Colored Pencil Artwork-themed Image Thread

Here's one that is older than many of you out there

Funny you say that Drew, it's actually 1 year older then I am!! Love the monochromatic look!! Thank you for sharing!!!

Wow, not many people on here use colored pencil huh? lol

Looking forward to seeing all the beautiful work in this thread. I haven't worked with color pencils - but I am interested in incorporating them with watercolor work.
I think I will thoroughly appreciate the control.

Love those Denim blues Shana

My name is Bruce Bley. These are 4 of my pieces I have done in prisma colored pencil. I enjoy nature and especial fishing and photographing flowers. I either work from the real object, such as, the fish and I work from my own photographs for the florals. All of these were done on Stratmore Charcoal paper.

Here are a couple of mine. All mostly prismacolours on drafting film. The Shar-pei dog has acrylic on the blue background and the whiskers, rest is completely colour pencil.

Thank you Janine!! I use colored pencil with my watercolor work sometimes, it can be a lot of fun!!

Hey Bruce!! Thanks for joining in on the fun!! I really love the way you render fish, great detail!!

@Michelle, thank you for posting!! I love the detail in the fur in your pieces. I have a question about drafting film, is that anything like acetate? I have some acetate that I have been wanting to try, but have heard people talk about drafting film too, and I am just wondering if they are similar?

Great discussion idea, Shana! I love your colored pencil (everyone here does great work). I started with graphite and then, only a few months ago, decided to really make an effort to master colored pencil realistically. I've never even thought of using grey tone colored pencils instead of graphite! I can't wait to try that!!!

The first two were done with Prismacolor, the cat on black paper. The second two were done with Polychromos. I like the brilliance and saturation of Prismacolor but I like the oil base of Polychromos. Oil based pencils means no wax bloom! I prefer to use smooth paper with very little tooth. My fav is Bristol smooth. Sometimes I can't help myself and choose a tinted pastel paper because I like the color, but then I always end up hating the piece. I can't get the eact detail and almost hyper-realistic look that I like if the paper is too textured.

Wow, Michelle! Your fur is incredible! It looks so soft!

I'm curious about drafting film too. I've heard many other colored pencil artists say they use it but I still know nothing about it.

@Sarah, thank you for sharing your work, it's truly wonderful!! Have to tried the other Mi Tient (I think that's how it's spelled?) papers that Canson makes instead of pastel paper? I believe it is the same as the black, with a smooth side and rough side, and comes in a lot of different colors. I have tried the black so far, love it, but have a bunch of other colors that I want to order! I too just started seriously getting into colored pencils a couple months ago, I had done a few colored pencil pieces in the past but nothing to this level. I usually do work in acrylic or oil, but my husband loves my drawings and has been bugging me to do more of it, my love for color (ironic since I have been doing black and white works in colored pencil lol) is what drew me to colored pencil, I wanted to combine painting with drawing. I have been exploring pastels more too, but have fallen in LOVE with colored pencils. So far I have only tried prismas but have my eye on polychromos next, can't wait until I have the money to try them!!! Black and white in colored pencil is a fun challenge, it helps to have a good range of grays, you should definitely try it!!

Here is the first piece that I did after I decided to get serious about colored pencil, after I finished, there was no going back, I was hooked!! lol

Bump

Shana, I can't remember which kind it is but it is by Canson, I'm fairly sure, and it came in great big sheets that I had to cut into smaller sheets. It was the same texture on both sides but has Canson imprinted on one side (so I can't use that side). I'll look into their other papers...thanks for the tip.

Your husband is a smart man- you have a knack for colored pencil! Keep it up! I can't wait to see more from you :)

P.s. That fire is cool...looks like it's really glowing! Illuminated, that's the word :P

My furkids..............

This tells a story. Rather than explain it to you I'd much rather hear what others think is going on!You all have very nice work. Colored pencil is definitely not my most skilled medium but I try to make up for it by making a story and being creative.

The drafting film is awesome to work on, it is sort of plasticky, but has a texture to it, so not glassy smooth like acetate. The only downside is that you can't get many layers on it, so you have to make every mark count, although because it is translucent, you can add detail to the back to either darken your shadows or lighten your highlights if needed.

The other support I really like is Art Spectrum Colourfix paper (its a sanded paper, often used for pastels). I've tried stonehenge and other hot pressed water colour papers, but I prefer colour pencil works that look like oil paintings...without 60-100 hours work for a small piece.

Michelle, you would say Colourfix has more tooth than Stonehenge, right?

These were both done on pastel paper. I like the way the creamy yellow colored paper enhanced the yellow petals and made my work a little less, and I liked the idea of the green/grey background against the red fur of the squirrel but, I wish I had just used something smoother. I'm excited to try all the papers listed here, when I have the $.

A little of this and a little of that some of my newest work and some not so new....Faber Castell polychromos are my favourite but I have used Prismacolor when I can't afford to replenish my Fabers ......

