This beautiful atmospheric print has been made by Eva Juusola using crayons to achieve subtle variations in tone and is kindly sharing this technique.
Using Wax Crayons in Collagraphs
I have recently been using children’s wax crayons in collagraphs to subtly lighten areas which is producing some very interesting tonal variations. The wax makes the surface it is applied to smoother, so canceling out some of its ink-retaining qualities and by varying the amount of wax it is possible to create very subtle effects and tonal graduations – which is not easy to achieve in this medium!
Wax crayons work well when applied to any surface that retains at least some ink, such as the mount board itself or even when it has been cut and peeled, or areas with carborundum. Interestingly when used on textured areas, the wax will emphasise the texture.
The photo of the collagraph block shows where I’ve applied neon yellow wax crayon to lighten quite a few areas, and the resulting print. The colour of the wax crayon is of course irrelevant!