https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/ 2026-07-26T16:42:38.000000Z https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/polperro-harbour-thumbnail.jpeg Watercolour pencil painting of Polperro harbour https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/get-started-pencils.jpeg Coloured pencils ready for drawing https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/polychromos-robin.jpg Coloured pencil robin drawn with Faber-Castell Polychromos https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/old-teddy-bear.png Coloured pencil drawing of an old teddy bear https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/mini-blending-colours.jpg Yellow coloured pencil layering over blue to create green through optical mixing https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/tawny-owl-print-web.jpg Coloured pencil tawny owl showing smooth layered colour on quality paper https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/foxgloves-and-snail.jpeg Coloured pencil drawing of foxglove flowers with a small snail https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/dog-pencil-drawing.jpg Coloured pencil portrait of a dog https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/pencil-barn-owl.jpg Coloured pencil drawing of a barn owl portrait https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/basic-colour-wheel.jpg Basic colour wheel for coloured pencil artists https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/lightfastness-drawing-test.jpg Lightfastness test showing how coloured pencils fade over time https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/carol-drawing.jpg Portrait photo of Carol, the Pencil Topics teacher https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/grand-union-canal-finished.jpg A narrowboat scene on the Grand Union Canal in watercolour and dry coloured pencil https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/Leather-PencilTopics-logo-SQUARE-BLUE.png Pencil Topics logo https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/pastel-pencil-vase-07.jpg Pastel pencil drawing of a vase https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/landscape-drawing-thumbnail.jpg Landscape drawing thumbnail https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/example-value-scale-printed.jpg Value scale running from light to dark, the foundation of realistic shading https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/mini-fruit-bowl.jpg Coloured pencil drawing of a bowl filled with various types of fruit https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/peter-useful-box.jpg A box of useful coloured pencil tools and accessories https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/Pencil_Topics_Newsletter-issue-1-pencil-topics.html 2025-06-19T08:14:14.000000Z https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/about-us.html 2026-01-31T11:10:00.000000Z https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/carol-drawing.jpg carol-drawing.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/cpmag-article-ad.jpg cover of color pencil magic magazine https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/color-mag-front-cover.jpg front cover of color magazine https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/swans-in-color-magazine.jpg my swans featured in color mag https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/cp-treasures.jpg color pencil treasures volume 7 https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/peter-weatherill.jpg peter-weatherill.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/arteza.html 2026-06-10T06:57:17.000000Z https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/carol-drawing.jpg Portrait of the author Carol Leather https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/arteza.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/basic-drawing-for-beginners.html 2026-07-26T16:32:04.000000Z https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/carol-drawing.jpg Portrait of the author Carol Leather https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/basic-perspective-drawing.html 2026-04-05T18:25:55.000000Z https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/carol-drawing.jpg Portrait of the author Carol Leather https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/two-point-perspective-showing-different-viewpoints.jpg Practice sketches illustrating drawing simple boxes from different viewpoints using basic perspective principles. https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/one-point-perspective-boxes.jpg Diagram demonstrating one-point perspective, showing how three boxes drawn above, below, and on the eye level line recede towards a single central vanishing point. https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/eye-level-horizon-line.jpg Line drawing illustrating how parallel lines receding into the distance appear to meet at a single Vanishing Point (VP) located on the Eye Level / Horizon Line. https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/two-point-perspective-box.jpeg Diagram demonstrating two-point perspective, showing how a box viewed from below the eye level line recedes towards two vanishing points (VP). https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/eye-level.jpg The horizon line between sea and sky, marked with text as the 'EYE LEVEL / HORIZON LINE' https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/beginner-coloured-pencil.html 2026-07-26T16:33:30.000000Z https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/carol-drawing.jpg Portrait of the author Carol Leather https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/beginner-easy-watercolour-pencil-art.html 2026-07-26T16:34:46.000000Z https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/left-pear-outline.jpg Constructing a pear shape from two overlapping circles in light pencil https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/carol-drawing.jpg Portrait of the author Carol Leather https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/pears-reference-photo.jpg Reference photo of two ripe pears leaning together, one red and one a mix of red and greenish-yellow, with soft highlights https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/adding-more-dry-colour.jpg The pears with further dry layers over the dried wash, adding richer reds and yellows plus violet in the shadows and touches of olive green https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/two-pears-outline.jpg A clean, light outline drawing of two pears ready for the first colour layers https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/pears-first-water.jpg The pears after a damp brush has activated the first layers, the pencil marks dissolved into smooth colour with highlights still bright https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/pears-complete.jpg The finished pair of pears in watercolour pencil, with smooth blends, rich colour and a dark cast shadow grounding the fruit https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/pears-second-layer.jpg The pears with a second dry layer of red and yellow, more saturated, with deeper colour building in the shadow areas https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/pears-first-layer.jpg Two pears with their first light dry layers of yellow and red watercolour pencil, highlights left white and stalks filled in https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/best-colored-pencils-for-artists.html 2026-06-10T07:03:10.000000Z https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/lightfast-ratings.png lightfast ratings https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/carol-drawing.jpg Portrait of the author Carol Leather https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/pencil-test-chart.jpg pencil test chart https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/polychromos-pencil-test.jpg polychromos pencil test https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/best-paper-for-coloured-pencils.html 2026-08-01T20:12:05.000000Z https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/tawny-owl-print-web.jpg A tawny owl drawing by Carol Leather, worked on a single sheet of Polydraw film https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/carol-drawing.jpg Portrait of the author Carol Leather https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/polly-dog.jpg Polly the dog, a coloured pencil portrait worked on Pastelmat https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/layered-drafting-film.jpg An example of coloured pencil drawing on multiple layered sheets of drafting film https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/black-paper-for-coloured-pencils.html 2026-08-01T20:01:58.000000Z https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/carol-drawing.jpg Portrait of the author Carol Leather https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/zebra-white-coloured-pencil-black-stonehenge.jpg A zebra drawn in white coloured pencil on black Stonehenge paper by Carol Leather https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/four-black-papers-same-white-pencil.jpg The same white Chromaflow pencil swatched in five layers on four different black papers, shown side by side for comparison https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/derwent-drawing-range-on-stonehenge-aqua.jpg The Derwent Drawing pencil range swatched on Stonehenge Aqua Coldpress black paper https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/white-pencil-brands-on-fabriano-black-black.jpg Ten brands of white coloured pencil swatched on Fabriano Black Black paper https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/colour-chart-on-black-paper.jpg Eight brands of coloured pencil charted in one to five layers on black Stonehenge paper https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/pears-on-black-paper.jpeg A still life of pears drawn in coloured pencil on Fabriano Black Black paper https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/blending-coloured-pencils.html 2025-11-01T17:33:15.000000Z https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/zest-it.jpeg Zest-It Pencil Blend solvent bottle and Zest-It Blending Sponge tin, artist products for blending coloured pencils. https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/carol-drawing.jpg Portrait of the author Carol Leather https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/puffin-not-blended.jpg Coloured pencil drawing of a puffin demonstrating the appearance of layered pencil work prior to blending https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/stumps-and-tortillons.jpg Assortment of blending tools showing thicker paper stumps (top) and thinner rolled paper tortillons (bottom) in various sizes. https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/puffin-blended-done.jpg The puffin drawing after applying blending techniques, demonstrating a smoother, more unified finish compared to the unblended version https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/blending-with-zest-it.jpeg Demonstrating solvent blending: a brush applies liquid solvent to smooth coloured pencil, comparing unblended (top) and blended (bottom) areas https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/blending-two-colours-with-stump.jpg Palette transfer technique: blending stump shown after lifting pigment from a scrap paper palette (top) to colour a leaf drawing (bottom). https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/breton-boat-pastel-pencil.html 2026-09-15T13:37:52.000000Z https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/breton-boat-pastel-pencil-step-2.jpg Lightest sky colours blocked loosely over the top of the pastel drawing, with pastel sticks alongside https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/carol-drawing.jpg Portrait of the author Carol Leather https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/breton-boat-pastel-pencil-finished.jpg Finished pastel pencil drawing of a Breton fishing boat on the shore at sunset, with a glowing sky and reflections on still water https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/breton-boat-pastel-pencil-sky-reference.jpg Sunset sky reference photo, glow breaking under a bank of cloud https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/breton-boat-pastel-pencil-step-4.jpg A piece of foam pipe insulation being used to blend the pastel sky in small circles https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/breton-boat-pastel-pencil-step-7.jpg Still water blocked in with light blue and white, carrying the sunset reflection, boats still as outline https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/breton-boat-pastel-pencil-step-5.jpg Sky refined with pastel pencils, warm orange glow strengthened, with the pencils laid alongside https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/breton-boat-pastel-pencil-step-6.jpg Near land and white cottage worked in on the left, sky now complete down to the waterline https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/breton-boat-pastel-pencil-step-1.jpg Light pencil outline of the Breton boat, shoreline and marker post on neutral pastel paper https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/breton-boat-pastel-pencil-step-3.jpg Grey and purple cloud darks added over the sky foundation in pastel https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/bruynzeel-pencils.html 2026-07-26T16:37:14.000000Z https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/carol-drawing.jpg Portrait of the author Carol Leather https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/red-apple-bruynzeel.jpg Realistic red apple drawn with Bruynzeel Design coloured pencils https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/bruynzeel-chart.jpg Bruynzeel Design coloured pencil colour chart https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/burnishing-colored-pencil.html 2026-07-26T16:39:08.000000Z https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/burnishing-01.jpg Sphere demo step 1, light coloured pencil layers establishing basic shape and shading https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/carol-drawing.jpg Portrait of the author Carol Leather https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/burnishing-04.jpg Sphere demo step 4, completed burnished sphere with smooth intensified colour https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/burnishing-03.jpg Sphere demo step 3, additional orange and yellow colour layers ready for burnishing https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/fully-burnished-apple.jpg Fully burnished coloured pencil apple with a smooth, unified surface https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/half-burnished-apple.jpg Coloured pencil apple burnished on the left side, showing the smoother finish https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/burnished-cherries.jpeg Burnished coloured pencil cherries with a smooth, reflective surface https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/non-burnished-apple.jpg Coloured pencil apple with layered colour only, paper texture still visible https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/burnishing-02.jpg Sphere demo step 2, more light layers building colour and form https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/caran-dache.html 2026-07-26T16:40:16.000000Z https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/carol-drawing.jpg Portrait of the author Carol Leather https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/lightfastness-chart.jpg A lightfastness rating chart showing ASTM categories https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/museum-aquarelle-colour-chart.jpg A colour chart showing the full Caran d'Ache Museum Aquarelle range https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/choosing-coloured-pencil-brands.html 2026-07-26T16:43:51.000000Z https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/carol-drawing.jpg Portrait of the author Carol Leather https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/puffin-blended-2.jpg A puffin drawn in coloured pencil on holiday https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/shepherd-puppy.jpg A German Shepherd puppy portrait drawn in Derwent Lightfast pencils https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/polychromos-robin.jpg A robin drawn in Faber-Castell Polychromos coloured pencils https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/colored-pencil-solvent.html 2026-07-26T16:24:20.000000Z https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/zest-it.jpeg Zest-It Pencil Blend solvent bottle and Zest-It Blending Sponge tin, artist products for blending coloured pencils. https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/carol-drawing.jpg Portrait of the author Carol Leather https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/OMS.jpeg Bottle of Sennelier Odour Free Mineral Spirits, an artist-grade OMS solvent for oil painting and coloured pencil blending. https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/blending-with-zest-it.jpeg Demonstrating solvent blending: a brush applies liquid solvent to smooth coloured pencil, comparing unblended (top) and blended (bottom) areas https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/solvent-pen.jpg A Tombow ABT N00 colourless blender pen, an example of a solvent pen used for blending coloured pencils https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/solvent-test.jpg Comparison test sheet showing coloured pencil swatches (Polychromos and Coloursoft) blended with Zest-It, Spectrum Noir, and De-solv-it solvents https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/colour-basics-coloured-pencils.html 2026-07-26T16:46:07.000000Z https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/carol-drawing.jpg Portrait of the author Carol Leather https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/mixing-darks-swatches.jpg Comparison chart showing coloured pencil shadow colours https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/hue-saturation-value.jpg Bars showing hue, value and saturation variations https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/basic-colour-wheel.jpg Basic colour wheel showing primary, secondary and tertiary colours https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/colour-comparison-charts.html 2026-06-10T07:12:12.000000Z https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/carol-drawing.jpg Portrait of the author Carol Leather https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/karen-hull-cover.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/colour-comparisons.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/colour-mixing-watercolour-pencils.html 2026-06-12T14:02:29.000000Z https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/carol-drawing.jpg Portrait of the author Carol Leather https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/derwent-colour-mixes.jpg derwent-colour-mixes.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/watercolour-blues.jpg watercolour-blues.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/museum-6-pack.jpg museum-6-pack.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/coloured-pencil-accessories.html 2026-03-31T13:10:35.000000Z https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/carol-drawing.jpg Portrait of the author Carol Leather https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/painting-and-drawing-tools.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/peter-useful-box.