Viviva Colorsheets:
Viviva Sketchbook
I have their spiral bound sketchbook that they don't sell anymore. Here's a similar one:
&
Viviva Easy Sketch Parallax Mirror
They no longer sell it. You can probably buy one somewhere else online. Viviva still has literature on their parallax mirror:
I should have waved when my hands were reflected. 😅
1. The colors are dye-based. They act more like an ink than a watercolor.
2. One square of color is supposed to be equivalent to a half pan. Although! In the metallic booklet, after two uses I was almost finished with the gold.
3. The colorsheets are the perfect size for traveling. Please anticipate stains on your paper, clothes, skin, brushes, table, etc. Your fingers will be stained for at least 2 days no matter how hard you scrub.
4. Viviva Colors are beautifully vivid and highly pigmented.
5. The wet on wet blooms are small but so cool looking. A light but small swipe of color is extremely concentrated. I suggest diluting it in a palette if you want more of a watercolor effect than an inky appearance.
6. The "watercolors" do not lift off the paper much like Derwent's Inktense product line. If you use Yupo paper you will definitely have the option to lift because the colors lay on top of the paper and do not soak in.
7. They are better than student quality watercolors because they are so highly pigmented, but not quite professional artist grade.
8. Viviva Colorsheets are affordable, $20.00 a pack on their website. $21.00 a pack on Blick's website.
Viviva Sketchbook
If you use too much water the paper will come apart like mixed media paper.
I suggest using the colors on Yupo paper, it will give interesting effects. And of course cotton watercolor paper is a great choice as well.
Viviva Easy-Sketch Parallax Mirror
This was interesting, but uncomfortable to use. Definitely a fun novelty item. I rather draw from sight or imagination. If you are learning how to draw I suggest using the grid method:
1. Use a clear sheet of plastic paper and draw a grid on it, then place it over a painting or drawing you want to recreate.
2. On the paper you plan to draw on, draw a grid as well, of equal ratio to the clear sheet.
This will teach you to focus on shapes instead of features you are familiar with. You will get more accuracy that way.
Another great way to learn how to draw is to look at a photo upside down. You will focus on shapes and your lines will be looser and closer to the original than you would have experienced it right side up.
If you want to see videos on all of these points I made, I have a PowerPoint Presentation type of video for you to watch. It is only 1 minute and 52 seconds. 😉
YouTube: Viviva Art Supply Review & Speed Painting Video
Have a Lovely Day!
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