How to blend Polychromos Colour Pencils Step by Step Tutorial

[@GemmaChambersArt]

QOTD: What would you most like to improve about your coloured pencil drawings?

[@christinesumskas3172]

1. I want improve my blending between colours (which is why i came to this video😂) 2. Learn how to make new colours to through layering

[@tabbylynn4130]

Layering

[@Ian-kq5em]

How to leave less white and reduce the gritty look?

[@johnartgallery347]

good!

[@lisa4471]

@@Ian-kq5em you have to layer more or you can blend with paint thinner (mona lisa or bob ross paint thinner, zest it, gamsol..)but to blend with paint thinner you need enough colored pencil layer

[@coolhandpaulnewman]

You know... I thought I'd say that this video tutorial was my first realization that I can draw if I just begin to. I drew this two years ago and because of your ability to teach so well, I learned to have confidence in what I am doing.

[@greekveteran2715]

My only complaint about Polychromos, is the fact that they don't have enough red colours! The compination of the Walnut colour with Sienna is so lovely!!! Good job overall! Keep it up

[@thaverhulst4071]

I only missing beige.

[@Lese203]

I thought I would love working with softer pencils but I enjoy pencils like this more. I feel like I have more freedom.

[@honeybunchhoneybunch9954]

Very very useful video to start my coloured pencil journey-many thanks!

[@ritaricci-fowler1521]

This was so helpful! Thank you!💜

[@jeanne17118]

Thank you for making the demonstration rectangles so big! When I watch videos on my phone's small screen, tiny coloring samples (from other artists) aren't much help at all. This is overall a very helpful video.

[@valeriegehling4358]

Like that you’ve named pencils, paper & general equipment used. Thanks

[@agathe9277]

Thank you for the awesome video; this is a true step-by-step tutorial!

[@martinbutcher4305]

Omg very very good I just got back into colored pencils bravo thanks for the wonderful tutorial

[@irisgreen8659]

Enjoying the demonstrations, thank you, after seeing you prismacolour demo, I got some polychrome to try.

[@maryshores6818]

My question is about burnishing. I would love to know exactly how this is done.

[@irenecarroll4396]

Oh my word you make it look so easy

[@lauralbriar]

Thank you - I just received my first set of Polychromos and will be trying this for tomorrow's practice - very well explained! I have subscribed.

[@AyoKembali]

Hmm may i ask you? Which is better, deli oil color or the polychromos? Or it's almost same. I mean we know the polychromos so expensive

[@lauralbriar]

@@AyoKembali I can only say that I am very pleased with the Polychromos and would not want to use others - although I agree they are expensive, they really are worth it. I saved to get the set, and I'm glad I did :)

[@jamesalanott9638]

So good! What an incredible artist. And your description of your work was amazing. You really gave the novice an education.

[@CA-xx5im]

thank you 🔹 this is just where i need to be right now. 🔹 the timeliness for me is uncanny!

[@bampidraws]

Best drawn apple ever 😂❤

[@abimclaughlin9685]

Hi first of all your art is absolutely stunning 🤩 and second of all thank you for putting the uk version yo buy the products used in the video as I live in Scotland

[@begonavilela-mujico9500]

Hello. I have just got the courage (sometime in July) to try out the polychromos I was gifted last Christmas. Still trying to work out how to use them correctly. Very informative videos

[@d1isx0]

Thank you , that was a very useful tutorial and very fast, new follower!🖤

[@rafael-4607]

Awesome video, easy to follow and much quicker than a how to book. Thanks 😊

[@JoeB_BSc]

Hi Gemma, fascinating commentary. Thank. Please advise the make of polychromos pencils you use? Thanks and Regards JB

[@simchantress]

You are a great teacher Gemma, thank you so much!

[@spanishwithisrael]

Thank you very much Gemma!

[@susielauder5050]

Thank you for this tutorial. Can you tell me what paper you were working on please? Kind regards, Susie 😊

[@faunacoven1173]

It's bristol board!

[@cindypatterson8157]

Lovely pictures x

[@monozuntilted4499]

Ty so much, ho to choose the middle color? for yellow and red u picked the terra cotta... just pick a color between the other 2? For example... for a blend between blu and orange what color whould do the work? (maybe a yellow?)

