{"id":10781,"date":"2021-01-04T15:02:13","date_gmt":"2021-01-04T19:02:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/blog\/?p=10781"},"modified":"2021-06-14T16:47:48","modified_gmt":"2021-06-14T20:47:48","slug":"how-to-draw-a-seashell-with-a-limited-palette-with-colored-pencils","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/blog\/how-to-draw-a-seashell-with-a-limited-palette-with-colored-pencils","title":{"rendered":"How to Draw a Seashell with a Limited Palette with Colored Pencils"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\u201cHow many colored pencils do I need?\u201d is probably one of the most frequent questions that beginning artists have. Another popular question is “what colored pencils do I need?”<\/p>\n

Possessing a large set of pencils may be emotionally pleasing. Gathered in a beautiful box, colored pencils look like treasured magic wands that immediately bring joy, excitement, and inspiration.<\/p>\n

A wider range at hand often resolves the need to mix the right color<\/em> yourself. (With colored pencils, mixing happens by layering the applications directly on the drawing surface.) You can pick a ready-made option on the spot, avoiding the preparatory color research.<\/p>\n

Besides that, some colors are difficult or even impossible to mix. In such cases, you have to expand your collection of pencils. The more pencils you have, the more unique mixtures you can possibly create. No wonder that freedom of choice and technical convenience are highly appealing!<\/p>\n

It’s tempting to believe that purchasing a better \u2013 more extensive or advanced \u2013 instrument will lead to a new level of artistic quality. And sometimes it\u2019s not that far from the truth.<\/p>\n

\"Colored<\/p>\n

On the other hand, large sets of qualitative colored pencils are relatively expensive. The cost may be a big con, especially if this art medium is new and yet to be fully explored.<\/p>\n

Another opinion is that resorting to a wide range of pre-made colors may lead to the underdevelopment of artistic skills. This assumption is more equitable for beginners. It is clear that relying on external tools too heavily<\/em> is irrational. But a full set of pencils lets an artist avoid so many challenges! It makes the process more comfortable, giving the confidence that all possible colors are here, at your disposal.<\/p>\n

The urge to find a shortcut may be irresistible. And yet, such color tasks<\/em> are an important driver for curiosity, analysis, experiments, and improving knowledge. Challenges, if accepted, lead to the growth of mastery.<\/p>\n

Restricting ourselves can force us to learn more about color. Also, it directs our attention to the important aspects of art, such as form and value.<\/p>\n

So how many pencils is enough? It’s impossible to find a perfect answer. Every artist has a specific combination of preferences, skills, and goals. Some works are based on subtle color nuances and complex palettes. They require a wide range of pencils and, potentially, the inclusion of other art supplies.<\/p>\n

Alternatively, it may be that you can easily get by with a set of twelve pencils. In some cases, three pencils presenting the primary colors are all you need. Making the most of the available resources is a useful principle \u2013 not only for art, but also for many other things.<\/p>\n

There is no need to choose a single path. You can be fluent in mixing and, at the same time, enjoy your extensive collection of pencils.<\/p>\n

In this tutorial, we\u2019ll explore the benefits of limiting the number of colored pencils per project. I\u2019ll share several tips that help me to form a restricted color palette. For practice, we\u2019ll create a quick drawing of a seashell.<\/p><\/div>\n

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The Colored Pencil Course<\/span>
\n Learn how to use colored pencils like a pro. Learn a variety of techniques and explore several different subjects through concise and \u201ceasy to digest\u201d modules.
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VIEW COURSE<\/div>\n

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Art Supplies for This Colored Pencil Project<\/h2>\n

We\u2019ll need an H<\/strong> or HB graphite pencil<\/strong> to create an underdrawing. Keep an eraser<\/strong> at hand. I recommend a combination of both plastic and kneaded erasers for versatility.<\/p>\n

See also:<\/strong> 9 Must Have Colored Pencil Supplies<\/a><\/p>\n

I\u2019ll be drawing on an A4 sheet<\/strong> of ordinary thick drawing paper with a subtle texture.<\/p>\n

For this artwork, I\u2019ve chosen only five colored pencils<\/strong>. They are from the Faber-Castell Polychromos<\/a> set.<\/p>\n

\"Colored<\/p>\n

The Benefits of Limiting Your Color Palette<\/h2>\n

Before we dive in, let’s look at a few reasons why you may choose to work with a limited color palette when drawing with colored pencils.<\/p>\n

