How to Use Colored Pencils in Adult Coloring Pages - 10 Tips for Beginners

These 10 quick tips for adult coloring with colored pencils will guide you through some basic colored pencil techniques, how to choose the right paper for your coloring pages, and the best colored pencils to buy.
See the written version on the blog (with more resources): sarahrenaeclar...
You don’t need to be a professional artist to create something amazing, and today, I’m sharing my top tips to help you get started with colored pencils so you can move past the confusing beginner questions and focus on the fun part of getting creative.
Share your own extra tips (or questions) in the comments!
Other videos and resources mentioned in this video:
The Color Catalog: sarahrenaeclar...
How to blend colored pencils tutorial: • How to BLEND COLORED P...
Basic Color Theory Video: • COLOR THEORY BASICS: U...
My colored pencil reviews (playlist): • Adult Coloring Tutorials
Check out my range of coloring pages:
Free Facebook coloring community: sarahrenaeclar...
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Please subscribe for art videos, tutorials, and more:
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[@SarahRenaeClark]

I’ve tested 20 different papers to find the best paper for printing coloring pages and colored pencil artists in this video for you! Watch it now: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gKO2qH18YphofK8

[@roxanneosterling9009]

I just wanted to tell you that your tips and tricks have been so great! I totally understand everything you say and it just clicks. So thank you I have learned so much from you.

[@Ezren.is.bored.]

Would you recomend arteza colored pencils? I don't have much money for more expensive brands. ❤

[@rebelsrenaissance1983]

My 11th tip is don't let people put you down by saying it's a childish hobby

[@SarahRenaeClark]

It’s definitely not childish the way we do things!

[@AndeLikeTheMint]

When I dive into a new hobby, the first thing I do is find a good KZbin teacher with an enjoyable voice. I'm so glad you're here! You're helping me a lot 😊

[@FernCurtis]

Tip#11: Be patient with yourself…this is called a coloring journey for a reason, you won’t be able to learn and put into practice all of the basic techniques overnight. It takes time. Once you’ve learned the basics, you can always continue tweaking and improving, as well as learning new textures etc, to make those images really stand out.

[@PaleTears-jj3nn]

What are the basics?

[@FernCurtis]

@@PaleTears-jj3nn The basics are as follows: 1) Blending and it basically comes in 2 steps. The first is learning to get a nice even or smooth layer of color down. Once you can do that, then the next step is learning how to seamlessly blend 2 colors together for a nice gradient. 2) Layering. Layering is where you put additional layers of color (or colors) on top of each other, multiple times. Many people don’t like layering. However, if you want the best results you can get, especially if you are interested in making your images look as realistic as possible, then layering is needed. How many layers is up to you. Most colorists that do layer, typically are happy with 3-5. Although, the more advanced one becomes, typically the more layers one uses. The more you use, the more depth and dimension you will get. Ultimately, it is up to you and the results that you personally want 3) Is learning how to put in shadows. This alone will help your image look more dimensional and have more depth. Many people have a hard time with this one. However, a simple rule to go by is the following: if your light source is coming from say the left, then a shadow will be to the right of your objects. If it is coming from the right, then things will have a shadow to the left. In other words, the shadow will be on the opposite side of objects of where the source is. (So, if the light source is from the top, then shadows will be on the bottom of objects and likewise if the light source is coming from the bottom, then shadows will be on top of things. I would suggest getting a flashlight and play around with it, to visually see what I am saying.) Last but definitely not last is 4) Shading. Some people get this and blending mixed up. They are sort of related, but are a bit different too. Just because you are blending say two colors together to get a gradient look, doesn’t mean you are shading. Shading takes blending to the next level because shading is what allows a person to shape objects. It is what allows a person to color say a flower petal and instead of it looking flat, it bends, dips, curves etc. It is what makes folds and dips and such in clothing. In other words, shading is what takes your 2-D looking image and makes it look 3-D. As I mentioned above in my original comment, it takes time to learn these basic techniques, but are well worth the time, in my opinion because learning how to do these things, allows one to color just about whatever they want. Many don’t want to learn how to do all these things though and thus will only color grayscale. Which is okay in itself, especially if the one who did the artwork knows what they are doing. To me, however, it limits one. Whereas by learning the basics, you can take your skill sets to however advanced you might want to become.