I use bright white 60 lb Cardstock....I hate texture paper I used textured paper for " lithium" and hated it.

Thank you Sarah!! I can't wait to do more, as far as paper goes, I think I am using a different black Canson then you, mine didn't come in vary large sizes and has a textured side and a rough side, I got it from dickblick. I think it is in line with the Mi Tients (sp?) that I mentioned earlier. I have recently bought some black pastel matte that I want to try, it seems to have a smooth texture. I want to try stonhenge too when I get the money. Man the possibilities are endless!!

Thank you for posting and sharing your work with us Genevieve, Aaron, Jamie and Maxwell, it is so interesting to see all the different styles, it shows how truly versatile this medium can be!

@Michelle, I got a colorfix sample a while back that I have yet to try! Thank you for reminding me!! I'm going to need to get some drafting film soon too!! I have acetate, haven't tried it yet though, one side is frosted and the other smooth, I think the frosted side is supposed to make it easier to work on, but we shall see I guess!!

@Sheena!! 'Bout time you got here girl!! Love your work, as always!! I have been aching to try polychromos, ugh can't wait until payday!!! My birthday is next month, and I told my husband all I want is art supplies! lol

That's how I got my Polychromos! They were an early birthday gift fom my grandmother...I think maybe the best birthday gift ever! Lol

Sheena, your work is incredible! Looks more like paint than colored pencil!

Some really cool work folks! :)

That's cool Sarah! My husband loves how easy it is to buy for me, anything artsy! He's really very good at listening to what I need too. I'm very fortunate that way!!

Thanks Andee!!

Though I have categorized these as oil pastels, much of the color an detail you see was created using Prismacolor pencils:



Here's an explanation of the process: Each of these is an oil pastel painting and Prismacolor pencil drawing. To blend the color evenly, I mask the areas around selected color-fields with FriskFilm, cutting along the graphite sketch lines on the museum board with an x-acto blade, then I apply oil pastels and blend with a rag soaked in mineral spirits, layer broad strokes of oil pastel using a light touch, push the pigment around with my fingertips, layer more color on top with pencil, then draw the details in with Prismacolors that define the finished piece.

Very nice Patrick, I have long admired your work, thank you for explaining your technique, it is very enlightening!!

Wow, Patrick! I mean,...WOW!!! I'm so impressed that I'm at a loss for words.

Nice work, everyone. I have pastel works here, but not colored pencil so I won't be adding any to this thread.

oh, wait, I do have one. It's created with watercolor pencils over watercolor paint, but mostly pencil. I used the pencils while the paint was wet.

"Michelle, you would say Colourfix has more tooth than Stonehenge, right? "

Sarah, yes it does, Colourfix is a sanded paper so chews through your pencils quickly, thats why I went to using a base layer of acrylic or blended pastel with cp over the top. Although the amount of pigment you can get on to either paper does depend a bit on how heavy your hand is.

Love it Jani! Beautiful work! Thank you for sharing!

Here's a few of mine. The last one was inspired by my love of online gaming.

Hey Shawna! Thanks for popping in! Haven't seen you in a while! Hope you are well!! Very fun and unique pieces, I love all the small details and vibrant colors!!

Okay, wait a minute, are you two Rowes related?

Here is one of mine. Thanks so much for the invite, beautiful work everyone!

Thank you Shana, yes I am doing great. I read the forums all the time just don't post very often. No relation Jani but it was cool to find another Rowe here when I joined. :)

Nope Jani, we have never actually met in person, but have hit it off pretty well online ;) Neat that our names are only one letter different isn't it? lol Although Rowe is actually my maiden name, my married name is Jackson, but I kept Rowe for my artwork since I had already laid the groundwork with my art under that name.

@Rebecca, thanks for joining in on the fun!! Love that piece!! Great detail on the humming bird, and love your color choices!!

So I just ordered a bunch of copies of the September 2014 issue of Colored Pencil Magazine. I didn't say anything before because I wanted to wait to actually see it published first, but they published this piece in the gallery section of the September issue!!!!!!! This is my first time having my art published in a magazine!!!!! I'm super stoked and think it's a good sign that I am doing the right thing by exploring colored pencils, and heading in the right direction. I hope it opens some doors for me!!

Congratulations internet sister! :)

Thank you Shawna!!!! ;-P

A ha ! I do have such good taste.

A big congrats. to you Shana !

Thank you Janine!!!!

That's awesome news! Congrats, Shana!!!

Thank you, Michelle...I don't think I'll want to try Colourfix then. But maybe Stonehenge some day. I know that's a fairly popular paper among colored pencil artists.

Here's another one I did on black paper. I did this for the Fourth of July. I love the look of colored pencil on black paper but it sure is nerve wracking- you can't erase on black paper.

Beautiful, Sarah.

Congratulations, Shana. Cool that you two became friends. :-)

I've met a few souls sisters here myself. This is a great community of people. Wish we could all hang out in person.

