A New Perspective on Artwork

When you first think of colored pencil art, most people think of their childhood set of crayola color pencils comes to mind. It’s true, many artists have begun to revisit this treasured childhood tool to create amazing works of art with colored pencils. Gone are the days of traditional style pencil drawings. Colored pencils open up a whole new dimension of color for artists of all styles, and the results are incredible works of art. You have to see this to believe it!

The internet is a great place to start if you are interested in learning more about the use of colored pencils in modern art. It continues to gain attention as an art form, and what used to just “be for the kids” is quickly becoming a respected form of artwork among critics and artists alike.

Whether you just like to look, or enjoy using colored pencils in your own unique way, there are many tips and techniques to the popular craft. Next time you are in a store check out the arts and crafts section. Many stores are taking notice of colored pencil art and it’s popularity as well!

 They really did that with colored pencils? Realistic color pencil artwork on the internet

Would you believe that this picture of Lindey Lohan was done entirely from color pencils?

It looks so realistic, it couldn’t of been completed entirely from color pencils, but it was. Artists are experimenting with different color art techniques, colored pencils specifically, for many reasons. Two main advantages to using colored pencils for art are  including the realistic color of the pencil art and the convenience and ease of use they offer.

Experiment with different coloring techniques

The colors are endless. Most brands of colored pencils will blend together to form an infinite number of unique colors (much like paint!) This helps artists create such realistic looking colored pencil art you would swear has to be paint. Of course, you must also have artistic talent and abilities to execute such masterpieces, but colored pencil artwork is really for anyone with an imagination.

Colored pencils are fun for everyone

If drawing is not your thing you can always enjoy the vast array of colors in your favorite color books. And coloring books are not just made for kids anymore. Once you get into coloring pictures with a good assortment of quality colored pencils you will be hooked. Get one of the great coloring books for colored pencils at Dover Publications, they have something for everyone.

Any color under the rainbow

That being said, color pencils come in many different styles, every brand will have different features. Anyone interested in colored pencil art will need to experiment to find what works best for their needs. Popular artist quality color pencils include prisma colored pencils and staudtler colored pencils – these are just two top picks in artist quality colored pencils. These “artist grade” colored pencils are a bit pricier than crayola colored pencils, but are worth the cost if you are serious about colored pencil art. If you are unsure about spending a lot on a set, look for a smaller set of “artist grade” pencils (you can grab singles at craft stores like Jo Anne Fabrics) or go with Crazy Art brand. I have this brand, among others, and they are great for colored pencil basics. You can find these at many large retailers, including Wal-Mart.

More colored pencil tips for creating original artwork

Once you have your colored pencils, you are ready to start creating and may need to learn some colored pencil techniques. There are many quick tips found all over the internet, depending on what you kind of art you want to create with your colored pencils. From drawing to modern art and abstract art, colored pencils will get the job done and you will have fun doing it. There are countless umbers of art websites around, many even specialize in colored pencil techniques.You can even join the Colored Pencil Society of America, which even for non-members is a valuable resource.

Once you finish your first masterpiece I know you will feel a sense of accomplishment and pride. Colored pencil art, much like regular art, is a very theraputic and relaxing activity. You may spend many days coloring one drawing, but that is perfectly normal. Grab a clip board and think of a creative way to hold your colored pencils for later use. You can post your colored pencil artwork on the internet on a free website for art enthusiasts such as DeviantArt. They even give their members a chance to offer prints of their artwork and other items customized with their artwork. This service is free and actually will pay you whenever you sell an item!

Hate how colored pencils break so easily? It may be the way your are sharpening your colored pencils… check out this great tip from art-is-fun.com:

Here’s the best way to sharpen a colored pencil:

Hold the colored pencil in one hand and the pencil sharpener in the other hand, and then turn the pencil sharpener, while holding the colored pencil still.

Most of us do it the other way around (turning the pencil and holding the sharpener still), but if you turn the pencil sharpener instead, it reduces the stress on the colored pencil and reduces breakage.

 Bored? Want to satisfy the urge to doodle?

Need some inspiration?

Here are a few links to some of the FREE coloring pages courtesy of coloring-pages-for-all-ages.com:

• http://www.coloring-pages-for-all-ages.com/support-files/dancing-buddha.pdf
• http://www.coloring-pages-for-all-ages.com/support-files/pop-art-bird.pdf
• http://www.coloring-pages-for-all-ages.com/support-files/pierrot-on-hill.pdf
• http://www.coloring-pages-for-all-ages.com/support-files/fishbowl.pdf
• http://www.coloring-pages-for-all-ages.com/support-files/astrophysicists-eye.pdf
• http://www.coloring-pages-for-all-ages.com/support-files/art-nouveau-peacock-walk.pdf