Content

• Steps
• Tips

How to mix colors and apply shadows correctly with Prismacolor pencils!

Steps

1. 1 Collect everything you need: graphite paper, any Prismacolor pencils, colorless pencil or shading stick (optional)
2. 2 Prepare your pencils: Sharpen all pencils sharply, and spread them out from lightest to darkest. For example, depending on the color, from pale blue to dark blue, from pale green to dark green.
3. 3 When mixing colors, focus on one area at a time. Choose a color first and apply a light "shadow" layer over the selected area (layering is a key factor in the Prismacolors blending process)
4. 4 If good shading is required, apply more and more layers using different shades from the same color group (when applying layers, paint the shadows in the same direction).
5. 5 If good mixing is required, apply more and more coats using different colors. However, instead of stroking in the same direction, use cross hatching or strokes in opposite directions.
6. 6 To make a light or dark shade, you can add a layer of black or white.
7. 7 When all layers have been applied, use a clear pencil (Prismacolor pencil to which no paint has been added: transparent or colorless. Use it for strokes where you want to blend colors. You can also use a cotton swab or a shading stick. (Note: after mixing different colors, the colorless pencil will not get dirty)
8. 8 If you are not happy with the mixed colors, apply more other colors in layers or erase unwanted colors.

Tips

• Here's how to blend from start to finish using Prismacolor pencils. (You can find pictures on the Internet. If you use Google search, you can find a lot more reference material.)