Focus<\/h3>\n

The first advantage of working with fewer pencils is that you\u2019re not spreading your attention too thin. Although a broad range of color options creates a sense of freedom, the necessity to choose may cause doubts. And doubts lead to frustration and wasted time.<\/p>\n

Also, focusing on one task at a time helps to build a skill more quickly and efficiently. When your palette is limited, you digress from the subtle difference between the pre-made colors. It becomes easier to focus on forms and values. You\u2019ll get a more unified, holistic perception of your artwork.<\/p>\n

Chances are that you\u2019ll become naturally disposed to see the positive and negative space<\/a> and consider the composition more carefully.<\/p>\n

Value<\/h3>\n

Problems with values<\/em> and the lack of contrast<\/em> are the most common stumbling blocks for the beginning artists. Correct values emphasize form and create an illusion of volume. Contrast determines the perceived depth. It also helps the viewer to define the objects and planes in their mind.<\/p>\n

See also:<\/strong> Pushing Contrast in Value<\/a><\/p>\n

Unfortunately, if the light values, midtones, and shadows are off, the artwork won\u2019t seem credible – no matter how many colored pencils were used to complete the painting.<\/p>\n

Working with a limited palette shifts your attention towards values, making you a more careful observer. If you\u2019re drawing from a photo reference, it may be useful to convert it into a black and white image. You\u2019ll get a tonal pattern without the distraction of hues.<\/p>\n

Color<\/h3>\n

Working within a restricted color range may be considered as a middle ground between a monochrome drawing and artworks that present complex color palettes.<\/p>\n

As I mentioned, color restrictions limit the number of possible decisions. This saves you time and effort. And yet, the resulting gamut is wide enough to create shades, tints, and cooler and warmer variations of the chosen colors.<\/p>\n

You also practice mixing the colors, and the limited range gives you more control over the results. The fewer the components, the easier it is to find the repeating patterns in color behavior. Some mixtures will be worth remembering.<\/p>\n

As the resulting colors are related, your artwork is more likely to be perceived as harmonious and unified. Related colors can help to convey the mood or exaggerate certain effects. Paradoxically, the color constraints may lead to greater freedom of expression.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re just starting your journey into the world of color, limiting your palette may be a productive learning path. It’s also a great exercise for artists of any skill level.<\/p><\/div>\n

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Three Little Birds with Colored Pencils<\/span>
Learn how to draw three different birds with three different brands of colored pencils on three different surfaces.
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VIEW COURSE<\/div>\n

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How to Choose Colors for Your Limited Palette<\/h2>\n

Choosing the pencils for an artwork is a process of defining the right combination of colors. The colors you choose should conform to your creative vision and the artwork\u2019s subject matter. And, of course, they should be harmonious together on the paper.<\/p>\n

Every case is unique, but it\u2019s still possible to outline several principles that may help you in the decision-making process.<\/p>\n

Check the Colors<\/h3>\n

Evaluate the object that you\u2019re going to draw. First, mark out its local color in the midtone area. Then, draw your attention to the object\u2019s lighter and darker areas. Do you notice any shifts in color temperature?<\/p>\n

With a restricted color range, the goal is to pick only the colors that play the “leading roles”. This may mean that this color takes up a significant amount of space in the image or forms contrasting accents.<\/p>\n

Even a small number of pencils can create a wide-enough color range. The table of swatches below illustrates this statement. I\u2019ve made it with the five pencils that are chosen for the seashell project: Warm Grey I, Cold Grey III, Light Yellow Ochre, Nougat, and Venetian Red. You\u2019ll find the mixtures at the intersection of each color pair.<\/p>\n

\"Limited<\/p>\n

And lastly, don\u2019t include the colors that are too similar. Avoid the ones that you can easily mix from other ready-made options. For instance, yellow<\/em> + red<\/em> = orange<\/em> or blue<\/em> + green<\/em> = blue-green<\/em>.<\/p>\n

The examples I\u2019ve mentioned are obvious and simplified. But still, sometimes we miss a chance to experiment with fewer options to discover a hidden possibility.<\/p>\n

Understanding color theory<\/a> helps to envision the result of mixing.<\/p>\n

Check the Values<\/h3>\n

In most cases, you\u2019ll need a wide range of values<\/a> to create credible works.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s possible to control saturation and value by layering new colors on top of the existing applications. Here are several examples:<\/p>\n