[@paulapeterson-warnock3030]

Can’t wait to try this❤️❤️

[@rohanpattar1526]

Me too!

[@seasidestudioart5380]

what exactly is burnishing and how do you do it?

[@tiamarie2538]

So you do the mid tone (brighter red) closer to the end of the drawing? Do the lightest color as base first, add the darkest shades where they go, THEN do the mid-tone (brighter red in this case)? Thank you for your help and tutorials! Can’t wait to try the free 7 hour macaroon!

[@talunae.8924]

I know I'm late (and not her), but I think she went from light to mid to dark and back: Light - mid 1 - mid 2 - dark - mid 2 - mid 1 - light - final touch-ups

[@tiamarie2538]

@@talunae.8924 ohhh that makes much more sense! Thank you so much for the reply! Much appreciated! I'm still trying to make my colored pencils work for me haha. I want so badly to be good at it! But it's a struggle, doesn't come naturally to me at all.

[@talunae.8924]

@@tiamarie2538 You're welcome! I wish you all the best on your art journey. I'm at the same point at the moment. 🙈 I just try to remember that practice makes perfect and mixed media is always an option if a certain supply doesn't work out for me. :)

[@JustBaileey]

Hi, do you recommend solvent blending with polychromos? Also, I’ve heard people use baby oil, what’s your opinion?

[@GemmaChambersArt]

Generally I like blending through layering for clean, smooth results. I'll be making a blending solvent comparison video soon though so look out for that. As for baby oil, I tested it in a Polychromos vs. Crayola video recently and I have to say the results were pretty good! Here's the video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mZLdaaSCidiHqc0

[@JustBaileey]

I guess the blender to use is down the preference I suppose? I haven’t bought any coloured pencils, I can’t come to a decision wether polychromers or prisma

[@kermbydoesart]

@@JustBaileey I took the leap and got the 25 set of polychromos!! I'll be getting a set of prismas too tho eventually. But I feel I may expand my colored pencil collection with the polychromos. I have the black 199 color since I do black and white portraits and I love it. It's my favorite pencil!!!!! Now I'm waiting for my set of polys in the mail.

[@JustBaileey]

@@kermbydoesart I went for the 60 in the end. And, made a few drawings although I can’t seem to colour icecream whip aha

[@Rich_Larr]

You were able to do this on Bristol smooth? I still see white specs even after 20+ layers. I find paper with a little more tooth better, but still can’t get that painted look with polychromos like I can with Prismacolor. As I’m using up my prismas, I’m replacing them with polys. I’m hoping this is a good decision.

[@greekveteran2715]

When it comes on how colour pencils look, paper is the huge factor. I guess it was the paper you used, that didn't give you the look you expected from Polychromos. I'm still searching for a paper for Polychromos. Most said the Fabriano Artistico, but I liked the Daler Rowney Heavyweight Fine grain more. It doesn't have the deep tooth of the Fabriano, but it has enough tooth for my needs and the landscapes that I usually draw, look better on the Daler Rowney, than on Fabriano. I just found a Strathmore 400 both in heavy weight and the lighter drawing pads that so many people prefer, so I'm ready to try the Strathmore 400. Hope you found your way with :Polys, cheers!

[@dorothyminor7581]

Thanks Gemma! I’ve learned so much from your tutorials! New subscriber

[@dheamua]

I love this video😍 May i ask which set is good for super beginner? I never work with colored pencil before? Do you think canson mix-media is good paper for colored paper? I have this paper 😄

[@GemmaChambersArt]

Thanks very much! Polychromos and Prismacolor are both good sets for beginners. I made a video comparing them: kzbin.info/www/bejne/b6fTc3afncStmrs - if you want a super cheap set to see if you like colour pencils though I actually don't mind simple Crayola pencils! Obviously they are not archival quality and don't go down quite as easy as the more expensive sets. Canson Mixed Media should be perfectly fine, you'll just have to experiment with how many layers & pressure is needed to work best with the texture. I'd be careful if you decide to use solvents to blend with it as it may bleed a little, but otherwise should be great 😀

[@shortyangel2010]

How hard do you press the pencil for your darkest shade?

