Coloured Pencil Techniques Every Beginner Should Know
A handful of simple techniques will transform flat colouring into artwork. None of them need special kit — just your pencils and a little practice.
Layering
Build colour up in light passes rather than pressing hard. Layering keeps colours clean, lets you deepen tone gradually, and leaves room to blend.
Burnishing
Once you’ve layered, press harder with a light or white pencil to fuse the layers into a smooth, almost glossy finish. Great for a polished look.
Blending
- Pencil blending: overlap two colours in light layers so they merge.
- Colourless blender: smooths and softens without adding colour.
- Watercolour pencils: add water with a brush for a wash effect.
Shading and texture
- Vary pressure for light-to-dark gradients.
- Use small circular strokes for even coverage, hatching for texture.
- Keep a sharp point for detail, a duller one for filling large areas.
Practise on scrap paper first, then bring it to your piece. Browse our coloured pencils to put these into practice.