Episode 3: How to Layer Prismacolor Colored Pencils

In Episode 3 of the Prismacolor Colored Pencils for Beginners series, we'll take a look at layering. What is it? Why do you want to do it? What's the best way to go about it? We'll answer all those questions and more in this video, and then we'll put what we learn to the test in Secret Garden by Johanna Basford.

[@kenivrataric9783]

What you've done here, including Part 1 & 2, is a lot of work, and explained and demonstrated so well. I hope everyone who watched these video came away with something, and appreciate you for it. Great tutorials.

[@SimpleArtforAdults]

Keni Vrataric Thanks, Keni! Appreciate that a lot!

[@vikkicarter6080]

Thank you for doing this at its speed rather than speeding it up! Much better to follow x

[@LAWandCoach]

Yep A+ on that one. I am now going through the rest of your videos. Thanks for the Prismacolor as well. I also some 12 packs of other fancy ones but always back to my favorite. I appreciate also that you told the colors you used even though we may use a different trio. Well done young lady. Smiles

[@bfamiliar9011]

I'm brand new to adult coloring. My investment into this amazing hobby was to buy some supplies after watching some how to videos. My first investment just happened to be Worlds Of Flowers along with a set of the Prisma Premier 132 colored pencils and a Prisma pencil sharpener. After I brought my purchase home and what I had invested I took it home and became so overwhelmed after seeing some of the pictures that people have colored and wondered how on earth did they do it? So they sat for a month unused in my craft room thinking, “ I've just spent a considerable amount of money, I'm feeling overwhelmed and stressed, this is not at all relaxing nor any fun. “ Then this morning as I was eating my breakfast before getting ready for work, I happened to come across your channel and I'm so grateful that I did! I loved this video and how you not only explained how to but the why in an easy to understand fashion and then physically demonstrated the how to do it technique and finally showed the finished product of coloring a leaf and all I can say is, thank you so very much!! You are the first you-tuber channel that I had come across and made it seem to me that I can do this too!! Ijust want to say how very helpful and grateful that I am to you for sharing your amazing talent with others. I plan on binge watching your channel this weekend and then practice this lesson on a blank sheet of paper like in the video now that I understand the correct way (thanks to you) and to get the most use and care out of my new hobby. I liked, subscribed and hit the bell notification to on. I plan to binge-watch your videos and color this weekend. Thank you for sharing your amazing talent and for all of the hard work and dedication that you must put into your channel, and I can't thank you enough! Keep up the fantastic job and have a beautiful day! Sorry so long! 💕🎨☺️🌿

[@PatSmith-xk4nz]

❤😊❤❤❤❤😊❤❤❤😊❤

[@PatSmith-xk4nz]

❤❤❤❤😊❤❤❤😊❤

[@whitney32592]

You are a lifesaver! This is the most helpful series of videos on KZbin! Thank you so much!

[@karenm8692]

Erin, I have watched loads of videos on KZbin about colouring and blending but yours is the only ones I’ve had that “a-ha” light bulb moment with. So simply explained but absolutely brilliant. Thank you so much 😊

[@robyntaljaard4676]

I've just ordered my first set of Prismacolor pencils. So happy I came across your channel! This video really taught me alot ❤️

[@garrettcase9916]

Ive always been a black & white drawer with mainly graphite. Here recently I’ve wanted to really work on my realism and start using color. I’ve watched quite a few videos on layering coloring pencils and your video is by far the best. The way you broke it down just made it click within my head. Everything I’ve been learning & picking up just all came together. So thank you so much 🙏🏻

[@kimrichmond6308]

I’ve had my epiphany - layering is FINALLY making sense with the 3 pencils ✏️ thanks so much for these beginner tutorials. I’ve been coloring just over 2 months, and I’m now shaking my head over my first pages. I’ve dated each and listed the supplies used, it helps when I get discouraged. Please keep going, I’m sure this is old news to more experienced colorists - I’ve watched SO many videos, and now I’ll need to go back, and watch more carefully about the techniques employed. I’m totally ready to learn about blending - AFTER a bunch of practice while this is fresh in my mind - and my notes 📝 I’ve made are close at hand.

[@pamedwards365]

I like your techniques! I’d like to share something I figured out to make my coloring easier. I take my book to Office Depot and ask them to cut the spine off and replace with a spiral piece. It’s so much easier to hold your book!

