Landscape in ink and coloured pencil

Originally a printmaker, artist Helen Hanson reinvented herself and discovered the joy of combining ink and coloured pencils. It’s an unusual combination and one she takes great pride and enthusiasm in sharing with us. ‘It’s not a case of colouring in,’ she tells us, ‘rather using the two media to translate the landscape. It’s a thoughtful, slow-growing process that feels like putting together a mildly challenging jigsaw.’

Focusing on the landscape and plant life, the book opens with information on materials and equipment, how to select your sources, use sketches and photography and understanding the qualities of the materials. There are chapters on basic techniques, including mark making, texture, using coloured pencils, blending, layering and burnishing, as well as more advanced techniques, such as embossing, lifting out and sgraffito. Specific areas of the landscape are explored next, focusing on trees and bushes, mountains, gullies, water and skies, for example, as well as the details of tree bark, flowers and grasses. There follows plenty of step-by-step projects to work through with thorough stages clearly explained and full materials’ lists as well as four-stage demonstrations that concentrate on a particular area or season. The book finishes with advice on tackling large works. This is a well written and beautifully presented book by an artist whose passion for her new-found techniques and media is tangible. Landscape in Ink and Coloured Pencil by Helen Hanson. The Crowood Press, (p/b), £16.99.