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My Experience with Drawing with Color Pencil
Drawing with color pencil was a greater challenge than I anticipated. Having been a graphite artist for most of my life, I didn’t think the transition would be a big deal. I knew I’d have to switch gears and start thinking in color, but I thought the technique would basically be the same. Boy, was I incredibly mistaken.
The primary thing to note about drawing with color pencil was the number of layers that needs to be built up in order to gain that depth and realism. In addition to layering, one has to be aware of the inevitable wax bloom. Wax bloom is basically a buildup of wax from your color pencils. What’s annoying about this is, it prevents you from laying down anymore color on top of it. It’s not the end of the world (or your project). It’s just an annoyance you have to address before you move on. Some people use odorless mineral spirits (carefully and cautiously and in tiny amounts) to break down that waxy layer. Others use a soft clean rag to rub at the affected area, but this is a temporary fix and can damage the surface of the paper.
Honestly, I knew I’d be challenged. I just didn’t know how much. You see, color is an entirely different realm for me. There are so many variables! Even so, I agreed to take on this portrait. I do have that service listed on my website, after all. Thankfully, my first color pencil client was a repeat…
