Colored pencils can feel both exciting and intimidating when you're first starting out. I remember feeling stuck between wanting to make beautiful drawings right away and not knowing how to control the pencils without everything looking patchy or stiff.
If you're like me, and you're interested in using colored pencils for beginners in a way that leads to real improvement—and fast—then you're in the right place.
My approach to drawing is observational. I don’t teach the classic formulaic way where you build from stick figures or predefined shapes. I draw what I see: light, shadow, form, and texture. I start loose, block in the large areas, and slowly refine from there.
Colored pencils fit into this process beautifully, but only once I stopped trying to treat them like a coloring book.
I studied traditional 2D character animation at CalArts, which grounded me in gesture, observation, and storytelling through drawing. Colored pencils became a natural extension of that mindset, especially once I embraced layering, softness, and expressive line over perfection.
Key Points for Getting Better with Colored Pencils
- Think in shapes of color and light, not outlines
- Choose pencils and paper that match your style (not all supplies are equal)
- Start with loose, light marks and build up gradually—no pressure!
Using Colored Pencils for Beginners: Where to Start
When I talk to beginners, the biggest issue I see is thinking of colored pencils like markers or crayons—tools for filling in areas.
But with colored pencils, you're not just filling in shapes. You're layering, building color slowly, and letting the texture of the paper work in your favor. That’s where the magic happens.
I recommend starting with a small, simple subject from a photo—a piece of fruit, a mug, or even a tree trunk. Don't outline it. Just block in the large color shapes you see.
Squint to simplify the lights and shadows. You’ll notice things become more abstract, which is helpful. Then, sketch in those basic value shapes lightly. Stay loose.
Don’t try to get it perfect on the first pass. Think of your first few layers like a rough underpainting.
As for supplies, the quality of your materials absolutely affects how quickly you improve. Cheaper pencils often don’t layer well or break easily. The frustration from poor supplies can kill your momentum before you even begin.
It’s worth exploring the best colored pencils for artists and testing what feels right in your hand. My go-to brands are Faber-Castell and Prismacolor—and I wrote a full review of Faber-Castell colored pencils if you're curious.
Materials Make a Bigger Difference Than You Think
You don’t need a huge set to start, but what you do need is paper that grips the pencil and lets you build up color. Smooth printer paper just doesn’t cut it.
Look for paper with a bit of tooth or texture. It holds the pigment better and gives your drawing depth. I wrote more in-depth about the best paper for colored pencils, but the short version is this: avoid slick or glossy surfaces.
Also—sharpening. You’ll want to sharpen your pencils often, and the sharpener you use matters more than you’d think. A bad one will split the core or waste your pencil. Here’s the one I recommend: best pencil sharpener for colored pencils.
If you're not ready to fully commit to non-erasable pencils, Ticonderoga erasable colored pencils or colored pencils with erasers can be helpful during early practice.
They’re especially handy if you like to sketch and adjust your structure as you go.
My Approach: Observational and Expressive
When I draw, I look for big shapes of light and shadow first. Instead of outlining an apple, for example, I block in the general red area, then the darkest shadows, then I add highlights by leaving the paper showing through.
At the start, I press very lightly. I let the drawing build up through multiple layers, using pressure only toward the end when I want richness or contrast.
One tip that helped me early on was to stop thinking of coloring as “filling in.” That mindset leads to flatness. Instead, I use small circular motions or light hatch marks that follow the form of the object.
Think about how the surface curves—your pencil strokes should echo that.
Techniques for coloring with colored pencils helped me understand how layering and blending work. And if you're wondering how to get that smooth, shiny look, you can explore burnishing with colored pencils.
Burnishing takes practice, but it can really bring a drawing to life when used intentionally.
When to Use Erasable vs Traditional Colored Pencils
There are times when erasable pencils are genuinely helpful. For example, when I'm planning a composition or figuring out proportions, they let me explore without fear.
But keep in mind: they’re not as vibrant or blendable as professional-grade pencils. Once I feel confident in a sketch, I switch to traditional colored pencils.
For loose sketching with color—especially outdoors or when journaling—I sometimes combine colored pencils and watercolor or even mix in colored pencils and markers.
Mixing media helps when I want to quickly lay in tones and then refine with pencil detail.
Try Drawing Real Objects, Not Just Coloring Pages
You don’t need to wait until you feel “ready” to draw from life. You’ll improve faster by looking at real things and trying to capture their shape and light.
Pick a small object and place it near a window or under a desk lamp. Use strong lighting that casts shadows. Then sketch what you see—not what you think it looks like.
Draw loosely using large color shapes. Don’t aim for a perfect apple or leaf or bottle. Just notice the shadow shapes, the color transitions, and how the light hits the surface.
Try sketching a sunset with colored pencils or a shadow on the wall. These quiet moments train your eye.
If you're looking for inspiration, I have a few colored pencil drawings for beginners that can help you get started.
Common Beginner Questions
There are always practical questions when starting out:
- Can I use colored pencils on canvas? You can, but it's tricky. I explain more here: can you use colored pencils on canvas
- What if my drawings have white spots? Here’s a simple fix: how to color with colored pencils without white spots
- What’s the difference between Prismacolor pencils and watercolor pencils? I break it down in this article: colored pencils vs watercolor pencils
You can even go deep and learn about how colored pencils are made or when colored pencils were invented if you like nerding out like I do.
Don't Overcomplicate It: Start Drawing
The fastest way to get better is to keep going. Really. There’s no secret.
Pick a few pencils from a good colored pencils set, choose some real-life references, and draw loosely every day.
Keep your materials simple. Keep your expectations low. Just focus on the process of seeing better and moving your hand.
You don’t need to make anything perfect. Just keep your marks soft, your eye sharp, and your curiosity alive.
And if you're wondering what else to explore, here’s the main page that pulls together everything I've written and tested: colored pencils.