[@AmazinGraceXOXO1]

Its many months later since you ve made these videos, and i cant thank you enough for taking the time to do this. I go back to this series time and time again, and every time i learn something new. Such a big help for a beginner like me!

[@Zellada]

So far, these have been exactly what I've been looking for. Step by step explanations. Bought my first set of 120 prismacolors 20 years ago. Much like you, I had no luck with them. They're in my storage garage to this day. Bought the 150 set awhile ago, figured I'd give them another try. I love the practice exercises on paper for learning the methods. THANK YOU so much.

[@juliekoontz8698]

I just found this video and I loved it so much that I had to subscribe! I’m new to this type of art and you made it so easy to understand. I can’t wait to binge the rest of your series!

[@carolynkimbrey1423]

Stayed up far too late on a work night to work through this...inspirational and SO clearly explained...thankyou!!

[@NisesSanctuary]

I’m highly enjoying these videos. I’m, by no means, an expert on blending, shading, and the like, so I always like seeing how others do it. I love how we al, can learn from each other.

[@SimpleArtforAdults]

Exactly! I've learned SO much from so many people, and for me, learning is one of the biggest joys in life!

[@chantiastewart5632]

Its 2020 and your lessons are still amazing! I've been looking for a long time for a tutorial that would break this down for me. Thank you! Thank you so much!!!!

[@addie1056]

This is just so well presented and explained, thank you, I don't often comment on KZbin but this was great :)

[@vhugoxgnu]

Thank you so much! I've just got my prismacolor colors and I'm learning how to work with them

[@Amy4000]

A light bulb went on in my head! Thank you!

[@brendaash7251]

Thank you so much. As a beginner I really appreciate the calm and clear way you explain and demonstrate. I don’t have prisma but using Arteza 48 set i am able to produce some lovely work, all thanks to you.

[@tinaguzman1614]

Erin!! Best tutorial ever (in my opinion)! Thank you so much for taking the time to do these videos! I love love love the way my first two leaves look. You make me want to call in so I can do my homework! I can't wait to finish all my leaves. Thank you again!

[@SimpleArtforAdults]

Haha Tina! I understand the desire to call in! I work from home, so the temptation is HUGE for me some days. I'd rather just color than work most days, but somebody's gotta pay the bills. I'm so glad you're enjoying the series!

[@barbarabrown5557]

This was very informative and helpful. Thank you.

[@crobinson3734]

I’m new. And I have to say I’ve been adamantly and passionately watching u tubes of different artist. You by far ,have taught me more than anyone yet!! PLUS I felt like I HAD to go back and order that 150 set ( I plan on it) but I CAN work and learn with you using my newly purchased 72 count. Thank you and I am now going back to my homework 😍

[@Brogdishjocke]

its my first time coloring its so relaxing :) thanks

[@julieholleran974]

thank you so much for the layering tutorial; I was definitely pressing too hard from the start--waaay too heavy handed--maybe because I'm a pianist?? Or just trying too hard--so thanks again really appreciate it a lot. I really enjoyed it...hugs, Julierose

[@nannickle]

I have learned the most from this video. This has been excellent for me . Thanks so much!

[@jaguar661000]

This has helped so much. Thank you.

[@colouringwithj.j7067]

2021.... Late to the party...But thank you for your brilliant explaining in the use of Prismacolor 🤗

[@traveldreamer4616]

Excellent tutorial using Prismacolors. Very applicable to other quality pencils. Well paced, yet you complete a step to generate successful use of a technique.

[@lisa0j]

Brilliant! Thanks so much. I bought a set of Prismas and now I feel so much more confident with what layering does.

[@melissatarbell5410]

All I can say is THANK YOU! I have been trying to learn this for months but this is explained perfectly for the way I learn. Thanks again🤗

[@SimpleArtforAdults]

+Melissa Tarbell I'm glad you enjoyed it! :)

[@Linda-kh6rl]

One of you comments you got was so true about appreciating your time.❤

[@khaalis9385]

I feel so over my head when first watching! But as time goes on you totally make techniques understandable and more importantly -- "Do-Able" Still waiting for the day when as an adult, art becomes simple for me too! I just got a color wheel too and tried to use it mid-stream while coloring to get myself "out of trouble." I got so frustrated! Duh! You very adeptly broke the lock open in understanding how to employ the color wheel! Thanks for that!