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/coloured-pencil-baby-elephant-reverse.html 2026-09-15T13:40:12.000000Z https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/carol-drawing.jpg Portrait of the author Carol Leather https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/coloured-pencil-baby-elephant-head-only.jpg Coloured pencil elephant head alone, still patchy with the ear and eye only partly modelled https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/coloured-pencil-baby-elephant-rear-body-softened.jpg Coloured pencil baby elephant with the rear of the body softened and fading away, head and front still finished https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/coloured-pencil-baby-elephant-finished.jpg Finished coloured pencil baby elephant walking, drawn in Faber-Castell Polychromos https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/coloured-pencil-baby-elephant-no-ground.jpg Coloured pencil baby elephant fully rendered but with the ground beneath it removed https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/coloured-pencil-baby-elephant-head-and-front.jpg Finished coloured pencil elephant head, trunk and front leg on a body that has been removed https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/coloured-pencil-baby-elephant-head-neck-started.jpg Coloured pencil elephant head nearly finished with the neck and surroundings only just blocked in https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/coloured-pencil-baby-elephant-reverse-process.gif Animated coloured pencil baby elephant being taken apart layer by layer and rebuilt to the finished drawing https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/coloured-pencil-baby-elephant-ear-first.jpg Coloured pencil elephant drawing at the very start, just the first marks worked up on the ear https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/coloured-pencil-on-black-paper.html 2026-08-01T19:58:50.000000Z https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/adding-white-pastel-to-venice-scene.jpg White pastel blocked into the light areas of the Venice scene and blended into the paper grain https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/close-up-of-bar-window.jpg Close up of the shopfront window showing the interior grill and posters https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/sample-gold-shading.jpg Gold foil sweet colour sequence swatched on black paper https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/bar-finished-drawing.jpg The finished shopfront drawing in coloured pencil on black paper https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/sample-cream-shading.jpg Cream sweet wrapper colour sequence swatched on black paper https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/venice-scene-student-progress.jpg A student's Venice scene in progress in coloured pencil on black Stonehenge paper https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/bar-outline-drawing.jpg The shopfront outline drawn in white pencil on black paper https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/sample-blue-shading.jpg Blue sweet wrapper colour sequence swatched on black paper https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/venice-scene-in-progress-peter.jpg Peter's version of the Venice scene in progress on a rougher black paper https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/sweet-jar-step-2.jpg First sweets rendered in the jar in coloured pencil https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/the-sweet-jar-photo.jpg Reference photo of a glass jar of wrapped sweets on black mount board https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/sweet-jar-step-finished.jpg The finished sweet jar drawing in coloured pencil on black paper https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/carol-drawing.jpg Portrait of the author Carol Leather https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/venice-student-complete.jpg The student's finished Venice canal scene in coloured pencil on black paper https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/venice-scene-reference.jpg Reference photograph of a Venice canal scene at night with streetlamps reflected in the water https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/owl-on-black-paper.jpg An owl drawn mostly in white coloured pencil on black paper, with colour added in the eyes and bill https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/venice-scene-blocking-in-peter.jpg The Venice scene blocked in on rough black paper, with the grain breaking up the light areas https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/sweet-jar-step-4.jpg The jar filling with rendered sweets in coloured pencil on black paper https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/sample-red-shading.jpg Red sweet wrapper colour sequence swatched on black paper https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/sweet-jar-line-drawing.jpg The sweet jar drawn in white outline on black paper https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/sweet-jar-step-3.jpg More sweets added to the jar, building up the composition https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/photo-of-french-bar.jpg Reference photo of a French wine merchant's shopfront https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/crabapple-tea.jpg Crabapple Tea, a still life drawn in coloured pencil on black Stonehenge paper https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/coloured-pencil-paper-suitability-review.html 2025-08-02T05:10:13.000000Z https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/best-paper-test-07-black-velvet.jpg best-paper-test-07-black-velvet.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/best-paper-test-04-hermes-grit400.jpg best-paper-test-04-hermes-grit400.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/carol-drawing.jpg Portrait of the author Carol Leather https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/best-paper-test-02-fabriano-classico-5.jpg Mid-stage of coloured pencil drawing of a slate miner on Fabriano Classico 5 paper, showing watercolour pencil underpainting activated on the left side and dry pencil on the right. https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/best-paper-test-05-stonehenge.jpg Completed artwork of slate miner for Test 5, demonstrating coloured pencil application and blending on Stonehenge light grey paper https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/slate-miner-reference-photo.jpg Original reference photo of a Welsh slate miner figurine, the subject for coloured pencil paper suitability tests https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/best-paper-test-01.jpg best-paper-test-01.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/best-paper-test-03-fabriano-classico-5.jpg Finished drawing of Welsh slate miner: Test 3 result on Fabriano Classico 5 paper with watercolour pencil underpainting. https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/best-paper-test-06-strathmore-smooth.jpg Slate miner drawn on Strathmore Bristol Smooth paper: Coloured pencil Test 6 result. https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/best-paper-test-08-heat.jpg Coloured pencil drawing of slate miner on Canson 300gsm watercolour paper, showing left side before heat application and right side after heat treatment. https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/best-paper-test-02-UART800.jpg best-paper-test-02-UART800.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/coloured-pencil-pressure.html 2025-07-30T12:01:57.000000Z https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/light-circular-strokes.jpeg light circular strokes https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/carol-drawing.jpg Portrait of the author Carol Leather https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/pressure-bar.jpg Coloured pencil layering progression from light green base to dark green, numbered 1-10, showing cumulative color building https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/building-up-the-pressure-slowly.jpeg building up the pressure slowly https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/first-lesson-pencil-pressure.png Four coloured pencil pressure examples showing pale layering on left, solid mid-tone coverage in center, heavy burnished application, and smooth pressure gradient on right https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/coloured-pencil-still-life.html 2026-07-26T16:48:38.000000Z https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/banana-01.jpg Coloured pencil banana drawn with long strokes following its curve https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/fruit-bowl-still-life-photo-ref.jpg Photo reference of an orange, apple and banana on a patterned plate https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/carol-drawing.jpg Portrait of the author Carol Leather https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/apple-step-3.jpg Coloured pencil apple with light orange added where the form turns away from the light https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/apple-step-4.jpg Coloured pencil apple with a touch of green settling the shadowed red areas https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/orange-step-2.jpg Coloured pencil orange with mid yellow and orange layered over the base https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/orange-step-1.jpg Coloured pencil orange with a pale warm base layer and highlights left as bare paper https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/apple-step-1.jpg Coloured pencil apple started with curved strokes following its rounded form https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/apple-step-2.jpg Coloured pencil apple with the light side blocked in and cool red in the rosy patches https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/fruit-bowl-still-life-finished.jpg Completed coloured pencil fruit bowl with the plate and cloth lightly suggested behind the fruit https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/coloured-pencil-strokes.html 2026-07-26T16:50:50.000000Z https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/carol-drawing.jpg Portrait of the author Carol Leather https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/scumbling-1.png A first layer of scumbling using small, overlapping circular strokes https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/burnishing-scumbling.png The same scumbled area after burnishing with a white pencil for a smoother finish https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/cross-hatching.jpg Cross-hatching using a single coloured pencil, showing how a second layer of strokes deepens tone https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/simple-hatching.jpg Basic hatching strokes in one direction using a single coloured pencil https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/coloured-pencil-techniques.html 2026-07-26T16:51:51.000000Z https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/carol-drawing.jpg Portrait of the author Carol Leather https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/coloured-pencil-tools-and-accessories.html 2026-07-26T16:53:15.000000Z https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/carol-drawing.jpg Portrait of the author Carol Leather https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/combining-colored-pencil-and-pastels.html 2026-09-12T06:39:40.000000Z https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/bellapais-abbey-stage-05.jpg combining colored pencil and pastels https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/cyrpus-abbey.jpg The original photo upon which the tutorial is based https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/carol-drawing.jpg Portrait of the author Carol Leather https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/cyprus-abbey-outline.jpg The sketch ready for painting https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/bellapais-abbey-stage-07.jpg The finished painting https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/bellapais-abbey-stage-03.jpg Getting the view through the arches begun https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/bellapais-abbey-stage-01.jpg The base layers of pastel pencil https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/composition-basics.html 2026-04-05T15:56:40.000000Z https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/negative-space-plantpot.jpg Illustration defining negative space: the black shapes surrounding and seen between the green leaves and orange pot of a plant graphic. https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/carol-drawing.jpg Portrait of the author Carol Leather https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/asymmetrical-balance.jpg Landscape illustration demonstrating asymmetrical balance, with a large dark tree on the right counterbalanced by a smaller yellow house and hills on the left. https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/rule-of-thirds-grid.png Diagram illustrating the Rule of Thirds grid, showing a rectangle divided into nine equal sections by lines, with the four internal intersection points clearly marked. https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/symmetrical-balance.jpg Illustration demonstrating symmetrical balance, where a classical building flanked by trees is perfectly reflected in water below, creating a mirror image. https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/landscape-illustrating-leading-lines.jpg Grayscale landscape drawing illustrating leading lines, where a winding path and fence guide the viewer's eye back towards a barn nestled near hills. https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/contact-us.html 2026-07-26T16:27:33.000000Z https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/carol-drawing.jpg Portrait of the author Carol Leather https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/conte-pencils.html 2026-07-26T16:53:59.000000Z https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/conte-wax-layering-test.jpg A layering test with red and blue Conte woodless pencils on toned tan paper, the overlap a muddy purple rather than vivid https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/carol-drawing.jpg Portrait of the author Carol Leather https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/conte-chart.jpg My colour chart for the woodless wax Conté pencils, including a white-over-black test and a yellow-red blend https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/cretacolor-pencils.html 2026-06-10T07:13:07.000000Z https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/cretacolor-pencil-box.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/carol-drawing.jpg Portrait of the author Carol Leather https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/marino-colour-chart.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/daler-rowney.html 2026-06-10T07:04:28.000000Z https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/carol-drawing.jpg Portrait of the author Carol Leather https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/derwent-inktense-pencils.html 2026-07-26T16:55:06.000000Z https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/carol-drawing.jpg Portrait of the author Carol Leather https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/water-brushes-on-swatch-chart.jpg Carol's collection of water brushes for use with Derwent Inktense pencils https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/mixing-on-palette.jpg Mixing Derwent Inktense colours on a palette with a brush https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/derwent-pencils.html 2026-07-26T16:56:50.000000Z https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/carol-drawing.jpg Portrait of the author Carol Leather https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/derwent-drawing-greens.jpg Swatches of the new Derwent Drawing green colours on black paper, including Crag Green, Spruce Green and Fir Green https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/inktense-blocks.jpg My Derwent Inktense pencils tin beside the 24 Inktense Blocks tin https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/coloursoft.png Two tins of Derwent Coloursoft coloured pencils, sets of 72 and 12 https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/derwent-studio.png Tin of 72 Derwent Studio pencils https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/derwent-artbars.jpg Tin of 12 Derwent Artbars, water-soluble wax bars https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/high-contrast-cat.jpeg Realistic coloured pencil drawing of a ginger long-haired cat, drawn in Derwent Lightfast pencils https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/derwent-chromaflow.jpg Open tin of Derwent Chromaflow coloured pencils with the 72-set lid showing the parrot artwork https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/draw-a-garden.html 2026-07-26T16:57:57.000000Z https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/garden-arch-scan-bricks.jpg Close up of the brickwork https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/carol-drawing.jpg Portrait of the author Carol Leather https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/garden-arch-brickwork.jpg Starting the brickwork https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/garden-arch-develop-leaves.jpg Developing the leaves with darker pencils https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/garden-arch-final-version-1.jpg Garden Arch version 1, drawn in Polychromos https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/garden-arch-scan-1.jpeg Drawing the view through the archway https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/garden-flowers-1.jpg White flowers reference photo https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/garden-flowers-2.jpg Purple flowers reference photo https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/garden-arch-final-version-2.jpg Garden Arch version 2, drawn in Caran d'Ache Pablo https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/garden-arch-creeper-light.jpg Beginning the creeper https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/original-garden-photo.jpg Main reference photo of the archway https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/draw-trees.html 2026-06-10T06:39:40.000000Z https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/carol-drawing.jpg Portrait of the author Carol Leather https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/watercolour-tree-exercise-04.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/watercolour-tree-exercise-03.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/watercolour-tree-exercise-02.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/watercolour-tree-exercise-01.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/drawing-a-boat.html 2026-07-26T16:58:50.000000Z https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/north-somerset-boat.jpg clinker-built river boat showing the full bow stern and waterline https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/carol-drawing.jpg Portrait of the author Carol Leather https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/reflection-of-light-on-water-45.jpg diagram showing how angle of view changes reflection on water https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/reflections-of-rocks.jpg drawing showing rock and post reflections in water https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/reflections-from-water-ripples.jpg diagram showing how ripples break reflections into light and dark bands https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/boat-in-water-01.jpg small fishing boat partly disappearing into the water https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/figure-eight-boat-shape.jpg step by step figure eight method for drawing a boat hull https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/boat-in-water-02.jpg boat in clear turquoise water showing submerged form and reflection https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/illustration-of-boat-reflections.jpg drawing showing broken boat reflections lining up with anchor points https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/windy-reflections.jpg diagram showing windy water breaking reflected shapes into shorter marks https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/figure-e-boat-shape.jpg alternative outline drawing of a small wooden boat from the figure eight method https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/side-view-curved-boat-straightened.png full width side view sketches showing curved boat hull shapes https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/drawing-animals-coloured-pencil.html 2026-09-15T13:42:41.000000Z https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/carol-drawing.jpg Portrait of the author Carol Leather https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/coloured-pencil-baby-elephant-finished.jpg Finished coloured pencil baby elephant walking, drawn in Faber-Castell Polychromos https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/dog-pencil-drawing.jpg Finished coloured pencil portrait of Louis the cockapoo https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/robin-finished.jpeg Finished watercolour pencil robin on a branch https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/wildcat-face-drawing.jpg Realistic coloured pencil drawing of a Scottish wildcat's face https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/drawing-buildings.html 2026-08-22T08:45:58.000000Z https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/carol-drawing.jpg Portrait of the author Carol Leather https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/drawing-buildings-devon-cottage.jpg White rendered Devon cottage with a slate roof seen close up from the drive https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/drawing-buildings-octagonal-garden-house.jpg Octagonal white garden house with a shingled roof and cupola among clipped topiary https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/drawing-buildings-dutch-hay-barn-golden-hour.jpg Open sided Dutch hay barn in low golden light with long shadows across stubble https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/drawing-buildings-spurn-lighthouse.jpg Black and white banded lighthouse standing alone against a dramatic sky https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/drawing-buildings-floodlit-church-night.jpg Floodlit church tower glowing against a dark moonlit sky https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/drawing-buildings-church-two-point-perspective.jpg Graphite drawing of a church worked out in two point perspective https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/drawing-buildings-ford-castle-gatehouse.jpg Crenellated stone gatehouse with a portcullis and rusticated quoins at Ford Castle https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/drawing-buildings-steam-pumphouse-strumpshaw.jpg Old brick steam pumphouse with a corrugated roof and a tall chimney against summer cloud https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/drawing-buildings-gothic-folly-distant.jpg Distant gothic folly tower seen pale through bare winter trees across a field https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/drawing-buildings-pub-hemingford-grey.jpg White thatched riverside pub seen across the water beyond a mown lawn https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/drawing-buildings-crowland-abbey.jpg Old stone abbey anchoring a landscape in a colored pencil drawing https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/drawing-buildings-woodwalton-thatched-bungalow.jpg Dark boarded fen bungalow raised on stilts under a deep thatched roof https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/drawing-clouds.html 2026-05-29T07:13:24.000000Z https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/sky-photo-05.