The An Tir College of Scribes: 
Scribe's Handbook (badge by Torric in Bjorn)

Kingdom Scribe's Motto

HOW TO LAY DOWN COLOURS FOR ILLUMINATIONS

From the Scribal Handbook

  1. Decide on the basic colour scheme (two or three colours), and where the colours will be placed, and put them on the paper (felt pens are handy on the rough draft).

  2. Stand back and look at the layout. Is it balanced? Do you like it? If not, correct it.

  3. Choose your colours (one of each). It is best to use intense, even dark colours and they must be opaque. If you plan to do lots of shading or intricate diaper patterns, it is best to have a dark, a medium, a light, and an almost-white shade. Small areas may need only a dark-to-medium and a pastel shade.

  4. Blend white into your colours a little at a time to make several shades. Check for muddiness. Adjust if necessary. Note: BLEND ENOUGH COLOUR FOR AN ENTIRE PROJECT. YOU CANNOT MATCH A COLOUR IF YOU RUN OUT.

  5. Lay down a coat of the medium shade on the entire colour block and allow it to dry. Next, lay on lighter and darker shades to create the desired pattern or effect. It is a good idea to make certain that your colours will cover adequately when laid on top, and that they do not bleed. If it bleeds, don't use it.

 

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