March 16 is Colored Pencil Day.
Literally translated from Turkic as «black stone», the word and the writing instrument itself, called «pencil», became firmly established in the 20th century, although the pencil dates back to the era of the Ancient World. The use of wax-based writing instruments is mentioned by the Roman scientist Pliny the Elder.
For a long time, wax base, coal and graphite were used as a writing base in marking tools. Subsequently, a separate branch of the development of the pencil was its use by artists during the Renaissance, when painters used silver or lead pencils to apply strokes. It is known that Albrecht Durer used them in his work.
In addition to lead and silver pencils, in the early stages of the development of this instrument, another type of – Italian pencil appeared, in which black slate or burnt bone fastened with an adhesive base was used as writing material.
In the 16th century, the use of graphite rods began, which were originally wrapped in twine, paper or twigs for ease of use, and in the 17th century the production of graphite wooden pencils (in a wooden shell) began.
Today, colored pencils — are an indispensable attribute of children's and teenage creativity (Photo: migfoto, licensed by depositphotos.com)
Different production and materials technologies made it possible to produce pencils of varying degrees of hardness. At the same time, the first companies appeared that later took leading positions in the production of pencils: Faber-Castell, Koh-i-Noor Hardtmuth. In the 19 – of the early 20th century, manufacturers such as Derwent, Holbein, Lyra, Caran d'Ache and others joined them.
Colored pencils as they could be used by artists did not become widespread until the early 20th century. Their largest and most famous manufacturers were the same companies that were engaged in the production of simple pencils.
Unlike a simple pencil, where graphite is used as a rod, in colored pencils the rod is formed from a wax or oil base with the addition of pigments, dyes, adhesive compositions, etc. There are also water-soluble colored pencils. Fading resistance, softness, brightness and convenience – are the most important qualities that the consumer pays attention to, be it a professional or just an amateur.
Mass production and the availability of colored pencils have turned them into an indispensable attribute of children's and teenage creativity, allowing them to express emotions, mood and thoughts through drawing or coloring. In modern psychology, colored pencils are used in art therapy and a number of rehabilitation procedures.
In modern psychology, colored pencils are used in art therapy and a number of rehabilitation procedures (Photo: peshkova, licensed by depositphotos.com)
The quality of materials used in the manufacture of pencils also determines their market value, which for products of famous brands can be quite high and aimed at professionals or students of painting. Thus, in the USA, as well as a number of other countries, pencil manufacturers began to establish associations whose purpose is to establish and control product quality standards.
In addition to classic colored pencils, colored rods for mechanical pencils are also produced, where the holder, with a button located at the end, has the ability to feed the rod. Such pencils relieve the user of the need for sharpening.
In parallel with the production of pencils, the production of pencil cases for their storage, erasers, and printing of coloring books are developing, the popularity of which has recently increased significantly even in adults.
• Infographics – poster «March 16 — Color Pencil Day»
• Story «What color is your day?»