[@melanieross7829]

This is the best comment I’ve ever seen on KZbin ❤

[@shireetropix]

@@FernCurtis Your answer is the exact reason why I put this video on and YOU have given me what I needed - a plan of attack! Thank you so very much.

[@FernCurtis]

@@shireetropix You are very welcome! Enjoy your coloring journey! ☺️

[@blackdahlia42]

One of the few channels I've found that confidently jumps right into the meat of the knowledge without "filling time" with loads of excess info overloading at the beginning of the video. My ADHD brain genuinely is grateful for the style/format you have for your videos, because it's easy for me to follow without becoming overwhelmed or put 'off track' by other subjects being heavily sold at the beginning. Thank you for your great videos!

[@cherrae1887]

Really love how you don't rush and tell every important thing

[@jemina1948]

Thank you! I started colouring few years ago, expecting My twins. Yesterday i found My old coloring book and i deside, Im going to continue this hobby. I took My Kids pencils and now im learning from you. I just ordered fabergers Set of pencils.(60) I love coloring, becouse i cant draw...

[@jamesventress8268]

Some great reminders, I found myself getting too wrapped up in tutorials that the fun was getting left behind. I color for the fun after all even though I’d like to improve. Thanks for the tips

[@harrietjameson]

thats an issue i currently have, i wanted to learn how to draw, so i watched a ton of tutorials and started learning and doing studies every other day, but now im still stuck not knowing where to go

[@JadeAislin]

I think creating color swatches is the best tip. I actually already do that, sort of. I create the swatches and then laminate them individually, put two sided tape on the back, basically making them into removable stickers. I then put them on a laminated page so that I can sort my pencils by color and shading. I then place the pencils in that order in my pencil case. It allows me to compare colors that are close and decide which is lighter without having to recolor each time I decide some colors should be else where in my organization. It also gives me a sheet of all my colors I can look at later when I'm choosing a color to use.

[@SarahRenaeClark]

Sounds like a great idea!

[@silverhoney6969]

Absolutely! I spend like 30-60 mins choose colors for almost every medium, before you can dive into creating. Having the swatches done ahead, labeled and easy to get to has helped me save so much time Swatching should have been its own separate tip , because there are a lot of little tips within that to make it one of your best tools

[@Amanda.0317]

I learned the same technique pretty much from @ColoringBliss 😊❤❤ love it. Makes it so easy choosing colors

[@sarah1980111]

Just seeing this video: the tip about using many reds or many blues in dark, medium or light to color one object was very helpful. Also the technique of making circles to shade rather than back and forth coloring, and holding your pencil high up to color lightly. All techniques I never knew and am happy to have learned from this video!

[@NoDecaf7]

I come back to this video when I'm feeling in a coloring rut or after taking breaks from colored pencils. There are so many helpful reminders and tips packed in, plus great references to other videos :)

[@gittelund2575]

Love your points!! Everyone starts at the beginning, and you won't get anyware if you don't practice. I tend to forget that little detail, when I watch other's work... I know I'm getting better with time, as I can see how I have evovled. But I tend to want everything to look as realistisk as possible when I see what others can do, because it becomes perfection, but it's not supposed to look realistic in a colouring book. It's not supposed be perfect (still trying to convince my brain about that) - it's supposed to be fun! Well, at least that's what I'm telling myself so that I won't end up giving up again.😅 That's why it's so good to hear you say those things.❤️ I hope it makes sense.

[@SarahRenaeClark]

I still have the same conversation with myself on a regular basis!

[@lallabarry9878]

I tried a cheap kind of coloring pencil, Steadtler and I must say, it blends well and also easy with the layering.

[@leesanchez8432]

If you are new to trying watercolor paper for colored pencil art, be sure to get hot pressed paper. Cold pressed has much deeper tooth and will use up pencils too quickly. I recommend Canson mi-teintes colored pastel paper. Use the smoother side of this paper for colored pencil work, as the rougher side is intended for pastels.

[@moniquestaples1758]

The moment you opened your video and began speaking....you added to the inspiration already present!💛💯

[@wendywolfe2388]

Thank you again for the tips. Your best tip for me was: "Just jump in and do it." I'm going to add the newly found tips to my next color page. Thank you 💛.

