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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.

May 18, 2026

Still Life Objects to Draw: Ideas for Coloured Pencil Art

Stuck for a still life subject? Browse categories of meaningful objects to draw in coloured pencil, with tips on choosing pieces that hold a story.

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May 15, 2026

Coloured Pencil Lightfastness: 6 Brands Tested in Real Sun

Real lightfastness test results for Prismacolor, Polychromos, Caran d'Ache, Derwent and Royal Talens after months of extreme sunlight exposure.

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May 15, 2026

How to Draw Buildings in Coloured Pencil: Bricks & Archways

Draw realistic brick walls, archways and roof tiles in coloured pencil. Mortar, texture and perspective tips, plus a full garden arch demo step by step.

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May 14, 2026

How to Draw Fruit in Coloured Pencil: Still Life Tutorial

A step-by-step coloured pencil still life: draw fruit while learning layering, stroke direction and burnishing. Reference photo and outline included

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May 14, 2026

Watercolor Pencil Painting Tutorial Canal Landscape

Step-by-step watercolour pencil tutorial: paint a canal landscape from sketch to finish. See how to layer washes, build foliage, and balance light.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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