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/carol-drawing.jpg Portrait of the author Carol Leather https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/sky-photo-01.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/watercolour-sky-behind-trees.jpg A finished pencil landscape drawing https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/watercolour-pencil-sky.jpg Adding watercolour pencil pigment for the blue of the sky https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/sky-photo-06.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/pastel-background.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/sky-photo-04.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/coloured-pencil-clouds.jpg An example of drawing clouds with coloured pencil https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/sky-photo-03.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/pan-pastel-background.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/sky-photo-02.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/watercolour-pencil-sky-01.jpg Examples of drawing clouds with watercolour pencils https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/drawing-on-black-paper.html 2026-08-01T14:01:23.000000Z https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/cottage-doorway-final.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/cottage-doorway-step-6.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/cottage-doorway-more-pastel-layers.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/cottage-doorway-reference-photo.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/carol-drawing.jpg Portrait of the author Carol Leather https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/cottage-doorway-after-fixative.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/cottage-doorway-detail.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/cottage-doorway-step-7.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/initial-pastel-pencil-cottage-doorway.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/cottage-doorwy-step-4.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/cottage-doorway-step-5.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/drawing-reflections.html 2026-04-21T07:26:41.000000Z https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/Loire-reflections.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/carol-drawing.jpg Portrait of the author Carol Leather https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/brittany-reflections-upside-down.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/brittany-reflections.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/harbour-reflections.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/tamar-moorings-reflections.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/gull-reflections.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/drawing-step-by-step.html 2026-08-01T14:14:02.000000Z https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/bowerman-stone-drawing-1.jpg The Bowerman Stone on Dartmoor, drawn in coloured pencil https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/bellapais-abbey-stage-07.jpg The Abbey of Bellapais in coloured pencil and pastel https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/cottage-entrance-final-drawing.jpg A cottage entrance drawn on black paper in pastel pencil and coloured pencil https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/rectory-garden-step-by-step-complete.jpg A garden archway drawing showing brickwork, foliage and flowers https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/allerford-step-by-step-final.jpg The English village of Allerford in coloured and watercolour pencil https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/wildcat.jpeg A realistic cat portrait in coloured pencil https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/tavy-rocks-layer-6-final.jpg A river scene with rocks and a tree, in coloured pencil https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/how-to-draq-water-complete.png A woodland stream in coloured pencil https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/clapham-bridge-completed.jpg Brokken Bridge in the Yorkshire Dales, in watercolour pencil https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/pears-complete.jpg Two pears drawn in watercolour pencil https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/venice-derwent-watercolour-pencils.jpg The Rialto Fish Market on the Grand Canal, Venice, in Derwent watercolour pencils https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/coventry-canal-small.jpg A canal scene through Staffordshire in watercolour pencil https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/annecy-final.jpg Annecy canal reflections in Caran d'Ache pastel pencils https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/finished-background.jpg A Scottish hillside background in watercolour pencil https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/sweet-jar-step-finished.jpg A glass sweet jar drawn on black paper https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/polperro-harbour.jpg Polperro harbour, Cornwall, in watercolour pencil line and wash https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/carol-drawing.jpg Portrait of the author Carol Leather https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/gondola-painting-cropped.png A Venice gondola scene in ink, watercolour and coloured pencil https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/grand-union-canal-finished.jpg A narrowboat and stone bridge on the Grand Union Canal https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/finished-watercolour-pencil-tutorial.jpg An Italian street scene in Caran d'Ache watercolour pencils https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/pastel-pencil-vase-07.jpg A simple vase in pastel pencil https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/Country-Lane-final.jpg An imaginary country lane built on a watercolour pencil underpainting https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/fruit-bowl.jpg A still life of fruit in a bowl drawn in coloured pencil https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/eraser-for-coloured-pencils.html 2026-04-06T08:35:24.000000Z https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/carol-drawing.jpg Portrait of the author Carol Leather https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/essential-coloured-pencil-supplies.html 2026-07-26T16:29:44.000000Z https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/carol-drawing.jpg Portrait of the author Carol Leather https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/faber-castell-polychromos.html 2026-07-26T17:00:52.000000Z https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/albrecht-durer-sample.png Albrecht Durer Magnus colour test, shown dry on the left and after water on the right https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/carol-drawing.jpg Portrait of the author Carol Leather https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/albrecht-durer-watercolour-tin.jpg My Faber-Castell Albrecht Durer watercolour pencils, open tin and the 24 set lid https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/faber-castell-polychromos.jpg Tin of Faber-Castell Polychromos coloured pencils https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/farm-near-pen-y-fan-watercolour-pencil.html 2026-09-15T13:43:43.000000Z https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/carol-drawing.jpg Portrait of the author Carol Leather https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/farm-near-pen-y-fan-watercolour-pencil-second-working.jpg Peter Weatherill's fuller second version of the Pen y Fan farm with a tree added on the left https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/farm-near-pen-y-fan-watercolour-pencil-stage-5-hedges.jpg The middle hedge built with circular strokes for dappled light in the farm landscape https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/farm-near-pen-y-fan-watercolour-pencil-stage-4-washed.jpeg The farm fields washed in, the watercolour pencil greens coming up very bright https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/farm-near-pen-y-fan-watercolour-pencil-stage-6-developed.jpg The farm landscape with greens cooled and darks deepened so the white farmhouse stands out https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/pen-y-farm-testing-pencils.jpeg Testing the watercolour pencil strength with water https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/farm-near-pen-y-fan-watercolour-pencil-stage-4-detail.jpg Close-up of light fence posts held against a dark hedge in watercolour pencil https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/farm-near-pen-y-fan-watercolour-pencil-stage-1-sky.jpeg The sky laid first in watercolour pencil over a faint drawing of the Pen y Fan farm scene https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/pen-y-farm-reference.png Reference photo of a white farmhouse in the Brecon Beacons near Pen y Fan with hills behind https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/farm-near-pen-y-fan-watercolour-pencil-finished.jpg Finished framed watercolour pencil painting of the farm near Pen y Fan with the Brecon hills behind https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/farm-near-pen-y-fan-watercolour-pencil-stage-2-trees.jpg Dry watercolour pencil trees scribbled along the horizon of the Pen y Fan farm scene https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/farm-near-pen-y-fan-watercolour-pencil-stage-3-grass.jpg Light green and gold dry colour scribbled into the foreground fields of the farm scene https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/fixative-spray.html 2026-07-26T17:01:43.000000Z https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/carol-drawing.jpg Portrait of the author Carol Leather https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/fixative.jpeg two tins of artist fixative spray https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/pastel-fixative-test-2.jpg pastel doorway test showing one half sprayed with fixative and one half unsprayed https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/cottage-doorway-after-fixative.jpg pastel pencil cottage doorway sketch showing darker tones after fixative spray https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/spectrafix.jpg bottle of SpectraFix Degas pastel fixative https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/framing-coloured-pencil-drawings.html 2026-09-15T13:44:44.000000Z https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/carol-drawing.jpg Portrait of the author Carol Leather https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/fundamentals-of-drawing.html 2026-07-26T17:04:22.000000Z https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/carol-drawing.jpg Portrait of the author Carol Leather https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/glass-of-tomatoes-coloured-pencil.html 2026-09-15T13:45:46.000000Z https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/glass-of-tomatoes-highlights-2.png Close detail of the finished cluster of tomatoes, every highlight crisp https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/stage-3-tomatoes.jpg All the tomatoes built up in warm colour against the black https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/carol-drawing.jpg Portrait of the author Carol Leather https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/stage-4-tomatoes.jpg The green background begun, roughed in with a framing square around the glass https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/stage-3-b-tomatoes.jpg The full cluster of tomatoes built up against the black, glass still in white guide-lines https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/stage-1-tomatoes.jpg Glass and reflection drawn in white, with the first tomato begun https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/glass-of-tomatoes-photo-reference.jpg Reference photo: cherry tomatoes in a footed glass bowl, lit from one side https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/stage-6-tomatoes.jpg Finished coloured pencil drawing of a glass of tomatoes on black card, shown with the colour key https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/single-tomato-closeup.png Extreme close-up of a single tomato: white highlight protected, warm colours layered over it https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/stage-5-tomatoes.jpg The contrasting Phthalo-green background developed further behind the glass https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/glass-of-tomatoes-highlights-1.png Close detail of the part-built tomatoes, showing the white highlights that make them look round and shiny https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/stage-2-tomatoes.jpg Several tomatoes built up, one still left as bare black card https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/gondola-painting.html 2025-05-10T17:12:09.000000Z https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/gondola-painting-underlayer.png https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/carol-drawing.jpg Portrait of the author Carol Leather https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/gondola-painting-cropped.png https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/gondola-painting-uncropped.png https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/gondolas-pencil-layer-2.png https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/gondoloa-reference-photo.png https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/gondolas-pencil-layer-1.png https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/gondola-rope-detail.png https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/holbein-colored-pencils.html 2026-07-26T17:05:32.000000Z https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/carol-drawing.jpg Portrait of the author Carol Leather https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/soft-white-pencil.jpg Holbein Soft White OP501 pencil, the one that needs hand sharpening with a knife https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/how-to-draw-a-dog-coloured-pencil.html 2026-09-15T13:47:53.000000Z https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/carol-drawing.jpg Portrait of the author Carol Leather https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/dog-pencil-drawing.jpg Finished coloured pencil portrait of Louis the cockapoo https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/dog-coloured-pencil-reference-chosen.jpg The chosen reference photo of Louis lying on the floor with his ball https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/dog-coloured-pencil-reject-window.jpg Louis standing up at the window https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/dog-coloured-pencil-reject-far.jpg Louis lying on the bed, photographed from too far away https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/dog-coloured-pencil-reject-ear.jpg Close-up of Louis with one ear hidden against the sofa https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/how-to-draw-a-farm-coloured-pencil-and-pastel.html 2026-09-15T13:48:50.000000Z https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/carol-drawing.jpg Portrait of the author Carol Leather https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/how-to-draw-a-farm-coloured-pencil-and-pastel-outline.jpg Line outline of the hill farm and its framing trees https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/how-to-draw-a-farm-coloured-pencil-and-pastel-bay-variation.jpg Alternative outline of the hill farm with a coastal bay in the background instead of a valley https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/how-to-draw-a-farm-coloured-pencil-and-pastel-finished.jpg Finished mixed media drawing of a hill farm framed by autumn trees, soft hills behind, in pastel and coloured pencil https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/how-to-draw-a-river.html 2026-04-23T15:12:04.000000Z https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/carol-drawing.jpg Portrait of the author Carol Leather https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/layer-4-rocks-and-grass.jpg Adding more rocks in the water https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/tavy-rocks-layer-4.jpg The progress of the Tavy Rocks painting so far https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/layer-5.jpg Completing the lit areas of rocks https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/tavy-rocks-layer-6-final.jpg Completed drawing of Tavy Rocks https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/tavy-rocks-layer1.jpg Drawing in the main elements of the scene https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/photo-reference-tavy-rocks.jpg The photo reference for Tavy Rocks https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/tavy-rocks-layer-2.jpg Adding the shadows under the rocks https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/tavy-rocks-layer-3.jpg Completing the background https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/completed-drawing-tavy-rocks.jpg Tavy Rocks completed https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/outline-drawing.jpg The outline drawing https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/how-to-draw-a-robin-watercolour-pencils.html 2026-09-15T13:49:54.000000Z https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/carol-drawing.jpg Portrait of the author Carol Leather https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/how-to-draw-a-roof.html 2026-07-26T17:06:33.000000Z https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/scottish-thatched-roof.jpg Scottish thatched roof with solid end walls https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/hand-cut-quarried-tiles.jpg Hand-cut quarried stone roof tiles with irregular edges https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/tile-perspective.jpg Sketch showing the two vanishing points of a sloped tiled roof https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/barn-door-and-steps.jpg Close view of shaped barn tiles showing the ripple where they overlap https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/thatched-cottage-02.jpg A weathered thatched roof gone grey with age https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/thatched-cottage-01.jpg Thatched cottage roof showing the grain of the fibres https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/french-provence-roofs-02.jpg More Provence roofs showing the shape of southern clay tiles https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/how-to-draw-a-roof-overgrown-barn.jpg Slate barn roof almost completely covered in ivy and climbing plants above weathered green timber doors https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/thatcher-at-work.jpg A thatcher at work laying reed on a roof https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/modern-concrete-interlocking-tiles.jpg Modern concrete interlocking roof tiles, evenly spaced in straight rows https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/how-to-draw-a-roof-brick-building.jpg Brick village cottage with two tall brick chimney stacks, seen across the village green https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/how-to-draw-a-roof-snowy-chimneys.jpg Snow-covered tiled roof of a village pub in shadow, the snow reading as cool grey-blue rather than white, with two brick chimneys against a bright winter sky https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/how-to-draw-a-roof-corrugated-iron.jpg Rusted corrugated-iron roof on a village barn, a pigeon perched on the ridge https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/somerset-tiled-barn.jpg Photo of a tiled barn roof in Somerset showing clear rows of tiles https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/how-to-draw-a-roof-decorative-thatch.jpg White thatched cottage with a decorative scalloped ridge line along the crown of the roof and two brick chimneys https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/mediterranean-tiles-02.jpg A second roof of curved Mediterranean clay tiles https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/how-to-draw-a-roof-solar-panels.jpg