The process

Colored pencil artwork is much more than it seems. There is quite a process that goes into creating a piece. For example, watercolor can be very quick and fluid. In fact speed can help the process because some things are done better while it is still quite wet.

Colored pencils on the other hand are probably the slowest medium for art. Like other mediums you must get the sketch down on paper. Then there is quite the process of layering and filling in the grain of the paper that just takes time. If you go too quickly then it can mess up the effect you are trying to create.

One example of this is that I frequently use layers of various colors to get the end color I’m trying to achieve. The color I need usually isn’t in the box. With paint you would mix the colors and then apply them. With colored pencils you layer them as you apply them to get the desired result. A little here and a little there until you finally fill the grain of the paper and create the color you want.

Although the process is very slow I absolutely enjoy it as it’s very meditative and relaxing for me. The end product is always enjoyable as well!