Intro to Drawing with Colored Pencils

Discover the basics of drawing with colored pencils in a relaxed, small-group class with instructor Donald Johnson. Three-week class: Sign up for one, two, or all three sessions.
Learn how to choose materials, blend colors, build layers, and add simple shading to make your sketches come alive.

Goal: Build foundational techniques for using colored pencils, graphite, and ink to acquire the skills needed to create a small drawing using a photographic reference.


TUESDAY, JUNE 2nd

6:30 – 8:30 PM 

1st Class:
This class will start with an introduction to supplies and demonstration of basic handling of the material and techniques; such as shading, hatching, cross-hatching, stippling, and blending.

Participants will  complete drawing exercises to experiment with the materials and create foundation drawings (sketches) from a reference photograph or object in preparation for their final drawing. 


TUESDAY, JUNE 9th

6:30 – 8:30 PM 

2nd Class: This class will focus on creating depth in their drawings through the use of perspective, tone, and value.  Participants will complete black and white drawings in preparation for their final drawings.  Students will be encouraged to bring in an object(s) or photograph for reference.


TUESDAY, JUNE 16th

6:30 – 8:30 PM 

3rd Class: There will be a class demonstration of colored pencil techniques (blending, layering, and shading).   Participants will combine skills from the previous classes to create a final drawing using colored pencils, graphite, and ink.

 

MATERIALS

The instructor will have materials to share, however here is a list of suggested materials:

  • Good set of colored pencils (such as Prismacolor)
  • Kneaded eraser
  • Permanent extra fine tip marker or pen set (Pigma Micron)
  • Set of graphite pencils
  • Pencil sharpener
  • Transparent ruler
  • Sketchbook for dry media with smooth texture