Stone house on the island of Lindisfarne with a block of solar panels covering much of one roof slope and a chimney at each end https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/estonia-roofs.jpg Steep U-shaped tiled roofs in Tallinn, Estonia, built to shed snow https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/carol-drawing.jpg Portrait of the author Carol Leather https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/how-to-draw-a-roof-barn-roofs.jpg Stone barn with weathered orange clay-tiled roofs, moss and lichen spreading across the tiles https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/french-provence-roofs.jpg Tiled roofs in French Provence with shadow lines running in both directions https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/drawing-buildings-tiled-roof.gif Sketch showing roof tiles halved and halved again to keep correct proportion https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/how-to-draw-a-roof-chimney-pots.jpg Ornate terracotta and crown-topped chimney pots on a stone stack at Bamburgh Castle, with the Farne Islands out at sea beyond https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/traditional-clay-baked-tiles.jpg Traditional baked clay roof tiles, some shifted out of line with age https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/how-to-draw-a-roof-thatched-cottage.jpg Pink-washed thatched cottage with a brick chimney, built in 1622, in an English village https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/thatched-cottage-03.jpg Thatched cottage with a patterned ridge line along the crown https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/how-to-draw-a-roof-pantiles-detail.jpg Close-up of curved S-shaped clay pantiles on a roof ridge with an ornate iron weather vane https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/how-to-draw-a-roof-chimney.jpg Two tall ornate stone chimney stacks rising upright from a patterned tiled roof on a stone hall https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/grey-quarried-tiles.jpg Grey quarried stone roof tiles in uneven rows https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/mediterranean-tiles-01.jpg Curved Mediterranean clay roof tiles with few straight lines https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/how-to-draw-a-water-drop-coloured-pencil.html 2026-09-15T13:53:08.000000Z https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/carol-drawing.jpg Portrait of the author Carol Leather https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/how-to-draw-alum-bay-coloured-pencil.html 2026-09-15T13:53:57.000000Z https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/how-to-draw-alum-bay-coloured-pencil-step-1.jpg Early stage of the Alum Bay coloured pencil drawing, with sky and sea washed in and base colours blocked on the cliffs and heather https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/how-to-draw-alum-bay-coloured-pencil-outline.jpg Pencil outline drawing of the Alum Bay headland and the Needles inside a drawn frame https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/carol-drawing.jpg Portrait of the author Carol Leather https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/alum-bay-finished.jpg Finished coloured pencil drawing of Alum Bay and the Needles, with layered heather foreground, green foliage, pale cliffs and the Needles in the bay https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/how-to-draw-alum-bay-coloured-pencil-reference.jpg Reference photo of Alum Bay, Isle of Wight, with heather in the foreground and chalk cliffs running out to the Needles https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/how-to-draw-alum-bay-coloured-pencil-needles-photo.jpg Close reference photo of the Needles rocks and lighthouse at Alum Bay seen from the sea https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/how-to-draw-alum-bay-coloured-pencil-colour-chart.jpg Faber-Castell Polychromos colour chart for the Alum Bay coloured pencil landscape, with blues, greens, magenta and sepia swatches https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/how-to-draw-alum-bay-coloured-pencil-step-2.jpg Mid stage of the Alum Bay coloured pencil drawing with the foreground heather and green foliage worked up in detail https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/how-to-draw-alum-bay-coloured-pencil-sky.jpg Detail of the soft coloured pencil sky at Alum Bay, with white-paper clouds and pale blue worked around them https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/how-to-draw-brass-in-coloured-pencil.html 2026-09-15T13:54:47.000000Z https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/how-to-draw-brass-coloured-pencil-step-4-detail.jpg Macro close-up of a single pierced opening in the brass coaster, showing the dark cut-out with warm ochre edges drawn in coloured pencil https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/carol-drawing.jpg Portrait of the author Carol Leather https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/how-to-draw-brass-coloured-pencil-step-1.jpg Brass coaster design transferred in white pencil on black paper https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/how-to-draw-brass-coloured-pencil-bent.jpg Peter Weatherill's bent first attempt at the brass coaster in coloured pencil, with the shape flattened on the right and the pierced pattern slipped out of line https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/how-to-draw-brass-coloured-pencil-step-4.jpg Close-up of one pierced panel of the brass coaster worked up in coloured pencil https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/how-to-draw-brass-coloured-pencil-finished.jpg Finished coloured pencil drawing of a shiny pierced brass coaster on black paper https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/how-to-draw-brass-coloured-pencil-step-3.jpg Warm gold base colour blocked in over the brass coaster drawing https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/how-to-draw-brass-coloured-pencil-step-2.jpg Coloured pencil colour test swatches of golds and browns on black paper https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/how-to-draw-brass-coloured-pencil-step-5.jpg Brass coaster drawing with darks deepened and gold layers built up https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/how-to-draw-brick-and-stone-walls.html 2026-09-15T13:57:40.000000Z https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/how-to-draw-brick-and-stone-walls-mortared-stone-church.jpg Coursed red sandstone church wall around a leaded Gothic window https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/how-to-draw-brick-and-stone-walls-repointed-garden-wall.jpg Old brick garden wall topped with ivy and patched with pale grey cement repairs https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/carol-drawing.jpg Portrait of the author Carol Leather https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/how-to-draw-brick-and-stone-walls-mossy-dry-stone.jpg Moss-covered dry stone wall among nettles in bright sunlight https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/how-to-draw-brick-and-stone-walls-render-fallen-away.jpg Old wall with render fallen away, exposing broken weathered red brick beneath https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/how-to-draw-brick-and-stone-walls-in-landscape.jpg Brick and stone wall in a colored pencil landscape drawing https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/how-to-draw-brick-and-stone-walls-dry-stone-rounded.jpg Dry stone wall of rounded, many-coloured field stones fitted without mortar https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/how-to-draw-brick-and-stone-walls-slate-wall-tintagel.jpg Dry-laid slate walls at Tintagel running through open coastal hillside https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/how-to-draw-brick-and-stone-walls-stone-brick-archway.jpg Stone archway with wedge-shaped voussoirs curving over a red brick wall https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/how-to-draw-brick-and-stone-walls-old-salvaged-brick.jpg Old salvaged brick wall with plants and a bird's nest in the gaps where mortar has gone https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/how-to-draw-brick-and-stone-walls-colour-variation.jpg Red, buff and green bricks in one wall separated by pale mortar, showing brick colour variation https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/how-to-draw-brick-and-stone-walls-brick-texture-raking-light.jpg Textured red brick catching low raking sunlight along each brick's top edge https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/how-to-draw-brick-and-stone-walls-deep-mortar-shadow.jpg Weathered brick wall with deep-set mortar lines casting shadow, lichen across the faces https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/how-to-draw-realistic-stone-with-coloured-pencil.html 2026-06-10T05:17:28.000000Z https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/bowerman-stone-watercolour-sky.jpg The Bowerman's Nose with a watercolour sky https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/carol-drawing.jpg Portrait of the author Carol Leather https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/dartmoor-landscape-dry-watercolour-pencil.jpg dartmoor-landscape-dry-watercolour-pencil.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/second-version-bowerman-right-detail.jpg second-version-bowerman-right-detail.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/bowerman-stone-coloured-pencil-sky.jpg The Bowerman's Nose with a coloured pencil sky https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/finished-bowerman-stone-version-2.jpg finished-bowerman-stone-version-2.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/stonestage2.jpg stonestage2.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/stonescrible.jpg stonescrible.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/bowerman-stone-photo.jpg bowerman-stone-photo.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/scan-scribble.jpg scan-scribble.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/finished-bowerman-stone-version-1.jpg finished-bowerman-stone-version-1.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/stonestage1.jpg stonestage1.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/wet-watercolour-pencil-landscape.jpg wet-watercolour-pencil-landscape.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/second-version-bowerman-left-detail.jpg second-version-bowerman-left-detail.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/how-to-draw-realistic-water-part-2.html 2026-06-06T07:19:18.000000Z https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/carol-drawing.jpg Portrait of the author Carol Leather https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/how-to-paint-water-sample.png https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/how-to-paint-water-progress.png https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/how-to-paint-water-closeup.png https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/how-to-draw-realistic-water-part-3.html 2026-04-23T15:04:54.000000Z https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/how-to-paint-water-adjustments.png https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/carol-drawing.jpg Portrait of the author Carol Leather https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/how-to-paint-water-continued.png https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/how-to-draw-realistic-water.html 2026-04-23T14:53:42.000000Z https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/how-to-paint-water-background2.png https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/carol-drawing.jpg Portrait of the author Carol Leather https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/how-to-paint-water-background.png https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/how-to-paint-water-dark-areas.png https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/how-to-paint-water-first-washes.png https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/how-to-paint-water-photo.png https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/how-to-draw-trees.html 2026-09-14T12:31:25.000000Z https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/rough-bark.png Rough tree bark with deep vertical grooves, a coloured pencil reference https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/light-and-airy-foliage.png A tree with a light, open canopy showing sky holes between leaf clusters https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/bare-tree-01.jpg A bare winter tree showing its branch skeleton tapering from trunk to twigs https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/carol-drawing.jpg Portrait of the author Carol Leather https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/cracked-trunks.png A cracked, weathered tree trunk showing age and texture https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/oak-tree-in-leaf.jpg An oak tree in full leaf with a solid, heavy canopy https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/beginners-attempt-at-tree-drawing.jpg A beginner's graphite tree sketch built from a light silhouette and branch structure https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/hole-in-old-tree.png A hollow in an old tree trunk where creatures might live https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/fungus-on-trunks.png Bracket fungus growing on a tree trunk, a character detail to include https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/how-to-fix-coloured-pencil-mistakes.html 2026-06-03T13:00:00.000000Z https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/carol-drawing.jpg Portrait of the author Carol Leather https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/how-to-photograph-pets.html 2026-06-10T12:41:39.000000Z https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/eyes-too-dark.jpg The eyes are too dark in this dog photo https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/carol-drawing.jpg Portrait of the author Carol Leather https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/light-in-eye.jpg Catching light in the dog's eye is important https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/bright-eyes-distant.jpg A nice profile shot of a dog but taken from too far away https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/polly-window-light.jpg Well exposed dog photo with detail in the eye https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/louis-on-floor.jpg Photo of dog laying on the floor https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/out-of-proportion.jpg Photo of a labrador taken from above https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/dog-pencil-drawing.jpg Coloured pencil dog portrait https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/bently-too-bright.jpg A washed out photo due to the lighting https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/polly-dog.jpg polly-dog.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/bentley-too-contrasty.jpg A photo of Bentley showing too much contrast https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/out-of-focus.jpeg The background is in focus not the dog https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/how-to-remove-a-dent.html 2026-06-10T05:21:01.000000Z https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/carol-drawing.jpg Portrait of the author Carol Leather https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/continuing-the-drawing-after-removing-paper-dent.jpeg photo showing further progress with the drawing https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/drawing-after-dealing-with-dent.jpeg The paper after the dent was removed https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/drawing-with-dent-in-the-paper.jpeg Photo showing the dent in the paper https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/how-to-sharpen-your-coloured-pencils.html 2026-01-06T11:39:55.000000Z https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/carol-drawing.jpg Portrait of the author Carol Leather https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/how-to-use-pastel-pencils.html 2026-06-10T06:44:41.000000Z https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/carol-drawing.jpg Portrait of the author Carol Leather https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/pastels-laying-on-paper.jpg pastels-laying-on-paper.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/magic-sponge.jpg magic-sponge.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/blending-pastel-pencils-02.jpg blending-pastel-pencils-02.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/blending-pastel-pencils-04.jpg blending-pastel-pencils-04.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/blending-pastel-pencils-03.jpg blending-pastel-pencils-03.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/blending-pastel-pencils-01.jpg blending-pastel-pencils-01.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/how-to-use-tracing-paper.html 2026-09-14T10:48:08.000000Z https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/carol-drawing.jpg Portrait of the author Carol Leather https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/how-to-use-watercolour-pencils.html 2026-07-26T17:10:12.000000Z https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/arteza-shavings-onto-paper.jpg budget watercolour pencil shavings separating into different colours on wet paper https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/2-colour-watercolour-pencil-shavings.jpg second colour added to watercolour pencil shavings for rock texture https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/carol-drawing.jpg Portrait of the author Carol Leather https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/worked-from-grit-palette.jpg small Welsh farm sketch painted from watercolour pencil pigment lifted from a paper palette https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/watercolour-pigment-palette.jpg watercolour pencil pigment rubbed onto grit paper and used as a palette https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/brush-and-shavings.jpg brush beside watercolour pencil shavings ready to be mixed with water https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/colour-dabbed-out-with-tissue.jpg soft cloud shape lifted from wet watercolour pencil with tissue https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/using-dry-watercolour-pencil-on-top.jpg dry watercolour pencil detail added over a rock texture after the shavings dried https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/shavings-in-palette.jpeg watercolour pencil shavings dissolved in a palette well https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/purple-brush-marks.jpg purple watercolour pencil shavings activated with a damp brush https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/museum-aquarelle-swatches.jpeg watercolour pencil swatches showing dry marks changing into stronger wet colour https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/wet-paper-shavings.jpg watercolour pencil shavings scattered onto wet paper before blending https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/watercolour-pencil-shavings-1.jpg first stage of rock texture made from watercolour pencil shavings https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/shavings-brushed-into-wet-paper.jpg watercolour pencil shavings moved through wet paper with an applicator https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/koh-i-noor.html 2026-06-10T07:05:39.000000Z https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/carol-drawing.jpg Portrait of the author Carol Leather https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/koh-i-nor-polycolor.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/landscape-composition-painting-guide-part-1.html 2026-06-10T05:42:16.000000Z https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/grand-union-canal-wolverton-photo-1.jpg grand-union-canal-wolverton-photo-1.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/carol-drawing.jpg Portrait of the author Carol Leather https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/GU-second-washes.jpg GU-second-washes.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/grand-union-merged-photos.jpg grand-union-merged-photos.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/Grand-Union-wash-palette.jpg Grand-Union-wash-palette.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/narrow-boat-coventry.jpg narrow-boat-coventry.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/GU-first-washes.jpg GU-first-washes.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/landscape-composition-painting-guide-part-2.html 2026-06-10T05:43:06.000000Z https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/carol-drawing.jpg Portrait of the author Carol Leather https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/GU-second-washes.jpg GU-second-washes.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/GU-first-washes.jpg GU-first-washes.