7 Easy Tips to Improve Your COLORING PAGES

Here are 7 easy tips that you can use to improve your coloring pages and create beautiful art with colored pencils.

It’s not about the brands of pencils you use. And these coloring tips can work for any budget.

(The blog also includes the Prismacolor pencil colors I used for the drawing of Mirabel from Encanto)

RESOURCES FOR YOU:

#sarahrenaeclark #coloring #coloringpage

[SarahRenaeClark]

What advice would you give to a first-time colorist or artist?

[hubbysswee]

I have to say, I can’t believe that you don’t have “formal training”. I’ve learned so much from you; the basics of color theory, and how to practice applying them to my own coloring experience, being two of the most valuable lessons for me. You’re the perfect example of how discipline and diligence begets amazing results. Thank you for dedication in sharing your knowledge with all of us subscribers.

[chriskilue]

Great collection of tips! I have a BA in graphic design and illustration in traditional media. I have always said that you can learn from anyone, it doesn’t matter who they are or what they studied, or not. I love to learn new tricks, and your videos have so many to use effectively. I am not a purist, I always use mixed media for my coloring: from watercolor, acrylics, pencils, markers, ball point pen, etc. What you said about experimenting is so true! Don’t be afraid to use and mix the material that you have.

Take breaks in coloring and do warm up exercises with your arms and wrists before having long coloring sessions. The angles of the pencils are so important, thank you for mentioning them. Take care of your hands all the time, don’t go from hot to cold on them… for example, when you do the dishes (use gloves), in transitioning weather ( spring, autumn) do not expose them to radical temperature change. The hands, and wrists are your most valuable tools if you want to be a professional.

Lighting is also important, unless you are a pro, avoid coloring at night without the appropriate white light. Yellow light is terrible for coloring and it changes colors. Your eyes in coordination with your hands are also very important. If you like to color outside, avoid direct sunlight on your paper… not good. Believe it or not, some of the best light sources come from overcast days (light is consistent and varies little, it is good for your eyes.

Sometimes we wish the most expensive materials in the market, thinking that as “magic” beautiful art will come out, .. Nope! Practice and experimenting is the key, practice and making mistakes.

I fully agree with the paper choice, invest in good paper for the correct tool. And as tip: water color paper must always be kept away from light and in sealed plastic bags. This paper tends to absorb dust, and you won’t notice it until you ruin a commission for a client if you were not careful enough with the storage. In general, cold pressed paper absorbs dust, so I always seal mine in plastic bags until I use it. This tip was given to me by a professional watercolor artist.

Thank you for your videos!

[Beccatrack]

Thank you SO MUCH for the paper recommendations! I draw my own 'coloring pages' in a sketchbook, and I really like to keep the black and white version so that I can make multiple copies (plus, it's cool to display the colored version beside the black and white version). Everyone says not to use regular printer paper, but I haven't been able to find higher quality paper that specifially works in a printer. I'm definitely going to try the ones you recommend; thank you again ❤

[WillowRoseArlen]

Excellent tips, Sarah! Paper makes a huge difference and I still think it's the most underrated art supply. Your videos are so helpful and well done. I'm excited to see the polychromos drawing, too!

[carolbatchelor]

The paper that I use has made a huge difference in the outcome of my finished page. I've used several different pencils, and although they do make a difference, the better the paper, the better my finished pages are! Thanks again, Sarah!

[mrsetta]

I am not an artist and I don't usually colour in any way, and yet I can't stop watching your videos. Your attitude towards learning and creativity is stunningly inspiring. I really appreciate you sharing your successes and failures. Even if I'am not practical with drawing I learn so much from you! Never found such enjoyment in any other channel, just keep colouring and keep learning! Thank you 🙏🏻

[chrisb-rkgw]

Something I don’t even think about until my hand is cramping! Thanks for the tips! I just downloaded your planner and can’t wait to get it started! I will order the hardcover next year for sure. So glad I found your channel. Cheers from Windsor, Ontario, Canada 🇨🇦!

[YukinoKary]

Thanks for the tips I also believe that the pencil can be held in any way as long as you feel comfortable 😊
The pressure you exert when coloring is what does the magic for mixing colors...
Eager to see your 100k work with your new collection of Polychromos! 🥳😍

[anniebeanie]

Tip for people that have problems with hand pain ... try Kuretake Brushables markers instead of colored pencils. They dont bleed through, and they are awesome for gradients. You get 2 different but matching shades on each marker, and just using same end again on the area you already applied them to, it will darken the area bit... and third time will darken it even more (just let it dry before each go to avoid damaging your paper) and then you follow with the other end whooa you have super nice gradient :) . Only downsides i have observed with these so far is sometimes they are difficult to get and then are suddenly again available easily .... and you will be going through your most favorite color or two pretty quickly. Also frequently one end will be low on ink easlier then the other one ... which is bit anoying so i cut ends of those off to avoid confusion .... and then use them as a polka dot stamping tool :D . (Note: sometimes i use these a lot, sometimes i dont. It depends on my current mood and what my Rheumatoid Arthritis is doing ...)

[kevinhoover]

Thank you for the great content! You’ve taught me and my kids so much about coloring…I have never found your work “underwhelming” and sorry someone said that.

[saibamanikandan]

Hey Sarah! I clicked on this video right when i saw Mirabel in the thumbnail! I am such a fan of Encanto and didnt know you were one too. The video itself is very in-depth but simple to understand! Once again, an amazing vid 🥰🥰😀

[aprildntn]

Thanks for another great video! I find swatches to be more fun and meditative than tedious so I’m looking forward to doing some gradients on days I don’t feel like getting into a new page or am uninspired to finish an ongoing one.

[blooelmo]

Howdy and happy day!!! :) Great tips! (And my tip back: I have concluded that one side of the neena Bristol vellum is “rougher” than the other. Definitely worth a close look, it makes a difference, I think, for sure) 😉
Like doing arpeggios or scales on the piano I haven’t spent a lot of time practicing blending, and I can tell in my coloring. 2022 goals!
Also— it’s a little redundant but I’ve colored the same page twice just to take what I learned the first time and refine it on the second (while changing color schemes, usually).
Terrific video!!! Thanks ya’ll! Chipper cheerios! 😃

[ilzevanrensburg]

I love everything you do! You are sooo inspirational and you make me feel so happy. Can not wait for your weekly videos. You make me feel like I can do anything! 😁🥰

[darylisme]

These are Awesome tips Sarah I will definitely use them to improve!!! 💖

[shadowheartart]

Great tips, and really good explanations. I love that you added the one about paper. It's super important and so many people forget or don't know and struggle on for months/years with expensive pencil upgrades, without thinking to try different paper.
It's one of those things, that art teachers for some reason don't emphasize enough

[mewsli]

How did I miss this video the first time around ? Thankyou Sarah. On a side note i cant wait for my planner bundle to arrive

[bethmegansmith]

Thank you for the paper advise it is very helpful. Happy coloring xxxx Great video

[tashannastevenson]

I'm a first time colorist/Artist, and I have been enjoying this new hobby. It's sooo fun and helps with my anxiety. If you guys want to know a great art store it's an art store called Blick Art Materials, you can order online (THEY HAVE CHEAP/MODERATE RANGE ART SUPPLIES, EVERYTHING YOU CAN THINK OF...better than hobby lobby/michaels) (: also amazon