w.i.p. colored pencil

As I continue bringing Seligman to life with my colored pencils, I often get questions about how to achieve smooth shading and vibrant colors, especially for scenes with so much detail like the 'Seligman GROCERY' sign or that classic car. It's not exactly a 'still life' in the traditional sense, but many of the principles of observation and shading apply! So, I wanted to share some of my go-to tips for anyone looking to improve their colored pencil drawing, whether you're tackling a complex landscape or a simple still life setup. First off, layering is your best friend. Instead of pressing hard right away, build up your colors with light, even layers. This allows you to create depth and subtle transitions. For instance, in my Seligman drawing, getting the varied textures of the old buildings and the shiny surface of the classic car requires multiple thin layers. I usually start with the lightest colors and gradually add darker tones. This technique also gives you more control and makes it easier to correct mistakes than if you go in heavy-handed from the start. Another crucial aspect is understanding pressure. Varying your pressure is key to achieving different intensities and avoiding that waxy buildup too quickly. For the bright 'SELIGMAN' letters, for example, I might use a medium pressure for the initial color block, then a lighter touch for highlights, and firm pressure for crisp outlines. Experimenting with how much pressure you apply will dramatically impact your results and is essential for effective pencil shading. Blending is where the magic truly happens with colored pencils. You can blend colors directly on the paper using a lighter color, a colorless blender, or even a cotton swab or tissue for larger areas. For the blue sky in my Seligman piece, I'm using a light blue over a slightly darker blue to create a seamless gradient. When drawing details like the window reflections on the 'Seligman GROCERY' building, I'll use a very light touch with a colorless blender to smooth out any harsh lines and make the glass look more realistic. Don't be afraid to mix and match your blending tools to see what works best for different textures and effects. Lastly, paying attention to light and shadow is paramount, just as it would be in any 'still life drawing'. Even though this is a drawing of a town, identifying where the light source is coming from helps define shapes and adds dimension. Notice how the classic car has natural highlights and shadows that give it form. Capturing these details through careful shading transforms a flat image into a vibrant, three-dimensional scene. Keep practicing, and don't be afraid to experiment with your Prismacolor pencils on your chosen paper, like Strathmore, to discover what works best for your unique style!