How to learn to paint with watercolors. Techniques for drawing with colored pencils

Coloring books for adults are very popular these days. In the store you can find a book of any subject, for every taste, and spend the evening coloring incredible patterns or animals, creating your own unique world. It’s easy and simple; anyone who doesn’t know how to draw at all, but is passionate about it, can do this activity. How your picture turns out depends on your mood. You endure everything inner world: emotions, feelings and thoughts on paper. There is no special rules. By coloring pictures, your own or from a book, you heal your soul, help yourself cope with the experiences and stress that have accumulated during the day. But if you want to improve the whole picture, then we can give you some tips.

1. Focus your attention not only on color, but also on texture.

When it comes to coloring, think about all aspects of the page. “Some people like to color even the smallest details of a drawing,” says Millie Marotta, author of Animal Kingdom and Tropical Wonderland, “while others like to cover a large area of ​​the drawing with one color and paint the details separately. But they all allow the lines to work through color - there will be color there, but underneath there will be texture...”

When it comes to illustration, you don't have to have color scheme in my head. But you can imagine how someone else would color this drawing and in what way this could be done. There is no need to think about uniqueness, if you take the same coloring book, then everyone will color it in their own way, some will even complement the drawing with their own details, and the finished works will be absolutely different from each other, even with the same basic drawing, they will all be be perceived as different. Think about details where you can add more variety with color. It is the details that make a drawing beautiful. Some area may combine several colors, but somewhere there will be no color at all, and perhaps the boundaries of the color will not coincide with the boundaries of the picture, inviting the imagination to go beyond the picture and dream up.

3. Add something of your own to the main drawing.

For example, Millie Marotta in her coloring books tries to offer different drawings. To the very detailed ones that occupy the entire page, she also adds less drawn ones with large empty spaces around the coloring pages precisely in order to stimulate the imagination, to encourage one to add their own details or texture to the drawing.

4. Pencil - The best decision !

A pencil is the most versatile item. With a pencil you can draw different textures, you can mix colors, from one green pencil, for example, you can take up to 20 different shades, which you can’t do with markers or pens, and they won’t spread like paint, the pencil can be shaded, you can achieve different effects by placing the pencil at different angles, not to mention that there is watercolor pencils, which are blurred by water and a watercolor effect is obtained.

With markers maybe more problems than the pleasure of using them. If you decide to draw with markers, you must be careful. Markers can be filled with fairly “heavy ink” that can overlap the texture, bleed through the page and stain the next drawing, and can mix at the borders to form dirt. The drawing may turn out dark and not beautiful. It is better to use colored capillary pens after the drawing is completed to draw in details. this will make the drawing more pronounced and bright. If you only draw with markers or pens, then to begin with it is better to use one or two, maximum three colors.

6. Although... it depends how heavy your hand is.

The effect you can achieve using markers or pens really depends on the drawing techniques of different people. Some people have such a light touch that they have no problem using markers or pens. Others have a “heavier” hand and often the ink begins to “bleed” through the page or a shadow appears on the other side of the sheet. There are many examples of incredible pen paintings. It all depends on your desire and skill.

Nowadays you can find a variety of coloring books, divided by topic. Many authors present us with their illustrations for coloring. Some people gravitate toward drawing birds, some like flowers, and some like cars... For example, M. Marota studied wildlife and traveled to wild reserves to study it, so her illustrations are filled with nature and birds. Choose a topic that is close to you for creativity.

8. Choose “your” style.

This point follows naturally from the previous one. Choose what is closest to you not only in topic, but also in style. Different authors present, for example, the same flowers in different ways. Each illustrator has his own style. All you have to do is choose what is closest to your heart - curves fairy houses or the houses of a modern metropolis with strict lines, realistic animals or patterns, a contour that forms the image of an animal.

