Art medium info - Colour pencil

The Art of Coloured Pencils: From Doodles to Masterpieces

Ah, coloured pencils—those trusty school supply staples. They’ve been there for us during boring meetings, doodling on the back of notebooks, and creating questionable masterpieces as kids. But coloured pencils are more than just classroom nostalgia; they’ve evolved into a celebrated fine art medium, capable of stunning realism, intricate detail, and painterly textures.

Let’s dive into the world of coloured pencils, from their fascinating history to the magical techniques that’ll make you want to sharpen those tools and get to work.

A Brief History: From Ancient Pigments to Modern Marvels

While modern coloured pencils emerged in the early 20th century, their ancestors go way, way back. Ancient artists in Egypt, Greece, and Rome used pigments mixed with wax or clay to create their art. (Yes, even back then, people were trying to figure out how to capture the perfect cat whisker.)

Fast forward to the early 1900s, and the humble wood-encased coloured pencil was born. Initially created for writing and marking, brands like Faber-Castell and Prismacolor decided to up the game in the mid-20th century, producing pencils specifically for artists. These artist-grade pencils had higher-quality pigments and better blendability, paving the way for coloured pencils to break out of the “just for kids” category.

Today, coloured pencils are used to create everything from hyperrealistic portraits to dreamy, abstract works. Artists like CJ Hendry and Alyona Nickelsen have turned this medium into a powerhouse, proving that coloured pencils can rival even the most traditional painting techniques.

What Makes Coloured Pencils So Special?

Coloured pencils are the multitaskers of the art world. They’re precise, portable, and perfect for artists who like to control every single detail (hello, perfectionists!). Their wax or oil-based cores make it easy to layer, blend, and burnish, allowing for effects that range from soft and painterly to sharp and photorealistic.

Plus, they’re mess-free! No need to clean brushes or worry about spilling paint water everywhere.

Key Techniques in Coloured Pencil Art

If you’ve ever scribbled furiously with a pencil hoping for brilliance, it’s time to refine those skills. Here are some must-know techniques:

1. Shading:

This is the key technique to getting your hand hold and pressure correct. Your shading with your pencil on an angle, very light pressure and drawing circular rather than straight lines back and forth - practice this to teach your brain and your muscles what they need to do.

2. Layering:

Build colours gradually with light pressure - Start thin, then go thick for that rich, satisfying finish.

2. Burnishing:

Once you have enough layers down (pigment on the paper) you can apply more pressure to ‘burnish’ the layers, this basically ensures all the pigment is covering all the little spaces left on the paper.

3. Blending:

Soft pressure and patience are key. You can blend by burnishing or using a neutral colour that is similar to the tone of your layers underneath, You can use blending stumps, solvents or some baby oil on a cotton bud.

4. mark making/tectures

Create interest in your work with your mark making, this is something that is truely yours. Stippling, scumbling, hatching - whatever mark you use, try to include these in your piece.

Tips for Mastering Coloured Pencil Art

• Start Light: Think of it as a first date—don’t press too hard, take it slow.

• Stay Sharp: Keep your pencils sharp for clean lines and smoother blends.

• Mix Colours: Life isn’t one-dimensional, and neither should your art be. Blend multiple hues for depth.

• Invest Wisely: Artist-grade supplies make a huge difference. No offence to budget pencils, but they tend to snap under pressure.

• Experiment: Try textured papers to create more interest, try using colour pencils with other mediums - layering them over watercolour is fun!

What Coloured Pencils Should I Buy?

Ah, the big question. Here’s the lowdown on my personal favourites:

1. Prismacolor Premier (Wax-Based):

(My number 1 recommendation for beginners) Smooth, creamy, and super blendable. Perfect for lush textures and rich colours.

2. Faber-Castell Polychromos (Oil-Based):

Crisp, firm, and great for sharp details. These pencils mean business.

3. Caran d’Ache Luminance (Wax-Based):

The Rolls Royce of coloured pencils—soft, vibrant, and highly pigmented. They’re pricey, but your art will thank you.

4. paper (as always paper is just as important as your medium)

Absolutely experiment with paper, it all depends on your wanted out come - textured paper with more ‘tooth’ will give you more texture, smooth paper will be easier to create a smooth surface. Being the perfectionist that I am, I always use a thick (300gsm), hot pressed, watercolour paper for my colour pencil art. It’s smooth to create a fully covered surface and its thick, sturdy and can take a beating! meaning you can add many many layers

Coloured Pencils: More Than Just a Childhood Staple

Whether you’re recreating a stunning sunset, sketching a lifelike pet portrait, or just rediscovering your love for doodling, coloured pencils are a medium worth exploring. Their history is rich, their techniques are versatile, and their potential is endless.

So, the next time someone tells you coloured pencils are “just for kids,” grab your fanciest pencil, layer up a masterpiece, and let your art do the talking. Just don’t forget to sharpen first and go slow.

What’s your favourite coloured pencil brand or technique? Let me know—I’d love to hear your thoughts (and maybe steal a few tips).