Comments on: 3 Little Birds with Colored Pencils – Hummingbird with Caran D’Ache

By: Jane Mead

Jane Mead — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 21:10:54 +0000

Hi Thank you, Matt. My first attempt at the Hummingbird was in a 5.5 x 8.5 sketchbook. It is too small to get the nice details in around the eye. I’m going to redo the bird body and start from scratch. Your courses are the best and there is so much to learn. I sort of just jumped in. I know I need to do The Drawing Bootcamp too. I should have started with that and then the Colored Pencil Course. Thank you for all the help and great information that I have only found on your website!!

By: Matt

Matt — Sun, 14 Jun 2026 12:41:46 +0000

In reply to Jane Mead. Hi Jane, The exact dimensions will vary depending on the size of your drawing. The best thing to do is make comparisons using the shapes that you draw. For example, let's say you draw the shape for the body first. You can then use this shape and compare its size to the shape of the head. Then draw the shape of the head using the same proportion. Then, you use these shapes to determine the size of the shape for the wings. So, essentially, you build off the first shape and find the proportions for the other shapes using the first shape as a starting point.

By: Jane Mead

Jane Mead — Sat, 13 Jun 2026 22:03:38 +0000

Hi Matt, I’m a beginner and should have started with your beginner course in colored pencils but I jumped right in with the Hummingbird on black paper! I think I drew my hummingbird too small. I looked ahead on the video and there is a lot to add just for the eyes. Please tell me the correct dimensions of the bird. I may want to redraw mine. I love your classes and Gettin Sketchy. I will do your Colored Pencil Course next. Thank you for all the great hours trying to learn to draw!!

By: Laura Patton

Laura Patton — Sun, 06 Apr 2025 14:27:05 +0000

I have some black 140# 100% cotton watercolor paper. Will that work instead or do I need pastel paper?

By: Buddy

Buddy — Thu, 02 Jan 2025 22:40:33 +0000

In reply to Jolanta Holband.

Hi Jola, just in case Matt doesn’t see your question. Luminance colored pencils are wax based. They perform similar to the Prismacolors, which aren’t available here in Germany but seems to be Matt’s most prefered colored pencils.

You can always use your choice of brand and even mix different brands altogether. For example, the Faber Castel Polychromos are oil based and greatfor details. They work great with Derwent Lightfast, wich are oil based too but softer.

Matt has lots of couses, classes and lessons with colored pencils. You don’t need to look for Luminance only. You can also take any lesson and use your own materials. Like pastel lessons, but you follow with water color etc.

Hope, this will answer your question,
Buddy

By: Buddy

Buddy — Thu, 02 Jan 2025 22:32:03 +0000

Dear Matt,

Having been a member of TVI for several years, I have finished this fantastic course tonight. I am so very happy about how the hummingbird turned out using my brand new set of Luminance colored pencils. These pencils are the most vibrant I have ever been allowed to try.

The blue jay has been one of the first pieces I tried out in the beginning of the artistic journey you invite everybody in. What a difference!!! Back then, I never would have imagined myself being able to draw something I really enjoy and like.

All to you, Matt and your friend Ashley!!!
Your dedication is outstanding!

Buddy

By: Jolanta Holband

Jolanta Holband — Fri, 22 Nov 2024 23:41:36 +0000

Hi Matt,
I just finished my hummingbird. I used all materials exactly as you advised. This was an incredible experience. Luminance pencils and this paper is a perfect match. I also drew your moon but I cannot find any more tutorials with Luminance among your courses. If you have more of them please let me know where I can find them.
Thank you for all your work in creating The Virtual Instructor – the priceless source of knowledge about drawing and painting.
Jola

By: Donald Miller

Donald Miller — Tue, 11 Jun 2024 02:16:52 +0000

In reply to matt. Wow!!! A quarter of a million dollars per year. I'm Mightilly impressed. BTW, Caran d’Ache = Karen Dash. I'm surprised b how many words you mispronounce.

By: Vincent Polino

Vincent Polino — Mon, 23 Oct 2023 20:04:01 +0000

I totally enjoyed this lesson open colored pencils. i’ve been looking fr a course on the subject but have been unsuccessful and unsatisfied with the results. This has inspired me to these birds a shot.
What I’m looking for are courses in portraits with colored pencils. I had one in your other courses. Have any more?
I was wondering what size tablet do you use? It looked like 16×20?

Vince

By: Brenda Muncrief

Brenda Muncrief — Tue, 06 Dec 2022 03:37:06 +0000

In reply to matt. You're very welcome! :) Brenda