[@Serendipitous247]

I’m a newbie and just saw you on Twitter n followed here to learn more. Subscribed to begin with 👍🏻 good to connect 😍

[@GemmaChambersArt]

Welcome! I hope my videos can help you learn and feel free to ask any questions if there's anything you're struggling to draw ❤️

[@mehrimahtaherkhani5281]

افرررررین بانوی هنرمند عالییییی بود عزیزم سپاسگزارم

[@basiics]

Thank you.

[@mariaregina3290]

Wonderful! Gracias! Thank you so much!

[@FCipollo]

Hi Gemma, great video and thanks for taking the time to make it. My question is regarding the shadow areas. Why aren't you using a combination of green and red for those areas? I hear people usually talk about using complementary colors to make shadows but here we have browns and blacks instead and it still looks good. What are your thoughts on that?

[@10days4cows]

The complementary color technique is a good way to get colors to "pop" or have high contrast which is not everyones goal. The different techniques reminds me of the RYB & CMY way of coloring. Both work to make a wide range of colors but often have different hues in the final piece.

[@raycooper3269]

Your videos are SO good. I am ordering a Polychromos pencil set because they are lightfast artist's pigments . You made them look so good so how could I resist when I saw ten in several sets. Priced just right for a starter set. Thanks.

[@hbirtt]

Very helpful. Thank you.

[@shaquejones4119]

My question is what’s the best paper for Polychromos that give great results? Also what medium to blend the colors for a smooth finish? I have gamsol yet I’m not getting a smooth blend with gamsol.

[@kara_keegan_2242]

How long does it take to learn to blend these? Iv never used Faber castell and I hear they are hard to blend for beginners and I'm wondering how long it will take to learn and how much practice. I use prisma so it would be a big difference

[@GemmaChambersArt]

It's tricky, everyone learns at different paces 🙂 In my experience, Polychromos need more layers than Prismacolor to give you the coverage you need for good blending. You can also use solvents to help, but if you can, learning to blend them without will set you up better for the long term. You'll get the hang of the differences within a few drawings.

[@KSM-mu3xx]

Thank you for the advice!

[@celtic5torm59]

Would you recommend this for beginners? Also would this be good if i was to draw realistic things?. Sorry i’m asking so much questions but what pencils would you recommend to draw a city with all the details?.

[@GemmaChambersArt]

Polychromos would be great for a cityscape (depending of course on the reference and the colours you need to match). They're particularly good at keeping a sharp point which will make it easier and cleaner to create hard lines like the edges of buildings.

[@mrcastillo4240]

@@GemmaChambersArt Hi! I have a question. If I'm a beginner, would you recommend this to me? Because I have the Prismacolor Verithin color pencils and I regret spending a single dollar on them. Also, the way you showed us, that's what I do with graphite pencils (I don't know if that's good or not).

[@GemmaChambersArt]

Hello! I can't say I've used the Prismacolor Verithins before, but from a quick look it seems they are mostly for precise fine detail work. They may struggle with general shading with the limited colour selection. What is it you didn't like about them? I think it largely comes down to what you're trying to draw and in what style. I find Polychromos to be a good all-round pencil; the pigmentation is good, they're lightfast and being oil based they cover the paper smoothly. The versatility makes them good for beginners whilst allowing you to grow with them as you get more experienced. I hope this helps!

[@suzanneshipley]

Where would I get the prismacolor chart that your use in this video?

[@lucashayward8486]

imagine watching this for lockdown school work

[@grace-rl3lf]

hi lucas

[@layla24126]

​@MrGaming_1 Hello Paolo. It is I, Layla.

[@layla24126]

@MrGaming_1 Hello Paolo

[@randomstuffaustralia4074]

Thanks 😊

[@rtb03791]

How hard to you have to press on your pencils with each layer

[@leviison]

. .amazing. .i wish i have polychromos. .

[@HanaNjf]

Fantastic

[@j.6744]

Wonderfull? Grate video but what paper do you use?

