TOP 10 Colored Pencil Tips to Boost Your Coloring Skills 

My husband supports my time and money spent coloring. He shows interest in the piece I a working on and comments like "I like what you did with those colors there." I fall more in love with him when he gives my work attention. Of course his dad was an artist too. It's so sad that he passed away in 2010, I'd love to be able to chat with him about art.

Wow I am amazed at how negative people can be over silly things. I know I mentioned earlier I was deaf so I might be a bit sensitive, but really the "intro was to loud" or "you talk to much". Honestly, turn your volume off and don't watch if you don't enjoy. Why say something that is like a slap in the face. I don't understand ... we need more kindness in this world to change this thought of it is okay to put people down that spent a lot of time and effort to help others. "So God so LOVED the World" so why can't we????

`I disagree with the comments on audio volume. What's really annoying is tutorials with insufficient volume. There's no solution to that. Too loud can be adjusted down by the viewer, and for some of us that's easier than writing complaints to someone who's seeking to benefit us through shared information/experience. Aside from that, I don't detect the volume discrepancy that's claimed to be causing all this distress. Thanks for the share! All Blessings and Peace, in all you do!

I did a youtube stumble onto your videos... the Fates work in mysterious ways. You speak to the beginners with integrity. Awesome! Your encouragement and subtle explanations of the fits and starts of trusting 'you have the ability' are appreciated. Thank you for your energy, and faith, that we can all create and enjoy art.

I’m in Stay At Home orders due to coronavirus, and I SO APPRECIATE this video! I just started coloring about two weeks ago, and wondered how some colorings look so pretty. THANK YOU!!!!

I have a tip! I'm very heavy handed so cheaper pencils like Crayola are waaaay easier for me to shade with, but I love my prismas so at the end of my work I'll go and add in my really pigmented shadowing or highlights..

The mom thing - it's better for the kids to have happy mother and see that mom can have a hobby than have tired mother who is unhappy.

I love this tutorial! I found it very interesting and informative. I remember many years ago, people would laugh at me because i loved to colour to relax. Back then there were no adult colouring books so I had to look for some half way decent kid's books to colour. Now it's very popular to colour and there are so many beautiful books for adults! I subscribed and look forward to watching all you video's!

I have been looking at the pretty picture of the vase of flowers and I'd love to see how you would color it. I'll bet it would be a beautiful work of art. Thank you for this great tutorial!

I am just learning to color and have a serious Charlie horse in my back from hours of coloring. I was hunched over too much 😭. That is seriously great advice and the first time I have heard it.

Oh my goodness. This was so great. You are such a great teacher. I love coloring and your right it is a stress release. I am deaf and the words that came across the screen were so easy to read and understand. You would make a great public speaker. I am excited to put these tips to work. Thank you so much. Can not wait to get a notice that you have another video on board.

Your so right about watching videos. I've gotten so much better so fast! It gives me instant gratification and pide that I want to do and try more instead of putting it down in "I'll never be able to do this " attitude ! The will to go on, ....YEAH !!

I'm certainly new, I just bought my first book yesterday. Thank you so much. I already have learned so much from you, and I'll watch the other you tubers you mentioned also.

Dear Erin, thanks again for another great video! I simply love your way of teaching us so many basic things! Try not to be bothered by any negative comments, people should be more aware of the amount of your free time you spend on teaching us! Instead of teaching us you could have coloured so much for yourself, they should be more aware of that. So thank you and see you on one of your other videos!!!

Thank you for all of the great tips. I am new to coloring and have had a very difficult time applying the colored pencils in a consistent manner, no matter how many videos I have watched. Your explanation and visual has enlightened me and I can now actually go from light to dark each time. Amazing how beneficial tips and tricks are. Thank you again

Oh my goodness, this is a fantastic video. I have watched so many that more advanced colourists have done and felt I could never get that good. Your video has given so much information on the basics that the others don't for a beginner. Thank you so much.

Ha, ha...I'm so guilty of death gripping. Thank you for making me aware of it. I benefitted a lot from your tutorial. I am subscribing. Jim.

For those coloring books that have those thin pages like Whimpsy girls, etc., I put a sheet of the quality paper to which she talks about in the printer and make a copy of that page from that book.

