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THE DANGER OF OWNING TOO MANY COLORS

In over a decade of teaching adult art classes…

I’ve noticed that we have two extreme types of student

There’s always a penny pincher in every class. If they can get away with using something they found in the back of the junk drawer? They’re all in.

But there’s a growing group of colorists on the opposite side. These are the folks with more colored pencils than the teacher!

Are you someone who owns every pencil ever made?

Today, let’s talk about the dangers of owning it all.

Your big colored pencil collection isn’t just expensive and a pain in the rear to store and organize…

It’s actually hindering your artistic growth!

WATCH: COLORED PENCIL INTERVENTION

Latest Video - Colored Pencil: Better results with fewer colors

(supply list at bottom of this article)

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LEARN MARKER + PENCIL COLORING TECHNIQUES

FREQUENTLY USED COLORS

In the video, I explain why I don’t have a recommended starter set of colored pencils but I do show a list of pencil colors I use most.

The strange thing is, I reach for these same colors no matter what medium I’m working in. My watercolor palette is full of very similar colors.

This isn’t a buying guide or a recommended list, it’s simply an overview of the colors I use most.

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TECHNIQUES USED IN CRYSTAL BAUBLE

The following techniques can be spotted in the PENCIL INTERVENTION video:

1. The color palette here may look a little strange but I explain the purpose of every color in the video. You can customize your own glass projects using the same tip!

2. Because this project does not begin with base layers of Copic Marker, I’m forced to use more layers of colored pencil to fill in the tooth and reduce the grainy look. A marker base saves time and eliminates about 3 layers of pencil.

3. I used two different types of colored pencil, each serves a unique purpose. Holbein (DickBlick link) are densely pigmented and adhere to the paper easily and thickly. They’re excellent for filling in smooth areas. Pablo (DickBlick link) is a firmer pencil, ideal for crisp edges and sharp detail points.

4. The cast shadow here includes everything and the kitchen sink. Every pencil on the ornament is also found in the shadow because nothing’s more boring than a flat gray shadow.

ADVANCED LEVEL CHALLENGE

Crystal Bauble is an advanced independent study available in my online course workshop.

This project originally ran in December 2024 for members of my advanced independent group, The Underpainters.

Now you can purchase the same UP lesson package including digital line art, 22 page guidebook with 100 photos, and a recorded version of the livestream discussion.

Unlock the secrets of layering colored pencils to create unique and dymamic colors.

Crystal Bauble coloring kit is not a guided step-by-step class. Video demonstrates key parts of the coloring process and audience Q&A but is not a full demonstration.

Advanced students need encouragement to make their own decisions and select their own colors. The Study materials are very helpful and provide strong hints and tips but we will not hold your hand through every detail of the process.

PRODUCTS IN TODAY’S VIDEO

Full supply list at the bottom of the page

THE GIFT OF COLOR

MORE CHRISTMAS PROJECTS

(click the pic for more info)

ADVANCED COLORING

INTERMEDIATE COLORING

WE TEST COPIC INK

BEAUTIFUL COLOR PALETTES

UNDERPAINT RECIPE ARCHIVE

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SUPPLY LIST: “CRYSTAL BAUBLE”