Ruby Claggett says:

    I like #3 best but would love to try them all! I’m always looking for variegated cardstock to use instead of solid colors to add more interest to my projects. This would let my make my own in whatever colors I need at the time.

  143. Susan Viley says:

    Thank you for the opportunity to win these gelatos!

    My favorite technique is the watercolor effect.

  144. Michelle says:

    http://pin.it/lxoH5OT

    I love the Wet Blend look (#4)! But, really, I’d like to try all of the techniques. Gelatos have been on my shopping list for a while! If only we could live on craft supplies alone! ;)

  145. Michelle says:

    I tried clicking my link to make sure it worked. It did 2 of 4 tries. Strange. Hope it works for you!

  146. Jenifer says:

    All of the techniques are interesting but I especially love the wet technique.

  147. Terry G. says:

    I liked the drip technique #5! Mainly, I think it would be fun to experiment with all the techniques!

  148. Veronica Gookins says:

    I live the wet look of the gilatos. I love how easily they blend together and give a watercolor look. They way you can drip the colors down the page. Gilatos give you endless looks. They are my favorite art tools. I would love to win these awesome gilato colors!

  149. Helen says:

    I love the drip technique as it adds a different dimension to art work – it is free flowing and breaks up the structure of the art wok. The gelatos are just so silky smooth to use!!!!

  150. Kristina says:

    I love them all, but my favorite is #2, the dry blend because I love the texture it creates.

  151. Lynda says:

    I love the Dry Blend the most with Watercolor a close second. I will need to give these a try!

  152. Char L says:

    I love the wet blend technique. The colors flow into each other beautifuly.

  153. #5 Drips https://www.pinterest.com/gaylemontayo/mixed-media-textile-wood-metal/
    #1 Technique …Love the cool colors and mixed hue textures…very nice! https://twitter.com/MontayoStudio/status/787472241269374977
    https://www.facebook.com/GayleMontayoStudio Posted on my FB.(don’t know how to tag..sigh)

  154. Naomi Shelton says:

    Hi. I liked the Watercolor Effects and the Drips the best. I would love to win these and do my own experimenting!

  155. Karen H says:

    I like the saturated color of #2, and the movement and drama of #1. Thanks for the chance to win!

  156. Joyce Laux says:

    Technique 5 is my favorite. I love drips!!!!

  157. Denise Dudziak says:

    All the techniques look like fun, but my favorite one to play with would definitely be the 5th one, the Drips. I love the randomness, and the unpredictability of the results. I’d love the chance to experiment with a set of Gelatos, thanks!

  158. Luz Ruby says:

    I have used gelato once because a friend of mine had some and I put some color on my paper. I would love to win a set and use them when I watercolor. Their rich color would make my watercolor paint colors more luxurious. I hope to win a set. Thank you.

  159. Debbie Keegan says:

    My favorite is number two. I love the rich, brilliant color of the dry method!

  160. Karen W says:

    I need to incorporate more texture, so I chose that one. https://www.pinterest.com/pin/221872719122003522/

  161. Kim McM says:

    Oooh, this would be so fun to win! I have a few Gelatos and I love them, but this set has so many colors! I am excited about trying these techniques. Thanks for the giveaway! Here’s the link to my pin: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/106890191136907363/

  162. jakki Garlans says:

    I really like Technique #5 – I love the drips and would like to be able to use Gelatos and this method in my art journal. I am learning so much as I come to this new art form; I’ve never considered myself to be creative, and have learned differently in my 60s!

  163. Sandra Webster says:

    I love the drips effect! What a great way to get an ombre look or other shading effect! Can’t wait to try these! Thank you for sharing!

  164. Betty says:

    Watercolors are my favorite. Can’t wait to try these Gelatos.

  165. Natalie M says:

    I pinned, love all of these techniques, can’t wait to play with them :D

    https://www.pinterest.com/pin/61009769931828848/

  166. Linda B says:

    I like the intensity of the 2nd technique.

