Drawing with Colored Pencils

A variety of colored pencil techniques were demonstrated including how to hold colored pencils to draw, blend and shade using pressure, layering,  hatching, cross-hatching and scumbling of two or more colors to achieve volume and form. Students practiced these techniques using worksheets that emphasized creating a color spectrum, mixing complimentary colors to produce vibrant grays and dark colors, understanding color temperature and modeling form. Students also practiced the techniques by drawing colored pencil spheres on white, gray and black papers, and understanding the effects the different colored papers produce. 

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Subsequently, students learned to compose their own still life settings to draw. They created a focal point, considered the rule of thirds and chose items according to color schemes using the color wheel as a reference.  They were challenged to utilize transparent or reflective elements in their displays and to remember balance and emphasis in their work. Students partnered in pairs to digitally photograph their displays, after arranging directional lighting in a darkened room. Some students elected to draw from an original digital photo of their own creation, taken outside of the classroom, considering the elements of art and principles of design discussed in school. Their culminating drawings display all of their choices.