In my final year at Fanshawe Fine Art, I became familiar with a method of drawing and painting on wood panels that I find engaging.
Starting with plywood or a wood panel I begin sanding with an oscillating power sander. After that I apply a thick coat of gesso using a small paint roller then a brush. Then I sand the gesso with 80,120 then 220 grit sandpaper. I sand until I find the surface is “paper smooth”. Then I begin drawing.
I use #2 “printer pencils” for rough sketching and 2mm mechanical drafting pencils for more detailed images. I typically use H pencil but sometimes I will use 5H for light drawing. Once I am satisfied with the rendering, I then decide whether to make a finished rendering in pencil or to add colour with marker, acrylic or ink – or sometimes all three. I prefer to work in paint markers rather than traditional brushes, then often use either ink, marker or paint. Sometimes I will use mixed media like pastels, charcoal or even colour-erase pencils – occasionally watercolors as well. For larger areas I tend to use brushes and acrylic paint.