  167. Jackie P Neal says:

    and I absolutely love the drippage!! Had to pin that as well!
    https://www.pinterest.com/pin/135178426295466752/

  168. Anna says:

    I love that they are portable! And that they can be blended dry so I don’t need any extra supplies. Which is great for travel!

  169. Pat Allard says:

    My favorite is the dry blend technique….it is so vivid and beautiful!

  170. Katje Hansen says:

    http://pin.it/9JBCvVa Got to try these!

  171. Bj baughman says:

    #3 appeals to me as something I could use for quick coverage on backgrounds. It has a wet in wet look.

  172. Colleen Bammann says:

    #3 Water color effect. I do a lot of landscape and this would make a great background. I am saving this email with the techniques.

  173. Ann Thrash-Trumbo says:

    How beautiful! Pinned athttps://www.pinterest.com/pin/505599495651124474/

    Love it all!

  174. I love all of them, but I’d have to say #4 is my favorite. For softer watercolor look and feel. I definitely need to try these as they also feel less messy than painting, something I can’t really do much of in my apartment living situation right now. I’m developing my own card line (a DREAM come true for me after many many years), and I wanted to do some watercolor cards…this is a perfect solution…with many options.

  175. Mary Boykin says:

    I did both facebook and pinterest because I have friends who utilize both. Man oh Man…how much fun these would be. I already have ideas on how to use them in my junk journal, bible journal, art book journal…cards, gift tags and family cookbook. I have a lot of projects and love them all!

  176. Nancy Johnston says:

    One of my favorite tools!
    https://www.pinterest.com/pin/95349717090963426/

  177. I really like those gelatos. Can’t wait to try them!!!

  178. Ronni Hunter says:

    I tried to tag on FB but don’t think it worked so I am posting my Pinterest link instead. It would be so fun to try these techniques.
    https://www.pinterest.com/pin/281543706949072/

  179. Teri Beane says:

    http://pin.it/orVJUrJ
    I thought you’d like this Pin on Pinterest…
    I love the drip technique! It is a piece of art in itself.

  180. Beckie Holso says:

    I love the variety of all these… so I had to share the first image on Facebook. Thanks for the chance to win this amazing prize!!!

  181. Beulah Bee says:

    I think I like the dry blend technique best because I am a control freak!

  182. Rita Montgomery says:

    I love the drip method the best. The reason….because it looks so cool!! Thanks for a chance to win.

  183. Cathy Stutzman says:

    What a wonderful variety of Faber Castell’s Gelatos. I have used their brand and love the texture and brilliance of color. I haven’t used some of the suggestions, but will very soon. Thanks for offering this beautiful prize with all the variety of colors. Whoever wins this is one lucky and fortunate person.

  184. B J Berlo says:

    These gelatos remind me of how much I enjoyed water colors in art school a million years ago! I would really love to use these gelatoes.

  185. Linda g says:

    I usually like doing #2, but #4 adds an interesting twist to the blended watercolor look. But that’s the good thing about gelatos…they are so versatile, you can do whatever strikes you at the moment!

  186. Laura Ramey says:

    The drip technique sounds interesting. Best Regards.

  187. Diane says:

    OH, wet blend and drips are the most beautiful.

  188. Katina Hronas says:

    https://www.pinterest.com/pin/146296687875262813/

    #4 is my favorite because it combines the look of watercolor with some texture!

  189. ANNIE W says:

    Love the drip effect!

  190. Cindy says:

    Technique one intrigues me. Makes me want to get the gelatos right now and learn how to use them. Looks like a fun, creative process.

  191. Yvonne Davis says:

    Pin: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/33847434680330571/

    Love the drippage technique

  192. Laura Odenthal says:

    I loved technique #2 though all of them are a ton of fun. I recently got a gelatos set and can’t wait to try them!! This gives me inspiration.

  193. otilia martinez says:

    Love the dry blend technique. I will need to try this.

  194. Phyllis says:

    I really like the drippy one because I’ve been stuck creatively for a long time, and maybe this technique will be liberating for me! https://www.pinterest.com/pin/410953534732556759/

  195. Patricia Noreen McLeod says:

    Love the watercolor look and so much easier!

