Colored Pencil Tips for Beginners
Embarking on the colorful journey of drawing with colored pencils is an exciting venture for beginners. These versatile tools offer a plethora of possibilities, allowing artists to create vibrant and detailed artworks. In this guide, we'll explore not only essential tips for colored pencil work but also the unique technique of layering colored markers before pencils, adding an extra dimension to your creative process.
Supplies and Layering:
Choose Quality Colored Pencils
I cannot stress this enough: if you want to draw vibrant colors, you must use quality pencils. This is a common beginner mistake. It can be difficult to spend money on supplies when you don’t feel experienced enough to use them well, but poor quality will always give you poor results. Start by investing in high-quality brands, such as Prismacolor, Faber-Castell, or Derwent. These brands offer rich pigments and smooth application, ensuring a satisfying drawing experience and the opportunity for rapid improvement. I personally use Prismacolor Premier pencils like these, and I love the oil painting effect that the oil-based colors have. They blend together excellently.
Select the Right Paper
Choose a paper with some tooth or texture, like watercolor paper or pastel paper, as it helps colored pencils adhere better and facilitates layering. This choice becomes even more crucial when incorporating markers into your artwork. I have personally found that a happy compromise between a smooth surface with some grit is the perfect mix for a realism effect. I use 140lb watercolor hot press paper, such as these Canson or Arches brands.
Experiment with Colored Markers
Before diving into colored pencil work, consider using colored markers like these to create a base layer or wash of color. This can set the tone for your drawing and provide a vibrant background to enhance the richness of your colored pencil layers.
Coordinate Marker Colors
Coordinate your colored marker selection with the color palette you plan to use with colored pencils. This strategic approach ensures a seamless transition between the marker underlayer and the subsequent pencil layers. Apply the colored markers in a smooth, even manner to avoid streaks and uneven color distribution. If needed, use a blending marker to further smooth out the colors and achieve a cohesive base.
Blending Techniques:
Allow Marker Layers to Dry
Patience is crucial when working with markers. Allow the marker layers to dry completely before moving on to colored pencils. This prevents smudging and ensures a clean transition between the marker and pencil layers.
Layer Colored Pencils Gradually
Once the marker layers are dry, start layering colored pencils gradually. Begin with light pressure and gradually build up the intensity, merging the pencil colors with the marker base layer.
Experiment with Burnishing
Burnishing is drawing with extreme pressure. As you layer colored pencils over the marker base, consider using the burnishing technique at the end of your layers with a white or light-colored pencil. This not only smooths out the colors but also enhances the luminosity of your artwork. I suggest practicing this a few times with various pencils on a test paper, as this technique can powerfully change your artwork - for better or for worse.
Fine-Tune with Colored Pencils
Use colored pencils to add fine details and refine areas of your drawing. The marker underlayer provides a dynamic backdrop, and the colored pencils allow you to add intricate textures and nuances to your artwork.
Drawing with colored pencils takes on a new level of creativity when combined with the dynamic technique of layering colored markers as a base. By following these beginner tips and exploring the fusion of markers and pencils, you'll unlock a world of possibilities and create artworks that captivate with their depth and vibrancy. Enjoy the process of experimenting with these versatile mediums and watch as your artistic vision comes to life in a burst of color!