Beginner's Guide to Coloured Pencils | Drawing Realism

Are you interested in learning to draw with coloured pencils but you're unsure of where to start? This video is for all of the beginner artists out there who need that extra helping hand with getting started.

In this video I go over my favourite coloured pencils, paper, tools, techniques and tips for creating work to the best of your abilities.

If you're interested in learning to draw realistic animals, I have lots of free real-time tutorials here on my youtube channel, where I walk you through step-by-step so that you can begin creating work you're proud of.

For exclusive in-depth tutorials on drawing animals in coloured pencil, head over to my Patreon:

Supplies mentioned in this video:

Coloured Pencils:

Paper:

Additional Tools:

Where else to find me:

[misterjayart]

I really appreciate this video, I've been watching countless tutorials on how to draw in coloured pencil, each and everyone has overcomplicated the process even when they're suppose to be "simple" and they all preach about burnishing being essential. As someone that has solely used graphite (since forever) I want to finish one area and move through the drawing, rather than getting the whole thing base-layered with light strokes and then a hundred other light stroked layers on top before battering it all down with a light coloured pencil. I just wanna say thank you for giving me a clear idea how to get started

[greekveteran]

Best papers for Graphite drawings I've ever treid, are the Hahnemuhle Dessin 150gsm and the Arches Watercolor Hot Pressed in the black pads. For Polychromos, I use the Fabriano Artistico Hot pressed.

[lauragrabow]

Hello Shannon, Hello from Maryland, USA! I can't tell you how much I enjoy your videos! You are a great instructor. I have done your little duck drawing and had so much fun. It turned out great. Your work is amazing, and your filming excellent. I am excited to do more of your instruction videos. Thanks again!

[ThePencilist]

You are a favorite artist in my book. I like how you go in depth about your subject matter and the fact that you take time out to deal with real situations in real life. I think you should try Strathmore Bristol the 400 series not the 300 series. If you don't like that then try the Canson type papers. Do be aware Canson does come in different weights therefor different surfaces.

[amandastockham]

Thank you for sharing Shannon and your work is magnificent. I love pencils and animals so a fabulous combination, but I know I need to slow down when working with them and not be so impatient 😑. Thanks again x

[teresastirnimann]

Excellent video. So informative yet simply explained.

[lyndakowalke]

Thank you so much Shannon. I am a newbie, so still finding my way around in so many things. I love animals and with pencils, going slowing seems the obvious way for me because it allows for such pefection, real lifeness. All your tips and info are so precious, as like in many fields of life, end results can only be as the good as the ground work - with such an abundance of many expensive products, its very hard to know the right ones to decide - you have helped me immensly. I am so greatful. I was immediatly drawn to the beauty of your high quality artwork. Its breathaking! It shows the time consuming hard work involved needed to produce art as real, so life like as in photograph - its stunning!🙏💕

[CaraStewart-onpp]

Thanks for this video, your work is amazing. I'm a total beginner and you are so inspirational to me right now. Going to try some of your tutorials to see if I can get started and if I'm still enjoying it join your patron to try to learn more from you, thanks for sharing these videos with us.

[knightonwoods]

Dear Shannon..you are bloody amazing. I love your voice and I think you are the best pencil artist I have seen here on YouTube. I know I can learn a lot from following you.. Thank you so much. Xxx

[Messiah]

Wow. I just found your colored pencil video!! You are a beautiful artist and I look forward to seeing more and learning as I explore colored pencils.❤

[momost]

Very well done video! Appreciate your level of detail and your work is beautiful!

[naziakhan]

Fantastic video! Thank you, very helpful

[Arty-Zen]

This is an amazing video. Beautifully done! You are my favorite artist! ALL of the tips will help me immensely. I love your calm and positive attitude. Thank you so very much!

[yvonneevans]

Thanks so much for this video. I am new to coloured pencils so need all the info i can get😅

[dijosephine]

Great video Shannon. So informative for beginners.

[greekveteran]

I believe, that the Fabriano Artistico Hot PRessed paper in pads, is the paper you look for. The Hot pressed in sheets, come with a more rough surfgace, ideal for watercolor. ( I could be lucky, and and always get older pads when I order, but that's my experience and I know I was never that lucky in my life) If others have the same experience, please share it with us.

[sjnyielden]

Great video very useful thank you. Have you a link for your pencil storage system it looks perfect to keep pencils tidy and in clear view.

[Cascada]

That is unfortunate about Fabriano. I still use it currently in the Waterblocks Hotpressed extra white. I don't have experience with the old formula. How was the old Fabriano Artistico compared to the new version?

[travisnobleart]

I wish I'd seen a video like this when I started.