Layering Coloured Pencils:
Achieve Stunning Results

What if I told you there's a secret to making your coloured pencil art come alive?

This technique is called layering coloured pencils, and it's about to revolutionize your art.

By layering colours, you can surpass the simplicity of traditional colouring and add complexity to your work. This method builds depth and dimensionality, allowing artists to create visually interesting pieces.

When I started working with coloured pencils, I didn't understand how their translucency allowed one colour to affect another. I wondered why I couldn't just use a pencil that matched the exact hue of my subject. However, I soon discovered that layering coloured pencils could truly improve my art.

The Power of Layering

When you layer coloured pencils correctly, you can create stunning effects like subtle glows, soft shadows, or intricate textures.

It's more than just 'colouring in'; it's about creating depth, texture, and richness of colour that would be nearly impossible to achieve with a single pencil shade.

The Role of Pressure in Layering Coloured Pencils

As you experiment with layering coloured pencils, you'll realise that pressure plays a vital role in achieving the desired effects. Mastering pressure control allows you to create a range of effects, from subtle nuances to dramatic contrasts.

By combining light and bold strokes, you can add depth and dimension to your artwork. To achieve the desired outcome, remember to balance your techniques and experiment with varying pressures and layering.

Learning the techniques of layering

To master pencil pressure, you'll need patience and a willingness to experiment with different techniques. As you develop your skills, you'll discover new ways to create nuanced textures, subtle shading, and expressive lines.

Light pressure allows for gradual depth-building with multiple layers, while heavy pressure (or burnishing) deposits more pigment, limiting layering options.

Try layering coloured pencils yourself

To get started, grab a medium-toned pencil and a piece of drawing paper.

Hold the pencil lightly, about two-thirds down the barrel, with your fingers acting as a pivot point. This technique gives you more control and flexibility over your pencil strokes.

Rest the sharp pencil tip on the paper and gently move your wrist back and forth, allowing the pigment to flow onto the surface without applying pressure.

As you apply pigment, it will be attracted to the higher points on the paper, creating a speckled appearance.

As you change the angle of the pencil, it meets the 'mountains' at a different point, causing the pigment to be scraped off and deposited in slightly different areas. This creates a more even layer.

By adjusting your pencil angle and pressure, you can achieve a smooth layer without damaging the paper's surface. To do this, increase the pressure on the pencil by sliding your hand closer to the tip as you progress.

Apply additional pigment only where needed to create value differences. Avoid covering the entire base layer.

With this technique mastered, you can now explore creating new colours.

Layering coloured pencils to create new colours

Unlike wet pigments, you can't mix colours directly with coloured pencils.

However, layering them can achieve stunning effects and unique hues in your artwork.

The type of coloured pencil you choose is crucial when layering. Translucent pencils, such as Faber Castell Polychromos, allow underlying colours to show through, creating depth and complexity. Softer pencils like Prismacolor Premier are more opaque and ideal for bold, vibrant drawings.

Additional techniques and considerations

To further enhance your understanding of layering coloured pencils and achieve stunning results, explore the following techniques and considerations.

 Choosing the Right Paper and Pencils

Select paper with a smooth surface and moderate tooth, and choose pencils known for their translucency.

Building Layers Gradually

Start with light pressure and gradually increase it as you add subsequent layers.

Blending and Burnishing

Incorporate blending and burnishing techniques into your layering process to achieve a seamless and polished look.

Experimenting with Color Combinations

Try layering complementary colours for depth and contrast, or explore analogous colour schemes for a harmonious look.

Embracing Texture and Highlights

Use lighter pressure and leave some areas with less pigment to create highlights and draw attention to specific elements.

Bringing it all Together

By applying these techniques and tips, you'll be well on your way to creating stunning artwork with layered coloured pencils.

Grab your pencils, take on the challenge, and let your creativity shine.

 

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