[@plstuart1965]

Great job!!! I really enjoy your videos. You're so thorough which is wonderful especially for new coloristas! 😀 Keep making new ones. I've been coloring and following along with KZbin videos for at least a year now so I followed along with you as a refresher.. Thanks for sharing.

[@darlenevandyk7390]

Awesome tutorial!!!

[@reneelanier3475]

Beautiful!!!!!!

[@misskimpegues]

I want to say thank you ... for showing me how to layer and what it means to layer .. i want to learn everything i possibly can about coloring...

[@Linda-kh6rl]

You have done so good that I have learned a lot an i will enjoy my pencil an use them for sure❤

[@coloringwithd]

Wow this totally did it for me! This is amazing!!! Exactly what I was looking for. Thank you 😊

[@dianeknuckles]

Great technique! Layering is what I've been working on lately.

[@SimpleArtforAdults]

Thank you! Layering just requires a little practice!

[@sandywilkie1671]

Great video I love layering my pencils but have only been successful following videos. Now I finally understand how to do layering . Thanks

[@Linda-kh6rl]

You or great at explaining your art work an taking your time slow to. An that means a lot.❤

[@KnitJones]

Just what I needed. Great demonstration.

[@nnpatel44]

Just found you here on KZbin. This are very helpful video series for beginners. Thank you for sharing your art with us. I am learning a lot from your videos. Bought very first set of prisma colors. Hope you are doing well. I have not seen your recent video or any post on Facebook group. I wish you make more videos in near future.

[@Watcher1852]

Thank You, and Thank You Again love the way you take your time

[@Angie-pl3uw]

Wow! Something tells me you are or were a teacher! I am following along although I belong in watercolor. But I just treated myself to Prismacolors, and I am very happy to get some instruction in using them. Thank you.

[@kimberlyhornikel771]

I found your channel when you started this series, and I have to say that I love all the information! you are doing a great job! Keep up the good work.

[@SimpleArtforAdults]

Thank you, Kimberly!

[@sharonvanderpool4611]

I have learned so much from you..the color wheel I never even considered, I will watch this video several times..you encourage me to keep trying..God Bless and thank you..😊

[@SimpleArtforAdults]

The color wheel is a very helpful tool! I'm glad you're finding the video helpful!

[@carolwrodz6623]

Great tips!!! Tfs!!!😃

[@suzannedoman7105]

Thank you for taking the time & effort to make these videos! I am learning so much.

[@SimpleArtforAdults]

You are welcome, Suzanne!

[@gwenp.2681]

This was SO helpful. Fantastic video. Thank you!

[@melissalong7387]

What a great tutorial! It is really nice to have things broken down like and explained like you do. I can't wait to work on my homework 😁

[@SimpleArtforAdults]

Glad you like it, Melissa!

[@KSKerrigan]

Very informative video. I am learning so much from this series. I'll have to come watch it again when I get my Prisma pencils. Just playing with my inexpensive set for now. Will anxiously wait for the next lesson.

[@SimpleArtforAdults]

Hi Kathy! Yes, definitely feel free to come back and do this once you have your Prismas in hand! You can practice in any way you'd like!

[@katrinaturner3755]

I discovered your videos today and sat down and watched all three. Thank you for taking the time to explain, with examples, the various techniques you have covered so far, they are informative and easy to follow. I am looking forward to watching the next episode. One thing I have trouble with and not sure if you can help but it’s picking colours - shades/tones that go together say greens for leaves how you you determine which colours to use.

[@SimpleArtforAdults]

Sometimes it's a matter of trial and error. I'll just try different ones on a paper until I find a combo I like. Other times, I'll just look at the different greens. Yellowy greens go together, bluish greens go together, brownish greens go together, etc. :) Hope that helps!

[@SirCracker]

And that is me today. Absolutely fantastic channel. I look forward to watching everything you have to offer.

[@ginnyfrancis4570]

These videos are so informative! You have a very nice way of explaining and demonstrating each technique. So easy to understand and follow. Thank you for taking your time to do these videos and I am looking forward to the rest you are planning to do. :)

[@SimpleArtforAdults]

Thanks Ginny! :)

[@janetdanes7945]

Thank you for your informative and well presented tutorial. Much appreciated.