You are absolutely right... finally got the nerve to start after foot surgery about 2 weeks ago. I love my coloring timer! I love learning and seeing the results. Lots to learn but having fun trying. Thanks so much for you advice.

Thank you for this video! I found it very helpful, especially the “tools of the trade!’ 🎨 ✏️

I am a new subscriber but I have watched your videos before. This is very thorough and I got a lot of information from it. I have been coloring for two years, but there's always new things to learn! Thank you!!

I love your videos! You have taught this 55 year old amateur how to color. I've applied so many of your suggestions. Thank you for introducing me to Prismacolor pencils. They are a wonderful investment.

Love this!! This is so informative...thank you, incredibly well done.

I agree completely with the happy parent notion. I am not a parent, but I do live with my partner, but he is very supportive of my coloring. I have only been coloring about 6 months. I started with very poor quality pencils and a single coloring book that was a gift. I had been quite ill and was having tremors in my hands. I didn't do much of anything. I now color every day. The tremors in my right hand are barely noticable and even my penmanship is improved. I am much happier and I am much more independent. I have three sets of moderately inexpensive pencils and a mix of old pencils from my days teaching in the industrial arts, my cousin the architect, and my cousin the the costume designer. So I even have some Prismacolor premiers though they are now stubs. But I recommend coloring to most of my friends and acquaintances that need a little distraction from the rest of their lives. I am lucky to have found coloring and I am going to start sketching and drawing again to do my own original work as soon as I get my confidence back. Thanks for the video.😊

I really enjoyed your video. i just started drawing and wanted some basic ideas on coloring my sketches and for a beginner I learned a few very helpful tips from you. Love how you say just enjoy and do it your way as long as your involved. Thanks so much.

My Sister....Thank You so much for these tips! Yet another added to subscribe list. I have already started following the other colorist you mentioned here, and yes they are fabulous...really makes me feel like I am learning something new and NOT having to pay for expensive classes. And I like the way you come across as down to earth speaking the truth about what and how to buy what is needed. Also the way you ended it with telling people to just be themselves and do what ever it is that makes them comfortable...Great! I Love these tips that are so needed to folks like me that need a refresher course on the basics, my favs are: #10 I thought that I was doing something wrong with the way I was coloring but soon realized from watching you and some of the other colorist that the best way to handle this is to do You! I was so afraid of getting started because wasn't sure if the colors I was choosing was right (I'm so color blind) it took me a while to figure out that you don't need every dang gone color in the spectrum to do just one page, boy I was all over the place. Finally got that figured out! Had to make a coloring chart while using a magnifying glass to choose my colors and then go from there. #9 I do, do ABC's of coloring....I color all the time. I have a stressful job so when shift is over I'm running to color...whew! Yes color when you can as much as you can! #8 I spend a lot of money on pencils but was looking for some better tools to go with them and not quite knowing which should buy...but because of you I'm going with what you are suggesting here. I too started out with Crayola and I was working too hard. Didn't know that even though I'm deathgripper too it was too hard to get the colors down. I have hundreds of pencils from all brands but did not spend the money to just go on and buy the best...well I'm looking at Amazon now to place an order for the Prismacolors 150 set. Also ordering an electric eraser, a white gel pen and a blender from Prismacolor as well. I'm gonna give my other pencils away except for the 24 set of Prisma's I have now. What I need is a color chart like the one you have because mine is all over the board. Keep Up The Good Work...I'm a watching! Angel

Thank you!!!!! Yep that is me, started with the cheap pencils and blisters galore. Since then I've gotten Fabre, Pablo as well as prisma but here's the problem and I'm so glad I found you.......the blending issues. I too follow PETA lovely person. I have MS so I'm coloring to avoid my disease...LOL but I spend all day....I'm hooked. I have to put you down for now, need a break but I wanted to thank you much for this. My channel has been hacked so I will have to look you back up for more info. Cheers!!!! Oh gamer too! 😂

Thank you, Thank you, thank you, this is such an amazing video. I have really become obsessed in adult coloring books, but I haven’t colored since I was a child, or sometimes with my grand kids. I am totally lost when it comes to coloring. Your video has helped me so much and given me so much advice.(if I can remember everything) I’ve been watching your videos and am in awe, you are a beautiful artist. I have also been looking at other videos also, you have given me the tools and ideas that maybe, I can become good at coloring too. This is my wish, I don’t know why I’ve become so interested lately but I really have a desire to do this. Thank you again for all the great information ❤️

I'm coloring rn too! You're awesome btw for giving shout outs and being grateful .. it makes me love your channel even more!

