My Experience with Drawing with Color Pencil

Drawing with color pencil was a greater challenge than I anticipated. Having been a graphite artist for most of my life, I didn’t think the transition would be a big deal. I knew I’d have to switch gears and start thinking in color, but I thought the technique would basically be the same. Boy, was I incredibly mistaken.

Photo Credit: Myra Naito – MNaitoDesigns.com

The primary thing to note about drawing with color pencil was the number of layers that needs to be built up in order to gain that depth and realism. In addition to layering, one has to be aware of the inevitable wax bloom. Wax bloom is basically a buildup of wax from your color pencils. What’s annoying about this is, it prevents you from laying down anymore color on top of it. It’s not the end of the world (or your project). It’s just an annoyance you have to address before you move on. Some people use odorless mineral spirits (carefully and cautiously and in tiny amounts) to break down that waxy layer. Others use a soft clean rag to rub at the affected area, but this is a temporary fix and can damage the surface of the paper.

Honestly, I knew I’d be challenged. I just didn’t know how much. You see, color is an entirely different realm for me. There are so many variables! Even so, I agreed to take on this portrait. I do have that service listed on my website, after all. Thankfully, my first color pencil client was a repeat customer who is incredibly patient with me. In addition to the color pencil learning curve, I had some minor health issues and a huge move from one state to another to contend with. Needless to say, this one project dragged on and on.

But I’m happy to say that Ginger the cat is finally finished!

Photo Credit: Myra Naito – MNaitoDesigns.com

I’m pleased with the results, but being the ever self-critical artist, I see where improvements can be made technique-wise. Having gone through the process in its entirety, I’m now more aware of where I can change things to make my life easier. For example, the order in which to do things, or when I have enough layers down to blend or use odorless mineral spirits, when not to use odorless mineral spirits and burnish instead, not stressing so much about the tiny details until much later, and how with the right tools (Slice ceramic craft knives) I can make tiny little hatch marks for fur (but only once I have enough layers down).

Drawing with color pencil has definitely been a learning process and it’s one that will never end. That’s how I encourage all budding artists to view the work no matter the medium. I’m a fan of saying that there’s no such thing as perfect. There’s only better than yesterday. Being an artist is all about experimenting, making mistakes, learning, and growing. If that ever stops, the work stagnates.

A bored artist equals boring work and who wants that?