Useful Coloring Tips For Coloring With Colored Pencils 

Coloring is more fun than you ever expected. Let’s explore our coloring tips for colored pencil techniques. 

I. Introduction of coloring with colored pencils 

A. The rising interest in colored pencils for coloring

In recent years, many more people have used coloring as a healing method in their free time. There are increasing websites and books for adult coloring. That shows the appeal of this activity. 

If you are an amateur who colors for entertainment, this post is the right thing for you to read. Because when you learn our coloring tips, you will enhance your coloring techniques. And therefore, your coloring activity will become much more satisfying and exciting. 

B. Benefits of using colored pencils

Colored pencils allow you to use a lot of control. The color of this pencil type is determined by the amount of pressure used when coloring. Therefore, if you can take up some colored pencil techniques, you can make gradients and other effects easily.

Moreover, using colored pencils on your coloring page allows for a very tactile experience. Coloring with colored pencils is soothing because of their specific features. That will provide you with a smooth experience when coloring.

Using a set of colored pencils is a great way to create soft, pleasing texture and deep depth.

II. Understanding Colored Pencils 

A. Different types and qualities of colored pencils 

Colored pencils come in many varieties, depending on their purpose. 

Higher concentrations of premium pigments are found in artist-grade pencils.

Color pencils for students are not as high-quality as those for artists. They are composed of pigments of poorer quality. Nevertheless, this type is erasable and, therefore, more appropriate for beginners.

The last common type is mechanically colored pencils. Standard mechanical pencils can be refilled with colors. However, this type is far more limited than regular colored pencils.

Related topic: The Evolution Of Coloring Books: From Children To Adults

B. Tips for selecting the right colored pencils for your needs

Using different brands of pencils will produce varied outputs. Certain pencils are difficult to smudge and have a tendency to appear a little powdery when combined. Some may have a little more transparent and pliable wax foundation due to a softer wax composition.

It’s challenging to identify the distinguishing features of each pencil because they differ so much in terms of pigment and manufacturer. You should try different colored pencil brands to observe how they work.

If you just start practicing coloring, you do not need to buy the most fancy set of colored pencils. Instead, start with regular ones. In the future, when your coloring techniques improve, you can consider leveling up your materials. 

There are a lot of brands for you to choose from. Consider the price and your demand to choose the best suitable colored pencils for you. 

III. Basic Coloring Techniques 

A. Layering

Layering colors is one of the easiest and most successful coloring techniques. Apply a base coat in the color of your choice first. Then you need to layer upon layer of different hues. Apply minimal force and make tiny, circular movements to achieve a smooth blending of the colors. Try out various color combinations to get interesting and eye-catching effects.

This image showcases the layering techniques. 

B. Gradual gradient

This technique requires gradually mixing colors from light to dark or from one color to another to create seamless transitions. We advise you to begin with the lightest color and gradually add layers of deeper hues, gently combining them as you go. When it comes to producing realistic skies, sunsets, and other natural scenery, this technique is quite effective.

C. Burnishing

You will ultimately reach a point where additional color application is not possible if you continue to apply color to the same area. As you color over it, the area will become waxy. This method is known as burnishing.

Getting very solid colors with minimal to no graininess is possible with burnishing. But there’s no turning back after an area has been burnished. When the burnished color is pretty much fixed, the page will not obtain more pigment. Before you burnish your coloring page, make sure you have the appropriate hue and tint.

IV. Tips for Enhancing Colored Pencil Artwork 

A. Paper Selection and Preparation

Selecting the appropriate paper for coloring is crucial. Cheap paper can break off easily. Moreover, it does not hold pigment effectively. Pressure during your coloring can also flatten it. Therefore, the paper can result in tearing and distortion. That is why we highly recommend that you use high-quality paper. You do not need to pay for expensive papers. There are many brands that offer good paper quality at a reasonable price.

B. Sharpening and Maintaining Pencils

Remember to treat your colored pencils well. You should maintain your tools’ sharpness. When you take good care of your pencils, they will be more durable. So, your improvement in coloring techniques can first come from a good pencil. 

Also, you should pay attention to your pencils during your coloring. If you apply too much pressure, the tips of your pencils will break. It is not a competition, so you do not have to rush. 

V. FAQs about techniques of coloring with pencil 

1. How long should I practice coloring tips?

Everyone learns at a different pace. However, you should practice coloring with colored pencils consistently. You can practice 3 to 5 days per week, or less. We understand that you may not have much free time. However, you will not see much improvement if you color just once or twice a month.

2. How can I color like an artist?

You can do it with a lot of practice, patience, and good materials. It may take some time to learn about color and technique when you first start out. With patient practice, you will find that your color pages get better and better as time passes. 

3. Is it expensive to color better?

You do not have to pay for expensive tools. However, using high-quality materials allows you to color with greater quality. These materials can cost extra money. But we want you to keep in mind that quality and pricing are not always the same! To determine which pencils are suitable for your needs, we advise you to read through popular web reviews.  

You can see that it is easy to improve your coloring techniques. Just follow our simple color tips! From simple tips on choosing the right materials to coloring techniques, you can gradually enhance your coloring skills. Most importantly, you should practice often because “practice makes perfect.”

However, we also want to remind you that coloring is really enjoyable!

We hope that you will give yourself enough time to enjoy the process. Let your imagination run wild. You do not need to stress about the outcome. Trust us, and simply go for it. 

Enjoy yourself. And let coloring be your source of healing and relaxation!