Colored Pencils 101: A Complete Beginner’s Guide
What are the best colored pencils for beginners?
Prismacolor are often recommended because of the balance of performance and price. If price were not an issue, Caran D’Ache Luminance and Pablo are great quality pencils. I personally use a combination of Prismas, Polychromos and a few open stock Luminance (white, black).Colored Pencils 101: A Complete Beginner’s Guide to mastering the Art
Welcome to the vibrant world of colored pencils! Whether you’re an absolute newbie or returning to art after years away, this guide will transform those humble sticks of pigment into magical tools for self-expression. Unlike messy paints or intimidating digital tablets, colored pencils offer the perfect balance of control, affordability, and creative potential.
You’ll discover why artists like Chris Cheng and Lisa Clough swear by this medium, how to avoid common beginner mistakes, and practical techniques to create gallery-worthy pieces from your kitchen table. let’s dive in!
Why Choose Colored Pencils? The Surprising benefits
Before we explore techniques, let’s understand why colored pencils deserve a spot in your creative toolkit:
- 💰 budget-Kind: Starter sets begin under $10
- 🎨 Low-Mess Factor: No liquids, solvents, or clean-up nightmares
- ✈️ Portability: Create anywhere – parks, cafes, or during travel
- 🔄 Forgiving Medium: Easily layer and correct mistakes
Case Study: From Stick Figures to Gallery Walls
take Sarah J., a 35-year-old accountant who hadn’t drawn as middle school. Using just a $15 pencil set and YouTube tutorials, she progressed from basic shapes to hyper-realistic portraits in 6 months. Her secret? Consistent practice with the right foundational techniques we’re about to cover.
Essential Materials for Colored Pencil Success
Don’t get overwhelmed by art store aisles! here’s exactly what you need to start:
| Item | Beginner Pick | Pro Upgrade |
|---|---|---|
| Pencils | Crayola 50ct ($8) | Prismacolor Premier ($45/72ct) |
| Paper | Strathmore 300 Series | Stonehenge Legion Paper |
| Extras | Kneaded eraser | Blending stumps + Fixative |
Wax vs. Oil-Based Pencils: What’s the Difference?
- Wax-Based (Prismacolor, Derwent): Creamier texture, easier blending, may develop “wax bloom”
- Oil-Based (Caran d’Ache Luminance): Firmer core, less breakage, ideal for fine details
Pro Tip: Start with wax-based pencils – their blendability forgives beginner pressure inconsistencies.
Mastering 5 Core Techniques (With Exercises)
1. Layering: The Secret to Depth
How to practice:
- Draw three 1″ squares
- Fill first square with light pressure
- Second square: medium pressure over same color
- Third square: heavy pressure + second color layer
Notice how intensity builds? This creates luminous effects impossible with single layers.
2. Burnishing: Creating Painterly Effects
After layering, apply heavy pressure with:
- Colorless blender pencil
- White pencil (creates pastel tones)
- lighter color (adds subtle hue shifts)
Fun Fact: This technique mimics the warm tan tones found in nature when using earth-colored pencils.
3. Gradient Blending: Smooth Transitions
Perfect for skies and skin tones:
