Tips For Best Coloring Results

Although the main purpose of coloring isn’t to prove how masterful you are, it is always gratifying to obtain a work suitable for framing and displaying. Here are some tips to enhance your coloring experience and results.

1) Remember, your drawing isn’t a paint-by-number. Don’t be afraid to take creative liberties. For example, you can use all sorts of shading and texturing with tiny dots, lines or crosshatch patterns. With pencils or pastels, you can even apply some color to a Kleenex and then rub onto portions of your drawing to create a subtle background color.

2)  Blending colors softens, and creates dimension and visual interest. Use your finger or a Q-tip to blend colors when using pencils or similar media.

3) Try using 2-3 markers or pencils simultaneously to achieve color variation and depth. Differing tones of the same basic color work best with this technique. For example, try a light, medium and dark blue.

4) For markers or most any media, use darker and lighter shades to add dimension and “shine” to chosen areas.

5) Remember that hot-pressed (smooth) paper is well suited to colored pencils, while hot-pressed (rough or textured) paper is well suited to watercolors, watercolor pencils, or most any media.

6) When framing, a wide mat will set off your work. For matting, select a color from within your art that you want to bring out.