Realistic drawings require precision and high-quality materials. The choice of coloured pencils is essential for achieving lifelike results. In this blog, we’ll explain which features make coloured pencils suitable for your realistic artwork.

Types of coloured pencils

There are many different types of coloured pencils available, each with its benefits. Below, you can learn more about the various types of coloured pencils to choose from:

• Soft pencils: Soft pencils, with their rich pigmentation and smooth texture, are perfect for building deep, vibrant layers of colour and blending subtle transitions.
• Oil-based pencils: These pencils offer excellent colour delivery and are ideal for detailed work. They are smudge-resistant and can be easily blended and layered for realistic effects.
• Watercolour pencils: These pencils can be used dry for detailed lines and textures but can also be activated with water for watercolour-like effects. They offer both versatility and control for realistic drawings.
• Pastel-coloured pencils: Pastel-coloured pencils are ideal for creating soft, delicate layers of colour and capturing subtle nuances. They can be easily blended and layered for realistic results.

The characteristics of coloured pencils for realistic drawings

Realistic drawings require a careful selection of coloured pencils to achieve the desired effects. Here are some key aspects to consider when choosing coloured pencils for realistic drawing:

• Colour consistency: Coloured pencils should provide consistent pigmentation to build up even layers of colour. This is essential when creating realistic textures and shadows.
• Blending properties: Pencils with good blending properties allow different colours to seamlessly blend together, enabling realistic transitions and shadows to be created.
• Lightfastness: Lightfastness is the degree to which colours are affected by sunlight. It's important that colours do not fade or change over time. Coloured pencils with good lightfastness ensure your artwork maintains its brightness over time.
• Durability: Coloured pencils should be sturdy enough to apply fine details without breaking or crumbling. This is crucial for detailed, realistic drawings.
• Colour selection: An extensive colour palette allows for the creation of a wide range of hues and colour transitions, which is crucial for reproducing the complexity of the natural world in realistic drawings.

Inspiration for your next project

We've listed three ideas to inspire you for your next realistic drawing project:

1. Portraits: Use soft coloured pencils to depict subtle skin tones and textures. Use light, precise strokes to capture the complexity of the face and blend different colours for natural shadows and highlights.
2. Natural landscapes: Use oil-based pencils to depict the rich colours and textures of landscapes. Work in layers to create depth and dimension, and experiment with different techniques such as dry blending and glazing for realistic effects.
3. Animals and animal portraits: Watercolour pencils are ideal for capturing animals' fur, feathers, and eyes. Use dry application for fine details and wet application for vibrant washes of colour. Experiment with different types of pencils to create both smooth colour transitions and sharp details.

Tips for creating realistic drawings

To create realistic drawings with coloured pencils, using high-quality materials and experimenting with different types of pencils and techniques is essential. Invest in professional-grade coloured pencils and use high-quality paper with a good texture for optimal results. Experiment with layering, blending, glazing, and various application techniques to achieve lifelike effects (read this blog for more tips on blending colours with coloured pencils). Finally, keep practicing. You'll find that you'll become more familiar with your materials as time goes on. You'll also notice that your drawing skills improve, and your drawings become more realistic.

With the right coloured pencils and techniques, you can create breathtakingly realistic drawings that will amaze everyone. Experiment, be patient, and let your inner artist shine!