[@meowlam]

Thank you for this video! "Take joy" in doing is the tip that inspires me. I'm one who loves to obtain new pencils and books and then waits for the perfect reason. No more, thanks to you.

[@maribethcolberg5565]

Favorite tip is to keep sharpened tips. I really had no idea on this one. Trying it out right now. Thx!

[@HolyEarth808]

I have just decided to start coloring in adult coloring books and came across your channel! This video is a big help thank you so much! All great tips. The one I found most helpful is to practice, practice, practice! 👍🤙

[@TheMrjonv]

This is awesome! I just got into Adult Coloring books and am learning as much as I can. Thank you!!

[@donnapalmer1727]

This is great, as a beginner this is very informative!!! Will definitely watch the rest in this series!!

[@lisathomas7640]

This is great! Favourite tip, adding layers and different colours to blend. My 11. Enjoy and just have a go!

[@Colorfullife2046]

Such a great video for explaining I started card making and coloring after my mom passed from cancer and it help my prayers to you and your talent is amazing tyfs.

[@SarahRenaeClark]

I’m sorry for your loss. Losing a mom is so hard xx

[@brittanyrose6294]

Oh my gosh and youre the creator of the colour cube!!!! Fan girling right now

[@SarahRenaeClark]

Nice to meet you!!

[@jenniferheapy6316]

Thank you

[@lorigirio2448]

You are so motivating. Thank you so much. For your knowledge and encouragement.😊

[@denisewells4617]

My eleventh tip would be to keep watching your channel to get more tips! Great information thank you!

[@brittanyrose6294]

Just realised how I know your name! Randomly came across your youtube tonight and loving watching your videos, however sometime last year I bought your colouring-in stickers from an ad on my socials (I think)! So glad I now have a face to the name

[@imageimah145]

I really love those tips. Because I love color pencils, I need to improve my skills, and these tips will help me a lots, thanks.

[@Jojo44138]

In drawing I do have some of the basic principles down, but having issues with shadowing, shading, also just drawing in general. I used to practice a lot when i was in school but the art teacher never took the time to explain more in depth to me so that I could understand. Its just frustrating because I see the images in my head but cannot draw them out onto paper. Very positive video though and informative.

[@wikorianowak1435]

That video was very helpful, thank you! I didn't know all of this tips and can't wait to see how improve my work. :) For coloring I love Giotto Stilnovo pencils as they are easy to blend, wax based and quite affordable.

[@MouseRetirement]

Thanks to watching your video earlier tonight I got on and did a basic flowering page and to be honest I'm actually pleased with it. I haven't coloured in at least 5 years I had a few attempts but kept going "wrong" but today I did it 👍👍👍 thanks for reminding me that I can enjoy it.

[@SarahRenaeClark]

This makes me so happy!

[@hermajestyqueenmarcia]

Tip I really needed most was I believe using a light touch which I've known but find myself rushing into getting that full bright color, then unable to apply.more pencil for blending. I wish we had a big art shop with open stock pencils, but I just bought a bunch and think I want more. .I liked the paper recommendation too. I'm a former water color student and remember paying the teacher for single sheets of a high quality paper. She turned her nose up at some of the popular big chain discount art stores' paper. Thanks so much for sharing your expertise and sweet personality. see you soon... love Marcia in Modesto

[@SarahRenaeClark]

I am guilty of rushing too!

[@bellissimoa]

Using a reference image is my favorite tip. Thanks for an informative post.

[@vrindavani25]

Thank you so much for this. I recently started out with colour pencils and your video about them came out.❤❤😊😊😊

[@chuuyaswine-f7u]

Thank you for these tips I bought my prismacolour 150 count colour pencils and I needed this so badly!❤❤👍. Keep going hope you get 100k subs soon!

[@elayned6147]

I love prismacolor myself. Got a big box of em. This was a lot of good information. Thanks!

[@denorene16]

I know tip 10 is very important but I think I would get a few more of my tools first. In the meantime, I'll continue swatching. I quite like swatching at the moment.

[@amyt6254]

This video is so helpful! Thank you!