[@GemmaChambersArt]

Thank you! Most of my colour pencil work is on Bristol board - there’s a list and link in the video description 😊

[@SSaaNNddYY77]

Really enjoyed! Do you ever use odorless mineral spirits to blend? I just bought some and want to try!

[@GemmaChambersArt]

There's a product called Zest-It that I like to use for solvent blending. It does much the same thing as mineral spirits and I really like the effect it can give. Let me know how it goes for you!

[@SSaaNNddYY77]

@@GemmaChambersArt Zest-it is hard to come by over in the states. (the last time I looked) I did t try my Gamsol and it worked like the liquid blending pens. I really want to stick with this medium!

[@sabrinasaada4181]

What do you use to get your pencils that sharp? I ordered the sharpener that polychromos sells but it's still not that sharp

[@lexitnute1306]

Remember me when you get 500,000!!!!!!!!!!

[@joshuaalessandroriveraangel]

como quisiera que este tutorial este en español parece que sabe como usar los colores policromos

[@antonbradburn7786]

What paper do you use?

[@itaiefrat13]

Which paper you use??

[@dr.dhrubajyotighosh1359]

Mam can I apply derwent blender or burnisher on this pencils?

[@GemmaChambersArt]

you certainly can! I like to use one of the lightest colours in the drawing to blend and burnish, but colourless blender/burnisher should work just fine.

[@dr.dhrubajyotighosh1359]

@@GemmaChambersArt Thnks a lott mam

[@dr.dhrubajyotighosh1359]

Mam I have one question more... Can I use fixative Spray on this pencils ? I have Conte A Paris fixative Spray. Plz suggest

[@GemmaChambersArt]

Personally I would not worry about fixatives. It's unlikely to add anything to the artwork - if anything it might dull the colours. Polychromos pencils are not really known for smudging or loose dust like pastels and they have good lightfast properties. Framing behind glass should offer all the preservation you need.

[@dr.dhrubajyotighosh1359]

@@GemmaChambersArt thanks a lott mam.. Lotts of thing U share.. Thnks one again Mam

[@martynsmith630]

Hi What type of paper would you suggest for polychromos.

[@GemmaChambersArt]

Hi, I really like Seawhite Bristol Board and use it almost exclusively for my drawings. I'll have a video coming soon comparing the results on a few paper types so keep a look out for that :)

[@martynsmith630]

Look forward to the video. Isn't the Seawhite a bit on the smooth side, is there any tooth in it.

[@GemmaChambersArt]

Perhaps it's down to being oil based rather than wax, but I find it accepts plenty of layers. I've never had an issue where I wanted more layers and it couldn't take it. It could just be suited to my style 😀

[@mahashrisinghal7576]

I have a question... I only have the 12 pack so there really isn't different colors.. What should I do?

[@maximilianolopez3453]

Me hubiese encantado el video con subtítulos al español

[@jacquietremain5743]

So helpful. Shame we cant see anything at all till you used the cream. 😘

[@elifnurcelik3439]

Büşra🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩

[@SilentNinja-in3zl]

Don’t you just wanna 🤜🏻👦 that one person who disliked

[@Mulberry2000]

I like the video but the sketching you can't see properly and the green looked like a yellow.

[@elifnurcelik3439]

Alev🤠🤠🤠🤠🤠🤠🤠🤠🤠🤠🤠🤠🤠🤠🤠🤠🤠🤠🤠🤠🤠🤠🤠🤠🤠🤠🤠🤠

[@CSOegypt]

Omg

[@lexitnute1306]

Can you buy me those color pencils? jk

[@inayamuneeb7484]

Man I wish this would happen

[@DigitalViscosity]

You had me until you added the black it was just way too dark and took away from the great colour harmony you had. I would've used a combination of green and red to get a darker grey for those the black just stands out too much.

[@skylarmccready]

Are my eyes playing tricks on me or is she calling a yellow pencil, green?

[@jeanne17118]

I think she is saying "cream"

[@skylarmccready]

@@jeanne17118 thank you

[@amaanshaikh5499]

I swear that's yellow

[@GemmaChambersArt]

I think it's my accent! It's called Cream in the pencil set, and it is definitely yellow 😂