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In the early 20th century, Japanese artist Kanae Yamamoto
published a book explaining his ideas for teaching children in a way that allowed them to explore, be creative, and express themselves through art. Known as the "Jiyu-ga" method (from "Jiyuu," meaning "freedom"),
it was met with enthusiastic support and also strong opposition.
Two teachers who supported Kanae's ideas believed that art education could only progress with the use of modern art supplies. Up until then, Japanese children were taught to use black ink and follow strict guidelines. The teachers invented an oil, wax, and pigment stick that allowed students to experience bold color, the immediacy of drawing, and the expressiveness of painting all at the same time. It was the first oil pastel. In the spirit of Jiyuu, this "Oil & Foil" the technique presents a new, freely-expressive way for students to experiment with texture, color, and light.
Jiyuu
Process
1. Plan and execute a collage from foil papers onto illustration
board. For best results, start by lightly sketching a design with
pencil onto the surface. Concentrate on large shapes, outlines,
and placement rather than details of the design.
2. Cover the sketch with foil papers, using a variety of colors,
shapes, and sizes. Cut or tear shapes, layering and positioning
pieces with a glue or a glue stick. Allow folds and wrinkles in
the paper to remain and create purposeful texture by crinkling
papers.
3. Define outlines of the main shapes by impressing lines using
wooden or embossing tools. Use enough pressure to press into
the board beneath the foil, but not too much pressure so that
the paper tears.
4. Work oil pastel colors over the surface of the design. The
wax will dull the metallic colors except in the areas where it
has been . If desired, colors can be blended with each other
directly or using fingers, a blending stump, or cloth. Use
light pressure to blend so that color does not move into the
impressed lines.
5. After covering an area with pastel, use the tools to impress
more texture and detail, pushing into the soft illustration
board while revealing the glow of the foil again. The process
of working through the pastel coating to the metallic
surface beneath is known as "sgraffito" - which is Italian for
"scratching". In this step, use techniques such as stippling,
cross-hatching, and parallel linework to create a variety of
textural effects.
6. Again, work pastel over the surface. The impressions will have
formed a variety of raised and lowered surfaces - a doubleembossing.
Lines and designs of shiny metallic foil are revealed
and surrounded by contrasting areas of waxy, matte oil pastel.
7. Areas can be scraped, impressed, and reworked as desired
until the artwork is deemed complete.