7 Colored Pencil Hacks to Elevate Your Art to the Next Level
Colored pencils are a versatile and fun medium that can produce some stunning results. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned artist, there are always new techniques to explore that can take your art from simple to extraordinary. These unique colored pencil tips will help you unlock the full potential of this medium, pushing your artwork to the next level. Let’s dive into some lesser-known but powerful hacks that can boost your creative process.
The Power of Layering Wisely
One of the most transformative colored pencil tips involves learning the art of strategic layering. Instead of blending immediately, focus on building up thin, light layers of color. Start with your lightest shade and gradually build towards the darker tones. By doing this, you create depth and subtle transitions that give your art a more professional, polished look. The key here is patience—each layer should be applied lightly to avoid a waxy buildup that can hinder further layers.
Use Unexpected Surfaces for Texture
Most artists tend to stick with smooth paper for colored pencil work, but why not shake things up? Experimenting with different surfaces can add texture and dimension to your art. Try using colored pencils on wood, fabric, or even sandpaper! These unconventional surfaces can create dynamic textures and effects that aren’t possible on standard drawing paper. For instance, sandpaper offers a rough surface that makes shading look unique and more impactful. This out-of-the-box approach can inspire a fresh take on your artwork.
Incorporate Solvent Blending for a Smooth Finish
Looking to achieve a painterly effect with your colored pencils? A solvent like rubbing alcohol or mineral spirits can be used to blend and smooth out colored pencil strokes seamlessly. After applying your colored pencil, use a soft brush dipped in the solvent to blend the colors together, removing harsh lines and creating a soft, flowing look. This technique is excellent for large areas like backgrounds or creating smooth skin tones in portraits. The solvent breaks down the binder in the colored pencils, giving you a blended, almost watercolor-like finish without losing color intensity.
Mix Media for Stunning Results
One of the best ways to elevate your colored pencil work is by mixing it with other mediums. Watercolor pencils, inks, and even pastels can add depth and vibrancy that’s hard to achieve with colored pencils alone. For example, try using watercolor pencils as a base, then layer colored pencils over the top once dry. This method will give your art a bold and saturated underpainting, while the colored pencils allow you to add fine details. Combining mediums can make your work stand out and give you a more dynamic range of colors and textures.
Erasers as Creative Tools
Erasers aren’t just for fixing mistakes—they can also be used to enhance your art. A kneaded eraser, for example, can help you lift off color to create highlights or even draw patterns. You can mold it into different shapes to erase specific sections and add controlled lighting effects. For softer, more gradual highlights, use a gentle rolling motion with your eraser. You can also try using a battery-powered eraser for more precise and bold highlights, which will contrast beautifully with your darker, detailed areas.
Reverse Coloring: Start with Dark
Traditionally, artists start with lighter colors and build up to darker shades, but a reverse coloring technique can offer an exciting twist. Instead of starting with light tones, lay down your darkest shades first, especially for your shadows. From there, blend in mid-tones and finish with highlights. This approach can bring a bold, dramatic flair to your artwork, as it forces you to think about lighting and contrast in a new way. It’s a great way to make your art look more dynamic and professional, especially if you’re aiming for strong contrasts and depth.
Heat It Up: Soften Your Pencils
A surprisingly effective way to enhance your colored pencil work is to warm up the pencils before use. Gently heating the tips of your colored pencils—whether by rubbing them between your hands or carefully placing them near a warm light—can soften the wax or oil, making it easier to blend and apply smoother strokes. This technique works especially well for pencils with harder leads, allowing you to create a more buttery texture that is ideal for blending large areas or achieving a softer finish in your artwork.
Bring These Hacks to Your Next Drawing Session
With these creative and unconventional colored pencil tips, you’ll find new ways to explore your artistic potential and elevate your work. Whether you’re experimenting with surfaces, blending with solvents, or utilizing heat, there are endless opportunities to push the boundaries of what colored pencils can do. The key is to keep an open mind and enjoy the process of discovering new techniques. So, next time you sit down to create, try incorporating one or more of these hacks, and watch your art transform into something truly unique and professional.