Very helpful! Thanks so much for sharing your wisdom and tips!

I'm not even 15 minutes in the video and you have already helped me tremendously I literally just sharpen my pencil and cracked it five seconds later you showed how to actually sharpen it and it helped it made a world of a difference thank you

Please don't apologize for the length of this video. I am not even a newbie yet, because I don't know how to choose colors or do anything. I have the coloring books, but want to learn all I can before I start. My elder daughter gifted me with a beautiful book called "Beautiful Birds and Treetop Treasures" by Millie Marotta. I want to start on the hummingbird, but have no idea how to make some of his colors have that iridescent shine I see when they are hit by the sun. This video was organized very well, and it taught me a lot. I took notes, of course and added you to my favorites in IE. Your taking the time to cover and teach us as much as you did was very kind, and I will be watching this video again and again. Thank You! Dee

Just found you on utube and have sat through your whole video. You have given some of the most helpful, beneficial and down to earth instruction that I have found . It's great and I already have some notes to try when I sit down later today to do some coloring. Thank you so very much for taking the time and sharing. Pat

Thank you I totally agree you ladies out there take time for yourselves, happy you happy family.

Just found you. I agree about Pam Proctor, I have learned the most from her. Although, have picked up little things from others as well. Loved your ABC tip. There have been so many times that I would only have 5-15 min's tops to do any coloring and felt it wasn't worth the time to pull my supply's out for that amount of time and as a result more than a week would go by without me doing anything and I would get frustrated. I haven't been coloring even a full year, but I'm one of those that work hard on getting the shading and layering right. So...that tip was very useful for me. Thank you!

Great video! Helpful to beginners and novices.

Your tips work like magic for someone who just started in adult coloring book. Thank you so much. 😊

I'm so in love with colored pencils, they are my favorite to use. I started using just #2 pencils in my sketching and then moved into actual sketch pencils and then I took my sketching techniques of creating realism in images and I started using the Marco Raffine and now Crayola's and I just so love coloring pencils. Yes, they do require time but oh it's so worth it! I am saving up my pennies to get Poly Chromo's! Thanks for sharing all of this!

I stand and colour, I walk around and look at the piece from different angles. I can't sit for long so this suits me best. I colour for fun and mental well being, along with my grandson, who is 7 and just has an awesome talent for colouring. I love the way you have explained everything, even I can follow it lol. I have made a list of people to follow. Thank you so much.

I'm hearing impaired and I love that I can hear you.

Very helpful and informative video. It has helped me so much. I bought the 120 Prismacolors and have struggled to not press to hard and blend it with the white. I just couldn't manage it. It always turned out wrong. I got disheartened and haven't coloured for years. I get everything out and do 3 tiny spaces or just flick through books and find one, get a few pencils out and then put it all away again. I was sick of ruining my expensive books. You've really helped me so much with holding the pencil and lightly doing small circles. Tried it today and I can already see a huge difference. The effect which has eluded me for years is now, at long last, starting to look "right". THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH FOR TEACHING ME THAT. I've watched so many uploaders and tried to do it, but never got told your helpful tip. So, thanks again. I really enjoyed and appreciated it and will be watching lots more of your uploads now I've found you. 👍😁😘

Thak you, Erin! Six years later and your Tutorial is as fresh as ever! I just found it by accident! Well Done! LOL! Lynn in NYC

I really enjoyed this! I watch the youtubers you mentioned but this was like a refresher course. :)

Thank you so much for posting all this information. I am new to coloring, I mean brand new! So this info you shared here has helped me so much!! I am subscribed and ready to lear more 🥰

Excellent! Best introduction to adult coloring yet. Thanks!

I’ve been watching your videos for a little while, but never saw this one. This video is excellent, if you’ve just started coloring or are considering getting into coloring this video will save you time, frustration, and money. It took me some time to learn all this on my own. Take heed to her advice, she knows her stuff!

