Art is a form of expression that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels. Pencil colour drawing is a great way to get started with drawing, as it is a relatively simple and inexpensive medium. With a few basic supplies and a little practice, you can create beautiful and realistic pencil colour drawings.
In this article, we will provide you with a step-by-step guide to pencil colour drawing. We will cover everything from choosing the right supplies to creating a finished drawing. So whether you are a complete beginner or you are looking to improve your skills, this article is for you.
Before we get started, let’s take a look at the supplies you will need:
Pencil Colour Drawing Step by Step
Follow these steps to create stunning pencil colour drawings:
- Choose the right supplies
- Start with basic shapes
- Add details and shading
- Experiment with different techniques
- Practice regularly
With a little practice, you will be able to create beautiful and realistic pencil colour drawings.
Choose the right supplies
The first step to creating beautiful pencil colour drawings is to choose the right supplies. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
Pencils:
- Choose pencils that are specifically designed for colouring. These pencils are softer and have more pigment than regular pencils, which makes them ideal for blending and shading.
- A good set of pencils will include a variety of shades, from light to dark. This will give you the flexibility to create a wide range of tones and values in your drawings.
Paper:
- Choose a paper that is smooth and has a slight tooth. This will help the pencils to grip the paper and prevent them from smudging.
- A good quality drawing paper or mixed media paper is a good option.
Sharpener:
- Keep your pencils sharp. This will help you create clean and precise lines.
- A good quality pencil sharpener is essential.
Eraser:
- Choose an eraser that is soft and pliable. This will help you to remove mistakes without damaging the paper.
- A kneaded eraser is a good option.
Once you have gathered your supplies, you are ready to start drawing!
Start with basic shapes
When you are starting out, it is helpful to break down your subject into basic shapes. This will make it easier to draw and colour.
- Identify the main shapes in your subject.
For example, if you are drawing a tree, the main shapes might be the trunk, the branches, and the leaves.
- Draw the basic shapes lightly with a pencil.
Don’t worry about making them perfect at this stage. Just focus on getting the general shapes in the right place.
- Once you have drawn the basic shapes, you can start to add details.
For example, you can add texture to the trunk of the tree or draw the individual leaves.
- Continue to add details until you are happy with the overall look of your drawing.
Then, you can start colouring!
Remember, practice makes perfect. The more you draw, the better you will become at capturing the shapes and details of your subjects.
Add details and shading
Once you have drawn the basic shapes of your subject, you can start to add details and shading. This is what will bring your drawing to life and make it look more realistic.
To add details, start by looking at your subject closely and identifying the different features that make it unique. For example, if you are drawing a cat, you might notice the shape of its eyes, the texture of its fur, and the markings on its face.
Once you have identified the details that you want to include in your drawing, start to add them lightly with a pencil. Don’t worry about making them perfect at this stage. Just focus on getting the general shapes and proportions in the right place.
Once you are happy with the details, you can start to add shading. Shading is what creates the illusion of depth and form in a drawing. To add shading, use a darker pencil to apply pressure to the areas of your drawing that are in shadow. The amount of pressure you apply will determine how dark the shadows are.
You can also use shading to create highlights. Highlights are the areas of your drawing that are lightest in colour. To create highlights, use a lighter pencil to apply pressure to the areas of your drawing that are in direct light.
Continue to add details and shading until you are happy with the overall look of your drawing. Remember, practice makes perfect. The more you draw, the better you will become at adding details and shading.
Once you have mastered the basics of adding details and shading, you can start to experiment with different techniques to create different effects. For example, you can use cross-hatching to create a sense of texture, or you can use stippling to create a soft, blended look.
Experiment with different techniques
Once you have mastered the basics of pencil colour drawing, you can start to experiment with different techniques to create different effects. Here are a few techniques to try:
Cross-hatching: Cross-hatching is a technique that involves creating a series of intersecting lines to create a sense of texture or shading. To cross-hatch, simply draw a series of parallel lines in one direction, and then draw another series of parallel lines in the opposite direction. You can vary the spacing and angle of the lines to create different effects.
Stippling: Stippling is a technique that involves creating a series of dots to create a soft, blended look. To stipple, simply apply a series of small dots to the area of your drawing that you want to shade or add texture to. The closer together the dots are, the darker the area will be. You can also vary the size and shape of the dots to create different effects.
Blending: Blending is a technique that involves using a blending stump or tortillon to blend the colours in your drawing together. This can create a smooth, soft look. To blend, simply rub the blending stump or tortillon over the areas of your drawing that you want to blend. You can also use your finger to blend the colours together.
