When I’m asked about my artistic process, I usually start with the unique substrate I use. I learned to illustrate on drafting film from artist Susan Rubin in her classes at the Denver Botanic Gardens. Susan creates beautiful botanical paintings on this surface. I’ve been using it for almost 10 years to illustrate birds and botanicals.
Similar to vellum but inexpensive and manmade, drafting film can be frosted on one or both sides and has enough “tooth” to hold the colored pencil pigment. The film is translucent, which makes it ideal for layering over mixed media. I can also layer elements on top of it. I purchase double sided matte Mylar from Meininger’s, one of my favorite art supply stores in Denver.
An important step in this process is to mask the reverse side of my illustration to make it opaque. I use Jacquard Neopaque white fabric paint applied with a variety of standard acrylic paint brushes. Because the paint is flexible when dry, it won’t crack if I bend the drafting film during finishing, mounting and framing.
Christine Hubbell 
Your technique is so interesting, Christine. I had never even heard of drafting film. I particularly like the layering of your first creation. I can’t wait for the dickcissels to return.
Happy (almost) May.
Tanja
Thanks Tanja! I’ve been listening for the dickcissels too. Finally heard Common Yellowthroat in the prairie though, so it’s definitely migration season. Happy Spring!
Christine
Thank you, Christine. I wish you the same!