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/landscape-composition-painting-guide-part-3.html 2026-06-10T05:43:51.000000Z https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/canal-drawing-next-to-photo.png Peter's interpretation of the water in coloured pencil beside the photo https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/carol-drawing.jpg Portrait of the author Carol Leather https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/grand-union-merged-photos.jpg grand-union-merged-photos.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/grand-union-green-polychromos.jpg grand-union-green-polychromos.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/bridge-close-ups.png bridge-close-ups.png https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/landscape-drawing-step-by-step.html 2026-09-02T13:55:05.000000Z https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/central-house-window-panes.jpg Detail of the central building's gable window with six panes https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/allerford-alan.jpg Alan's version of the Allerford drawing https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/right-hand-house-greenery.jpg Trees and foliage worked beside the right cottage https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/roof-tiles.jpg The right cottage roof tiles, suggested rather than drawn one by one https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/pencil-shavings-in-palette.jpg Pencil shavings scraped onto a white plate, one colour per well https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/left-hand-house.jpg The left foreground building from the reference photograph https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/green-watercolour-pigment.jpg The diluted green wash, ready to apply to the paper https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/details-outside-righthand-house.jpg Window boxes and pots completed outside The Packhorse https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/adding-shadows-to-foliage.jpg A close-up of the scribbled tree mass with shadow detail https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/detail-of-stone-wall.jpg The stone garden wall in front of the right cottage with shadow detail https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/righthand-house-wall.jpg The right cottage wall with the overhanging tree and shadow work https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/carol-drawing.jpg Portrait of the author Carol Leather https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/blending-trees.jpg Shadow areas being deepened with darker green and grey https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/lefthand-roof.jpg The left cottage roof in progress with dark tile work https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/white-house.jpg The right cottage roof being started, with English Red at the peak meeting the green of the trees https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/allerford-ray.jpg Ray's version of the Allerford drawing https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/allerford-bridge-stage-01.jpg The bridge completed, with the lavender and the dark archway shadow giving the strongest contrasts in the scene https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/student-righthand-house.jpg A student's version of the same right-hand cottage area https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/allerfod-judith.jpg Judith's version of the Allerford drawing https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/central-wall-colour-test.jpg Colour test showing how a light white or ivory under-layer lifts the right-hand stonework https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/ochre-house-colour-test.jpg Peter's colour test sheet for the ochre wall https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/allerford-carole.jpg Carole's version of the Allerford drawing https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/moistened-pencil-pigment.jpg A small amount of water added turns the shavings into watercolour pigment https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/central-building-photo-ref.jpg Close-up photo reference of the central building at Allerford https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/allerford-andrea.jpg Andrea's version of the Allerford drawing https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/polychromos-colour-options.png Selection of Polychromos pencil colours chosen for the brickwork https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/ochre-walled-house.jpg The left cottage with ochre wall layers, windows and roadside weeds https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/building-up-trees.jpg Blended on top left, unblended on the right https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/starting-pablo-pencils.jpg Early dry pencil scribbles going down over the watercolour wash https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/allerford-pauline.jpg Pauline's version of the Allerford drawing https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/landscape-in-colored-pencil.html 2026-07-26T17:13:11.000000Z https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/carol-drawing.jpg Portrait of the author Carol Leather https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/watercolour-tree-exercise-04.jpg A single tree drawn with watercolour pencils, foliage worked as a soft mass https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/alum-bay-finished.jpg Alum Bay and the Needles drawn in coloured pencil by Peter Weatherill https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/garden-arch-final-version-2.jpg Peter Weatherill's garden archway drawing, with flowers as the focal point https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/layering-coloured-pencils.html 2026-07-26T17:14:11.000000Z https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/foxgloves-and-snail.jpeg Coloured pencil drawing of foxglove flowers with a small snail https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/carol-drawing.jpg Portrait of the author Carol Leather https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/layering-coloured-pencils-progression.jpg Six-stage coloured pencil layering progression from pale yellow to rich warm colour https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/blue-pressure-test.png Blue coloured pencil pressure test showing light to heavy application https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/colour-layering.jpg Coloured pencil layering chart showing several colours built over a green foundation https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/yellow-layer-over-pressure-test.png Yellow coloured pencil layered over a blue pressure test https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/layering-even-vs-uneven.jpg Two green coloured pencil squares, an even flat green above and a livelier uneven layered green below https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/learn-coloured-pencil-drawing-blog.html 2026-06-11T11:27:38.000000Z https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/light-and-shadow-in-drawing.html 2026-04-05T15:36:18.000000Z https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/carol-drawing.jpg Portrait of the author Carol Leather https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/lightfastness-test.html 2026-07-26T17:15:24.000000Z https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/small-prismacolor-set-test-4.jpg older USA Sanford Prismacolor coloured pencil lightfastness test strips, sun-exposed samples beside protected control, chart 4 https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/small-prismacolor-set-test-3.jpg older USA Sanford Prismacolor coloured pencil lightfastness test strips, sun-exposed samples beside protected control, chart 3 https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/caran-dache-museum-test-4.jpg Caran d'Ache Museum Aquarelles coloured pencil lightfastness test strips, sun-exposed samples beside protected control, chart 4 https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/faber-castell-test-7.jpg Faber-Castell Polychromos coloured pencil lightfastness test strips, sun-exposed samples beside protected control, chart 7 https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/van-gogh-aquarelles-test-3.jpg Van Gogh watercolour coloured pencil lightfastness test strips, sun-exposed samples beside protected control, chart 3 https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/van-gogh-test-2.jpg Royal Talens Van Gogh coloured pencil lightfastness test strips, sun-exposed samples beside protected control, chart 2 https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/derwent-artist-test-6.jpg Derwent Artist coloured pencil lightfastness test strips, sun-exposed samples beside protected control, chart 6 https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/caran-dache-museum-test-3.jpg Caran d'Ache Museum Aquarelles coloured pencil lightfastness test strips, sun-exposed samples beside protected control, chart 3 https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/faber-castell-test-6.jpg Faber-Castell Polychromos coloured pencil lightfastness test strips, sun-exposed samples beside protected control, chart 6 https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/derwent-artist-test-1.jpg Derwent Artist coloured pencil lightfastness test strips, sun-exposed samples beside protected control, chart 1 https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/prismacolor-test-5.jpg Sanford Prismacolor coloured pencil lightfastness test strips, sun-exposed samples beside protected control, chart 5 https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/faber-castell-test-4.jpg Faber-Castell Polychromos coloured pencil lightfastness test strips, sun-exposed samples beside protected control, chart 4 https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/colorsoft-test-1.jpg Derwent Coloursoft coloured pencil lightfastness test strips, sun-exposed samples beside protected control, chart 1 https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/derwent-artist-test-7.jpg Derwent Artist coloured pencil lightfastness test strips, sun-exposed samples beside protected control, chart 7 https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/derwent-artist-test-3.jpg Derwent Artist coloured pencil lightfastness test strips, sun-exposed samples beside protected control, chart 3 https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/prismacolor-test-10.jpg Sanford Prismacolor coloured pencil lightfastness test strips, sun-exposed samples beside protected control, chart 10 https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/prismacolor-test-7.jpg Sanford Prismacolor coloured pencil lightfastness test strips, sun-exposed samples beside protected control, chart 7 https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/faber-castell-test-1.jpg Faber-Castell Polychromos coloured pencil lightfastness test strips, sun-exposed samples beside protected control, chart 1 https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/caran-dache-museum-test-6.jpg Caran d'Ache Museum Aquarelles coloured pencil lightfastness test strips, sun-exposed samples beside protected control, chart 6 https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/prismacolor-test-1.jpg Sanford Prismacolor coloured pencil lightfastness test strips, sun-exposed samples beside protected control, chart 1 https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/van-gogh-aquarelles-test-4.jpg Van Gogh watercolour coloured pencil lightfastness test strips, sun-exposed samples beside protected control, chart 4 https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/prismacolor-test-8.jpg Sanford Prismacolor coloured pencil lightfastness test strips, sun-exposed samples beside protected control, chart 8 https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/faber-castell-test-3.jpg Faber-Castell Polychromos coloured pencil lightfastness test strips, sun-exposed samples beside protected control, chart 3 https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/prismacolor-test-4.jpg Sanford Prismacolor coloured pencil lightfastness test strips, sun-exposed samples beside protected control, chart 4 https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/sample-lightfastness-test.jpg Caran d'Ache Museum Aquarelles coloured pencil lightfastness test strips, sun-exposed samples beside protected control, chart 1 https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/faber-castell-test-5.jpg Faber-Castell Polychromos coloured pencil lightfastness test strips, sun-exposed samples beside protected control, chart 5 https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/colorsoft-test-3.jpg Derwent Coloursoft coloured pencil lightfastness test strips, sun-exposed samples beside protected control, chart 3 https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/derwent-artist-test-4.jpg Derwent Artist coloured pencil lightfastness test strips, sun-exposed samples beside protected control, chart 4 https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/derwent-artist-test-2.jpg Derwent Artist coloured pencil lightfastness test strips, sun-exposed samples beside protected control, chart 2 https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/van-gogh-aquarelles-test-1.jpg Van Gogh watercolour coloured pencil lightfastness test strips, sun-exposed samples beside protected control, chart 1 https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/caran-dache-museum-test-5.jpg Caran d'Ache Museum Aquarelles coloured pencil lightfastness test strips, sun-exposed samples beside protected control, chart 5 https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/prismacolor-test-2.jpg Sanford Prismacolor coloured pencil lightfastness test strips, sun-exposed samples beside protected control, chart 2 https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/van-gogh-test-3.jpg Royal Talens Van Gogh coloured pencil lightfastness test strips, sun-exposed samples beside protected control, chart 3 https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/small-prismacolor-set-test-1.jpg older USA Sanford Prismacolor coloured pencil lightfastness test strips, sun-exposed samples beside protected control, chart 1 https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/colorsoft-test-4.jpg Derwent Coloursoft coloured pencil lightfastness test strips, sun-exposed samples beside protected control, chart 4 https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/van-gogh-test-4.jpg Royal Talens Van Gogh coloured pencil lightfastness test strips, sun-exposed samples beside protected control, chart 4 https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/caran-dache-museum-test-7.jpg Caran d'Ache Museum Aquarelles coloured pencil lightfastness test strips, sun-exposed samples beside protected control, chart 7 https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/prismacolor-test-9.jpg Sanford Prismacolor coloured pencil lightfastness test strips, sun-exposed samples beside protected control, chart 9 https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/prismacolor-test-6.jpg Sanford Prismacolor coloured pencil lightfastness test strips, sun-exposed samples beside protected control, chart 6 https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/colorsoft-test-2.jpg Derwent Coloursoft coloured pencil lightfastness test strips, sun-exposed samples beside protected control, chart 2 https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/carol-drawing.jpg Portrait of the author Carol Leather https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/prismacolor-test-3.jpg Sanford Prismacolor coloured pencil lightfastness test strips, sun-exposed samples beside protected control, chart 3 https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/van-gogh-aquarelles-test-2.jpg Van Gogh watercolour coloured pencil lightfastness test strips, sun-exposed samples beside protected control, chart 2 https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/van-gogh-test-1.jpg Royal Talens Van Gogh coloured pencil lightfastness test strips, sun-exposed samples beside protected control, chart 1 https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/derwent-artist-test-5.jpg Derwent Artist coloured pencil lightfastness test strips, sun-exposed samples beside protected control, chart 5 https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/caran-dache-museum-test-2.jpg Caran d'Ache Museum Aquarelles coloured pencil lightfastness test strips, sun-exposed samples beside protected control, chart 2 https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/small-prismacolor-set-test-2.jpg older USA Sanford Prismacolor coloured pencil lightfastness test strips, sun-exposed samples beside protected control, chart 2 https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/faber-castell-test-2.jpg Faber-Castell Polychromos coloured pencil lightfastness test strips, sun-exposed samples beside protected control, chart 2 https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/lightfastness.html 2026-07-26T17:16:59.000000Z https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/carol-drawing.jpg Portrait of the author Carol Leather https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/derwent-lightfast-ratings.jpg Derwent Lightfast pencils marked LFI and LFII after each colour name on the barrel https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/caran-dache-pablo-lightfastness-stars.jpg Four Caran d'Ache Pablo coloured pencils showing lightfastness star ratings stamped on the barrel https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/polychromos-lightfastness-stars.jpg Three Faber-Castell Polychromos pencils showing the lightfastness star rating stamped on each barrel https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/museum-aquarelle-ratings.jpg Caran d'Ache Museum Aquarelle watercolour pencils showing sun-symbol lightfastness star ratings on the barrel https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/luminance-ratings.jpg Caran d'Ache Luminance pencils marked LFI and LFII beside a sun symbol on the barrel https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/limited-color-palette.html 2026-03-16T17:34:28.000000Z https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/pencil-test-luminance.jpg pencil test luminance https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/carol-drawing.jpg Portrait of the author Carol Leather https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/pencil-test-reference-photo.jpg pencil test reference photo https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/pencil-test-complete.jpg pencil-test-complete.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/pencil-test-line-drawing.jpg pencil test line drawing https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/line-and-wash.html 2026-06-10T06:40:27.000000Z https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/carol-drawing.jpg Portrait of the author Carol Leather https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/polperro-harobour-dry-layers.jpg The dry layers of watercolor pencil https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/polperro-colours.jpg The pallette of colors used in the painting https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/polperro-harbour-final.jpg completed line and wash painting https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/polperro-exercise-photo.jpg Polperro harbour photo reference https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/beginning-to-add-water.jpg The painting after water is added https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/polperro-harbour-dry-pencil-layer.jpg Drawing the trees and roofs https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/lyra-rembrandt-polycolor.html 2026-07-26T17:17:55.000000Z https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/carol-drawing.jpg Portrait of the author Carol Leather https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/lyra-rembrandt-polycolor.jpg A tin of 72 Lyra Rembrandt Polycolor coloured pencils https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/mitsubishi-uni.html 2026-06-10T07:06:56.000000Z https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/carol-drawing.jpg Portrait of the author Carol Leather https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/mitsubishi-pencil-box-open.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/mitsubishi-uni-presentation-case.