Top 10 Tips For Colored Pencil Sketches!

As a full-time artist, I have always had a soft spot for colored pencils. Lately, I've been revisiting my love for them as I explore new color combinations and sketch processes. In this video, I want to share my top 10 tips for colored pencil sketches and show my portrait sketch process as I try some new fun color combos.

Tip 1: Prepare Your Sanctuary

The very first thing I always do is prepare my sanctuary. I take a moment to prepare my pencils and my creative space. I now keep my pencils in glass containers on the left of my desk. I used to keep them in portfolio cases, but I found that I never used them. So, laying everything out at the beginning helps me get into my workflow.

Tip 2: Paper Matters

Paper matters a lot when it comes to colored pencils. You want a paper that has a little bit of tooth but not too much. It should feel good and create a bit of texture so the beautiful layers show up. I personally love how smooth Bristol paper is, but lately, I've been enjoying a paper with a slight tooth. Trying out different options and paying close attention to how the pencil shows up on the paper is crucial.

Tip 3: Sharpening Your Pencils

The way you sharpen your pencils is extremely crucial. Depending on the brand, certain colored pencils can break when sharpened. I've found that the softer the colored pencil, the more likely it is to break. So, paying attention to how you sharpen your pencils and preventing the lead from breaking is essential.

Tip 4: Begin with a Base Layer

When starting a colored pencil portrait, I like to begin with a base layer. I pick a color and lay in the base tone to get rid of the white of the paper. Then, I shade in the darker shadows with a color close to the base tone. This creates depth and dimension in the drawing.

These are just a few of the tips I have for creating beautiful colored pencil sketches. Stay tuned for the next section where I'll share more tips and insights into my process.

[To be continued...]