Thursday, December 20, 2012

Learning about Colored Pencils

Lately I've had this inclination to learn more about colored pencil drawing. Buried in my bookshelf was a North Light Workbook on Colored Pencil Techniques by Bernard Poulin. So I decided to see what he had to say. The design was outlined in gray, which meant that one can focus on the color blending.


Naturally, I didn't have all the specific colors that he suggested. Since you can't see his version, you'll just have to assume that all my colors are correct! It's pretty overwhelming to realize how many layers are required to give the rich depth for this piece. YES, I have learned about these pencils.

Think that holiday preparations are under control, the rain is coming and I'm happy to settle in my cozy space to draw and quilt. May you all stay safe and comfortable as Christmas approaches.

8 comments:

captain volcano said...

Lovely drawing - makes me want to get my coloured pencils out right now :-)

VivJM said...

Ooops, that comment wasn't from Mark (accidentally signed in with my husband's account!!)

spinningdownunder said...

Coloured pencils are a great medium to work in! You can get lovely rich tones, as you have discovered, and then there are all the different kinds of pencils as well; its all so tempting, lol! Is this a good book to work from? The North Light book I have treats them in the context of mixed media; so many different ways to use them and so many wonderful effects!

Sandra said...

This was a loose leaf workbook and I have three projects. Were there more? I have no idea as it is so old. I don't know that I would spend a lot of time looking for it. He does teach using Prismacolor pencils and lists each by number. I do not have all the numbers so I had to adjust. I have a debate-buy a complete set or go and pick up the ones he lists that are missing from my stash. Such problems!

Jennifer Edwards said...

Lovely drawing Sandra! A Very Marry Christmas to you!!!

Unknown said...

Great start Sandra, I would buy the colours you need for now and see how you like them. According to coloured pencil forums there are problems with Prismacolor and quality. Many are experiencing breakages which is disappointing after you have spent a fair amount of money on a full set. My original set was fine but when I replaced the colours I'd used up I found they wouldn't sharpen without breaking. My favourites are Faber castell's Polychromos.
Hope you had a great Christmas!

Alex said...

fantastic work! :) I love it

Lois said...

These drawings are full of rich color and good composition. One has to consider the time it takes to complete a final pencil drawing and then to have it turn out so well.