Simple art supplies fascinate me. Colored pencils have been my favorites recently. They are so easy! There are no worries about making the pages too thick even if there’s a lot of layers.
Colored pencils seem to be used for traditional artwork mostly. I think they are as suitable for improvising as any other media, like watercolors. In this post, I will show you few easy techniques for expressing yourself with colored pencils.
1) Color by Doodling
Starting with a blank page or paper, draw circulating and continuous lines to color a small area. Then change the color and continue. Create layers and let the colors intersect. You can get a wide range of colors with layering. Think your pencils as doodling tools!
2) Rotate the Page while Coloring
You will get more variety and interest to the page if you rotate it while working. Work one area at a time, changing the orientation once in a while. The areas can be fairly large as in my page, or smaller.
Here’s the page before I used the eraser …
3) Use Eraser to Create Lighter Areas
Erased areas bring light to the work. In an art journal page, use the eraser for the areas where you want to write the journaling.
4) Add More Clarity
I am a big believer of finishing. When you improvise, the result may be self-explanatory for you without the finishing touches. But if you want to communicate with others too, then sharpening some areas and adding some layers here and there for more intensive color is a minimum. I realized that my page had some animals in it so I made them easier to see. Like the photos include sharp and unsharp areas, you do not need to work through the page. Picking the focal points and working with them is often enough.
Coloring with Pencils is Like Painting by Drawing
By discovering these easy techniques, I have learned to love colored pencils. It is like mixing painting with drawing. With colored pencils, you can have a gorgeous art journal or a unique greeting card collection! Show your free expression with colored pencils!
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As usual, very nice work that gives me the courage to follow my own inner course. Thank you and please keep sending out that beautiful energy!
Thank you, Nea! Have fun trying out these techniques!
Just found your blog via Pinterest! I am awed by your work. Will subscribe so I can keep being inspired,
Thanks, Lou! Welcome to subscribe!
Lovely work Paivi!
Thank you, Lisa!
Love the last step! Can you tell me what the words say in English please?
Thanks, Caroline!
Here’s a free translation to English:
Creativity flows
That brings me joy in life
Natural rhytm
is worth of aiming for
Meaning: let’s let it go,
take a risk, loosen the reins
Listen and conform
when you notice that
Good things are happening
I often leave my color pencils out of my work – I think I will try playing with them again – beautiful page
Thanks, Gina! I think that many neglect their colored pencils! I used to – but really wanted to fix that!
Back to my colored pencils again. I love them also and are so inspired by your Art.. Thanks for translating your words. I believe you have such a good deep soul because it shows in all you do. Thanks for sharing!!!!!
Nancy, thanks! I am just happy when I create! Have fun with your colored pencils!!
Another inspiring blogpost!! Thank you so much for sharing your work explaining every step so clearly, this is truly generous of you!
Best wishes.
Thank you, Jeanne Sylvie! There must be a lot of colored pencils in the world who just wait to be used! This creative technique is so easy that you must try it!
Wonderful! Love your work and your inspiration! Thank you!
Thank you, Femi!