A colored pencil swatch chart is a handy tool for any artist working with colored pencils. Swatch charts allow you to see all of the colors in your pencil set at a glance. They also provide a quick reference for comparing colors and identifying pencil numbers or names. Making your own swatch chart is easy, inexpensive, and can help you get the most out of your colored pencil collection.
Choosing a Surface
The first step in making a colored pencil swatch chart is choosing a surface to draw on. Here are some good options:
- Cardstock or heavy paper
- Watercolor paper
- Mixed media paper
- Bristol board
Look for a paper with a bit of texture or tooth, which will help grab and blend the colored pencil. Avoid slick surfaces like photo paper. Aim for a paper that is heavy enough to prevent bleeding and buckling.
Cut or trim the paper to the desired swatch size. Standard swatches are generally 1.5-2 inches square. But you can make them larger or smaller as needed. If making swatches of open stock pencils, cut narrow strips for thin linear swatches.
Organizing the Chart
Once you have your surface, plan out how you want to organize the chart. Here are some options:
- Grouped by color family (reds, oranges, etc.)
- Light to dark value
- By pencil number or name
- Rainbow order
Sketch out divisions lightly in pencil. Allow enough space between swatches so colors don’t muddy together. You may also want to leave room to label each swatch with pencil name or number.
Making the Swatches
Now you’re ready to start filling in your swatch chart with colored pencil! Here are some tips for making top-notch swatches:
- Lay down an even, heavy layer of color so you can accurately gauge the true tone.
- Fill the swatch shape fully, coloring edge-to-edge.
- Use sharp pencils and consistent pressure for color consistency.
- Blend or burnish with white or colorless blender pencils for smoothness.
- Consider topping with a protective fixative spray when done.
Be sure to label each swatch with the pencil brand, number or name. This turns your chart into an easy color directory. You can include additional info like lightfast ratings or favorite color combos too.
Swatch Chart Materials
You likely already have most of what you need to make an excellent colored pencil swatch chart at home. Here are the basic supplies:
- Paper for swatches
- Set of colored pencils
- Pencil sharpener or blade
- White plastic eraser
Optional but helpful extras include:
- Drafting ruler or T-square for straight lines
- Colorless blender pencils
- Workable fixative spray
- Metal ruler or cutter for chopping paper
That’s really all you need. Just be sure your paper and pencils are of good quality so you can create accurate, archival swatches.
Tips for Making Accurate Swatches
Follow these tips when creating your colored pencil swatches for the truest color representation:
- Check pencils are in good condition. Sharpen or peel to expose fresh cores.
- Use heavy pressure. Really lay down the color to reveal its full character.
- Fill shapes fully. Color to all edges for complete coverage.
- Burnish for evenness. Smooth with white pencil to even tones.
- Spray fixative when done. Seals and protects finished swatches.
- Store flat. Keep your chart from warping or curling over time.
Test pencils on scrap paper first if needed to get the right pressure and technique. Take your time making swatches and you’ll have an accurate color resource.
Ideas for Using Your Swatch Chart
A colored pencil swatch chart has tons of great uses for artists. Here are some ways to use your custom swatch reference:
- Look up pencil numbers quickly without checking labels.
- Compare colors side-by-side for combinations.
- Identify or match a mystery pencil color.
- Find the right hue even if pencil label wore off.
- Determine accurate lighting or temperature of colors.
- Quickly pick harmonious or contrasting shades.
Keep your chart handy when working on colored pencil drawings. You can also take a photo to access your swatches digitally. Use it when shopping art supplies to compare new pencils.
Tips for a Neater, Professional Swatch Chart
With a bit of care, you can create a swatch reference that looks practically store-bought. Here are tips for making the cleanest, sharpest chart:
- Use a ruler or T-square for straight grid lines.
- Fill the shapes fully and evenly.
- Burnish swatches smooth with blender pencils.
- Erase stray marks carefully with a white eraser.
- Use legible, consistent lettering for labels.
- Consider topping with fixative spray when done.
Take your time and don’t rush the process. Neatly arranged swatches in uniform shapes with legible labels will give you a swatch chart you can be proud of.
Swatch Chart Inspiration
If you need a little inspiration for planning your colored pencil swatch chart, here are quick descriptions of some different creative approaches you can try:
- Rainbow – Arrange by ROYGBIV color spectrum.
- Split Complimentary – Group colors in triads of a hue and its 2 split compliments.
- Tetradic – Create color schemes using 4 hues equally spaced on the color wheel.
- Monochromatic – Use shades, tints, and tones of a single hue.
- Analogous – Select colors adjacent on the color wheel for subtle gradation.
- Color Families – Collect reds, oranges, yellows, etc. in distinct groups.
You can match a certain color scheme or just do whatever appeals most. It’s your artistic choice how to best arrange your pencils.
Troubleshooting Poor Swatch Charts
Sometimes swatch charts don’t turn out quite right. Here are some common problems and how to avoid them next time:
- Colors look off – Use heavy pressure and fill the shapes fully edge-to-edge for truer swatches.
- Messy or inconsistent – Work slowly and cleanly. Use rulers for neat lines.
- Smudging or bleeding – Choose heavier paper or prep surface with fixative first.
- Warping paper – Lay flat to dry after fixing and store pressed flat.
- Stray pencil marks – Erase carefully before fixing. Avoid smearing.
Test your paper first before creating a full chart. Adjust pressure or layer colors to match the pencils’ true appearance. Fixing at the end can help create clean, professional results.
Keeping Your Swatch Chart Organized
To keep your colored pencil swatch chart neat, consistent, and easy to use, follow these organization tips:
- Store flat in a folder or portfolio to prevent curling or bending.
- Consider laminating or slipping into a sheet protector to prevent smudging.
- Re-burnish periodically if swatches lose vibrancy over time.
- Supplement with scanned or photographed copies as digital backup.
- Add new pencils as they are acquired to keep chart up to date.
- Consider redoing chart every few years as colored pencils age and change.
A clear and orderly layout will make your swatch chart as functional as possible. Keep your chart handy, but take care not to spill materials on it or let it get damaged.
Conclusion
Building your own colored pencil swatch chart is easy and rewarding. Follow the steps for choosing paper, organizing the layout, making neat uniform swatches, and labeling accurately. Use high quality, archival materials and work carefully for best results. Refer to your finished swatch chart to compare hues, identify mystery colors, coordinate color schemes, and get the most out of your colored pencil collection.
| Color Family | Lighter Shades | Darker Shades |
|---|---|---|
| Reds | Scarlet, Crimson, Strawberry | Maroon, Brick Red, Wine |
| Oranges | Peach, Coral, Tangerine | Rust, Burnt Orange, Terracotta |
| Yellows | Lemon, Light Yellow, Goldenrod | Ochre, Mustard, Amber |
| Greens | Lime, Mint, Seafoam | Forest, Olive, Emerald |
| Blues | Sky, Periwinkle, Ice | Navy, Denim, Sapphire |
| Purples | Lavender, Lilac, Orchid | Eggplant, Plum, Violet |
| Neutrals | Cream, Oatmeal, Sand | Taupe, Slate, Charcoal |