  196. Lena says:

    The Watercolor Effect is my favorite because a variety of subtle tones can be created with this technique.

  197. Cheryl says:

    Love them all ways, but especially with water!

  198. Jane Owel says:

    I love the textured gesso board technique, it’s so beautiful! I also like the dripped look. Would love to win these gelatos.

    I pinned this http://pin.it/okcm1Ip

  199. Tiffany says:

    I love the gelatos! I use them daily. I need this set, and please add more colors. I would live to see a warm autumn pallet.

  200. Barbara Miller says:

    Love the wet blend technique.
    http://pin.it/QOqvuw6

  201. Sharon gullikson says:

    I like spritz dropping effect. it would be cool on tags, cards, just about anything. I am trying new techniques and media these days.

  202. julie m says:

    i like technique #1 the best. will give it a try this afternoon.

  203. Judy Fabian says:

    I am really having a hard time deciding which technique I prefer. Each stimulates the creative juices! Maybe the textured Gesso because I want to feel it!

  204. I love technique #4 the best. That is the one I most often use when using the gelatos. LOVE this product and would be thrilled to own more (only own 6 colors). I liked and shared on Facebook. Thank you for the chance to win this generous giveaway

  205. Madelyn B says:

    I love all the effects, but my favorite at the moment is #5 Drips. Very easy to arrange a scrapbook page on that background.

  206. Pamela Fitzpatrick says:

    I love the #5 Drips because it looks so calming and the negative space can be used for building card designs.

  207. Ginnie says:

    I like the drips because of the unpredictable results.

  208. http://pin.it/Y0bAF_V

    I love the richness of the colors and the soft blending. So very yummy!

  209. Marjolijn says:

    I like all the techniques but my favorite is nr 5 the drips, because I always like some white spots and and it’s most surprising how the end result is going to be.

  210. Sarah R says:

    I love the techniques, especially #3. I have the gold, silver, and bronze Gelatos, and they are great for adding metallic accents. Now I want to try some of the pretty colors!

  211. Cindy says:

    I love the dripping effect. It’s great to see Gelatos used in new ways. Thanks for sharing.

  212. jenny stratton says:

    I have never tried Gelatos and they look like so much fun.

  213. Kimberly Stelly says:

    Love the wet blend and watercolor techniques.

  214. Rosalie says:

    I really like the drip technique. It’s so easy to do and each time you use this technique the results are so pretty and different.

  215. Ruth McIntyre says:

    I find I use the water techniques very often, with beautiful results. But often I add accents by applying some color and blending with my finger. using a “polka dot” application and gently blending gives a lovely bg effect. I have only recently discovered Gelatos and am in awe. I even gave a class in my home to some friends to show them this find – they are now fans

  216. Frances says:

    I use more of the watercolor technique. It is more appealing to me.

  217. Lynn says:

    5. The drips … leaves some interesting spaces for text.

  218. Loretta Brady says:

    I like #3 because I love the delicate look of watercolors.

  219. Carol B says:

    I like the drip method the best, it looks spontaneous and very cool.

    Carol B

  220. Yoletta Lieberthal says:

    I loved number 3. It was a beautiful wash of colors, a perfect background for my mixed media

  221. Judy gagner says:

    I have used gelatos a lot and love them! I especially like the drip technique

Jordan Art JournalingContests and GiveawaysHow-To Project TutorialsMixed-Media Art ,,,,,,

Color Tools with Faber-Castell Part 1: 5 Techniques with GelatosGelatos are one of my favorite mixed-media tools to work with. This creamy smooth product blends easily with or without water and can be used on all sorts of canvases and substrates. There are also a lot of techniques that can be used with these gelatos. Use them as watercolors, or as a blendable pigment — the possibilities are endless!

Technique #1: Textured Gesso Board

Textured Gelatos on Gesso board

Substrate Used in Photo: Smooth gesso board

Scribble gelatos in patches over the whole board. Apply plenty of pigment to the board because you will need a lot of pigment to allow for the texturing at the end.