9. Because pictures in books are a reflection of the inner world.

This is not a case of adapting existing illustrations for coloring. Many artists create illustrations for coloring, they try to make the drawings different, different forms. So that you open a book with cats and find a dozen different cats for every taste and you don’t get bored and this interest remains until the end of the book. Therefore, flip through the book before purchasing, make sure that it is not the same cat from different angles (yes, there are such books), but many different drawings.

10. You can take your favorite animal for coloring.

It is no coincidence that psychologists say that people often resemble one or another animal and, depending on this, can make psychological picture. There are many tests involving animals. So why not call them to help you. The image of your favorite animal can stimulate your imagination and create a completely unusual picture, which you can even hang in a frame and it will continue to inspire you.

You can often find on the first page a set of tools that you may need for work. Don't pay too much attention to it. Improvise, try something different and, quite possibly, the result will be much better! It is important to find the “right” brand. You can take a very expensive pencil and it will draw poorly, because it is too hard or the pigment it contains will not stick to this particular paper, but you can take the most inexpensive one and get a wonderful drawing! Choose pencils and other tools according to how comfortable it is for you to work with them, and not according to their purpose and price.

Mixing different materials It has incredible effect. People using watercolor can add a thin wash of watercolor or pastel to even out the background color. They can fill in the details with pens or pencils once the drawing is finished.

You don't have to stick to just one material. You can create a piece that is completed using a mixture of materials.

Many people choose colors from a certain color palette, and only works with them. They could give themselves a theme. For example, use only autumn colors or summer colors. I think such preferences limit the possibilities. Some people simply choose a calming, harmonious color, or only warm colors or only cool colors.

You can create a very effective image by using a monochrome palette and painting the image with one color. Can be found beautiful paintings, drawn using 20 or 30 shades of the same color, such as blue. Thus, drawing in one color does not mean using one pencil. It can be three or four pencils, with which you can create a truly spectacular image.

In terms of inspiration, it would be great to share work through social networks with other people. Because you don’t just exchange photos, but also tips on drawing techniques, ideas, find new tools to implement your ideas, discover new brands of pencils or pens, learn about other books on your topic, etc.

You don't have to worry about whether you're doing everything right or not. It's just a game. You are simply drawing, it is an activity that should bring you joy and relieve stress and anxiety. You don't have to worry.

If you're thinking, "Oh, huge empty place here, what do I need to fill it?…. I only have this thin one small pencil….. “then stop, try to throw away these thoughts, just draw, don’t think about the result, don’t make a drawing plan.

17. Enjoy!

Play with the design, choose colors, don’t be afraid to ruin it. Even if it doesn’t turn out what you wanted, it’s experience, your experience, which will tell you how to do better next time. Just enjoy the process. And don't forget that different people have different perceptions. You won't think the result is good, but someone may be delighted with it.

4. Pencil is the best solution! 6. Although... it depends how heavy your hand is. 8. Choose “your” style 8. Choose “your” style 9. Because the pictures in books are a reflection of the inner world.

based on materials Ailbhe Malone BuzzFeed Staff, UK

Today we'll talk about various techniques drawing with colored pencils.

WITH colored pencils are incredibly enjoyable to work with, partly because they are easy to manipulate and control. How you sharpen your pencil, how you hold it and how hard you press it determines what effect you will achieve when drawing. By using colored pencils you can create both soft combinations and dazzlingly bright ones realistic textures. Once you have grasped the basics described below, you can decide which technique will give an object its unique properties. Technician in drawing with colored pencils there are a lot, as many effects as can be achieved with their help. So the more you practice and experiment, the more potential you'll see in the images that inspire you.

Pressure

Drawing with colored pencils different from painting with paints, you can't just put more color on the tip to make it darker. Therefore, your main tool is the pressure applied when you apply the color. It is best to start with a light color, this will preserve the texture of the paper much longer. Over time, you will develop the mechanical skill to vary the pressure on the pencil to achieve the desired effect.

