Colored Pencil Techniques: Complete Guide for Beginners
Master the 5 essential colored pencil techniques that will transform your art from beginner to professional. Learn layering, burnishing, blending, and the secret to photorealistic results.
What are the best colored pencil techniques?
The 5 essential techniques: 1) Layering (build up light layers for rich color), 2) Burnishing (heavy pressure for smooth, polished finish), 3) Color mixing (layer colors to create new colors), 4) Hatching/cross-hatching (for texture), 5) Blending with solvents (advanced). Pro secret: Start with invisible outlines (12-15% opacity) for perfect proportions, then focus 100% on mastering these techniques!
Step-by-Step Process:
- 1Start with invisible outline for perfect proportions
- 2Layer colors lightly, building up gradually
- 3Mix colors by layering (don't need 150 pencils!)
- 4Burnish with white pencil for smooth finish
- 5Add final details and highlights
5 Essential Colored Pencil Techniques
Layering
EasyBuild up colors in multiple light layers
When to use:
For smooth, rich colors and blending
How to do it:
Apply light pressure, build up gradually. Each layer adds depth and richness.
Pro Tip: Start light! You can always add more layers, but can't remove them easily.
Burnishing
MediumApply heavy pressure to blend and smooth colors
When to use:
For smooth, polished, photorealistic finish
How to do it:
After layering colors, use white pencil or colorless blender with heavy pressure to smooth and blend.
Pro Tip: This is the 'secret' to photorealistic colored pencil art!
Color Mixing
EasyLayer different colors to create new colors
When to use:
To expand your color palette infinitely
How to do it:
Layer complementary colors. Blue + yellow = green. Red + yellow = orange. Experiment!
Pro Tip: You don't need 150 pencils! 24-36 colors can create any color through layering.
Hatching & Cross-Hatching
EasyUse parallel lines or crossed lines for shading
When to use:
For texture, shading, and artistic style
How to do it:
Draw parallel lines close together. Cross-hatch by adding lines in opposite direction.
Pro Tip: Great for loose, artistic style. Not for photorealism.
Blending with Solvents
AdvancedUse odorless mineral spirits to blend
When to use:
For ultra-smooth, painterly effects
How to do it:
Apply colored pencil, then blend with small amount of solvent on brush or cotton swab.
Pro Tip: Advanced technique. Practice on scrap paper first!
The Secret to Photorealistic Colored Pencil Art
Want to know how artists create those mind-blowing photorealistic colored pencil drawings? Here's the secret formula:
The Formula:
Perfect Proportions
Use invisible outlines (12-15% opacity). This is NON-NEGOTIABLE for photorealism!
Layer, Layer, Layer
Build up 10-20+ light layers. This creates depth and richness.
Burnish for Smoothness
Use white pencil or colorless blender with heavy pressure to create that smooth, polished look.
Patience!
Photorealistic colored pencil takes 20-100+ hours. But it's worth it!
Why Invisible Outlines Are Essential:
Photorealistic art requires PERFECT proportions. Even 1mm off and it looks wrong. Traditional drawing takes years to master. Invisible outlines give you perfect proportions instantly, so you can focus 100% on the colored pencil technique!
This is why professional colored pencil artists use photo references and invisible outlines. It's not cheating—it's smart!
Step-by-Step: Create Photorealistic Colored Pencil Art
Start with Invisible Outline
Upload your photo, set opacity to 12-15%, print on drawing paper. This gives you perfect proportions automatically. Skip this and you'll struggle for hours!
Establish Darkest Darks
Identify the darkest areas in your reference. Layer dark colors (black, dark brown, dark blue) in these areas. Build up gradually.
Block in Base Colors
Using light pressure, block in the basic colors. Don't worry about details yet. Just get the general colors down.
Build Up Layers
This is where the magic happens! Add 10-20+ light layers, building up color gradually. Each layer adds depth and richness. Be patient!
Burnish for Smoothness
Once colors are built up, use white pencil or colorless blender with HEAVY pressure. This smooths and blends everything together for that polished look.
Add Final Details
Add fine details, highlights, and final touches. Use sharp pencils for tiny details. Add white highlights last for sparkle!
7 Colored Pencil Mistakes Beginners Make
❌ Pressing Too Hard Too Soon
âś… Fix: Start light! Build up gradually in layers. You can't erase heavy colored pencil.
❌ Not Layering Enough
âś… Fix: Photorealistic art needs 10-20+ layers. Be patient and build up slowly!
❌ Wrong Proportions
âś… Fix: Use invisible outlines! Perfect proportions are essential for realism.
❌ Not Burnishing
âś… Fix: Burnishing creates that smooth, polished look. Don't skip this step!
❌ Using Dull Pencils
âś… Fix: Keep pencils sharp! Dull pencils = muddy, imprecise work.
❌ Cheap Paper
âś… Fix: Use quality drawing paper (90-160gsm). Cheap paper can't handle layering.
❌ Giving Up Too Soon
âś… Fix: Colored pencil takes time! With invisible outlines, at least proportions are perfect from the start.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best colored pencil technique?
Layering is the #1 essential technique! Build up 10-20+ light layers for rich, vibrant colors. Then burnish with white pencil or colorless blender for smooth, photorealistic finish. This combination creates professional results. Pro tip: Start with invisible outlines (12-15% opacity) for perfect proportions, so you can focus 100% on mastering layering and burnishing!
How do you blend colored pencils smoothly?
Two methods: 1) Burnishing (recommended): Layer colors, then use white pencil or colorless blender with heavy pressure to smooth and blend. 2) Solvent blending (advanced): Use odorless mineral spirits on brush to blend. Burnishing is easier and gives better control for beginners. The key: Build up many light layers first, then burnish!
How many colored pencils do you need?
24-36 pencils is perfect for beginners! You don't need 150 colors. Through layering and color mixing, you can create any color. For example: layer blue + yellow = green. Layer red + yellow = orange. A good 24-36 set plus layering technique gives you unlimited colors. Save money and learn color mixing!
Why do my colored pencil drawings look flat?
Three reasons: 1) Not enough layers (need 10-20+ layers for depth), 2) Not enough contrast (use full range from light to dark), 3) Not burnishing (creates smooth, polished look). Fix: Build up more layers, push your darks darker, and burnish with white pencil. Also: Use invisible outlines for perfect proportions—flat proportions make everything look flat!
Can you create photorealistic art with colored pencils?
Yes! Formula: 1) Perfect proportions (use invisible outlines), 2) 10-20+ light layers, 3) Burnish for smoothness, 4) Patience (20-100+ hours). Colored pencil is one of the best mediums for photorealism! The invisible outline method lets beginners achieve photorealistic proportions immediately, so you can focus on mastering the colored pencil technique.
Ready to Master Colored Pencil?
Start with perfect proportions using invisible outlines—then focus on technique!
Create Invisible Outline - Free