Mistakes Every Beginner Makes With Colour Pencils (And How to Fix Them)

Using colour pencils can be a delightful way to express creativity and bring your artistic visions to life. However, beginners often face challenges that can hinder their progress. In this blog post, we’ll explore the common mistakes beginners make with colour pencils and provide easy solutions to help you improve.

Not Properly Layering Colours

One of the biggest mistakes beginners make is not layering colours effectively. Layering is important because it adds depth and dimension to your artwork.

Solution: Start by applying a light layer of colour and gradually build up the intensity. Use lighter colours as a base and add darker shades on top. This approach will help create a richer and more vibrant look.

Close-up of layered colours showing depth in an artwork.

Pressing Too Hard

Beginners often press down too hard on their colour pencils. This can lead to a few problems, such as uneven colour distribution and damaged pencils.

Solution: Practice applying a lighter pressure. A gentle hand results in smoother blending and can help your pencils last longer. Test different pressures on scrap paper to find the right balance for various types of strokes.

High angle of a sharp colour pencil ready for use.

Ignoring the Colour Wheel

Many beginners overlook the colour wheel when choosing colours for their drawings. This oversight can lead to poor colour choices that clash or look out of place.

Solution: Familiarize yourself with the colour wheel. It can help you understand complementary colours, analogous colours, and how to create harmony in your artwork. For example, pairing blue and orange creates contrast, while yellow and green work well together.

Eye-level view of a colour wheel that helps in colour selection.

Not Blending Properly

Blending is a key technique in colour pencil art, but beginners often struggle to do it effectively, leading to harsh lines and uneven tones.

Solution: Experiment with different blending methods. You can use a blending stump, cotton swab, or your finger to soften transitions between colours. Practice blending on scrap paper to see which technique works best for your style.

Overlooking Paper Quality

The type of paper you use can affect your artwork significantly. Beginners often choose the wrong kind of paper, which can make it hard to apply colour smoothly.

Solution: Select paper specifically designed for colour pencils. Look for options that are thick and textured, as they hold colour better and allow for layering without tearing. Using high-quality paper can elevate your art and make your colours pop.

Not Taking Care of Your Tools

Beginners sometimes neglect their colour pencils, leading to dull tips and a less enjoyable experience when drawing.

Solution: Regularly sharpen your pencils to maintain a fine point. You may also want to keep them clean by removing any debris from the tips. Storing your pencils in a case can also prevent breakage and keep them organized.

Skipping the Sketch

Some beginners jump straight into colouring without making a preliminary sketch. This can result in poorly composed art with misplaced elements.

Solution: Always start with a light sketch. Use a pencil to outline your composition first. Then, you can layer colours over your sketch, following the lines and making adjustments as needed for better proportions and placements.

Neglecting to Plan with Light Source

Light and shadow are crucial in creating depth. Beginners often forget to consider where their light source is, affecting how they apply colours.

Solution: Identify your light source before you start colouring. Think about where the light hits your subject and where the shadows should be. Use lighter colours where the light hits and darker shades in shadow areas to create a sense of dimension.

Inconsistent Colour Choices

Beginners might use random colour choices without a cohesive theme, making their artwork appear scattered and disjointed.

Solution: Choose a colour palette before you begin. Limit yourself to a certain number of colours that complement one another. This can help create a more harmonic and visually appealing result.

Imagining your final piece and sticking to your palette will guide your decisions while drawing.

Forgetting to Take Breaks

Drawing for long periods can lead to fatigue and impact your decision-making. Beginners may push through, resulting in less than desirable outcomes.

Solution: Schedule breaks during your drawing sessions. Stepping back for a few minutes can refresh your eyes and mind, allowing you to return with a clearer perspective.

Final Touches

The last step of your drawing process is just as important as the first. Many beginners rush through these final touches, missing an opportunity to elevate their work.

Solution: Take your time with final details. Add highlights with a white pencil or fix any areas that need improvement. These small adjustments can make a big difference in the overall quality of your artwork.

Embrace Your Learning Journey

Mistakes are a natural part of learning anything new, including working with colour pencils. Embrace each error as an opportunity to grow. Remember, art is subjective; what matters most is finding joy in your creative process.

By understanding and addressing these common pitfalls, you can sharpen your skills and enhance your art. Practice regularly, seek feedback, and keep exploring new techniques. Before long, you’ll notice significant improvements in your artwork.

Remember: Every artist starts somewhere. Allow yourself the grace to make mistakes, learn from them, and enjoy your journey with colour pencils. With patience and practice, you’ll find yourself creating vibrant and stunning pieces in no time!

Happy drawing!