How to Plan Your Colored Pencil Art

To create beautiful colored pencil art, you need to master some key basics which will lay the foundation for more advanced techiques. You can start adding colour unless you have worked out what you are going to draw.

Many artists prefer using photo references due to the time commitment for this medium.
After choosing a photo, plan your composition, which means deciding where to place elements in the picture.
Thumbnail sketches are a great tool for both composition and ensuring the darks and lights are well balanced throughout your drawing
You can them begin transferring your sketch to the drawing paper, using your favourite method.

Below, we will take a quick look at each of these steps and then give you a link to further information.

Choosing a good photo reference

Trying to draw purely from imagination often leads to inaccurate proportions, missing details, and frustration. Choosing a high-quality photo reference is essential for achieving realistic and detailed results.

However, using photo references can either help or hinder us, depending on their quality. This can be an issue if the photos have insufficient detail, are blurred or too dark, or position the main subject awkwardly.

Taking your own photos can address these issues, and also eliminates the risk of running foul of any copyright issues.

A well-focused, well-lit image with interesting angles and relevant background details will elevate your artwork and save you frustration in the long run.

You will find more details on what makes a good photo reference and where you can find one, by clicking on the link.

Deciding on your composition

The word composition may sound scary. However, in its simplest form, it just refers to how and where you arrange the elements of your drawing on the paper. This helps to ensure the you direct the viewer's eye to the main thing you want them to look at, known as the focal point.

Over the years, artists have discovered various methods of achieving good composition, and although artists often refer to these as rules, I like to think of them as guidelines instead. I suggest you learn them, practice them, and then break them as you see fit.

We go into detail regarding the composition of landscape drawings and still life pencil drawing, but the principles relate to any kind of subject.

You can also dig deep, and learn about the Golden section or ratio, and how this applies to composition.

Getting the values right

To help you plan out both the composition and your values, you can create two or three thumbnail sketches. Check out my page titled What is a thumbnail sketch? if you are unfamiliar with these.

When preparing your thumbnail sketch, add basic values (dark, medium, and light) to plan the sketch's shading. Use thick-nibbed felt pens for easy, single-layer dark blacks.

Thumbnail sketches are 2 x 3 inches, quick and rough. They're meant to be a simple and efficient way to plan your drawing. Don't worry about making them perfect - the goal is to get your ideas down on paper quickly so you can start drawing!

Getting the outline on the paper

Once you know where the elements are going to be placed and where the darkest darks and lightest lights will be, you can move on to creating your full size plan for the drawing.

There are various methods of doing this depending on your skill level. I will add a quick description below, with links to more detailed pages.

1. Freehand Drawing

Start by observing the photo and identifying the basic shapes. Don't worry about details yet - focus on the overall structure. Break down complex subjects into simple geometric shapes like circles, squares, and triangles. Then, roughly sketch these shapes onto your paper. Use an eraser to tidy things up and remove lines you don't need at the end.

2. Grid Method

If freehand drawing feels challenging, try the grid method. Divide both the photo and your paper into equal sections using grids. Now, sketch the main shapes by copying the corresponding section from the photo to your paper.

3. A Projector

Another method is to use a projector to shine your photograph onto your paper and then draw around the areas you want to include.

4. Tracing Paper

Trace the main shapes directly onto tracing paper, then transfer the sketch to your drawing surface. My page on how to use tracing paper gives full details of four methods of doing this.

5. Light Pad or Box

Modern light pads are really thin and lit by LEDs. If your paper is thin enough you can lay the photo on the surface, cover it with your drawing paper and after turning it on you will see the shapes you wish to add to your sketch through it.

You're ready to draw!

Armed with an understanding of these colored pencil basics, you now have the tools to start creating your own stunning art.

Remember, the key to growth and improvement is consistent practice. Enjoy the journey, learn from your mistakes, and don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone.

With each new piece, you'll gain confidence and develop your unique artistic style. The world of colored pencils is vast and exciting, and the only limit is your imagination. So grab your pencils, let your creativity flow, and enjoy the process of bringing your visions to life on paper.