Colored Pencil Portraits Step By Step - The Ultimate Guide

Colored pencil portraits are a popular art form that allows artists to create stunning and realistic images using simple tools. With the help of this step-by-step guide, you can learn how to master this technique and create your own beautiful colored pencil portraits.

Before we begin, let's start with a brief to colored pencil portraits. Colored pencil portraits involve the use of colored pencils to create lifelike drawings of people, capturing their facial features and expressions in great detail.

Getting Started

To get started with colored pencil portraits, you will need a few essential tools:

Colored Pencil Portraits Step by Step

by Ann Kullberg (Kindle Edition)

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	6236 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	130 pages

FREE

• High-quality colored pencils
• Sketchpad or drawing paper
• Eraser
• Sharpener
• Blending tools (such as paper stumps or cotton swabs)
• Reference photo or model

Once you have gathered these materials, you're ready to begin your colored pencil portrait journey!

Step 1: Selecting the Right Reference Photo

Choosing the right reference photo is crucial for creating a successful colored pencil portrait. Look for a photo that captures the essence of the subject and has good lighting, clear details, and interesting composition. Remember that the more detailed the photo, the more challenging it may be, especially for beginners.

Once you've chosen your reference photo, it's time to move on to the next step!

Step 2: Sketching the Basic Outline

Start by sketching a basic outline of the subject using light lines. This will serve as a guideline for your colored pencil work. Pay attention to the proportions and positioning, ensuring that they accurately reflect the subject's features.

If you're not confident in your sketching skills, you can use a grid method or a projector to transfer the reference photo onto your sketchpad. This can help you maintain accuracy throughout your portrait.

Step 3: Layering and Blending Colors

Now comes the fun part - laying down colors! Begin by selecting a base color for each area of the portrait. Use light pressure with your pencil to build up layers gradually. This layering technique adds depth and richness to your colored pencil portraits.

As you progress, experiment with blending colors to create smooth transitions and gradients. Blending can be done using blending tools like paper stumps or by layering multiple colors together with gentle strokes.

Step 4: Adding Details and Textures

Details and textures are what bring your colored pencil portraits to life. Pay close attention to the subtle variations in skin tones, hair strands, and other intricate features. Use small, controlled strokes to add fine details.

For achieving texture, you can employ various techniques like cross-hatching, stippling, or scumbling. Experiment with different pencil pressures and stroke directions to create realistic textures.

Step 5: Refine and Finalize

Once you're satisfied with your colored pencil portrait, take a step back and evaluate it. Look for any areas that may need refinement or adjustments. Assess the overall balance of colors and values.

If necessary, make the required changes and add final touches to enhance the realism and impact of your portrait.

Creating colored pencil portraits is a fulfilling and rewarding artistic endeavor. With practice and patience, you can develop your skills and create stunning pieces of art.

Remember, every artist has their unique style and approach. While this step-by-step guide provides a solid foundation, don't be afraid to experiment and find what works best for you. Let your creativity shine through and enjoy the process of creating beautiful colored pencil portraits.

So go ahead, gather your colored pencils and start your colored pencil portrait journey today!

Colored Pencil Portraits Step by Step

by Ann Kullberg (Kindle Edition)

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	6236 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	130 pages

FREE

Portraits not only capture a likeness, but offer for generations to come a glimpse into the subject's life. Sounds like quite a challenge. But with Ann Kullberg's help, it's not as difficult as you might think to create lifelike colored pencil portraits. Using her own beautiful portraiture for instruction and inspiration, Kullberg walks you through the process step by step--from basic information about materials and techniques to two demonstrations that show how complete portraits come together from beginning to end. 

You'll learn how to: 
·         choose the right tools and master basic techniques
·         compose a portrait—examples show right and wrong ways to do it
·         use light to create mood in your portraits
·         create a range of rich, believable skin tones
·         paint the face—step-by-steps of eyes, mouth, nose and ears make it easy
·         paint realistic-looking clothing—step-by-step demos show you how to paint denim, velvet and other fabrics

You'll also find Kullberg's secrets for making your portrait come alive, along with 17 mini-demos that make it easy to paint realistic features, hair and clothing. Inside is everything you need to get started, as well as advice and important information on painting portraits professionally!