Coloring is a fun and relaxing hobby that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It’s a great way to unwind, express creativity, and create beautiful pieces of art. However, coloring does require some level of skill. The good news is that coloring skills can be improved with practice and by learning some basic techniques. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore several ways to take your coloring to the next level.
Use Quality Coloring Supplies
One of the best things you can do is invest in high-quality coloring supplies. The right materials will make the coloring process much easier and more enjoyable. Here are some supplies worth purchasing:
- Colored pencils – Look for professional grade pencils with rich, vibrant pigments. Good brands include Prismacolor, Faber-Castell, and Derwent.
- Markers – Alcohol-based markers like Copic and Prismacolor are ideal for coloring large areas and blending colors smoothly.
- Colored pens – Fine tip pens allow you to add fine details and outlines.
- Sharpeners – A good manual or electric sharpener will keep your colored pencils sharpened to a fine point.
- Blending tools – Blending stumps, tortillons, and colorless markers help smudge and soften colors.
- Paper – Use thicker paper like cardstock that won’t bleed when colored on.
Investing in the appropriate supplies gives you the tools you need to take your coloring to the next level.
Learn Color Theory Basics
Understanding some color theory principles will help you pick colors that work well together and create visually pleasing effects. Here are some key concepts to learn:
- Color wheel – The color wheel shows how colors relate to each other. Complementary colors (opposites on the wheel) contrast strongly. Analogous colors (next to each other) blend well.
- Warm and cool colors – Warm colors (reds, oranges, yellows) pop forward. Cool colors (blues, greens, purples) recede. Use this to create depth.
- Values – How light or dark a color is. Create contrast by mixing light and dark values.
- Saturation – The intensity of a color. Saturated colors are vivid and unsaturated ones are muted.
Learning these fundamentals will give you the knowledge to combine colors in more pleasing ways. Refer to a color wheel when picking your palette.
Practice Basic Coloring Techniques
The way you apply color can dramatically impact the end result. Mastering some core coloring techniques takes practice but is worth the effort. Here are techniques every coloring enthusiast should know:
Layering – Applying multiple layers of color on top of each other. This builds up richness and depth. Slowly build up layers when coloring large areas.
Blending – Smoothing and mixing colors together so the transitions appear seamless, not stark. Can be done with tools or by layering colors.
Burnishing – Going over dried layers of pencil with more layers to intensify colors. Use light pressure while burnishing over dark colors.
Cross-hatching – Drawing multiple layers of crossing lines to apply color gradually. Great for filling space smoothly.
Stippling – Using tiny dots to apply color rather than solid strokes. Gives a mottled texture.
Practice these techniques regularly to improve control over your coloring implements and handling of color.
Learn Specific Styles and Techniques
Certain styles of coloring require more specialized techniques. Learn the approaches used for the styles you’re most interested in.
Realism – Blend colors gradually to avoid harsh edges. Pay close attention to light source and shadows. Use an eraser to lighten when needed.
Botanicals – Use light, uneven pressure and criss-crossing strokes when coloring flowers. Soften and mute colors as needed.
Animals – Use stippling and very short strokes to suggest fur texture. Vary pressure for smoother areas like noses.
Portraits – Layer colors carefully and blend well, especially for skin. Use white gel pens or masking fluid to create highlights.
Abstract – Apply intense colors side-by-side with minimal blending. Play with bold color combinations and interesting textures.
The more styles you learn, the more versatile you’ll become at handling all kinds of coloring challenges. Don’t be afraid to experiment!
Take Inspiration from Other Artists
Looking at how accomplished coloring artists work can provide loads of inspiration. Study both finished pieces and works in progress to understand techniques. Here are some ways to find great coloring inspiration:
- Look through coloring books and find styles you’d like to emulate. Analyze how the artist applied color.
- Read coloring tutorials online or in books. Lots of expert tips and techniques can be gleaned.
- Watch coloring process videos on YouTube and see techniques in action.
- Follow colorists on social media for regular inspiration from their projects.
- Join coloring groups and communities to share tips and admire each others’ work.
Gaining exposure to others’ work teaches new techniques and color combinations you can try yourself. Use it as fuel to take your own coloring to the next level.
Train Your Eye through Art Study
Learning more about art and design principles through study and practice can give you a better “eye” for color and composition. Here are some ways to train your eye:
- Take an art class! Even a basic drawing course teaches essentials like perspective, line, and form.
- Read books about color theory, painting techniques, and art history.
- Study the work of master painters and notice their use of color and light.
- Visit art museums and analyze how the paintings make you feel.
- Practice observational drawing/painting from life. This improves how accurately you perceive light.
Training yourself to observe light, color, shapes, and composition like an artist does wonders for your coloring skills.
Consider Taking a Coloring Class
An in-person coloring class is a great way to quickly build your skills. Here are some benefits:
- Receive expert instruction tailored to your skill level.
- Get feedback to improve your technique.
- Meet other coloring fans.
- Learn specialized tips and tools.
- Stay motivated by completing a project.
Classes focused on particular mediums like colored pencil or marker teach you tons about effectively using those implements. If your schedule is tight, many instructors offer online classes too.
Use Measurement and Guidelines
For realistic coloring, using some simple measurement techniques ensures proper proportions. Lightly draw guidelines before coloring for:
- Basic shapes
- Facial features
- Key landmarks and angles
- Lines of perspective
This may feel tedious at first but makes a big difference in creating realistic depth and form. Remove guidelines gently with an eraser after coloring.
Practice Consistency and Patience
Becoming truly proficient at coloring takes time and persistence. Make progress by:
- Coloring often to build muscle memory and technique.
- Challenging yourself with complex subjects.
- Being patient with yourself as skills improve gradually.
- Using reference photos to check colors and shading.
- Not rushing through a piece – take your time!
Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither were your mad coloring skills! Just keep at it.
Conclusion
Coloring is a learnable skill that anyone can improve with regular practice. Use high-quality supplies, learn color principles, master basic techniques, study others’ work, train your artist’s eye, take classes, use measurement, and above all practice often and patiently. You’ll be amazed at the progress you can make. Just remember to relax and have fun with it! Artistic ability comes naturally to some but others have to work at it diligently. Don’t be discouraged if coloring is a struggle at first. Stay positive and keep trying new things. Before long you’ll be creating gorgeously colored artworks you never thought you could.
| Technique | How to Do It | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Layering | Apply multiple layers of color gradually using light pressure. Slowly build up richness. | Creates depth and dimension. Allows seamless color transitions. |
| Blending | Use tools or effects like glazing to mix adjacent colors together smoothly. | Softens harsh edges. Creates seamless color gradients. |
| Burnishing | Go over existing layers with more layers using lighter pressure. | Deepens and enriches existing colors. |
| Cross-hatching | Apply color in layers of crossing lines and strokes. | Allows smooth, gradual color buildup and mixing. |
| Stippling | Using many tiny dots to apply color rather than solid strokes. | Creates mottled, textured effects. |
This table summarizes key coloring techniques along with instructions on how to perform them and their artistic benefits. Use it as a quick reference when practicing these essential skills. Mastering these techniques will give you greater control and versatility with color.