[@sangitajuikar8131]

Mam everything you tell is helpful for all of us thank you for all of the tips😊😊

[@shreejitasingh3923]

You are my best art teacher tysm 😊

[@missjoshemmett]

When I write, I 'cast' my characters. I have photos around me to glance at for expressions and inspirations. When I started to colour, it came naturally to me to print out a matching image (like a bird or flower) on Google image and print it out.

[@melissa61272]

I enjoyed watching the video. I am trying to use my colored pencils more. Thanks for making videos. 🖌🎨

[@jessicacollins8412]

Thanks for being so encouraging. I loved all of your tips!

[@drawingsbyadi9045]

The editing is on point! And the tips are AWESOME!!!

[@SarahRenaeClark]

Thank you!

[@donnakramsey2311]

I wish I could tell you which ones I want you to work on, An elf in water playing a fiddle on page 65, The half horse half woman on page 58, And the tree spirit on page 27. NOW REMEMBER, I TRY TO READ THE QUICK HISTORY ON THE SUBJECT OF THAT PAGE IN BACK OF BOOK. HELPS KNOW WHAT THESE CREATURES ARE. THANK YOU , I AM A BEGINNER AND LOVE YOUR WORK

[@irinam6808]

All the tips helped me☺️ I just got my first prismacolor set and I’m excited to start! Do you have a class for beginners??

[@krys6461]

My odd tip would be to join a community of colorists and actually share. So many beginners are afraid to share, but I find far more joy when my inspiration was seeing others not obsessed with perfection. It's like how the worst singer is the most important one at karaoke because they're doing it truly for the love of it, not because they're "good" at it and people need to be reminded that art is for expressing, not impressing, that every art form is for everyone. Oh, and bonus sub tip to the above, don't point out your mistakes when you share, chances are I didn't notice until you pointed it out. I'm here for your joy, if I was here to be that sort of critical, you should ignore my judgement until I use my better social skills.

[@thristanjoshua2219]

The intro speech is so inspirational!! 😍 😍 😍 😍

[@kimlindsey5178]

Tip #6 is how I found you! 👍🏼 I am a self taught artist. My goal is photo realism. I love those videos. It is AMAZING how a drawing can look like a photograph. Thank you for all of your videos. PS. Love your accent! 😁

[@lo3551]

Excellent video with great tips Sarah Renae 🙏🌹

[@TravisBrady-wn8fr]

Alot of good information. Very much appreciated

[@jadetobin]

Awesome tips for sure...but you said this, or something close to it.. "You won't become an artist by watching tutorials, you'll become an artist by practicing what you learn in those tutorials!" and it's the best thing ever....its easy to let yourself, myself anyway, get lost in tutorials, feeling like I'm trying to learn it all but still get too afraid to, as you said "waste my materials" until I'll do it well...bit ill never do it well unless I practice, as you said. Thanks for ALL the great advice!! :)

[@SarahRenaeClark]

I definitely had a fear of “wasting” my supplies for a long time. I have finally realized that I’ll never use up my pencils if I don’t start using them on something! And if I use them enough to need a new set, I’ve probably earned it!

[@jadetobin]

@@SarahRenaeClark you're absolutely right!! :)

[@lemoncrinckles]

Hi, Sarah. As a new subscriber I want to tell you how much I enjoy your tutorials. They're interesting and helpful. After receiving a box of 72 Prismacolor pencils several years ago, I decided to pull them out of storage and try coloring. Wonderful pencils! Soon I wanted to try more pencils and was sadly disappointed with Prisma Verythins, and Crayolas 120 set. Both were much to hard to lay down. Recently I bought a 72-count set of Amazon Basics Soft Core pencils for only (at the time) $24 American dollars. (Today they are $29 American dollars.)They are absolutely wonderful! Bright colors, easy to lay down, easy to blend. I am 100% pleased with them. Perhaps you might be interested in doing a review of them one day. Again, thank you for your videos. They are a great pleasure to watch. (:

[@SarahRenaeClark]

Thank you! I’ve heard a few good reviews about the Amazon pencils so I will check them out in the future!

