Tips for using coloured pencils

As I am focusing on using coloured pencils, I have done some more research on how to use them effectively. To do this I have looked on the internet for websites that can help me learn more about them. I find looking on the internet reletively easy as it is usually quick to find what you are looking for.



Use colored pencils with a large amount of pigment. These will be more expensive, but brighter and will blend better than the cheaper brands. Less expensive colored pencils contain fillers to cut down on pigment costs and result in washed out colors and layering

Learn the correct colored pencil technique. Crosshatching, hatching, burnishing and scrumbling all play important roles in drawing with colored pencils. Knowing when and how to use these and other methods is half the battle when using colored pencils.

Minimize wax bloom. Wax bloom appears when your drawing surface is overworked or heavily burnished. This layer of wax will rise to the surface and cloud your drawing, tarnishing its original brilliance. To fix, simply wipe off the layer of wax and apply a coat or two of fixative.

Master the art of blending. There are many different methods to blend colored pencil, all of which can be used to create different effects. Solvent markers, blender pencils and blending stumps are all useful in colored pencil technique, and provide interesting textures

Choose the right paper. Depending on how smooth or grainy you want your art to be, choose a paper with a fine to medium tooth. The quality of the paper is also important as cheaper paper will not hold layers and color as well as more expensive paper.