colored pencils: a few tips and tricks

Most of the time I use watercolors to add color to my drawings but I have a special place in my heart for colored pencils. I've been using them to draw since I was a kid- they are affordable, easy to use and great for creating on the go. Today I thought I would share a few of my favorite tips and tricks for creating with colored pencils.

There are all kinds of different brands of colored pencils out there but I prefer Prismacolor Colored Pencils- they are vibrant, really easy to layer, blend and come in 132 colors.

Something that is really important to consider if you have a collection of colored pencils is to make sure you store them in a place where they won't get dropped. Dropping or knocking them around can break the lead inside and lead to problems with breaking when sharpening. I've found that storing them in their original packaging (typically a tin box) keeps them safe.

When it comes to sharpening I only use a hand held sharpener- I love the Kum sharpeners. They are made from magnesium alloy and have a really sharp blade that can be replaced.

TIP: When sharpening pencils twist the pencil around in a circle- instead of rocking it back and forth. If you are sharpening correctly and if your sharpener is sharp, you will produce a long round shaving.

There are all kind of ways to use a colored pencil- you can lightly shade back and forth, press hard for smooth saturation, stipple, scribble, crosshatch, blend and more! 

TIP: Different papers will produce different results when using colored pencils. A smooth paper will result in smooth color while a rougher surface will show lots of texture.

One of the best things about colored pencils is that you are able to add color to detailed line work. That sharpened lead is perfect for filling in tiny lines!

TIP: I like to start with a light layer of color and then I go back and add a more saturated layer by pressing harder. 

You can also layer and blend different colors on top of each other.

TIP: Prismacolor also makes a really cool colorless blender pencil that enables you to go over the top of your color and soften the edges for a smooth blended look. 

You can achieve the same smooth blended look by using baby oil to soften color. I start by filing my surface with a light layer of color.

TIP: If you are adding color to a drawing, make sure your drawing is permanent. Water soluble (or non-permanent ) pens will bleed with the baby oil technique. I use Micron pens for most of my line drawings because they are permanent. 

Using a cotton swab or a blending stump, dip into baby oil and blot on a paper towel. The trick is to make sure you don't have too much oil on your swab. 

Next, lightly rub the oil into the color.

You will be able to blend and soften all those rough edges and use colored pencils a little like a watercolor (or water soluble) pencil.

TIP: Reverse this technique by covering the surface of your drawing with a light layer of baby oil and then shade over the top with your pencil for rich, velvety color.

I really enjoy adding white highlights to my drawings and I use a tiny brush and little bit of white paint to add those few last details.

TIP: A white out pen (or a squeezable correction pen) also works great for adding highlights!

tips for drawing a face

Yesterday I shared a peek at the collaboration with my husband Andy and today I've asked Andy to share a few tips when it comes to drawing faces.

Drawing what I see comes natural to me, in fact I have an easier time working in a realistic style than in an expressive and messy way. Since a lot of my subject matter revolves around portraits and figure drawings, I really depend on a traditional and classic techniques when working on a drawing. While it takes a lot of time and practice to get comfortable drawing faces, there are a few things that can help you along the way.

PICK GREAT SUBJECT MATTER

When drawing something challenging like a face, I find that it helps the process to select subject matter that is inspiring. Here are the things that I look for:

CONTRAST: Since a lot of my style is about working with shading I find that it helps to pick subject matter that has lots of contrast and variation between light and dark. This makes things easier for me when it comes time to shade.
Interesting

ANGLES: I like to look for figurative subject matter that has interesting angles or poses or energy.

UNIQUE DETAILS: When I am drawing portraits or figures, I like to include unique, quirky or whimsical details in the clothing or accessories.

SUBJECT MATTER THAT COMES EASY: Profiles are easier for me so if I want to draw quicker or feel more relaxed during the process, I will use things that I am comfortable or familiar with.

GET A GOOD OUTLINE

I think it is important to try and get a good outline of the face You don't have to be crazy exact but getting a good line drawing on paper will help as you move forward with shading. The best advice I can offer is to not judge the outline on its own. Instead start adding life to it by shading and layering. You will see the texture and dimension bring the simple outline alive. One of my favorite things when shading is the chance to mold the original outline into a shape that is more similar to the subject I am drawing.

FIND THE DARK AND LIGHT

Since my style is all about capturing realistic subject matter, I really depend on shading to bring my drawings to life. While a drawing can look ok without shading, it can look flat and lifeless and the easiest way to add life is with contrast. Finding the lightest and darkest parts of your subject matter will make shading much easier.

REFLECTION IN THE EYES

One of the quickest ways to get eyes to look alive is to add the light or the reflection of light in the eye. Typically this can be achieved by holding onto white space, using an erasure to pull pencil away or even adding white paint or white pencil.

BE SUGGESTIVE NOT LITERAL

Sometimes facial features can be challenging, especially if there are unusual details and angles happening. I find that it is easier to be more suggestive (especially when drawing the nose and lips) with lighter shading techniques- than to be literal with hard dark lines.

PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE: It's probably not the tip you want to hear practice is one of the best ways to get better and more comfortable drawing faces. There is no magic formula for getting good at details except taking time to work on it!