Comments on: The Colored Pencil Course – Reflection and Transparency

By: Christine Maitchell

Christine Maitchell — Tue, 26 May 2020 13:04:17 +0000

In reply to matt. Thanks Matt, I will give your suggestions a try. Really enjoying the course and learning lots already, so thank you

By: matt

matt — Tue, 19 May 2020 12:18:06 +0000

In reply to Christine Maitchell.

Hi Christine,

Polychromos colored pencils aren’t the brightest pencils, however there are two things you can try. The first is to work on toned paper. The contrast alone will make the highlights appear stronger and lighter – value is relative. The second is to consider going over your highlights with a little gouache (opaque watercolor) to make them stronger.

By: Christine Maitchell

Christine Maitchell — Mon, 18 May 2020 11:09:34 +0000

Hi Matt, how do you get bright highlights with polychromes please, as I am finding that reserving the paper and going over with the white pencil does not create very sharp highlights

By: GILBERTO GIANNELLI

GILBERTO GIANNELLI — Thu, 02 Apr 2020 20:50:37 +0000

When I see this I only feel envy I like you a lot. You can also say useful words. Comgrats

By: Patrick Maderia

Patrick Maderia — Wed, 01 Aug 2018 15:01:23 +0000

Matt – it would also be very helpful if the reference was shown as you add the values – so that you can point out what values you are seeing. I have trouble seeing what you are seeing from the photo reference – all in all, really a great course – pat

By: Patrick Maderia

Patrick Maderia — Wed, 01 Aug 2018 14:58:43 +0000

I am using Strathmore paper, 100 lb – the tooth of the paper shows through when I finish – How many layers are you applying? Should I be doing more layers or blending? Pat

By: Dru Simon

Dru Simon — Sun, 01 Apr 2018 22:51:44 +0000

Matt, how long, in real time, did it take you to create this still life?

By: Alberto Forero

Alberto Forero — Wed, 31 May 2017 00:07:24 +0000

Dear Matt,
I am enjoying very much the the couse. I am in the process of completing the Still life of this lesson, and giving it some final touches for completion.
On question comes to mind: How do you select the colors from the photo reference? Or a still life in front of you? Perhaps the answer to my question is in another lesson in anothe location of your site? I will value very much your guidance. Still lifes is one of my favorite themes.

By: Alberto Forero

Alberto Forero — Tue, 30 May 2017 23:59:15 +0000

In reply to raquel g. macfarlane.

By: Julie Babb

Julie Babb — Tue, 06 Dec 2016 02:20:13 +0000

Thanks so much! I was not confident of my ability to even begin this. But with your careful attention to the details & lots of hard work & patience, my still life surprised me. The reflections in my glass were too obvious & dark to be pleasing. I was able to save it with lots of eraser & a white firm pastel. Thank you for the tremendous effort you put into these lessons.