I remember when I first started experimenting with colored pencils. I was sitting at my kitchen table with a cheap set, trying to draw different fruits from photo references. It looked flat, scratchy, and nothing like what I saw in front of me.
Years later, I’ve learned a lot about how to approach colored pencil drawings for beginners in a way that feels natural, expressive, and grounded in observation – not formulaic or stiff.
My drawing style has always leaned toward observation. I try to see the shapes formed by light and shadow, then block those in loosely before refining details. I don’t draw outlines and fill them in. I don’t follow step-by-step templates. If you’re someone who wants to sketch from life or photos with real energy and personality, this article is for you.
I studied traditional 2D character animation at CalArts, where we drew every day and were encouraged to observe and simplify. That background definitely shaped how I use colored pencils today, less like a coloring book, more like a way to interpret what I see.
Colored pencil drawings for beginners: Start with mindset, not materials
When I was starting out, I thought better drawings meant more expensive supplies. But the real shift came when I changed how I saw what I was drawing.
I began looking for broad, simple shapes. I started thinking in patches of color and tone. I gave myself permission to draw messily.
If you're new to colored pencils, the biggest upgrade isn't in tools, it's in your mindset. The way you observe your subject and translate it onto the page matters far more than the brand of pencils you're using.
I learned this through a lot of trial and error. I'd get frustrated that my drawings didn’t “pop,” and I assumed I just needed more fancy materials. But once I started focusing on simplifying shapes and training my eye to notice value (light and dark areas), everything changed.
Key Points
- Block in large shapes of color first. Don't chase tiny details right away – build the overall form with light and shadow. Squint at your reference if it helps.
- Choose paper with enough texture. Smooth paper might seem clean, but a bit of tooth helps layering and blending. It also helps your marks feel more expressive.
- Sharpen often, but use the right sharpener. Cheap sharpeners destroy your pencils. I only use ones I trust now (here's what I use).
Supplies I Actually Use (and Why They Matter)
I’ve tested a lot over the years—from low-end school sets to high-end artist tools. You don’t need to start with expensive materials, but having a few good-quality items can make drawing way more enjoyable.
Bad pencils with weak pigment can leave your drawings dull no matter how skilled you are. And flimsy paper might buckle or tear if you try to layer color.
Here’s what I use regularly and recommend to beginners:
- Colored pencils with strong pigment. I like soft-core pencils for layering and blending. See my full take on the best colored pencils for artists. Cheaper pencils often feel waxy and won’t build layers well.
- A basic sketching set. If you want something beginner-friendly and not overwhelming, here are a few solid colored pencils sets I trust. Having fewer colors can actually help you focus more on value and blending.
- Good paper. Start with something that has light tooth but isn’t overly rough. My thoughts on the best paper for colored pencils include a few you can find locally. I prefer paper that can take a little pressure and still hold the pigment.
- A reliable sharpener. Cheap ones snap your lead or eat your pencils. I go into detail here. A good sharpener keeps your tip long without wasting the pencil.
If you’re curious about the pencils themselves, I wrote a full overview of colored pencils, including how they’re made and why they feel so different from graphite.
My Real Drawing Process: From Blank Page to Final Sketch
When I draw with colored pencils, I approach it almost the same way I would with paint. That means starting loose, thinking in terms of value (light/dark), and slowly building up layers with patience.
Step 1: Observation before anything else
I stare at my subject for a while before even touching the paper. I look for the biggest areas of light and dark, and the general shape of the thing I’m drawing. Whether I’m using a photo or drawing from life, this step helps me simplify.
If you skip this step, it’s easy to get caught up in tiny details and miss the larger structure. I’ve done that more times than I can count. Give yourself a moment to squint, blur your eyes, and look at your subject in a general way.
Step 2: Block in large shapes
Using a light pressure and a neutral tone, I lightly draw the basic forms, no hard lines. I think of this as sketching with shadow. It’s all about finding the structure of the object.
Try to keep your hand relaxed. Use your whole arm instead of just your wrist. The idea here is to feel out the composition and proportions.
Step 3: Layer slowly, using color to describe form
Once the foundation is down, I begin layering color. I try to move around the drawing and work in patches rather than getting sucked into one small area.
I start with lighter colors and slowly build toward darks. My pressure increases gradually. This helps me keep control and avoid accidentally oversaturating an area.
You can check out more tips on how to color with colored pencils without white spots, which helped me a lot early on.
Step 4: Add contrast and final marks
Toward the end, I pick a few key areas to push further, adding deeper tones, crisp lines, or vibrant color. I don’t try to make every inch of the page detailed.
Letting some areas stay loose creates breathing room and contrast. It gives your eye a place to rest and makes the detailed areas pop more.
Don’t Overblend: Texture is Your Friend
One mistake I made early on was trying to make everything look smooth and photorealistic. I would overwork the drawing until it lost its energy.
I later learned about burnishing, which can be helpful, but it’s not always necessary.
Let your marks show. Let the pencil strokes be part of the drawing. Expressiveness matters more than realism.
Texture gives your drawing personality. Those visible strokes show movement, gesture, and the hand of the artist. Don’t rush to blend everything out.
A Few Extra Things I Learned the Hard Way
These are all lessons I wish someone had told me when I started:
- Don’t worry about drawing outlines. Focus on shapes made by light and color.
- Avoid over-layering. You can only layer so much before the paper stops accepting pigment.
- If you want erasable options for sketching, these are surprisingly decent, especially for practice work.
- Watercolor colored pencils are fun, but they behave very differently. Try them after you get the hang of dry pencils.
- Colored pencils with erasers sound handy but often sacrifice quality. Use with caution.
If you're wondering about using colored pencils with other mediums, I’ve shared some thoughts on mixing them with markers and even using them on canvas.
What to Draw as a Beginner
I kept my subjects simple: fruit, old mugs, leaves, folded fabric, scenes from my kitchen table. I’d draw my coffee mug every morning from a different angle. Or the mess on my desk.
The goal isn’t to impress – it’s to learn how to see.
I’d recommend drawing from real life when you can. It trains your observation in a way that photos can’t. But if real-life drawing feels intimidating, start with photos. The important thing is to draw what interests you.
If you’re looking for a fun idea to practice light and shadow, here’s a tutorial on drawing a sunset with colored pencils. And for more strategy-based tips, I put together this guide on techniques for coloring with colored pencils.
I also created a guide on how to use colored pencils that covers even more beginner strategies.
Final Thoughts
Colored pencils can be incredibly expressive when you stop treating them like crayons and start treating them like a painting tool.
I think that shift – seeing shapes, building form, and embracing imperfection – makes all the difference.