With a round-tipped brush, begin to blend the colors together with water, starting with the lightest colors and working through to the darkest colors last.

With the same brush, plant the brush flat on the page multiple times in rows to create a stippling pattern across the board. Apply more water as needed to allow the pigments to flow well and continue creating this stippling pattern over the whole page.

When finished and satisfied with the result, allow the board to air dry. Tip: Do not use a heat tool to speed up dry time because this will blur your stippling pattern when the heat gun blows across the page.

 

Technique #2: Dry Blend

Dry Blended Gelatos

Substrate Used in Photo: Watercolor paper primed with clear gesso

Apply gelatos in random patches across the entire page. The idiom is usually “less is more,” but in this case, more is more and be sure to apply plenty of pigment to the page so that the pigments blend easily. Colors should be close together, with no need to leave a border in between.

With a blending tool, begin smoothing out the lightest colors, slowly working in the darker colors.

This method requires plenty of elbow grease and patience. I recommend this technique only for sturdier papers. However, the end result is beautiful, vivid, and fluid color, so it is totally worth it!

 

Technique #3: Watercolor Effect

Using Gelatos as Watercolors

Substrate Used in Photo: Watercolor paper primed with clear gesso

Apply gelatos in random patches across entire page, keeping plenty of white space in between the different colors. This technique doesn’t require a lot of pigment on the page, so you don’t have to press very hard when scribbling the gelatos onto the page.

Use a brush that absorbs plenty of color to blend the colors, from lightest to darkest. Add additional water often to keep the colors flowing easily. Blot away any excess pigment that isn’t needed with a paper towel.

 

Technique #4: Wet Blend

Wet Blended Gelatos

Substrate Used in Photo: Watercolor paper primed with clear gesso

This is one of my favorite new techniques with gelatos. It is very similar to the watercolor effects technique, but the end result is very ethereal vertical stripes that are well blended and beautifully translucent like watercolors.

Color plenty of gelatos at the very edge of the page. You will only need pigment in a stripe along the edge of the page to make this technique work well, but that stripe will need to be somewhat saturated with gelatos.

Wet the entire page with a spritz bottle and wet the gelatos stripe with plenty of water. If desired, rub your finger along the gelatos to gently blend the gelatos, keeping them at one end of the page.

Hold the page vertically and allow the gelatos to flow freely down the page. Because the rest of the page is already wet, the gelatos shouldn’t form drips, but instead should blend and flow easily. Spritz more water as needed until desired effect is achieved.

 

Technique #5: Drips

Dripped Gelatos

Substrate Used in Photo: smooth watercolor paper primed with clear gesso

This technique is very similar to the wet blend, but does not wet the entire page. It’s a great technique for adding a little bit of grungy detail to a page.

Scribble gelatos along one end of the page. Mask the rest of the page and spritz just the gelatos with water.

Hold the page vertically and allow the gelatos to form drips down the page. Spritz top of the page as needed until you have the desired amount of drips.

 

Enter to Win Your Own Set of Gelatos from Faber-Castell!

[This giveaway has ended.]

Our friends at Faber-Castell have graciously provided this set of gelatos. That’s a retail value of $62.95!

Faber-Castell Gelatos

Gelatos® are unlike any other product on the market today.  This dynamic medium is a compact, acid-free pigment stick that glides on cream smooth for vibrant color and coverage.  Gelatos® blend easily with or without water and work well on virtually any porous surface!

Click here for more information on this amazing product.

To Enter:

1) Share your favorite image above on Pinterest or Facebook by pinning or liking the image.

2) If you pinned to Pinterest, share the link in the comments section below. If you “liked” on Facebook, tag us so we can see.

3) If you don’t have Facebook or Pinterest, please comment below and tell us which technique you find most appealing and why.

Winners will be randomly selected from the comments below for our giveaway and contacted via email. Contest is open to U.S. residents only, and ends 11/15/16 at 11:59pm PST.