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Abstract Landscape Drawings with Water-Soluble Graphite and Pastels
Discover how water-soluble drawing materials create ethereal abstract landscapes inspired by forest mysteries and Blue Ridge Mountain memories. A mixed media artist shares techniques and unexpected insights from exploring graphite and chalk.
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Last weekend, I finally pulled out my collection of water-soluble drawing supplies and created two abstract landscapes. While I planned to keep them monochromatic, the colors called to me and I couldn’t resist adding them to the mix.
The forest drawing started from a reference photo, but quickly took its own path. I wanted to capture that special feeling of being in dense woods, where trees blend together and sunlight filters through the leaves in gentle rays.
Working with water-soluble graphite and chalk taught me something interesting: they create deep, rich tones when wet but dry much lighter. I found myself building up layers to keep the intensity I was looking for.
The second piece flowed freely from my imagination. As I finished it, I realized something surprising – I had drawn a place from my memories of the Blue Ridge Mountains in North Carolina. There was this beautiful tree perched on the edge, overlooking layers of misty mountains stretching into the distance. Funny how our memories show up in art without us planning it!
I really enjoyed exploring these materials. They create such lovely watercolor effects, and I like how I could rewet dried areas to make adjustments and blend colors. It opened up new ways of working that I’m excited to try more.