Light pressure

In this area (in the picture on the left) the color was applied just barely touching the surface of the paper with a pencil. With light pressure the color is still transparent.

Moderate pressure

Moderate pressure on the pencil creates a good base for the layers (center). This is also the click you might want to sign your drawings with.

Strong pressure

Very strong pressure on the pencil flattens the surface of the paper, making the color truly solid (right).

Strokes

Every line you make colored pencil very important - the direction, thickness and texture of the line will help create a particular effect. Practice different types of shading. You will notice that you have a tendency towards one or two types of hatching, but strokes help convey the texture and emotion of your work.

You can imitate different textures by creating dot and dash patterns on paper. You can even create a dense, thick texture using dots.

While a group of straight lines gives direction (in the picture on the left), a group of slightly curved lines conveys a sense of movement (right). Try combinations of different shading options and to create a more exuberant, rich design. Such exercises show you how lines and strokes can be not only expressive, but also informative.

Lines of varying thickness help create texture. These lines create a sense of volume in the drawing.

Types of hatching

Make circular movements with a pencil or in a random order, as in the picture, or in identical rows. For a thicker coverage, like the one on the right side of the example, apply multiple layers, layering circles on top of each other. You can also experiment with varying degrees of pressure for a more random feel.

You may be more comfortable working in a straight-line style: vertical, diagonal, or horizontal, depending on your preference. Your strokes can be short and choppy or long, depending on the texture you want.

This effect is created by scribbling a pencil across the surface of the paper in a random manner, creating an organic mass of color. By changing the pressure and the amount of time you spend drawing a line in one area, you can increase or decrease the color saturation.

This term refers to the creation of a series of nearly parallel lines. The closer the lines are to each other, the denser and darker the color. Cross hatching is created by superimposing one parallel line on another, but at a different angle. You can use shading to fill areas with solid color or to create texture.

No matter what your favorite type of shading is, you should strive to be able to control the pencil and apply smooth, even color. I used small circles in this example. Note: when the color is even, you cannot tell with what lines it was applied.

This is the most mechanical type of color application, but it creates a very strong texture. Simply sharpen your pencil and create small dots all over the surface. Place the dots closer together for more coverage.

Layers and shading

Anyone who paints can first mix colors on a palette and then transfer them to canvas. Working with colored pencils, all mixing and shading of colors occurs directly on the surface of the paper. With the help of layers, you can get new color, and a new shade. To intensify the color, apply more layers on top, and to tone it down, use a complementary (contrasting) color. You can also blend the colors using a white pencil or a colorless blender.

The easiest way to mix colors is to apply a second coat of color directly on top of the first coat. You can do this with as many colors as you need to achieve the desired color or saturation. The key to this technique is to use light pressure, work with a sharpened pencil, and apply each layer evenly.

To refresh your memory, let me remind you that polishing is a technique that requires pressing firmly to fuse two or more colors together and give them an even, glossy look. Colorless blender tends to make the colors darker (as shown in the picture), while using a white or light pencil (next example) brightens the colors and gives them a bold appearance.

You can also mix colors by using a lighter or white pencil. To create an orange tint, apply a layer of red and then layer yellow on top. remember, that dark color should always be under light. If you apply a dark color over a light color, blending will not occur. Also try not to press too hard on the bottom layers in the polishing area, as if you flatten the surface of the paper too quickly, the blending result will not be as effective.

This method is usually used when working with pastels, the viewer sees two colors next to each other, as if they were mixed. Use scribbles, strokes, dots, or rounded scribbles to apply color, allowing each pencil to look like a small piece of string. When you look at it as a whole, the lines different colors merge and look like one mass. This is a very lively and new mixing method that will captivate your audience.

Friends, hello.

The cool thing about coloring is that you don't have to have a lot of tools! In this article we will review the most popular felt-tip pens, colored pencils and pens that can be used for both anti-stress coloring books and children's coloring books.

