Do you basecoat coloring projects with white colored pencil, especially when working on colored paper? That’s a dangerous game! Colored pencil layers merge over time. White pencil pigment can change the color of top layers in unexpected ways. The color you apply will not be the color we see later.

Colored Pencil Changes As it Ages

I call this natural process “marination” and it happens to every brand of colored pencil ever made.

It has nothing to do with lightfastness. These changes happen to all pencils, all brands.

The waxes and oils in colored pencil mature after you apply them. Wax usually rises up above the layers of pigment particles. Oil often sinks deeper into the paper fibers.

Marination changes the appearance of your colors over time.

White is often the worst offender.

Laying deep or vibrant colors over white colored pencil can wreck havoc with your art.

Many kraft-paper coloring tutorials recommend coloring over a base of white colored pencil. Because of the marination effect, these projects are not archival even if you use expensive lightfast pencils.

White base-coats are simply not necessary. I did not base-coat my Illustrated Monarch project with white pencil and yet the color is gorgeous and vibrant.

There are safer ways to get bright color on kraft or any mid-toned paper. My new Illustrated Monarch class explores a better way.

The Life of a Butterfly

 Join Amy for a vibrant Copic + Colored Pencil lesson

Marker Painting Workshops - online!

Illustrated Monarch features ”Monarchs & Milkweed” from PowerPoppy.com

Illustrated Monarch is an advanced level coloring class

Real time coloring, recorded live

Live Workshops are unscripted demonstrations which provide students with a real look into the authentic coloring process. You’ll see mistakes being made and corrected. It’s just like visiting Amy in her home studio.

Log in and color with Amy at your convenience. Anytime access, no expiration dates.

Class was recorded in July 2020 and featured a live student audience. Amy answers questions from the students and offers many tips for better colored pencil art.

Select supplies used in Illustrated Monarch:

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