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.

Jan 06, 2026

Draw Trees with Watercolour Pencils (No Green Blobs)

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Draw realistic trees with watercolour pencils: sketch structure, scribble foliage masses, add a light wash, then glaze dry layers for texture

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Jan 06, 2026

How to Draw Trees that Look Real in Coloured Pencil

Simple pencil drawing of a tree

Step-by-step guide for coloured pencil artists. Learn how to draw trees realistically, from simple shapes to foliage, bark texture and grounded shadows.

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Jan 06, 2026

How to Draw a Boat That Actually Looks Like It Floats

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How to draw boats that sit properly in water. Step-by-step tips for hull shapes, perspective, and realistic reflections. Learn the simple figure-8 method.

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Jan 06, 2026

Wax vs Oil Coloured Pencils Explained – With UK Brand Picks

Wax vs oil-based coloured pencils—which is right for you? Match pencil type to your artistic goals, plus UK brand picks from Polychromos to Prismacolor.

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Jan 06, 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.

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Dec 21, 2025

Coloured pencil drawing step by step

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Coloured pencil drawing step by step demonstrations by Peter Weatherill - watch how he tackles different drawings

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Nov 28, 2025

Using Watercolour Pencils: Beginner’s Step-by-Step Guide

Using watercolour pencils opens up low-mess painting. Learn beginner tips on testing colours, layering, blending with water, and avoiding muddy mixes.

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Nov 22, 2025

What areThumbnail Sketches for Coloured Pencil Artists

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Not sure if thumbnail sketches are worth time? See how these 10–15 minute studies simplify composition, values and lighting in your coloured pencil art

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Nov 20, 2025

Drawing a landscape in colored pencil - what to include

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Drawing a landscape in colored pencil - tips and tutorials for areas such as skies, trees, bricks, stones and tiles

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Oct 03, 2025

Coloured Pencil Tips, Articles and Artist Insights Hub

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Your central resource for expert coloured pencil tips, in-depth articles, and inspiring artist journeys. Deepen your skills and find creative inspiration!

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Sep 29, 2025

Coloured Pencil Wax Bloom: Causes, Fixes & Prevention | Pencil Topics

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Don't let wax bloom spoil your coloured pencil art! Our guide explains its causes, easy fixes, prevention tips & how to use artist fixatives safely.

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Aug 21, 2025

Coloured Pencil Still Life Tutorial: Step‑by‑Step Fruit for Beginners

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Easy coloured pencil still life: clear steps, reference photo, and tips on layering, stroke direction and burnishing—download the outline and start today.

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Aug 02, 2025

Compare Coloured Pencil Brands – Unbiased UK Guide

Comparing 17+ coloured pencil brands from Prismacolor to Polychromos. Honest, unsponsored reviews with UK buying advice. Find the right pencils for your art.

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Aug 01, 2025

Velour Paper Review: Is Hahnemühle Good for Pastel Pencils?

Hahnemühle Velour paper tests: Shows soft, diffused marks for pastel pencils and Polychromos, good layering, no lead wear, but difficult for crisp detail or finger blending.

Is velour paper right for your art? Carol Leather reviews Hahnemühle Velour, exploring its soft surface, layering, blending & best uses for pastel pencils.

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Aug 01, 2025

Best Traditional Pastel Paper for Pencil Artists – 6 Tested

Swatches of pastel & coloured pencils on Daler Rowney Ingres paper reveal how the ribbed texture hinders smooth application and detail

Which traditional pastel paper is best for pencil artists? I tested 6 popular papers including Canson Mi-Teintes and Fabriano Tiziano. See my honest results.

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Aug 01, 2025

Advanced Coloured Pencil Projects & Tutorials | Pencil Topics

Ready for advanced coloured pencil projects? Our step-by-step guides help you tackle complex subjects, refine your skills & produce artwork you're proud of.

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Jul 19, 2025

Getting to know Derwent Inktense pencils and how to use them

neutral inktense swatches

Learn how to use Derwent Inktense Pencils on paper and fabric. Explore blending, layering, and practical tips for controlled watercolor effects.

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Jun 22, 2025

Mixed media techniques involving colored pencils

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Exploring mixed media techniques that combine colored pencils with other mediums can yield impressive results. Try it and see!

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Jun 05, 2025

Burnishing Coloured Pencils for a Polished Finish | Pencil Topics

A red apple drawing using layering only

Master burnishing colored pencils to create intense colour, smooth textures & a realistic glossy finish. Step-by-step guide & pro tips for artists.

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Jun 04, 2025

Are Holbein colored pencils worth the money?

hobein colored pencil set

Holbein colored pencils - beautiful pastels, deep darks and stunning brights. The perfect pencil to delight artists?

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Jun 03, 2025

Draw Realistic Water Pt 3: Critique, Refinements & Success

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See an artist's realistic water drawing evolve! Part 3 covers expert critique, final coloured pencil refinements, and Daryl's inspiring journey to success

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Jun 02, 2025

Colour Basics for Coloured Pencil Artists | Pencil Topics

Basic colour wheel

Stop muddy colours! Learn essential colour basics for coloured pencil beginners. Understand the wheel, complementaries for shadows, warm/cool & layering mixes.

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Jun 02, 2025

Coloured Pencil Resources & Art Supplies Guide | Pencil-Topics

Find essential coloured pencil resources including UK art supplier lists, material guides, glossaries, and tool comparisons. Everything an aspiring artist needs

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May 31, 2025

Are Pastel Pencils Good for Realistic Drawing? Complete Artist Guide

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Discover if pastel pencils suit your realistic art goals. Complete UK guide covering techniques, supplies, common mistakes, and getting started tips.

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May 29, 2025

Trees in the Distance: How to Draw Distant Trees (Pencil)

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Learn to draw trees in the distance using atmospheric perspective: softer edges, lower contrast, cooler colour, plus a wash-first underpainting for depth.

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