So much immense talent here......thank you all for making it harder for me by being so darn good......you make me want to be a better Artist.

Awesome congrats Shana....well deserved! You won't regret purchasing polychromos...they are a dream! ...(in my opinion)

Sarah thank you for your kindness coming from a talent such as yours it means a whole lot. Lola is downright adorable, all your work is top notch.

"Strawberry" was done with Prismacolor and although my heart lies with Faber I must say the fluorescent pink colored Pencil was fun to work with from Prismacolor.......but my Tea in the Moonlight of my Daughter was done with Fabers.......love the quality it produces. Much smoother application....there's just something about the the polychromos....they will always have my heart.

Thank you Sarah!!! I am super excited about the magazine. I LOVE your American Eagle. I love painting the flag, it is so much fun!! I have a picture I am going to do soon from a reference photo that I took in my yard of a flag against an old door. Not sure if I will be doing it on black or not, I agree that black can definitely be nerve wracking but it's definitely a fun challenge. It's a great choice when you are going for a certain effect. I prefer do do all my black with pencil myself, but the black paper is definitely called for in some pictures, and definitely lends a certain contrast that is different then starting on white paper and doing all your own blacks, I think because as a ground, it helps unify things so the contrasts aren't so stark. Here is the first piece that I did on black, I have only done two on black paper so far, and they have a similar them, with gray tones. Next one I do on black, I want to try in full color.


Thank you Jani!! I agree, we do have a great community here, it would be a blast to be able actually hang out together!! If I had money I think it would be cool to set up an art retreat where we could all meet, just for FAA members and have workshops etc. We all learn so much from each other on here, imagine if we had the chance to work side by side how much we would learn? Like FAA summer camp lol

Thank you Sheena!! I can't wait to try them!! I'm really hoping to get some soon. Do you know if you can use both Fabers and prismas in the same piece?

I don't see why not Shana...I have......then again I'm no expert...........I'm probably not the right person to ask, don't want to give you wrong advice.
I personally have used both in the same piece.

I don't make the rules.....I don't believe there to be rules in the world of art and even if I were to try something and fail....failure is an extremely valuable tool I am finding....especially as artists. I get a lot of people looking down their noses at me because I am self taught and use trial and error as my guide.............

I say go for it......You make the rules...

Lavender was a combination of both....Living in a smaller Town in Canada replenishing my pencils when needed takes time....and lots of MULAH$$$...(shipping costs) when I started the drawing I had most of my fabers needed but not all....also I combine PanPastels with my pencils.....

Mixed Media Drawing Faber Castell polychromos / Prismacolor / Panpastel

Love it Sheena!! I like to mix my drawing media too, I like using pan pastels and other pastels with colored pencil too, sometimes it helps smooth certain areas. I also like to incorporate marker and pen too. I will most likely be mixing my fabers with my prismas, cause that's how I roll lol. I did just look it up, looks like they are compatible. Ugh I can't wait to get my hands on some!! Now if my day job schedule wasn't so busy....lol I would love to be able to do my art full time, never feels like I have enough time!!

Here are a couple where I used marker with colored pencil. These were done a while back before I really got into my colored pencil kick, and they are what led me to wanting to explore the medium more.

This is an oil pastel painting enhanced with Prismacolor oil pencils. To blend the color evenly, I mask the areas around selected color-fields with Friskfilm, cutting along the graphite sketch lines on the museum board with an X-Acto blade, lay in broad strokes of oil pastel, 'paint' the pigment into the board with a rag dampened with a little mineral spirits, then I layer more color on top of the pastel-painted areas - sometimes using my fingertips to push it around and blend it in - and to finish I use Prismacolor oil pencils to draw the details that define the finished piece. Image: Original oil pastel on 4-ply museum board; acrylic sealer.

Prismacolor oil pencils? I had never heard of those! I will definitely have to look into those!! Thanks for sharing Patrick!! Great piece as always!!!!

Shana. I use the oil-based Prismacolor 'Premier' colored pencils as opposed to their water-based pencils and other cheap, store brand facsimiles.

You've probably been using oil-based Prismcolor pencils all along without knowing that, in addition to the wax used as a pigment binder, the leads are also bound with oil, which is what makes the blending so buttery-smooth and easy. Note: I push pencil color around with my fingertips.

Oh, I see, I thought that prismacolor was waxed based only, I didn't realize there was oil in the equation too!! Thanks Patrick!! I learned something new today!!!! :) You are right, I have been using them all along with out knowing it!! Do you wear gloves for protection when you push things around with your fingers and when using mineral spirits? If so, what kind do you use that don't inhibit movement or slow the process down? A lot of the books I have read said you should use gloves to protect from certain chemicals but I find gloves to get in the way.

Okay guys! Thank you for posting and sharing, I think this was the last day of my week long thread so I am going to close it now!! Thanks again! It was a lot of fun, and I learned a lot!!