[@sharifah3li277]

Thank you so much for this video, I have learned a lot by just watching one episode

[@yazosoyo]

Great video! I followed along and even though I don’t I have the prismacolors, I found similar colors and it came out really nice

[@papillonj65]

So helpful!!!!! Thank you so much. Loving your tutorials!

[@SimpleArtforAdults]

I'm glad to hear that! Thank you so very much for your comment!

[@barbarabolton1768]

I really enjoyed this video. You make it so easy! Thank you!

[@richardbailey2624]

Nice video, Ann. I'd also like to see blending grays with other grays and other colors. Thanks

[@lucillemoncrieff209]

I have prisma color pencils.. the 48 pack so I Don’t have some of the Colors you have. How do I follow along and get the results you get?

[@rbdreamsart]

I noticed how opaque the Prismacolors are and that's why I had such frustration trying to create a new color. But what I was doing was using medium to heavy pressure. Thanks for the tip to use light pressure to achieve the effect.

[@SimpleArtforAdults]

You are very welcome! Light layers work well with absolutely any pencil... even Crayola! I've gotten some really neat effects with budget pencils just from using them very, very lightly, one layer on top of the next.

[@ew72360]

Great explanation about blending/layering undertones 😊

[@SimpleArtforAdults]

I'm glad it helped, Elise!

[@samboslc]

Thanks for informative tutorial and explanation of color wheel. Learned a lot and followed with my own practice sheet. Works great. Used Finesse blender around edges and added some color back for a smoothing effect. Amature at best.

[@spleenforsoul]

This was helpful. Thank you very much for making this video!

[@dariavitale7325]

Awesome job. Your examples were perfect.

[@SimpleArtforAdults]

Thanks, Daria!

[@Rebekahlow]

FABULOUS VIDEO!!!!!!!!!!!!!! REALLY HELPFUL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@rosavaldes2599]

You are fabulous, sound so sweet too🤗👍🏻information has helped me lots; I’m very addicted to coloring; have like 10 books already😂 I have the 150 prismas and FC collection too; thank you so much for sharing all your wonderful tech’s

[@SimpleArtforAdults]

Thanks Rosa! I'm so happy you're getting some help with this! I'm really, really hoping Santa brings me the Polychromos so we can do another series like this one with the Faber-Castell pencils! We'll just have to see what happens there! Thank you so much for your kind comments!

[@renatecarnevale9018]

You are a very good teacher!🤗

[@DemonKeeperArts.n.Crafts]

Haha, My memory is like swiss cheese, the results from it isn't quite as good as said cheese is tasty unfortunately though it does cause some rather amusing, ditzy moments =D I get my book tomorrow morning, or I'm supposed to, if I do I've got some playing catch up to do. I didn't know about how people went about using complimentary colours to create them (or if I did watch a vid over it and forgot), I need to get out of the habit of using the grays or black. Thank you so much for taking the time do this for everyone, it's really appreciated :) I'm glad to see that your TomBow eraser is working for you with the colouring books, I'll have to give using mine another try.

[@SimpleArtforAdults]

If it's a really dark smudge, it won't pick it up. Just a little bit outside the lines, though... and it does a great job! And don't worry about playing catch-up too much. It's not a race.

[@DemonKeeperArts.n.Crafts]

I know, there's always things to learn how to do or do better plus it's fun :) I still can't seem to figure out exactly what it is I want to colour next yet either so this gives me something to do till I eventually, hopefully, figure it out.

[@monique59]

Thank you very much for the clear explanation😁👍🏻🙋🏼‍♀️

[@BettaBeautiful1]

Thank you! I want to get a color wheel now!

[@SimpleArtforAdults]

They are so very helpful, and there are all different kinds, too!

[@helendabell9251]

We're can I get one from

[@rebeccageorge3611]

2020 and love your explanations': hope can find the rest in this series

[@gracieallen8285]

Erin, you almost said true blue, which is in the sets of 24 and 72. (I have a journal with swatches of all my pencils, and I went through with the smaller sets I own and put a check by the color if I already have that pencil color if I need a replacement.) Thank you Erin.

[@SimpleArtforAdults]

+Fluffy Bunny That's a good idea! I usually just write down the pencil name when I get it down about halfway so I remember to buy it

[@SirCracker]

I concur

[@quilter1958]

Fabulous videos!