Oh my goodness... I couldn't figure out why my prismacolors always broke when I sharpened them even when I tried to be careful. You just changed my life and probably saved me lots of money on new pencils.

Great image, too. The best adult coloring book images, like the one in this video, can usually be found in the Penny Press series of books.

This video just came across my feed. For parents out there, growing up my Mom loved to color & we would spend a little bit of time every couple days instead of a bedtime story we would color. She got to enjoy something she loved to do & I got to work on fine motor skills without even knowing it. Was going through some of her stuff (she's been gone for a few years now) & one thing she kept was the first crayola pencil crayons. I can tell because I was back for chewing on them. Thanks for sharing this recommendations video.

Loved tip #4! That's going to be so helpful to me.

Thank you for your great video. I learned so much. I have just started coloring to relax. The part about where the light was coming from made this idea of highlighting and shadow so clear to me. Thanks again for this very informative video.

Thank you! I have recently started coloring again to help with depression and anxiety and I want to get better at it lol this video has helped me so much to learn about using color pencils which I love using BECAUSE they take so long to color with..no rushing 😅

Thank you so much for sharing this wonderful information

You are one of my favorite colorists ❤️ you are a great teacher, so glad you do this on you tub..😀💕

Thanks for the video, enjoyed it and learned a lot from your tutorial. I've just started coloring and have been using Crayola pencils. I never knew there was such a difference in pencils but appreciate your explanation of the difference in the brands. I look forward to learning more from your videos.

Ideally enjoyed this video. You shared such wonderful tips and made me want to color more. Thanks😀

I love your wisdom and experience. When you say, "Do it, even if you think it's hard/boring/not fun, because even I think it's hard/boring/not fun..." it makes your advice feel so real! Thank you for sharing the struggle!

Thank you for taking you time and all the information. Me and my daughter went shopping I got three books and 24 scholar prismacolor. I have others color pencils. I just want to color my way for now. I will keep watching your videos and color same time.

Your most helpful tip for me, as a beginning colorer who just wants to relax and isn’t concerned about making a work of art, was sharpening pencils. Who would have known? Thanks for the tip! 💗

Wow. Most of these tips worked for me!! I am a begginer with colored pencils and Ive gotten much better. Thank you for making this video

So glad I found you. I want to learn how to use coloring pencils.

I'm so glad I found your channel!!! I really enjoyed this video :) I just subscribed !!

You are an excellent teacher! Great video!

Very informative. I like the way you explain things.i have watch some of the other videos they are great too. I like the variety I pick different things from them. Love coloring and I put them on cards when sending them, people comment on my coloring details and I feel proud thank you. I also do with gel pins I mix everything and it's beautiful. I just have fun

Thank you for taking the time to share your love , tips & passion for coloring !! I just happened upon your video series this morning & subscribed to your channel ! I've been coloring for about 2 years now & still love picking up little inside tips to improve my passion!! Thank you again for your sharing!! Happy coloring!

Excellent video, thank you. You give really sensible, achievable advice.

Very informative ty so much. Never appologise for long videos. People have a choice ere to speed you up or they can jump ahead. I know how much I enjoy learning from you guys and am so grateful for all the work you do to help us all out so huge thank you

Thank you for the tips, really helpful.

I love your tip 9 and 10. I need to take both of those to heart!

This video helped me with my coloring

Just found your video, and thank you for the great tips. I think I'll have more enjoyment coloring now.

See I'm the opposite at the 9th tip, if I make it so I draw/colour everyday I'll get bored and lose interest, so when I start feeling like drawing and colouring is losing my attention or I can't get something quite right I'll take a couple days, weeks, even months off then come back to a project or start up something new and that works really well for me

I REALLY enjoyed your video!!! Most points I have heard/seen HOWEVER you have a great way of presenting. Keep on doing what you're doing. Thank you for taking your time to make the video.

Love your nails!!! And your artwork also, thanks for all your tips on how to and fonts on coloring

I Love Peta Hewitt! She’s so sweet and patient, plus so relaxing to listen to.

great explanations, well done! thanks for this!