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/mixed-media-techniques.html 2026-07-26T17:19:00.000000Z https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/allerford-step-by-step-final.jpg The English village of Allerford worked in coloured pencil and watercolour pencil https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/carol-drawing.jpg Portrait of the author Carol Leather https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/german-city-gate-01.jpg An old German city gate in ink wash, first stage https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/cottage-entrance-final-drawing.jpg A Lake District cottage entrance drawn on black paper in pastel and coloured pencil https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/bellapais-abbey-stage-07.jpg The Abbey of Bellapais worked in pastel and coloured pencil https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/grand-union-canal-finished.jpg A traditional narrowboat scene on the Grand Union Canal, in watercolour and dry coloured pencil https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/german-city-gate-03.jpg The German city gate finished, with coloured pencil sharpening the foreground https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/german-city-gate-02.jpg The German city gate with second-stage ink wash work https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/one-point-perspective-drawing.html 2026-04-05T18:23:03.000000Z https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/one-point-perspective-corridor.jpg A corridor drawn in one point perspective https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/carol-drawing.jpg Portrait of the author Carol Leather https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/one-point-basic-setup.jpg one point perspective basics https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/one-point-perspective-road.jpg diagram of a road showing one point perspective https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/one-point-perpective-room.jpg A room drawin in one point perspective https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/painting-the-sky.html 2026-07-26T17:37:02.000000Z https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/carol-drawing.jpg Portrait of the author Carol Leather https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/sky-between-clouds-02.jpg sky-between-clouds-02.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/sky-between-clouds-03.jpg sky-between-clouds-03.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/using-eraser-in-sky-03.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/using-eraser-in-sky-01.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/painting-the-sky-02.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/sky-between-clouds-05.jpg sky-between-clouds-05.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/blue-paper-palette.jpg blue-paper-palette.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/using-eraser-in-sky-02.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/sky-between-clouds-04.jpg sky-between-clouds-04.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/painting-the-sky-03.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/rialto-fish-market-photo-ref-01.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/painting-with-watercolour-pencils.html 2026-07-26T17:20:57.000000Z https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/carol-drawing.jpg Portrait of the author Carol Leather https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/scottish-landscape-hills.jpg Scaled-up detail of the layered watercolour pencil washes on the hills https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/scottish-landscape-washes-02.jpg Highland cattle and a foreground stream added to the watercolour pencil landscape https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/scottish-landscape-decisions.jpg Scottish hillside watercolour pencil study with defined mountains, hills and warmer foreground https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/aquarelle-background-washes.jpg Soft pale watercolour pencil washes for a Scottish hillside sky and distant hills https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/peters-palette.jpg Watercolour pencil wash palette: dry pigment scribbled on rough paper with mixed liquid washes above https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/finished-background.jpg The abandoned Scottish watercolour pencil landscape, trees having unbalanced the composition https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/scottish-landscape-with-cattle.jpg The Scottish watercolour pencil landscape with intensified background colours https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/pan-pastels.html 2026-06-10T06:45:26.000000Z https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/carol-drawing.jpg Portrait of the author Carol Leather https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/pan-pastels-on-backing-paper.jpg A photo showing a background being created with pan pastels https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/stonehenge-with-pan-pastels.jpg Pan pastels on Stonehenge black paper https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/deb-stanley-pan-pastels.jpg Blending with pan pastel blender https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/pan-pastel-colorless-blender.jpg A container of pan pastel blender https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/somerset-velvet-with-pan-pastel.jpg pan pastels on somerset velvet black paper https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/pheasant-with-pan-pastel-background.jpg Photo of completed drawing on film with a pan pastel background on a separate peice of paper https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/seawhite-paper-with-pan-pastels.jpg Pan pastels on Seawhite black paper https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/paper-and-pencil-tests.html 2026-02-02T14:58:16.000000Z https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/carol-drawing.jpg Portrait of the author Carol Leather https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/legion-stonehenge-kraft.png https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/hahnemuhle-pastelfix.png https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/Daler-Rowney-Heavy-Cartridge-test.png https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/paper-test-01.png https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/strathmore-500-series.png https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/fabriano-artistico.png https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/Daler-Rowney-Langton-Botanical-test.png https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/saunders-waterford.png https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/fabriano-classic-5.png https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/RKBurt-botanial-ultra-smooth.png https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/strathmore-400-series.png https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/standard-paper-test.png https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/fabriano-accademia-220gsm.png https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/Hahnemuhle-lana.png https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/legion-stonehenge.png https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/pastelmat.png https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/paper-blending-stumps.html 2026-07-07T09:26:44.000000Z https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/carol-drawing.jpg Portrait of the author Carol Leather https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/puffin-not-blended.jpg puffin-drawing https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/stumps-and-tortillons.jpg A selection of paper blending stumps and tortillons https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/puffin-blended-done.jpg puffin-blended https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/cleaning-paper-stump.jpg A blending stump with a sandpaper sharpener https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/blending-two-colours-with-stump.jpg Blending two colors together with a blending stump https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/blended-with-homemade-stump.jpeg sample-blended-with-stump https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/pastel-drawing.html 2026-06-10T05:28:47.000000Z https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/carol-drawing.jpg Portrait of the author Carol Leather https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/pastel-drawing-step-05.png https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/dog-pastel-drawing.png Hazel Taylors portrait of Corrie https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/pan-pastel-boat-scene.png Harbour scene worked in pan pastel and coloured pencil https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/pastel-drawing-step-08.png The completed pastel drawing with coloured pencils on top https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/pastel-drawing-tools.jpg pastel pencils, soft pastel and pan pastel https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/pastel-drawing-farm.jpg Hill Farm drawing worked in watercolour pencil and pastel https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/pastel-drawing-step-01.png The foundation layers of a pastel drawing https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/pastel-drawing-step-02.png Adding coloured pencil on top of a pastel foundation https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/pastel-drawing-step-06.png Not every drawing works as planned https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/pastel-drawing-step-03.png Adding tree texture on to the pastel drawing https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/pastel-drawing-step-04.png Adding depth to the trees using coloured pencil https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/pastel-paper.html 2026-07-26T17:22:09.000000Z https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/carol-drawing.jpg Portrait of the author Carol Leather https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/harvest-mouse-on-honeysuckle.jpg A harvest mouse on a honeysuckle vine, drawn in pastel pencil on grey Pastelmat with a deep green background https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/pastel-pencil-drawing.html 2026-06-10T06:45:58.000000Z https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/pastel-cube-01.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/initial-white-layer.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/annecy-10.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/annecy-08.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/annecy-02.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/line-drawing-after.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/annecy-03.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/plastic-hand-guard.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/annecy-sky-02.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/annecy-11.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/green-window-blind.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/pastel-cube-04.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/railings-photo-reference.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/annecy-line-drawing.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/annecy-final.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/annecy-roofline.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/pastel-cube-02.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/annecy-12.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/annecy-06.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/annecy-09.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/carol-drawing.jpg Portrait of the author Carol Leather https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/line-drawing-before.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/arches-lightened.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/annecy-07.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/annecy-05.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/pastel-cube-03.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/blue-window-blind.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/annecy-04.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/annecy-reflections-photo-reference.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/annecy-13.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/arches-dark.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/pastel-pencil-tutorial.html 2026-01-25T13:51:04.000000Z https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/pastel-pencil-vase-06.jpg Adding french grey pastel to the outside of the vase https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/pastel-pencil-vase-03.jpg Adding the highlights to the vase drawing https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/carol-drawing.jpg Portrait of the author Carol Leather https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/pastel-pencil-tutorial-vase-reference.jpg Photo of a vase we will draw in this tutorial. https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/pastel-pencil-vase-05.jpg Blending the pastel pigment with a finger https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/pastel-pencil-vase-02.jpg Hand and pencil position when drawing curves https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/pastel-pencil-vase-07.jpg The completed pastel pencil tutorial https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/pastel-pencil-vase-01.jpg The first layer of pastel on our vase drawing https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/paper-for-pastel-pencil-tutorial.jpg Photo showing different coloured pastel papers https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/paper-sandwich.jpg Protective sheet taped to the top of my drawing paper https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/pastel-pencil-vase-04.jpg Creating the form of the vase with highlights and shadows https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/pastel-pencil.html 2025-06-01T06:00:28.000000Z https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/carol-drawing.jpg Portrait of the author Carol Leather https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/cretacolor-pastel-pencils.jpg A selection of pastel pencils from Cretacolor https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/bruynzeel-pastel-pencils.jpg The distinctive box holding 48 Bruynzeel pastel pencils https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/carbothello-pastel-pencils.jpg A group of Stabilo CarboThello pencils https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/derwent-pastel-pencil-selection.jpeg A selection of Derwent Pastel Pencils https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/conte-pastel-pencil.jpg A selection of conte pastel pencils https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/faber-castel-pitt-pastel-pencils.jpg A selection of Faber Pitt Pastel Pencils https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/talens-van-gogh.pastel-pencils.jpg Royal talns pastel pencils in a wooden box https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/koh-i-noor-pastel-pencil-tin.jpg Koh-I-Noor pastel pencils https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/pastel-pencils.html 2026-09-15T13:55:36.000000Z https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/carol-drawing.jpg Portrait of the author Carol Leather https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/breton-boat-pastel-pencil-finished.jpg Finished pastel pencil drawing of a Breton fishing boat on the shore at sunset, with a glowing sky and reflections on still water https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/cottage-entrance-final-drawing.jpg An English Lake District cottage doorway drawn on black paper https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/bellapais-abbey-stage-07.jpg The Abbey of Bellapais worked in coloured pencil and pastel pencil https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/annecy-final.jpg Annecy canal reflections drawn in Caran d'Ache pastel pencils https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/pastel-pencil-vase-07.jpg A simple vase drawn in pastel pencil https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/how-to-draw-a-farm-coloured-pencil-and-pastel-finished.jpg Finished mixed media drawing of a hill farm framed by autumn trees, soft hills behind, in pastel and coloured pencil https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/pastelmat-pastel-paper-review.html 2026-06-10T05:35:43.000000Z https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/carol-drawing.jpg Portrait of the author Carol Leather https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/pastelmat-paper-test-with-white.jpeg Pastelmat paper (Brown) demonstrating light-over-dark coloured pencil application, alongside tests showing its excellent layering for both pastel and coloured pencils. https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/pencil-backgrounds.html 2026-06-12T17:00:51.000000Z https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/bloom-background-3.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/background-sample-2a.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/bloom-background-1a.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/blue-tit-soft-background-in-progress.jpg Coloured pencil blue tit fully rendered against a soft, unfinished background https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/blue-tit-coloured-pencil-finished.jpg Finished coloured pencil blue tit on a branch with a soft, muted background https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/background-sample-1.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/bloom-background-1.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/bloom-background-2.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/blue-tit-photo.png https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/carol-drawing.jpg Portrait of the author Carol Leather https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/background-sample-knife.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/blue-tit-background-detail.png https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/background-powder.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/goat-with-frisket.png https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/polished-sky.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/blue-tit-finished.png https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/blue-tit-background.png https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/pencil-core.html 2026-06-10T06:19:13.000000Z https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/carol-drawing.jpg Portrait of the author Carol Leather https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/pencil-drawing-grid-method.html 2026-04-26T16:27:24.000000Z https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/carol-drawing.jpg Portrait of the author Carol Leather https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/drawing-on-the-grid.jpeg Pencil drawing grid method in action: Copying the kitten outline from the gridded reference photo onto the gridded drawing paper. https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/preparing-the-grid.jpeg Preparing drawing paper for the grid method: Using a sharp graphite pencil and clear ruler to mark out light grid lines on heavyweight paper https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/gridded-photo.jpeg Preparing a reference photo for grid method drawing: A printed image of a kitten's face has a numbered grid drawn directly onto it. https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/pencil-sharpening.html 2026-06-10T06:47:10.000000Z https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/carol-drawing.jpg Portrait of the author Carol Leather https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/pastel-pencil-sharpening-05.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/pastel-pencil-sharpening-03.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/sharp-pastel-pencil.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/pastel-pencil-sharpening-04.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/blunt-pastel-pencil.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/craft-knife.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/pastel-pencil-sharpening-02.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/pastel-pencil-sharpening-07.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/pastel-pencil-sharpening-01.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/pastel-pencil-sharpening-06.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/pencil-topics-newsletter.html 2026-01-13T12:08:33.000000Z https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/preparing-your-coloured-pencil-drawing.html 2026-03-16T06:35:29.000000Z https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/negative-space.jpg Diagram explaining negative space in drawing, showing how the area around a mug and apple is as important as the objects themselves for accurate drawing https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/carol-drawing.jpg Portrait of the author Carol Leather https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/artists-viewpoint.png Diagram illustrating how an artist's viewpoint (eye-level, above, or below) affects the perspective of a still life setup. https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/still-life-thumnail-sketch.jpg Graphite thumbnail sketch of a mug and apple, illustrating how to simplify a composition into main areas of light, mid-tone, and shadow for value planning https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/still-life-background.jpg Still life photo demonstrating contrast and colour harmony: a light-coloured mug and yellow-green apple sit on a pale surface, strongly contrasted against a dark background. https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/prismacolor-premier.html 2026-07-26T17:23:34.000000Z https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/carol-drawing.jpg Portrait of the author Carol Leather https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/prismacolor-and-polychromos-tests.jpeg Test swatches comparing Prismacolor and Polychromos coloured pencils side by side https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/karisma-pencils.jpg A pile of Berol Karismacolor pencils, the discontinued UK sister brand to Prismacolor https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/realistic-drawing-of-a-cat.html 2026-06-10T12:39:06.000000Z https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/muzzle-colour.