Layering: Layering is a technique that involves applying multiple layers of colour to your drawing. This can create a rich, vibrant look. To layer, simply apply a light layer of colour to your drawing, and then let it dry. Once the first layer is dry, apply a second layer of colour, and so on. You can continue to add layers of colour until you are happy with the overall look of your drawing.
These are just a few of the many different techniques that you can use to create beautiful and realistic pencil colour drawings. Experiment with different techniques to find the ones that you like best and use them to create your own unique artwork.
Practice regularly
The best way to improve your pencil colour drawing skills is to practice regularly. The more you draw, the better you will become at capturing the shapes, details, and textures of your subjects. Even if you can only spare a few minutes each day, make it a habit to sit down and draw something.
Here are a few tips for practicing regularly:
- Choose a subject that you are interested in. This will make it more enjoyable to draw and you will be more likely to stick with it.
- Start with simple subjects. As you gain more experience, you can start to tackle more challenging subjects.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment. Try different techniques and see what works best for you.
- Be patient. It takes time and practice to develop your skills. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t see results immediately. Just keep practicing and you will eventually see improvement.
Here are a few ideas for things to draw:
- Still life objects, such as fruit, flowers, or a vase
- Landscapes, such as a park, a beach, or a forest
- Animals, such as a cat, a dog, or a bird
- People, such as a friend, a family member, or a celebrity
- Abstract shapes and patterns
The most important thing is to find something that you enjoy drawing and to practice regularly. The more you draw, the better you will become.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about pencil colour drawing:
Question 1: What is the best type of paper to use for pencil colour drawing?
Answer 1: A good quality drawing paper or mixed media paper is a good option. The paper should be smooth and have a slight tooth. This will help the pencils to grip the paper and prevent them from smudging.
Question 2: What are the different types of pencil colour pencils available?
Answer 2: There are many different types of pencil colour pencils available, each with their own unique properties. Some of the most popular types include wax-based pencils, oil-based pencils, and water-soluble pencils.
Question 3: What are the different techniques that I can use to create different effects with pencil colour pencils?
Answer 3: There are many different techniques that you can use to create different effects with pencil colour pencils, such as cross-hatching, stippling, blending, and layering.
Question 4: How can I improve my pencil colour drawing skills?
Answer 4: The best way to improve your pencil colour drawing skills is to practice regularly. You can also try different techniques and experiment with different materials.
Question 5: Where can I find inspiration for my pencil colour drawings?
Answer 5: You can find inspiration for your pencil colour drawings all around you. Look at nature, architecture, or even everyday objects. You can also find inspiration from other artists’ work.
Question 6: How can I protect my pencil colour drawings from damage?
Answer 6: You can protect your pencil colour drawings from damage by using a fixative. A fixative is a chemical that is applied to the drawing to prevent the colours from smudging or fading.
Remember, practice makes perfect. The more you draw, the better you will become at capturing the shapes, details, and atmosphere of your subjects.
Now, let’s move on to some tips for creating beautiful pencil colour drawings.
Tips
Here are a few tips for creating beautiful pencil colour drawings:
Tip 1: Use a variety of pencils.
A set of pencils with different hardnesses will allow you to create a wide range of tones and values in your drawings. Harder pencils are good for creating light lines and details, while softer pencils are good for creating dark lines and shading.
Tip 2: Experiment with different techniques.
There are many different techniques that you can use to create different effects with pencil colour pencils. Some of the most popular techniques include cross-hatching, stippling, blending, and layering. Try out different techniques to see what works best for you.
Tip 3: Pay attention to light and shadow.
Light and shadow are essential for creating depth and realism in your drawings. Pay attention to the way that light falls on your subject and use different values of pencil colour to create the illusion of light and shadow.
Tip 4: Practice regularly.
The best way to improve your pencil colour drawing skills is to practice regularly. Even if you can only spare a few minutes each day, make it a habit to sit down and draw something. The more you draw, the better you will become at capturing the shapes, details, and atmosphere of your subjects.
Remember, pencil colour drawing is a skill that takes time and practice to develop. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t see results immediately. Just keep practicing and you will eventually see improvement.
With a little practice and patience, you can create beautiful and realistic pencil colour drawings that you will be proud to display.
Conclusion
Pencil colour drawing is a versatile and rewarding medium that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels. With a few basic supplies and a little practice, you can create beautiful and realistic pencil colour drawings.
In this article, we have covered the basics of pencil colour drawing, including choosing the right supplies, starting with basic shapes, adding details and shading, experimenting with different techniques, and practicing regularly.
Remember, the most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the process of drawing. Don’t be afraid to experiment and try new things. The more you practice, the better you will become at capturing the beauty of the world around you with pencil colour.
So what are you waiting for? Get started today and see for yourself how much fun pencil colour drawing can be!