[@debrakellnersawyer7819]

Very informative. Thanks

[@sivanandadas4761]

Thank you so much Thank you.

[@charlottekunkel8487]

Thanks for the awesome tutorial on blending theses colors. Could you do a tutorial showing how to color different leaves on the same page? Technique & what colors of greens to combine that look good with other green combos on that page. 😊

[@SimpleArtforAdults]

I had planned to do all these leaves with these colors. Maybe we can switch to some different greens for the smaller leaves, and then when we do the blending part of things, we're going to do that on the flowers. Hopefully that helps!

[@charlottekunkel8487]

Simple Art for Adults That would be awesome! Thank you for doing these videos!! 😊

[@charlottekunkel8487]

Simple Art for Adults That would be awesome! Thank you for doing these videos!! 😊

[@charlottekunkel8487]

Simple Art for Adults That would be awesome! Thank you for doing these videos!! 😊

[@pamobryan5455]

THANKS SO MUCH!!!!!!! I'M GOING TO TRY AGAIN!!!!

[@itiswhatitis7187]

Come back! I miss your videos!!!

[@michaelannfitzgerald8742]

Thank you so much! This is really helpful 😊

[@twochixjewelry]

Thank you for this video. I've been layering colors for a while to create new colors, but not to create depth. I was working on a page while watching this video and tried it out and I love the results!

[@SimpleArtforAdults]

Yay! I'm glad you gave it a shot and it worked well for you!

[@davidnikkicortes7462]

YES !!! 😁 Finally I'm getting it OMG THANK YOU SO MUCH

[@Crafty-xy4or]

I just ordered my first set of 130 prismacolor pencils! I'm so excited! How did you rearrange your pencils to go in color order? Did you go by the numbers, eyeballing it by the core tips, or swatching them all out? I noticed they don't really come in color order so rearranging will help me when it comes to blending and all that. Oh and when it comes to add I g depth and layering, when you want the finished look do you use the lightest color and color over the whole thing?

[@SimpleArtforAdults]

You can Google the charts for them. I prefer color order, myself, but I also recommend making a search chart like I did so you can find where your pencils are inside your tin or case. When you're layering and you're ready to finish things out and cover up all the little white specks in the paper, a Prismacolor colorless blender pencil will do that without diluting your colors. A lighter color *might* cover up your darks, especially with Prismas since they are so very soft and opaque. You can also try odorless mineral spirits (Gamsol, turpenoid, etc.) to blend, but I find that I don't get as much control. My personal preference is the Prismacolor colorless blender.

[@sandracarr9928]

Hi, I came across this in 2022. I've just started on the picture in Secret Gardens you started to displ ay. I was able to do the leaves and flowers Was there more?

[@reneelanier3475]

Good!!!!!

[@shamou1988]

You are genius ...Thank you

[@Shariba29]

Great information!

[@SimpleArtforAdults]

Thanks, Shari!

[@cookieskids9873]

Thanks enjoy your tutorials:)

[@judifoster8]

Excellent tutorial

[@SimpleArtforAdults]

Thanks, Judi!

[@wendyyoung7481]

Sooo helpful! I've just started using my first set of Prismacolor and I've made so many mistakes!

[@quilter1958]

Very helpful!

[@saduck1]

Thank you!!

[@orestesdd]

Can I use the color wheel with any colored pencil set similar to prismacolor? Thank you.

[@sks1758]

thank you for sharing

[@mayuraloft0063]

Im a bigginer to color pencil art, just started practicing. I have a doubt. Once blending was done, can we apply further layers???

[@cookieskids9873]

aha thanks so much Blessings Jo

[@alyssabonner5725]

I am learning some new techniques from this tutorial and having a lot of fun following it. How should we be approaching the larger leaves? Should we treat them the same as the smaller ones?

[@SimpleArtforAdults]

+Alyssa Bonner Hi Alyssa! I'm glad you're enjoying it. Are you a member of the Facebook group? If you are, you can find my completed "homework up to this point completed and posted there. All of the leaves with stripes will get the same technique, mainly just for practice. Find us at facebook.com/groups/simpleartforadults. We are a friendly group!

[@alyssabonner5725]

Yes I am a member. Thank you!

[@susanharris782]

What is the eraser called that you use or where can you find it?