Testing Mediums: Posca Color Pencils

In short: I do not recommend them.

In the artwork I created using a technique called verdaccio, I attempted to replicate it with the Posca colored pencils. Verdaccio is an underpainting/drawing technique that typically involves using yellows and greens, similar to a "dead layer" which is usually done in black, whites, and greys. Both Verdaccio and Grisaille techniques help artists define tonal values.

For those unfamiliar with tonal values, they refer to the transitions between light and dark in an artwork.

Verdaccio is a monochromatic technique, meaning it relies on one color. To create highlights and shadows, different shades of the green color are essential, often requiring working in layers. Unfortunately, with the Posca colored pencils, I faced challenges in layering colors due to wax buildup causing a whitish haze and a "chunking" effect known as bloom. This issue arose after applying a second layer with light pressure.

Despite the obstacles, I persisted as the pencils were a gift and carried a reputable brand name. However, the situation worsened as the colors became chunkier and eventually stopped accepting additional layers altogether.

In a last attempt to salvage my portrait, I turned to my Derwent and Faber Castell colored pencils. While they helped to some extent, the waxiness of the Posca pencils limited their effectiveness.

I final thoughts: I would not recommend the Posca colored pencils for professional artists. However, if you are a crafter looking for a set for coloring books, these pencils may suit your needs.