When it comes to coloring and drawing with colored pencils, you have different methods and techniques to choose from. The appearance of colors on your paper can be varied with these techniques. Back-and-forth strokes, cross-hatching, hatching, etc. are some of the available coloring techniques (you are also free to come up with your own ideas). To end up with the most realistic drawing, it’s important that you abide by the object’s texture and contours.
1Hatching And Cross-Hatching
One of the techniques you can use in every aspect of drawing is hatching. On your sheet of paper, make parallel lines to create it. Provided that they don’t touch, these can be angled, horizontal, or vertical. When making each new line, you will be required to raise your pencil, unlike what you would do in the back-and-forth approach.
You are required to make intersecting lines in the cross-hatching method, which is closely related to the above-described method. When it comes to creating texture and shading, this approach is highly suitable. Ensure that your pencil has a sharp point for the neatest and most precise cross-hatching.
2Back-And-Forth And Burnishing
The back-and-forth is ranked as one of the most common techniques for coloring; it’s highly likely that you have used this method. Until the entire area is completely covered, move your pencil back and forth on the paper in a continuous motion. This is the best technique to use if a lot of solid colors are required in your drawing.
To fill the tooth of the sheet of drawing paper with color and to combine the layers, apply pressure and use burnishing. Your artwork will have a shiny but smooth display of color as a result. To saturate the sheet of paper with color faster, make sure that you use a pencil bearing a sharp color.
3Shading And Highlighting
Instead of using black when shading, choose a darker shade of the color. If you want to end up with a realistic drawing, remember that using black can end up making the artwork’s colors look awkward by creating a shade that’s too strong. Instead of working on the whole drawing when coloring, it’s better for you to focus on smaller bits. You can effectively reduce cases of smudging with this approach.
Before you start coloring your drawing and to avoid the accidental application of darker colors, any highlights should be outlined. You can even use the color of the paper, instead of using colors on highlights, depending on the type of paper you are coloring or drawing on. To show a shiny object’s spectacular highlights, leave some areas on the white paper open. Alternatively, you can use a white colored crayon, pencil, gouache, acrylic paint, or pastel to create highlights.
4Solvent Blending And Scraping
To facilitate the blending of colors, solvents are used, and this usually prevents the binding of colored pencils. It helps create a smoother look by helping reduce the visibility of coloring strokes. Remember to test any solvents you decide to use on the paper to see if they are compatible first, especially because, with colored pencils, there are numerous types of solvents you can use. Be sure to give the solvent ample time to dry completely before you apply more color. Keep a cloth or paper towel close by, which you can use to wipe off any excess solvent to enhance the rate of drying.
Only burnishing can facilitate scraping. Scrape off the bits you wish to remove using a precision knife after you have a shiny area. Only the places you want to be textured a lot, such as an animal’s fur, should be created using this method as the final appearance will be somewhat scratchy.
5Color Application Tips
Light colors are not so visible on dark colors; work toward the dark shades from the light shades. When coloring, be mindful of the pressure you use. Colors tend to be more intense with the application of more pressure. To avoid coloring dark colors too fast, don’t apply too much pressure in the beginning.
You are a step closer to coloring better with the approaches described in this article. However, remember that it’s only through practice will you be able to improve, regardless of the method you choose to use. Get your paper and colored pencils and start drawing now!
Linda Shanklin is a resident of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and is a proud mother of three. A trio of young children running around can cause havoc, but Linda found that coloring books are good at keeping them focused. She found that it works for adults, too!
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