[@lemoncrinckles]

@@SarahRenaeClark (:

[@FernCurtis]

lemoncrinckles, As far as Verithins are concerned, they weren’t designed for regular coloring. Rather, they were designed to work WITH the Prisma pencils, to get into those tight corners and for detail work. Like doing fine lines in flowers, fur, hair and things like that. As far as Crayola is concerned, they require a light hand and multiple colors to build up the color. Don’t know if any of that will be helpful or not, but there it is.

[@michellebird3120]

Can you put a picture up please of the pencils I would like to buy some but can’t find them thankyou 💚

[@johankakrizovska133]

11=Don't panic if something goes wrong and don't throw it away, after a month of another workout you will see a lot of progress.

[@aandjdusik]

Any advice for someone who has a hard time visualizing anything on a color page? No clue what color to make anything, no vision for how I want it to look when finished.

[@kai7241]

That’s me too gives me anxiety not knowing where to start 😢

[@aandjdusik]

@kai7241 right! Totally the opposite effect coloring is meant to have!

[@wanderingstar5673]

Thank you for the wonderful video. Covers a lot of helpful points.

[@sulfurlad]

The paper tips are totally sensible and obvious to miss. I'm likely slowing my learning down by "practicing" with printouts on regular printer paper. :) something I'm curious about: how do people feel about electric sharpeners? I've always hated those little twisty sharpeners!

[@SarahRenaeClark]

I’m actually planning a sharpener video in a few weeks! I’ll be comparing quite a few that people have recommended

[@CazkiwiNZ]

I wouldn’t say I’m not creative... I’m definitely very creatively crafty and shine in crafts like crochet, knitting, sewing... Im just not arty and cannot draw or paint... but I sure watch all these videos and buy all the stuff anyways 😂 My craftroom is very well stocked... even if I don’t use all the stuff 😂😂😂

[@reneedixonart]

I'm not creative but I'm arty!! I can draw most things from a reference but I don't have the creativity to see how things come together.

[@silverhoney6969]

I think that why coloring is so great! That you can create and play with color and not worry about drawing the original image.

[@rajinakumari9274]

Your tips are very helpful Thank you very much 😊

[@jackielubeck]

Good tips. What about good light or awareness of the light?

[@noname-fq1oj]

Hello Sarah ,hope u remember me LOL coz I have been commenting on every single video of urs and U REPLIED !!!! I really want to thank you today bcoz I tried a COLORING PAGE of yours using your COLOR CATALOG and u know it turned out soooo GOOD !! so yea... I am really thankful for that bcoz of urs color theories, shading vids, blending vids MY ART improved SOO MUCH !!! I wish u hit 100k soon , luv u and ur vids ❤️❤️

[@SarahRenaeClark]

Good to see you again! Thanks for all your comments! I’m glad you are enjoying the videos and I love seeing your comments

[@noname-fq1oj]

Awww tysm Sarah ❤️❤️ u made my day !!!!

[@gardenofdolls3658]

You're videos are so helpful! I love your channel so much!🥰

[@SarahRenaeClark]

Thank you!

[@PopleBackyardFarm]

great tips I am trying to get better at this art form

[@annamcavoy190]

You are amazing! I've learned so much. Thank You. x

[@beautycarecentral5822]

Great tips.Thank you for sharing.🌸

[@Jomac87]

I bought you're Colouring Addict book and I love it and well done for achieving you're goal 😊❤️

[@fluttershyamy]

Thanks for the info of adult coloring 👍

[@Ess81]

I haven't coloured in years but I came across one of your videos on my KZbin feed and ended up ordering a set of colouring pencils plus a colouring book as soon as I could 😊 thank you! And ps I've subscribed 🥳

[@becwong8893]

Fantastic tips! Great succinct video!

[@cindydo9006]

Thank you Sarah for this clips with all the great tips. Much appreciated 🙏.

[@pamelaburke9250]

I think I need your color catalog! I use Prismas but I tend to use my favorite colors over and over. Great tutorial.

[@vickisings4351]

I learn SO MUCH from your videos!

[@lalainelaxamana-up2hd]

Where can we buy your colorpen holders behind you? Their beautiful! ❤

[@cyngyn1675]

Thank you sooo much. How I missed this video I don't know.

[@pamelatreadway8562]

Wonderful video…. Thanks for sharing !!!! You are awesome.

