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 29, 2026

How to Combine Pastel Pencils and Coloured Pencils for Depth

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Layer coloured pencils over pastel pencils for atmospheric depth. Learn the underpainting technique, the crucial fixative step, and how to add crisp details

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Jan 29, 2026

How to Draw a Boat That Actually Looks Like It Floats

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Step-by-step guide to drawing boats that sit properly in water. Master hull shapes, perspective & realistic reflections with the simple figure-8 method.

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Jan 29, 2026

Coloured Pencil Layering Techniques for Rich Colour (No Mud!)

blue pressure test

Learn coloured pencil layering & blending techniques. Build rich colours, avoid muddiness, and create smooth transitions. Step-by-step guide inside.

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Jan 29, 2026

How to Use Tracing Paper for Drawing (It's Not Cheating!)

Discover how to use tracing paper to transfer accurate outlines onto your drawing surface. Step-by-step method for any medium. No guilt required!

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Jan 25, 2026

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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Jan 22, 2026

How to Draw Realistic Trees: 5-Step Shape Method

Simple pencil drawing of a tree

Most tree drawings fail because they start with lines. Learn the shape-first approach: trunk form, natural foliage, bark texture & grounded shadows.

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Jan 21, 2026

Watercolour Pencil Techniques | Beginner Guides & Tutorials

Polperro harbout in line and wash

New to watercolour pencils? Start here with beginner guides, tutorials, and practical tips to build confidence and explore this versatile medium.

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Jan 13, 2026

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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Jan 12, 2026

How to Pick Watercolour Brushes for Your Watercolour Pencil Art

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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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Jan 10, 2026

One-Point Perspective Drawing: Easy Step-by-Step Guide

one point perspective basics

Learn one-point perspective drawing with simple exercises. Draw roads, rooms, and hallways that look realistic. Perfect for beginners - no maths required!

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Jan 10, 2026

Two-Point Perspective: Drawing Buildings and Boxes Step-by-Step

Diagram comparing 1 and 2 point perspective

Master two-point perspective drawing with easy exercises. Learn to draw realistic buildings, boxes, and furniture. Step-by-step guide for beginners

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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

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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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 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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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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