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/cat-second-eye.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/eyes-step-2.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/wildcat-2nd-cheek.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/wildcat-below-second-eye.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/eye-step-3.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/eyes-stage-1.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/coloured-muzzle.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/building-up-fur.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/wildcat-above-second-eye.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/carol-drawing.jpg Portrait of the author Carol Leather https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/fur-depth.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/value-viewers.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/blocking-in-fur.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/scottish-wild-cat-reference-photo.png https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/fur-on-nose.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/wildcat-face-drawing.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/cat-nose.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/cat-forehead.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/using-putty-eraser.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/royal-talens.html 2026-07-26T17:24:21.000000Z https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/royal-talens-van-gogh-pencil-tin.jpg A tin of Royal Talens Van Gogh coloured pencils https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/carol-drawing.jpg Portrait of the author Carol Leather https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/royal-talens-layering-test.jpg A layering test with Scarlet and Phthalo Blue Green Royal Talens Van Gogh pencils on toned tan paper, rich circles overlapping to a deep purple https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/sanded-pastel-paper-and-specialist-surfaces.html 2026-07-26T15:40:31.000000Z https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/carol-drawing.jpg Portrait of the author Carol Leather https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/pastel-paper-test-fisher-400.jpeg Test swatches on gritty Tim Fisher 400 paper: Pastel pencils are vivid but dusty; Polychromos achieve quick coverage. Linework is soft for both https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/pastel-paper-test-lux-archival.jpeg Test swatches on Lux Archival paper: Highlights its effective but non-aggressive tooth, superb layering for pastel and coloured pencils, and ability to hold fine detail. https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/pastel-paper-test-sennelier.jpeg Test swatches on Sennelier Pastel Card (sandy colour): Highlights its unique fibrous texture, superb pastel pencil blending, and mixed performance with dry coloured pencils. https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/pastel-paper-test-uart-400.jpeg Test swatches on UART 400 Grade pastel paper: Highlights good pastel pencil layering but poor lines, and severe smudging issues with Polychromos coloured pencils. https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/pastel-paper-test-mi-tientes-touch.jpeg Canson Mi-Teintes Touch paper tests: Shows excellent layering (7+) for pastel pencils and good layering (~5) for Polychromos https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/pastel-paper-test-colorfix.jpeg Performance of yellow pastel pencil and Polychromos on dark blue Art Spectrum Colourfix, demonstrating colour shifts and good layering capacity despite faster pencil wear. https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/pastel-paper-test-mi-tientes-velvet.jpeg Performance of Cretacolor pastel pencils & Polychromos on Canson Mi-Teintes Velvet, demonstrating its excellent layering, smooth finish, and suitability for both media. https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/setting-up-drawing-space.html 2025-07-30T12:02:31.000000Z https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/carol-drawing.jpg Portrait of the author Carol Leather https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/sitemap.html 2026-06-10T07:25:32.000000Z https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/carol-drawing.jpg Portrait of the author Carol Leather https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/spectrum-noir.html 2026-06-10T07:08:56.000000Z https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/carol-drawing.jpg Portrait of the author Carol Leather https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/spectrum-noir-colour-chart.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/spectrum-noir-solvent.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/spectrum-noir-pencils.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/staedtler-pencils.html 2026-06-10T07:09:34.000000Z https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/carol-drawing.jpg Portrait of the author Carol Leather https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/venic-grand-canal-staedtler-karat-pencils.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/staedtler-pencils.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/still-life-objects-to-draw.html 2026-07-26T17:25:12.000000Z https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/carol-drawing.jpg Portrait of the author Carol Leather https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/marlin-and-rosette.jpg A metal marlin sculpture on a mantelpiece, with a yellow and orange dog-show rosette hanging from its bill https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/old-teddy-bear.png Rajah, a hand-stitched toy tiger now 63 years old, sitting in an open trunk https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/stretching-watercolour-paper.html 2026-04-01T09:12:51.000000Z https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/carol-drawing.jpg Portrait of the author Carol Leather https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/bowed-board.jpg board bowed as it dried https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/sretching-watercolour-paper-02.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/sretching-watercolour-paper-06.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/sretching-watercolour-paper-01.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/sretching-watercolour-paper-03.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/kebo-artmate-paper-stretcher.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/sretching-watercolour-paper-05.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/sretching-watercolour-paper-04.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/masking-tape-for-stretching-paper.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/the-golden-section.html 2026-06-10T05:14:52.000000Z https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/carol-drawing.jpg Portrait of the author Carol Leather https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/rose-golden-section.png Golden Section Guidelines on a rose photo https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/pine-cone-golden-section.jpg Photo of the Fibonacci sequence apparent in a pine cone https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/fibonacci-sequence-03.jpg The Golden Section or Spiral https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/sunflower-head-golden-section.jpg Photo of a sunflower seed head https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/nautilus-spiral.jpg A nautilus shell showing the Golden Spiral https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/butterfly-golden-spiral.png A blue butterfly photo showing the Golden Ratio https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/fibonacci-sequence-02.jpg A graphical representation of the Fibonacci sequence https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/traditional-pastel-paper.html 2026-08-01T11:44:50.000000Z https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/pastel-paper-test-tiziano.jpeg Test swatches on Fabriano Tiziano paper: Demonstrates good layering and blending for Cretacolor pastel pencils and impressive performance with Polychromos coloured pencils. https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/carol-drawing.jpg Portrait of the author Carol Leather https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/pastel-paper-test-murano.jpeg Comparing pastel pencil and Polychromos application on Daler Rowney Murano paper; demonstrates good pastel pencil handling but resistance to traditional coloured pencils https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/pastel-paper-test-mi-tientes-smooth.jpeg Canson Mi-Teintes (smoother side) tests: Demonstrates effective application for both pastel pencils (6 layers) and dry coloured pencils (5-6 layers) https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/pastel-paper-test-wn-tints.jpeg Winsor & Newton Tints textured pastel paper: Tests reveal decent layering but challenging blending for pastel pencils due to its regular, brick-like surface pattern. https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/pastel-paper-test-mi-tients-rough.jpeg Canson Mi-Teintes (textured honeycomb side) tests: Shows distracting texture, poor blending, and squiggly lines for both pastel and dry coloured pencils https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/pastel-paper-test-strathmore.jpeg Strathmore 118gsm Pastel Paper tests: Shows smooth glide for pastel pencils but poor layering for Polychromos coloured pencils due to surface slickness. https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/pastel-paper-ingres-test.jpeg Test swatches showing Cretacolor pastel pencils and Polychromos coloured pencils on cream Daler Rowney Ingres paper, highlighting how the paper's ribbed texture affects layering, blending, and linework https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/trees-in-the-distance.html 2026-06-10T06:41:12.000000Z https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/carol-drawing.jpg Portrait of the author Carol Leather https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/polperro-trees-close-up.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/polperro-harbour-painting--03.jpg polperro-harbour-painting--03.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/polperro-harbour-first-wash.jpg polperro-harbour-first-wash.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/polperro-harbour-painting.jpg polperro-harbour-painting.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/polperro-harbour-painting-01.jpg polperro-harbour-painting-01.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/polperro-harbour-photo.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/polperro-harbour-painting-02.jpg polperro-harbour-painting-02.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/two-point-perspective-drawing.html 2026-04-05T18:23:44.000000Z https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/carol-drawing.jpg Portrait of the author Carol Leather https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/two-point-vanishing-point-placement.jpg correct and incorrect two point perspecive https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/horse-perspective-drawing.jpg Drawing a horse in perspective https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/two-point-perspective-building.jpg A building drawn with 2 point perspective https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/two-point-table-and-chair.jpg Drawing a table and chair in perspective https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/two-point-perspecive-multiple-boxes.jpg Diagram showing how multiple boxes use the same vanishing points https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/two-point-perspective-box-construction.jpg diagram showing the construction of a box using 2 point perspective https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/1-and-2-point-perspective-comparison.jpg Diagram comparing 1 and 2 point perspective https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/types-of-drawing-pencil.html 2026-06-10T05:16:02.000000Z https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/graphite-still-life.jpg graphite-still-life.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/carol-drawing.jpg Portrait of the author Carol Leather https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/Lead-holders-with-spare-leads-and-sharpeners.jpeg Showing spare leads and two types of sharpener https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/lead-holders-2mm.jpeg A selection of my lead holders https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/charcoal-portrait-from-ed.jpg charcoal portrait from Ed https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/mechanical-pencils-and-leads.jpeg An assortment of my mechanical pencils and leads https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/graphite-dog-portrait.jpg graphite dog portrait https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/photo-portrait-from-Ed.jpg photo portrait from Ed https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/lead-holder-chisel-point.jpeg Lead with a chisel tip https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/uk-copyright-law.html 2026-09-15T13:26:24.000000Z https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/carol-drawing.jpg Portrait of the author Carol Leather https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/underpainting-coloured-pencil.html 2026-06-10T05:40:50.000000Z https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/country-lane-first-washes.jpg Early stage of a landscape watercolour pencil underpainting, showing very pale, translucent washes of green, yellow, and orange defining the initial shapes of trees, a distant cottage, and a road. https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/carol-drawing.jpg Portrait of the author Carol Leather https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/small-amount-of-pigment.jpg A white artist's palette with three mixing wells, each containing a small pile of dry, shaved blue watercolour pencil pigment. https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/country-lane-final.jpg Completed coloured pencil painting by Peter Weatherill of a country lane, featuring lush trees, a distant cottage, and sunlit path with shadows – achieved with watercolour pencil underpainting https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/country-lane-cottage.jpg The completed coloured pencil painting of a country lane, showcasing lush trees with glimpses of blue sky, a detailed cottage with windows in the distance, and realistic shadows stretching across the sunlit lane. https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/country-lane-dry-pencil.jpg The country lane artwork now shows layers of dry coloured pencil applied over the watercolour underpainting, with detailed texture and richer colour visible on the central tree and its trunk. https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/long-watercolour-pencil-point.jpg A Staedtler Karat Aquarell watercolour pencil with its wood casing whittled back to expose a long pigment core, demonstrating a knife-sharpened point. https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/country-lane-2nd-wash.jpg The country lane watercolour pencil underpainting after a second layer of washes, showing deepened colours and the addition of darker tones in areas of shadow on the trees and path. https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/strength-of-wash.jpg Water added to the shavings (in the palette wells) sitting behind a piece of paper with the relevant swatch below each well. The three pencils are also laying on the paper. https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/country-lane-more-dry-colour.jpg Further development of the country lane scene with dry coloured pencils, showing increased tonal values and depth in the trees, and initial layers of colour and texture on the grass verges and hedges. https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/underpainting.html 2026-07-12T11:12:11.000000Z https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/carol-drawing.jpg Portrait of the author Carol Leather https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/completed-picture-over-monochrome-underpainting.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/watercolour-pencil-underpainting.jpg Watercolour pencil underpainting https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/watercolour-underpainting-finished-piece.jpg Finished coloured pencil painting https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/watercolour-pencils-on-palette.jpg Watercolour pencils on a palette https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/monochrome-watercolour-underpainting-step-2.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/8-layers-of-pencil.jpg Layering sequence of coloured pencil https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/monochrome-watercolour-underpainting.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/red-underpainting.jpg Underpainting in complimentary colours https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/liquid-watercolour-on-palette.jpg Liquid watercolour pencils in palette https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/understanding-coloured-pencils.html 2026-09-15T13:56:33.000000Z https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/carol-drawing.jpg Portrait of the author Carol Leather https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/using-photo-references-for-drawing.html 2026-04-05T16:01:51.000000Z https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/carol-drawing.jpg Portrait of the author Carol Leather https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/swan-overexposed.jpg Example of a poor photo reference: an overexposed swan showing 'blown highlights' with no feather detail visible in the white areas. https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/apple-flat-front-lighting.jpg Photo reference example: An apple lit from the front, appearing bright but lacking strong form shadows. https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/apple-side-lighting-form.jpg Photo reference example: The same apple lit from the side, revealing its 3D shape with clear light and shadow patterns. https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/swan-details.jpg Example of a better photo reference: a correctly exposed swan showing retained feather detail and tonal variations in the white areas. https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/using-watercolour-pencils-beginners-guide.html 2026-07-26T17:25:51.000000Z https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/carol-drawing.jpg Portrait of the author Carol Leather https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/aquarelle-background-washes.jpg Soft watercolour pencil background washes lifted from dry pencil marks https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/velour-paper-review.html 2026-06-10T05:38:56.000000Z https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/carol-drawing.jpg Portrait of the author Carol Leather https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/pastel-paper-test-velour.jpeg 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. https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/venice-project-buildings.html 2026-03-15T15:36:00.000000Z https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/venice-part-photo-2.jpg venice-part-photo-2.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/adding-brown-to-building.jpg adding-brown-to-building.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/derwent-venice-colours.jpg derwent-venice-colours.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/darker-colours-venice-02.jpg darker-colours-venice-02.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/middle-building-02.jpg middle-building-02.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/venice-part-outline.jpg venice-part-outline.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/carol-drawing.jpg Portrait of the author Carol Leather https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/grey-tones-venice-03.jpg grey-tones-venice-03.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/boat-in-front-of-buildings.jpg boat-in-front-of-buildings.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/venice-part-photo.jpg venice-part-photo.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/grey-tones-venice-02.jpg grey-tones-venice-02.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/middle-building-03.jpg middle-building-03.