Todd Lambrix

Item 1. The Cabinet Card

Cabinet cards are available at antique shops, flea markets, ebay, and a host of other sites that allow for the sale of things. They can be purchased in lots or individually and should usually cost between $1 and $4 each. This will vary of course but do not pay more than this. There are some images out there that are rare or related to history in specific ways and they will of course fetch more money. Have a look at the pair of cards on the right above. The left most card is crisp and clear in its detail. This is an exceptional card. The card on the right has some staining and fading. I would still use a card like this but for your purposes, it may be better to start with something that is a little clearer like. the one on the left. If you are unable to acquire a cabinet card in time for the workshop, I can email you a pdf that you can print out and work on top of. Just let me know. Contact me here.

Essentials:

Protecting your image

It is a good idea to pre-coat your card with acrylic matte medium to protect the image from the beating it may take. Erasers can be harsh and this layer will keep the image below it free from harm. Also, an inexpensive soft bristled flat brush to apply this is ideal. Something that you will not mind ruining if you forget to rinse really well. I recommend:
Liquitex Basics Matte Medium (Amazon Link $8.99)
Synthetic brush set 20 pcs. (Amazon Link $5.99) These are cheap but decent throw aways. I have listed some much higher end brushes below if you prefer.

Let’s Draw!

Drawing on the cabinet card will be more fun if you have implements that you like. That being said, lets go over some basics that could really help you out.
Graphite Pencils:
I love a variety here. I use Blackwing pencils, mechanical pencils and any graphite pencil in the B range I can get my hands on. 2B, 4B, 6B…. your choice. Here are some links for you on this. Take your pick. You do not need ANY or ALL of these. The yellow pencil in the junk drawer will do if you like it.
Blick Drawing Pencil Set of 12 (Blick Link $10.04 or .84 per pencil) An excellent set for the money. I have used these before.
Faber Castell 6 Pencil Set (Blick Link $8.35 or $1.39 per pencil) This is a good company that makes fine pencils.
Blackwing Matte 12 Qty Box (Blick Link $24.95 or $2.08 per pencil) Really nice pencil… sought after by pencil snobs everywhere.
Pentel Graph Gear 0.5mm Mechanical (Blick Link $4.01) I like mechanical pencils when I need a crisp point fast. Don’t forget leads for it.
Lead Refils for Graph Gear 0.5 (Blick Link $1.19)

Erasers are important
I also like a variety here. You only need one and you likely already have it. Here are a few of my favorites:
TOMBOW Mono erasers Round and Square with Refils (Amazon Link $12.90) This is a good deal for both with refill packs
White Pearl Eraser 3 Pack (Blick Link $2.85 or .95 each) The standard white pearl. A must have.

Less essential and more for adding variety to your toolset. The supplies below are not mandatory.

How about some color?

There are a number of ways to bring color into the work. Wet based mediums like watercolor, gouache, and acrylic are pretty typical and are brushed on. Colored pencils that are water soluble are also a possibility. These offer a more precise application for those more comfortable with pencils than brushes. If you are opting for no color, I may recommend getting a simple tube of white gouache as having a stark white over the sepia toned photo is a nice contrasting touch.
Here are some of the materials that I use.
Caran d’Ache Gouache Set 12 Tubes w/brush (Blick Link $45.64) Tubes or pans, gouache is a fantastic water soluble medium. Nice and opaque.
Caran d’Ache Studio set of 14 pans with tube white and brush (Blick Link $33.14)
Faber Castell Albrecht Durer Watercolor Pencils Set of 24 (Blick Link $34.44) These are the best colored pencils I have used. I love them. They are pricey.
Sakura Koi Watercolor pan set 24 w/brush (Blick Link $21.51) If you like watercolor, this is a good little set for on the go as well as the studio.

Ink and Markers

Fine felt tip markers can be a great asset here. A soft, precise application in a variety of sizes makes for a versatile tool that will stand out. These tend to be reasonable and well worth the money. Here are my recommendations:
Sakura Pigma Micron Pen set of 3 - 005 (Blick Link $7.50) These are the standard in the finest point. Having other thicknesses would be good.
Sakura Pigma Micron Pen Set of 3 - 01, 03, 05 (Blick Link $7.50) The variety pack. The 01 is the smallest here. Slightly larger than the 005 above.
Sakura Pigma Micron Pens 100 Anniversary Set 10 (Blick Link $28.34)

Other Considerations:

Anything goes on these and I have found myself always searching for more materials to incorporate. Collage is one interesting way to go. While magazines and newspapers are not as readily available as they used to be, you can always shoot pics and print quickly with your phone if there is something you see in a book or in the yard. Consider a simple glue stick or PVA glue for such an application. Also, workable fixative spray is a good idea to secure the printed image if you intend to paint over or manipulate it.

Winsor Newton Professional Fixative (Blick Link $12.99) This is only for coating printouts in case you want to print collage pieces. (not essential)
Mobius and Ruppert Brass Sharpener (Blick Link $8.04) My go to sharpener when I am not using a knife. Heavy and good quality.
Princeton Velvet Touch Series 3950 (Choose your own…scroll down on the link) These are my favorite brushes for small work. Very good quality

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