We will look at tools from different manufacturers and give examples of work performed by a specific brand.

If you are a beginner, then inexpensive markers will be enough for you. We do not recommend that you purchase expensive tools from the very beginning. famous manufacturers. Progress to them gradually as your experience and interest increase.

The coolest combination, in our opinion, is the simultaneous use of markers and pens. Thanks to your specific features, these tools allow you to create really cool effects!

Well, let's move on to the review.

Markers.

Copic company.

We give our preference to this brand of felt-tip pens. Big bonus is that they can be refilled!

Colors appear very clearly, with minimal distortion when layering ( known issue cheap brands). Markers from the Copic Sketch line have two brushes (thin and wide). The first allows you to paint small details of a picture, and with the help of a wide brush it is very convenient to fill large areas of the picture with color.

Copic markers can be purchased individually, so you can gradually add to your collection, starting with your favorite colors. These are professional tools, and everything good, as you know, is expensive. A set of 12 colors will cost you 5,000 - 6,000 rubles, and one felt-tip pen can be purchased for 400 - 600 rubles.

It is worth noting that the price of these markers absolutely corresponds to their quality.

Sharpies company.

Sharpie markers color very accurately and brightly. They are sold individually or in sets. There are markers in neon color, which creates a very beautiful visual effect! Pay attention to these models - Sharpie Fine Point Markers. These are inexpensive markers with an excellent price-quality ratio. You can easily find them in your nearest hypermarket. average price one piece - 100 rubles.

Their only drawback is not big choice colors. For example, you won't be able to find a pastel blue shade. We recommend using these markers together with other tools to create beautiful effects.

Prismacolor company.

An excellent option that is also used professional artists, but it is significantly cheaper than Copic. The markers are clear and have a wide range of colors to choose from.

Tombow Company.

In general, the products of this company are positioned as colored pens, but we still classify them as felt-tip pens. Tombow marker brushes are very thin and great for precise coloring. The markers are double-sided, the brushes vary in thickness. These markers are not very suitable for painting large areas, because when layers are applied, the border is clearly visible (unlike Copics).

Crayola company.

These are inexpensive and very common markers that are great not only for kids, but also for adults! A wide selection of colors and excellent quality make them a leader in their price range. These markers are convenient for coloring small parts and are not very suitable for wide areas, because they leave a boundary line when layers are applied.

Among the many types of marker data, we recommend that you use Crayola Super Tips Markers. The downside to these markers is that they dry out quite quickly compared to all the other markers on our list. If this doesn't bother you too much, then these will suit you just fine.

Colour pencils.

Our choice is Prismacolor pencils. Their colors are so clear and rich that if you press the pencil with force, the fully colored picture will look like it was drawn! A huge selection of colors allows you to create very unusual shades and effects. It’s very cool to create shadows using these pencils. The shadow makes the picture more dynamic and interesting.

Colored with Prismacolor colored pencils

Prismacolor has several various types pencils. Pay attention to these - Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils. These are professional pencils and a little more expensive. They can be purchased individually (about 80 rubles). This is very convenient, because you don’t have to buy a whole set if you just want to try them out.

For painting very small details, check out the Verithin series. These pencils can be sharpened very finely.

Helium pens.

Sakura company.

These are great pens that we recommend you use. The handles are very thin and have a wide range color styles(metallic, glitter colors, pastel shades and lunar shade). Helium pens are great for highlighting the details of a design. The pen fits perfectly on top of the felt-tip pen, focusing attention on a specific area. It looks very nice.

Fiskars company.

Fiskars - other good brand gel pens. A very affordable set of 48 pieces. The pens are bright and include a lot beautiful flowers- metallic, neon, glitter and others.

Pens.

Staedtler Triplus Fineliner.

These are very thin pens, indispensable for precise coloring. Sold as a set and individually.

Paper Mate Flair Guard Pens.

