Getting Started With Colored Pencils

• Posted on 4 October 2023
• 0

This week we embark on a whimsical adventure into the world of colored pencils, a medium filled with fun and frivolity! Picture yourself in a cozy, sunlit room, surrounded by an array of colors, each awaiting your skilled hand. I assure you, the key to mastering this art form lies not in any innate talent or practiced skill, but also in choosing the right materials!

First and foremost, let us discuss the canvas for your masterpiece: 

You simply must invest in the right paper. A textured, heavyweight paper, preferably with a tooth, will make your colored pencils sing like a chorus of celestial beings. The right paper allows the pencils to grip onto the surface, ensuring your colors blend harmoniously and with utmost grace. Try the Strathmore Colored Pencil Paper, or fabulous Bienfang Papers. Both are sure to be a homerun! 

Now, onto the pièce de résistance - the colored pencils themselves. Just as you curate an extensive wardrobe for every occasion, you must curate a collection of colored pencils. Different brands, much like different designers, yield different results. Don't be afraid to indulge in a luxurious selection; after all, art knows no budget!

Ah- Luminance colored pencils! The pinnacle of artistic opulence, much like the caviar of the drawing world. These exquisite gems of the color spectrum possess a luminosity that is unparalleled. When one wields these pencils, it's as if they're conducting a symphony of hues, each stroke a melodious note in the grand composition of artistry. So if you aspire to elevate your creative endeavors to a level of sheer brilliance, darling, Luminance colored pencils are simply a requirement. Truly, they're the crown jewel in any discerning artist's palette!

Faber-Castell Polychromos colored pencils are the epitome of German precision and excellence. Their oil-based lead offers controlled application and allows for fine details. These pencils are like a tailored suit, refined and dignified. Available in a startling array of 120 colors, year after year, Polychromos is awarded "Colored Pencil of the Year" by the Colored Pencil Society of America- and with good reason! 

Experimentation is key, dear artist. Try various brands, and don't be afraid to mix and match them in a single artwork. Much like pairing a statement necklace with a classic black dress, combining different brands can result in a masterpiece that's uniquely yours. 

Remember, the essence of art lies not only in technique but also in the passion and emotion you infuse into your work. Channel your inner diva, let your creativity flow, and allow the colors to dance on your surface like a mesmerizing ballet. And when in doubt, darling, just remember what we always say at The Art Store: "You're only as good as the company you keep, and that includes your colored pencils!"

Curious to learn more? Take a class with us! All materials are provided-including some to take home, so the learning and experimentation can continue after the class has finished.

So, dear artistes, embrace the world of colored pencils with all the flair and panache it deserves! With the right paper and an eclectic selection of colored pencils, you'll soon be creating artworks that could rival even the most illustrious galleries. Enjoy your artistic journey, and let the colors of your imagination run wild!