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/warm-brown-on-walls-02.jpg warm-brown-on-walls-02.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/warm-brown-on-walls.jpg warm-brown-on-walls.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/brickwork-shadow-venic-drawing.jpg brickwork-shadow-venic-drawing.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/venice-drawing-so-far.jpg venice-drawing-so-far.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/karat-colour-test-01.jpg karat-colour-test-01.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/middle-building-01.jpg middle-building-01.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/venice-project-finishing-and-comparison.html 2026-06-12T14:03:16.000000Z https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/staedtler-venice-painting.jpg staedtler-venice-painting.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/completed-venice-painting.jpg completed-venice-painting.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/carol-drawing.jpg Portrait of the author Carol Leather https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/faber-castell-venice-painting.jpg faber-castell-venice-painting.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/venice-project-preparing-your-drawing.html 2026-03-15T13:43:05.000000Z https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/carol-drawing.jpg Portrait of the author Carol Leather https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/gondelier-photo.jpg gondelier-photo.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/original-venice-photo-1.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/railto-perspective-corrected.jpg railto-perspective-corrected.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/original-venice-photo-2.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/rialto-perspective.png rialto-perspective.png https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/venice-project-water-trees-gondola.html 2026-03-15T15:34:03.000000Z https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/darkening-water.jpg darkening-water.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/carol-drawing.jpg Portrait of the author Carol Leather https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/detailed-view-of-buildings.jpg detailed-view-of-buildings.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/derwent-watercolour-pencils-water.jpg derwent-watercolour-pencils-water.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/painting-venice-after-yellow-building.jpg painting-venice-after-yellow-building.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/venice-trees.jpg venice-trees.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/darkening-the-gondola.jpg darkening-the-gondola.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/dry-colour-for-water.jpg dry-colour-for-water.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/venice-painting-water-brushed.jpg venice-painting-water-brushed.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/venice-watercolour-pencil-project.html 2026-07-26T17:37:36.000000Z https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/carol-drawing.jpg Portrait of the author Carol Leather https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/rialto-albert-durer.jpg rialto-albert-durer.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/rialto-derwent.jpg rialto-derwent.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/venice-karat.jpg venice-karat.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/watercolor-pencil-painting.html 2026-07-26T17:26:44.000000Z https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/canal-left-side-and-shadows-14.jpg Shadows added to the left side pine trees and grass of the canal painting https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/coverntry-canal-11.png The diagonal line of tall trees on the left drawing the eye into the centre https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/coventry-canal-dry-colour-07.jpg Brushing water into the foliage to even out the watercolor pencil wash https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/coventry-canal-wash-01.jpg The base drawing of the canal scene with the first watercolor pencil wash applied https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/coventry-canal-wash-03.jpg The base drawing of the canal scene in place with washes https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/coventry-canal-scribble-05.jpg Close-up of the interlocking scribble stroke used for foliage in watercolor pencil https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/coventry-canal-wet-colour-08.jpg Continuing the watercolor pencil work on the right hand side of the canal scene https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/carol-drawing.jpg Portrait of the author Carol Leather https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/coventry-canal-sky-and-dry-09.jpg Adding the blue sky between the clouds with watercolor pencil pigment https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/coventry-canal-complete.jpg The finished watercolor pencil painting of the Coventry Canal at Hopwas, Staffordshire https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/Coventry-Canal-ref-photo.jpg Reference photo of the Coventry Canal near Tamworth, Hopwas Woods to the left https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/coverntry-canal-dry-tree-detail-12.jpg Dry pencil work building up the pine trees on the left https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/canal-left-side-and-shadows-15.jpg Finishing touches with scratched-out flowers and final shadows on the canal painting https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/coventry-canal-detail-02.jpg Close-up of the first watercolor pencil wash on the canal scene https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/canal-dry-detail-centre-11.jpg Detail of the centre of the canal painting with the central tree and water reflection https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/coventry-canal-dry-colour-04.jpg Dry watercolor pencil scribbled into the foliage areas of the canal scene https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/coverntry-canal-dry-tree-softened-13.jpg The pine trees softened with a damp brush https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/coverntry-canal-after-open-day-10.jpg The canal painting after a full day's work at the college open day https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/coventry-canal-dry-colour-06.jpg Adding water to the dry watercolor pencil foliage with a damp brush https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/watercolour-brushes.html 2026-04-04T09:33:00.000000Z https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/waterbrush-with-watercolour-pencil-pigment.jpg Hand holding a waterbrush, activating green and blue watercolour pencil strokes on paper, showing the pigment dissolving and blending into a wet wash https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/carol-drawing.jpg Portrait of the author Carol Leather https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/fan-brush-marks.jpeg Two fan brushes with different bristle colours, shown next to a textured green swatch created with watercolour pencils, demonstrating their use for foliage or grass effects https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/3-flat-brushes.jpeg 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. https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/2-round-brushes.jpeg Close-up of two synthetic round watercolour brushes in different sizes, showing their pointed tips and round ferrules https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/2-filbert-brushes.jpeg 2 filbert brushes of different sizes and shapes along with the marks they make https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/watercolour-pencil-landscape-tutorial.html 2026-07-26T17:27:34.000000Z https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/clapham-bridge-winter.jpg Reference photo of the same packhorse bridge in winter, revealing the structure https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/clapham-bridge-centre.jpg Establishing the basic forms and colours of the packhorse bridge and houses in watercolour pencil https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/oak-tree-branch.png Dry pencil strokes and paper grain creating bark texture on a branch https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/2eclapham-bridge-top-right.jpg Beginning the foliage on the right side of the scene using scribbling techniques https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/clapham-bridge-detail-wall.png Close-up of applying watercolour pencil washes to the stone wall near the steps https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/clapham-bridge-step-01.png First layer of watercolour pencil washes establishing sky colour and underpainting https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/clapham-bridge-completed.jpg Final completed watercolour pencil painting of the Yorkshire packhorse bridge landscape https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/clapham-bridge-foliage-and-grass.jpg The watercolour pencil painting nearing completion, focusing on overall balance https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/clapham-bridge-bottom-right.jpg Layering watercolour pencil washes in the river, unblended pencil adding sparkle and texture https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/clapham-bridge-bottom-left.png Three stages of grass development in watercolour pencil, from light wash to scribbles to shadows https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/carol-drawing.jpg Portrait of the author Carol Leather https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/clapham-bridge-line-drawing.png Line drawing outline of the Clapham packhorse bridge, available to trace https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/clapham-bridge-oak-tree.jpg Adding darker tones to the background behind the oak tree to create depth https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/clapham-bridge-foliage.jpg Continuing work on the oak tree, focusing on texture and leaf definition https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/clapham-bridge-top-left.jpg Scribbled foliage and branch shaping in watercolour pencil, kept loose https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/photo-reference-clapham-bridge.jpeg Reference photo of the Clapham packhorse bridge in summer with lush foliage https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/watercolour-pencil-tutorial.html 2026-07-26T17:28:19.000000Z https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/doorway-blind.jpg The scalloped blind above the bottom-right doorway, levelled and shaded https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/italian-scene-so-far.jpg The street scene before the final Pablo refinements, for comparison https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/watercolour-pencils-shutters.jpg Completing the closed window shutters with a damp brush for even colour https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/italian-scene-human-interest-02.jpg Reference photo of a female figure for human interest in the street scene https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/watercolour-pencils-full-size.jpg The Italian street scene watercolour pencil drawing, progress so far https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/cafe-doorway.jpg The cafe doorway, chairs, tables and the pedestrian defined with Pablo pencils https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/watercolour-pencils-window-box.jpg Adding the window box foliage and red balcony flowers in watercolour pencil https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/watercolour-pencils-road.jpg Developing the road surface and cobbles with grey and purple shading https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/dry-watercolour-pencil-foliage.jpg Dry watercolour pencil applied in loose scribbled strokes for tree foliage https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/watercolour-foliage-dampened.jpg Adding water to dry watercolour pencil foliage with a damp brush https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/carol-drawing.jpg Portrait of the author Carol Leather https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/paper-palette.jpg A piece of white card used as a palette for watercolour pencil pigment https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/roof-line.jpg The top centre and right-hand roof line, shutters and windows in crisp Pablo detail https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/plate-palette.jpg A white plate used as a palette for watercolour pencil washes https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/switching-to-pablo-pencils.jpg Three hours of work with Pablo pencils building colour depth over the watercolour pencil layers https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/finished-watercolour-pencil-tutorial.jpg Finished watercolour pencil drawing of the Italian street scene in Malcesine, Lake Garda https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/watercolour-pencils-road-detail.jpg Close-up of the road surface showing layered grey and purple cobble shading https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/initial-washes-of-watercolour-pencil.jpg Initial watercolour pencil washes establishing the tints and contrasts of the street scene https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/foliage-close-up.jpg Close-up of the tree foliage showing layered Pablo pencil detail https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/watercolur-pencils-figure-detail.jpg Close-up of the cobblestones and the walking figure detail https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/window-box-foliage.jpg The balcony foliage enhanced with sepia and dark green, railings defined in black https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/overhanging-roof.jpg The overhanging roof and wall corner defined with a sharp Pablo point https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/italian-scene-human-interest-01.jpg Reference photo of a male figure for human interest in the street scene https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/italian-street-scene-photo.jpg Reference photo of a sunlit Italian street scene in Malcesine, Lake Garda https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/watercolour-foliage-on-building.jpg The completed tree foliage worked with a damp brush, against the building https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/watercolour-pencils-grey.jpg Sharpening the shadows on the left of the scene with a dark grey pencil https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/watercolour-pencils-hub.html 2026-07-26T17:28:56.000000Z https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/completed-venice-painting.jpg A finished Venice Grand Canal scene in watercolour pencil https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/carol-drawing.jpg Portrait of the author Carol Leather https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/polperro-harbour-thumbnail.jpeg Polperro harbour drawn in watercolour pencil with a line and wash approach https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/coventry-canal-complete.jpg A rural canal scene in Staffordshire painted in watercolour pencil https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/scottish-landscape-complete.jpg A soft Scottish hillside landscape in watercolour pencil https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/finished-watercolour-pencil-tutorial.jpg A bright Italian street scene in Caran d'Ache watercolour pencils https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/clapham-bridge-completed.jpg A stone packhorse bridge in the Yorkshire Dales, painted in watercolour pencil https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/Country-Lane-final.jpg An imaginary country lane built on a watercolour pencil underpainting https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/farm-near-pen-y-fan-watercolour-pencil-finished.jpg Finished framed watercolour pencil painting of the farm near Pen y Fan with the Brecon hills behind https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/watercolour-tree-exercise-thumbnail.jpg A practice tree drawn with watercolour pencils, foliage scribbled and then washed https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/watercolour-pears-thumbnail.jpg Two pears painted in watercolour pencil https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/wax-bloom.html 2026-07-26T17:30:39.000000Z https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/carol-drawing.jpg Portrait of the author Carol Leather https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/wax-vs-oil-based-coloured-pencils.html 2026-07-26T17:31:24.000000Z https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/carol-drawing.jpg Portrait of the author Carol Leather https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/prismacolor-after.jpeg A wax-based Prismacolor coloured pencil tip blunted after light drawing https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/polychromos-after.jpeg An oil-based Polychromos coloured pencil tip still sharp after the same test https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/what-colour-is-a-shadow.html 2026-06-10T05:51:20.000000Z https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/carol-drawing.jpg Portrait of the author Carol Leather https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/warm-light-on-white-object.jpeg Second of two images comparing shadow colour: white object with warmer grey-brown shadow. https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/paperweight-with-coloured-shadows.jpeg Blue-green glass paperweight under cool light casting faint blue shadow above and subtle orange/warm-toned shadow to the right. https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/using-colour-to-shade-compared-to-black.jpeg Coloured pencil chart showing rich neutral dark mixes using blues, purples, and browns for realistic shadows. https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/pastel-snow-scene.jpg pastel-snow-scene.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/complementary-shadows-vs-grey.jpeg See the difference: Using complementary colours (right) creates more realistic coloured pencil shadows compared to using plain grey (left) on red and orange. https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/dutch-snow-scene.png dutch-snow-scene.png https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/blue-light-on-white-object.jpeg Shadow colour example 1: White canvas showing a strong blue shadow under cool lighting conditions. https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/what-is-a-thumbnail-sketch.html 2026-03-16T15:05:31.000000Z https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/through-the-window-thumbnail.jpg A thumbnail sketch exploring an idea of using a window to frame a view https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/carol-drawing.jpg Portrait of the author Carol Leather https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/willow-tree-thumbnail-sketch.jpeg quick thumbnail sketch of a willow tree by the river https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/arlington-thumbnail-sketch.jpg A thumbnail sketch of a stable block seen through an archway https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/what-is-value-in-drawing.html 2026-04-05T18:21:47.000000Z https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/squinting-at-a-landscape.jpg The same landscape drawing viewed as if squinting, showing details blurred into simple shapes of light and dark values https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/graphite-still-life.jpg graphite-still-life.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/carol-drawing.jpg Portrait of the author Carol Leather https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/simple-landscape-example.jpg Grayscale landscape drawing of a barn nestled in rolling hills with detailed foreground grass, representing a normal detailed view. https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/labeled-shaded-sphere-with-cast-shadow.jpg Shaded sphere with labels pointing to the areas of value https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/shaded-sphere-with-cast-shadow.jpg shaded sphere with cast shadow now looks 3D https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/a-circle-outline-only.jpg A circle outline looks flat https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/example-value-scale-printed.jpg a 5 step value scale from white to black https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/shaded-sphere-grey-scale.jpg shaded sphere in grey scale https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/white-nights.html 2026-06-10T07:10:18.000000Z https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/carol-drawing.jpg Portrait of the author Carol Leather https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/white-nights-open-tin.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/white-nights-tin.jpg https://www.pencil-topics.co.uk/images/white-nights-samples.jpg