Although they don't color as accurately as the other markers and pens we've covered in this article, these pens have wide choose colors and they are great for coloring small areas. Plus, these pens aren't very expensive - always a plus!

Friends, we hope you liked our review. Share your experiences and thoughts with us in the comments! We wish you good luck and a great mood!

unexpectedly, but since there are many techniques, I decided to write with examples.

(all pictures are not mine)
What is not suitable is wax crayons in general, thick felt-tip pens (from 1.5 mm tip), thick watercolor pencils, unless you know how to use them in watercolor mode and do not plan to paint small details.

what is needed:

1. different felt-tip markers
With a super-thin tip (0.3 mm or less), it is impossible to paint over large volumes - they are best used for small contours or finishing touches. medium size (0.4-0.8) is possible, but you need to carefully monitor the layers and that they do not overlap each other - with felt-tip pens this does not always look neat. I categorically do not recommend felt-tip pens to those who love precision and accuracy in applying color. In principle, you can draw with a felt-tip pen on a felt-tip pen, but only darker ones on lighter ones. Thin light liners get dirty the same way. about brands: people complain that sharpie creeps and spreads even after application, but this greatly depends on the paper.

with a brush tip (watercolor).
watercolor brush pen

but it’s better to take double-sided ones - a brush on one side, and a dense tip on the other

and metal markers. You just need to be careful with them, some of them leak heavily.
metallic marker

But use wide markers very well. hard

2. regular colored pencils. minus - it is slow and cannot be as bright as markers and pens. plus - they can be mixed, unlike felt-tip pens. They can also be combined with any others - felt-tip pens, markers, pens, watercolors.
The trick with pencils is that you don’t have to press as hard as you did in childhood. It is better to cover in several layers. Well, light shading gives you a lot of maneuvers - you can do graduations and mix colors as you like. You just need to remember about the direction of the strokes - it’s better not to change them within one place object. you can make a layer in one direction, and on top of the other at an angle to it. if you draw in zigzags, it may not turn out very neatly.

These two, of course, were painted by a pro...

those for whom it is important to be able to play everything back should color using erasable pencils. I'm talking about them

there is also convenient version- double-sided pencils, where different colors. this saves space, and still the long ones almost never end unless you draw professionally. but just short ones if you buy them (Crayola has them), it’s inconvenient for an adult to hold
colleen colored pencil

3. watercolor colored pencils. usually expensive. but you can get the advantages of both pencils and watercolors at the same time

4. watercolor - the paper for coloring books should be quite thick. near the world-famous "enchanted forest" - just quite suitable

5. multi-color pencils are those pencils where the lead is not one color, but from a pack of different pigments. There are versions in shades, there are completely mixed ones - rainbow ones

6. gel pens. best professional with a large selection of colors. minus - they run out quickly.
bright night gel pen

you can also take gel pens with different effects - metallic, glitter, etc.
in this set they also different thicknesses. but not cheap professional quality %(
Sakura 57360 64-Piece Gelly Roll Artist"s Gift Set

about technology

I strongly recommend that before you start coloring the page, you test new felt-tip pens/markers/pencils somewhere separately. check that nothing is leaking, even if you accidentally make 2-3-4 layers. This is especially critical for perfectionists. Experienced fighters generally recommend placing a sheet of paper between the pages to be sure.

You don't have to stick to the contours. you can color by ignoring them and creating your own color waves.

or vice versa, smaller entities inside existing drawn objects - textures, new patterns, etc.

and you can do without different colors altogether

don't forget about the background. you can leave it white, or you can make it dark, multi-colored, or add texture too

It is not necessary to follow any rules in colors. you can generally choose an object to color and with eyes closed random color.

if you want guaranteed beauty, then you should first decide on the spectrum and general rules shading, especially if the objects are small. for example, the leaves are always purple with a red edge, and not at random. If you like rules, follow them; if you don’t, don’t follow them. and you don’t have to follow what’s written here either)