Thank you so much for so many wonderful techniques and ideas. I'm new to this coloring trend, I love it!

Love it! I look forward to coloring, like a child getting an ice cream cone. I am not very good yet, but l still look forward to it and tips like yours help me along to get better. Oh! If I do skip days I too feel almost like writers block for colorists or Poof I am almost feeling like I am starting over again, hence your video. Much thanks.

Hey! Good tip videos! I've been coloring for a little while now and your videos help tell me how to get where I want to get. You have also inspired me to join the little online community of colorists, so thanks!

Something I just started using is kneadable erasers. They're amazing! If you want to know why I like them my reasons are below, They actually pick up the lead/graphite/charcoal instead of smudgeing or leaving the excess youd get from a normal eraser. You can knead them into any shape to help you get into every nook and cranny. Tear them apart to make them smaller, put them back together to make them bigger, they will be any size you want/need them to be. So if you've made a slight mistake and gone out the lines when shading or colouring, no worries, grab the eraser and you'll be able to correct it without going too far into the drawing or smudgeing it everywhere Depending on how much pressure is put on it, it can go from making the pencil a lighter colour to erasing it completely and leaving the paperlooking brand new. I love them now and won't ever go back to a normal eraser! This is just a highly recommended eraser which has already saved my drawings so many times, so anyone looking for a new type of eraser I'd reccomend the kneadable eraser

Thank you for such a nice video. I am very interested in learning how (and when) to blend shade, highlight etc. I love your tips and will practice them. I will also watch the videos of the other people you mentioned (esp. Peta Hewitt) Thanks again.

You just gave me a good idea to put colour pencils in Ziploc bags. Can I ask why you do? Is there a reason why you do that? Does it keep the colours or the pencils fresh?

This video is very helpful for me. And thanks for your encouragement girl! I am an occasional, and a beginner. So thank you!

Hi your rectangle shadowing is about my best. I will take you up on the 1 hour a day coloring challenge. From Australia

Ur so awesome! Thanks for the advice that U have given. I honestly am more confident to colour in and keep learning Ur tips. Thank you

#1 use qaulity supplies Beginner: crayola, roseart In between: prismacolor scholars Getting serious: good paper (thick & textured), fabercastel polycromo, prismacolor #2 color with very light pressure #3 sharp pencil, color in small circles. Layer and build color slowly and lightly. When blending go from light to dark. Use at least 6 layers with at least 3 colors. sharpen with non dominant hand holding the pencil. #4 make color swatches to save time picking colors. #5 watch videos to learn techniques of these youtubers: peta hewitt Coloring pages bliss Art alacart Cher kaufman (I have no idea if i spelled those wrong)

Im new in this world but you make it so easy it’s like you know all the questions This is my first time I enjoy a long video with out skipping you are a gift for us

Helpful tips. Thanks!

Your videos are awesome! Thanks for giving great ideas for coloring pencil ideas!

Your video was extremely educational and helpful. Thanks

Great tips, thank you!

Awesome Tutorial!! Thank you! More Please❤️❤️🖌🖌🖍🖍🎨🎨

I was just talking with my best friend about wanting to take coloring classes. Well 🙄!! I keep finding videos on RU-vid and adding them to my Watch List. Everything I need/want to learn is waiting to be watched. Thank you for this very interesting and informative video! You switched the switch and turned on the light bulb 💡 in my brain.

These are such great tips thanks so much

I really enjoyed this, you did an awesome summery

I use an inclined board when i color. I find it more comfy than when i color on a regular table. The major drawback though is it's difficult to work on books so i mostly tear pages off.

Great tips! I have the Crayola 120 set and I love them almost as much as my Polychromos. I find the color payoff and blendability of Crayola are really good (for me). On the other hand, I don't enjoy Spectrum Noir or Prismacolors. I can't get those to blend or layer without smearing. I think I just prefer a hard pencil. I think people definitely have a preference on brand/type of pencil, so I'd also say maybe just try a few different things to find what works for you - buying just a few pencils open stock is one way to do that without spending a ton of money.

Excellent video and advise! Thank you

You're a great teacher TY!!!!

I just on your website you or so good an you go so slow an you can learn so easy.Thank you for your TIME ❤