[@edmundobaca3498]

Thank you Sarah🤩🤩

[@kathrynmoffett4512]

Practice makes perfect! ☺️👍

[@fazeelarangasamy3403]

What do you think about Crayola pencils? I use them and I think it's pretty good.

[@sayeshachopra5048]

Paper tip was helpful because I was confused about what paper to use and what paper will fit in my printer. By the way, what is the difference between the colour cube volume 1 and volume 2 .

[@SarahRenaeClark]

They just include different palettes. There’s a list on the website of what’s in each

[@karamarinas]

Team rewatch.♥♥♥

[@ratnagorur5484]

For a beginner is there a free color catalog app on iPhone that you can recommend?

[@user-id5yg9fc9k]

This all looks so difficult it takes so much time to improve

[@coolandbored2828]

Very nice Video. Thx 😍

[@cindylou3205]

Can you do a video on feathers? I'm so confused on which techniques would be best to help create depth and separation when there is a bunch of them...

[@chuuyaswine-f7u]

1. You should use prismacolour colour pencil to make feathers or any colour pencil with soft core. 2. Use an exacto knife and scratch some areas of the drawing to make it look more realistic. That's all the tips I know hope it helps 😄😁☺

[@wayneandrus240]

Very valuable informationj

[@renee1292]

Hi! I'm familiar with most papers as I've done colored pencil, watercolor and mixed media art. I have a beautiful nature coloring book but the paper is very smooth. How do I adjust for that?

[@SarahRenaeClark]

You could try some clear gesso to add texture. Just make sure you test it on a page you don’t like first

[@xydia713]

I think all of the tips are very helpful. For me the hardest part is just to start drawing, because I don't want to ruin my pencils and coloring pages :D but i will do it if my new pencil arrive. I will practice in some older adult coloring books and when I think I have enough skill I will try my Kerby Rosanes coloring books. BTW i ordered them after seeing it in one of your videos xD

[@silverhoney6969]

I photocopy a lot of my coloring pages onto better paper, so I keep the original and get to color on thicker paper

[@belannatorres4777]

What kind of colored pencil sharpener do you recommend for beginners?

[@SarahRenaeClark]

I’m doing a sharpener comparison video in a few weeks! I’m still testing some out too.

[@yanal1022]

Just wanna say that this helped me a lot and i cant believe ive just only joined your community right now. Been in a bit of hiatus fr colored pencils but your videos make me want to experiment with again. I love your content. Thank you so much

[@amberlong3942]

I was wondering what pencil is the best white pencil to do highlights?

[@SarahRenaeClark]

Prismacolor!

[@paigekianos4471]

Where do you hold a pencil father up because it helps with heavy-handed people like me and the circular motion

[@chuuyaswine-f7u]

0:35 I am so sorry that you have to go through all of that hope you are happy now!😀👍👍

[@angeliquehooijberg6885]

Sarah Renae, what kind of color app do you use?

[@krisleeh433]

Thank you!

[@krispypink]

Great video! What colour catalogue do you use/ recommend

[@SarahRenaeClark]

The Color Catalog is actually a product I make - sarahrenaeclark.com/color-palettes

[@ColourWithS]

Great, thanks!

[@mart6612]

Thank you for the tips! All are helpful. My favorite was in the last 2 mins... To keep practice, not just buying the stuff... I made my own colour chart of my pencils - I call it colour map :) But I have so many sets and single pencils now that I shoul keep/sort them by colour... That consumes time too. I practice, and coloring when I have free time, but I miss the "shine", the white lightening, do you have some tips or video too, on that? I just joined Your FB team and waiting for accept. I am sooo excited to start something new in my colouring books :) you are so inspiring,thank you very much!!!! Greetings from Budapest :)

[@SarahRenaeClark]

Yes, I do white highlights in a lot of my videos. My latest Crayola video is a good one where I do this, otherwise I have some older videos specifically about white pens.

[@shelteredsparrow2736]

These are good. Not be intimidated by the artist doing the tutorial was mine

[@WendyCrafts]

Do you have resource for the multicolor swirled lollipop design in the thumbnail?

[@SarahRenaeClark]

That was a drawing I did in my previous video here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oJTSdniEZdGefac