To use colored pencils as a professional art supply in fine art, the artist must be armed with three basic techniques: burnishing, layering and blending. These techniques are easy to learn and master with little practice.
Layering
Layering colored pencils adds depth to the color in the drawing. It’s a lot like layering paints. The artist simply lays down a thin layer of pigment and then covers it with a thin layer of another color of pigment. The bottom, darker layer shines through the lighter colored layer, creating a color that is much more interesting than a flat layer of one color. Here’s how to do it:
- Choose two colors, one darker and one lighter. Primary colors are usually best to avoid a muddy color, though the artist can experiment with secondary colors to find mixtures that work for their painting.
- Lay down a layer of color with the darker pencil. To make an even layer of pigment, simply hold the pencil by the end and sweep it back and forth without using much pressure.
- On top of the darker color, lay down a layer of pigment with your lighter colored pencil.
- Continue the above steps until the desired look is accomplished.
Blending
Since colored pencils don’t smudge very easily, the artist has to blend colors by layering them or gradually working the colors into each other.
To blend with layering, lay down a thick layer of color by pressing down hard with the pencil. On top of this layer, add a second layer using heavy, circular strokes.
To gradually blend colored pencil, lay down a thick layer of one color and lay down a second layer beside it. In the middle, let the two colors mix, as shown below (click on picture to make it larger).
Burnishing
Burnishing can give colored pencils the smooth silky look of glass, metal or other smooth surfaces. There are basically two ways to burnish.
To burnishing using a colored pencil, choose a light color such as white, light grey, peach or cream. Press down hard on the pencil while making small, circular strokes. This technique will give the drawing an extra colored layer, so be strategic about the color that is chosen to burnish with.
To burnish using an object, choose a hard object with a smooth, rounded surface. The backs of spoons, the lids of magic markers or the bottom of a ballpoint pen works well. Rub the surface of the colored pencil drawing with the object. Do this rapidly, but make sure not to scar the paper. This technique burnishes without adding extra color.
The friction of the pencil or the object makes the wax in the colored pencil melt and become smooth and shiny. It is best to burnish over layers of pigment.
Using these color techniques, the artist can get a number of different looks.
To learn about finding the best fine art papers to use with colored pencils see: How to Choose the Right Paper for Colored Pencils
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