Try an Unexpected Underpainting Technique

'Knee Deep in Wildflowers'        5x7        pastel      ©Karen Margulis

I am always learning something new! Just when you think you have tried everything for underpaintings you learn about some new possibilities. A few weeks ago a reader told me about Brusho Crystal Colours. They sounded intriguing so of course I had to try them.

Adding the crystals and spritzing them with water

I am all for anything that can create an unexpected and vibrant underpainting and this product seemed to do just that. Brush Crystals are watercolor powders that are activated by spraying water or dropping the power into water. The colors are mixable. I only had time to briefly experiment with one color but already I am imagining the possibilities. I am interested in trying to add them to regular watercolor underpaintings next!
Here is some info on Brusho Crystals from the manufacturer:

Brusho Crystal Colour

Extensive range of 32(8 new colours) highly concentrated colours - three sizes available : 15gm, 50gm and 100gm which may be purchased individually or in sets as detailed below. • A unique, transparent, highly pigmented water-colour ink powders giving wonderful bursts of colour when used, exclusively manufactured by us at our factory in Sheffield. Brusho® crystal colour offers a very good degree of light fastness. • Totally intermixable, Brusho® can be used for everything from painting scrap box models and the burst of colour achieved when using our simple sprinkle techniques is perfect for background colours on paper, card and fabric , to water colour design work and wood staining. • Outstanding effects can be achieved when Brusho ® is used for design work/decorative effects on fabric e.g. for wall-hangings etc. (Not fixable on fabric). • Brusho® is used in educational establishments at all levels and by all age groups - by primary school children - professional artists - teachers and lecturers in art and craft etc. • Even after many years of using Brusho ® new possibilities will still be found for this highly interesting product. • Illustrated leaflet giving some ideas and techniques supplied with each order, together with simple stippling technique and shade card. Non-Toxic.

You can find them online on Amazon and on Blicks. I will do a more thorough review when I have a chance to put them through their paces. Consider this a tease!
Let me know if you have used Brusho Crystals and how you used them!