Home
Start Here
- Get started
- Drawing Fundamentals
Skills
- Colour Basics
- Core Pencil Techniques
Subjects
- Landscape Drawing
- Still Life
Resources
Tutorials
WC Pencils
Pastel Pencils
Mixed media

Coloured Pencil Blog

As we add or edit pages on the site we will link to each here. This will make it easy for you to check out the new information.

Apr 26, 2026

How to use the pencil drawing grid method to plot out your artwork

Preparing a reference photo for grid method drawing: A printed image of a kitten's face has a numbered grid drawn directly onto it.

Struggling with accurate outlines? Learn the pencil drawing grid method step-by-step. Simple technique for beginners to transfer or scale photos perfectly.

Continue reading "How to use the pencil drawing grid method to plot out your artwork"

Apr 26, 2026

How to Draw Trees That Don’t Look Like Green Blobs on sticks

Learn how to draw realistic trees with a simple 5-step method based on shape, structure, branches, and leaf masses — not individual leaves.

Continue reading "How to Draw Trees That Don’t Look Like Green Blobs on sticks"

Apr 24, 2026

How to Draw a Boat That Actually Looks Like It Floats

Learn why boat drawings hover above the water and how to fix it. Hull shape, waterline placement, and reflections - the three principles that make boats float.

Continue reading "How to Draw a Boat That Actually Looks Like It Floats"

Apr 23, 2026

How to Draw a River: Rocks, Water & Reflections Step by Step

Draw a realistic river scene step by step with Peter Weatherill. Rocks, water, reflections and foliage in Faber Castell Polychromos coloured pencils.

Continue reading "How to Draw a River: Rocks, Water & Reflections Step by Step"

Apr 23, 2026

How to Draw Realistic Water Pt 1: An Artist's Journey Begins

Ready to draw realistic water with coloured pencils? Start an artist's journey (Pt 1) covering materials, first steps, & overcoming initial challenges.

Continue reading "How to Draw Realistic Water Pt 1: An Artist's Journey Begins"

Apr 21, 2026

How to Draw Buildings: Brick and Stone Walls in Colored Pencil

You don't need to draw every brick. Learn techniques for realistic brick and stone walls in coloured pencil, from mortar lines and texture to light and shadow.

Continue reading "How to Draw Buildings: Brick and Stone Walls in Colored Pencil"

Apr 20, 2026

How to Draw Clouds with Coloured Pencils: 3 Methods That Work

Pencils make lines, clouds don't. Learn 3 methods that actually work: felt transfer, watercolour pencils, and soft pastel. Step-by-step for each technique.

Continue reading "How to Draw Clouds with Coloured Pencils: 3 Methods That Work"

Apr 06, 2026

Best Fixative for Coloured Pencils: Types, Brands & How to Apply

Workable or final fixative? Which brands work best for coloured pencil and pastel? How to apply without ruining your artwork. UK and European brands tested.

Continue reading "Best Fixative for Coloured Pencils: Types, Brands & How to Apply"

Apr 06, 2026

Holbein Colored Pencils Review: Worth It vs Polychromos?

Are Holbein colored pencils worth the premium? See test results, compare with Polychromos and other brands, and find out which techniques suit them best.

Continue reading "Holbein Colored Pencils Review: Worth It vs Polychromos?"

Apr 06, 2026

How to Burnish Coloured Pencils: Tools, Technique & Common Mistakes

Burnish coloured pencils for smooth, intense colour without wrecking your layers. The right tools, timing, technique, and how to fix common mistakes.

Continue reading "How to Burnish Coloured Pencils: Tools, Technique & Common Mistakes"

Apr 05, 2026

Perspective Drawing for Beginners: One & Two Point Explained

The horizon line between sea and sky, marked with text as the 'EYE LEVEL / HORIZON LINE'

Perspective doesn't have to be scary! Learn one-point and two-point perspective with clear diagrams and a simple step-by-step box exercise. Beginner-friendly.

Continue reading "Perspective Drawing for Beginners: One & Two Point Explained"

Apr 05, 2026

Light and Shadow in Drawing - A Coloured Pencil Artist's Guide

I used black pencil for shadows. You can't go darker than black, can you? Here's what I learned about light, shadow types, and why colour changes everything.

Continue reading "Light and Shadow in Drawing - A Coloured Pencil Artist's Guide"

Apr 04, 2026

How to Pick Watercolour Brushes for Your Watercolour Pencil Art

Three flat synthetic watercolour brushes of varying widths, shown alongside two smooth swatches of colour (one beige, one pink) demonstrating their use for even washes and clean edges.

Improve your watercolour pencil art with the right brushes! Explore essential types, sable vs synthetic pros & cons, and expert advice on choosing.

Continue reading "How to Pick Watercolour Brushes for Your Watercolour Pencil Art"