What do you think?
Rate this book
Drawing: Colored Pencil Basics: Learn to draw step by step
Discover the secrets to creating beautiful, realistic colored pencil drawings with Colored Pencil Basics.
*Named One of the 54 Best Colored Pencil Drawing Books of All Time by BookAuthority*
Whether you’re a novice or an accomplished artist just getting started with colored pencil, Colored Pencil Basics provides you with the instruction and inspiration you need to master this versatile medium. By starting with the necessary supplies and basic techniques, this colorful, comprehensive guidebook gives you a solid foundation so you can work through each stunning project with ease and joy. Award-winning artist Cynthia Knox first teaches the tools and materials, colored pencil techniques, color basics, the basic shapes drawing method, the grid method, using photo references, and more. She explores blending, burnishing, and layering colors, plus a range of styles and techniques for creating your own works of art in colored pencil.
After learning the basics of drawing in colored pencil, move on to the step-by-step lessons, which demonstrate how to draw strikingly realistic still life and animals. Each drawing project in this 10.25 × 13.75–inch book focuses on a specific technique. Included drawing projects are a fall leaf, a colorful cupcake, a butterfly on a flower, a pony, a bowl of cherries, and a puppy—all in gorgeous, realistic detail. A reference photograph is used for each project, so you can learn how to transform your everyday photographs into beautiful pieces of art with only paper and colored pencil.
Designed for beginners, the How to Draw & Paint series offers easy-to-follow guides that introduce artists to basic tools and materials and include simple step-by-step lessons for a variety of projects suitable for the aspiring artist. Colored Pencil Basics allows artists to develop drawing skills by demonstrating how to start with basic shapes and use pencil and coloring techniques to create varied textures, values, and details for realistic colored pencil drawings.
*Named One of the 54 Best Colored Pencil Drawing Books of All Time by BookAuthority*
Whether you’re a novice or an accomplished artist just getting started with colored pencil, Colored Pencil Basics provides you with the instruction and inspiration you need to master this versatile medium. By starting with the necessary supplies and basic techniques, this colorful, comprehensive guidebook gives you a solid foundation so you can work through each stunning project with ease and joy. Award-winning artist Cynthia Knox first teaches the tools and materials, colored pencil techniques, color basics, the basic shapes drawing method, the grid method, using photo references, and more. She explores blending, burnishing, and layering colors, plus a range of styles and techniques for creating your own works of art in colored pencil.
After learning the basics of drawing in colored pencil, move on to the step-by-step lessons, which demonstrate how to draw strikingly realistic still life and animals. Each drawing project in this 10.25 × 13.75–inch book focuses on a specific technique. Included drawing projects are a fall leaf, a colorful cupcake, a butterfly on a flower, a pony, a bowl of cherries, and a puppy—all in gorgeous, realistic detail. A reference photograph is used for each project, so you can learn how to transform your everyday photographs into beautiful pieces of art with only paper and colored pencil.
Designed for beginners, the How to Draw & Paint series offers easy-to-follow guides that introduce artists to basic tools and materials and include simple step-by-step lessons for a variety of projects suitable for the aspiring artist. Colored Pencil Basics allows artists to develop drawing skills by demonstrating how to start with basic shapes and use pencil and coloring techniques to create varied textures, values, and details for realistic colored pencil drawings.
- GenresArtNonfictionHow To
40 pages, Paperback
Published March 3, 2020
5 people want to read
About the author
Cynthia Knox
41 books6 followersCynthia Knox, CPSA is an award-winning artist who has authored 14 art instructional books with a new one to be released in 2020 by Walter Foster Publishing (Quarto Publishing). She teaches online classes for Bluprint.com (formerly Craftsy.com) with over 13,000 students enrolled across 3 classes. Cynthia's passion is teaching students how to draw with colored pencils and graphite, and she conducts workshops throughout the United States, internationally and on cruises. Cynthia is a Signature Member of the Colored Pencil Society of America, a Juried Member of the International Guild of Realism and a commissioned portrait artist. Her artwork is in shows, private collections and on her website. Cynthia credits her passion and inspiration for art to a deep love for God and her family. She lives in upstate New York with her husband Jeff and has two adult daughters, Katharine and Abby, and sons-in-law, Zachary and Garrett. Her artwork, resume, teaching schedule, upcoming publications and testimonials can be viewed on her website at www.cynthaknox.com, and she is on Facebook and Instagram. Cynthia is represented by LaBelle Enterprises for her workshops with Bob LaBelle as primary contact at www.boblabelleenterprises.com.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
February 24, 2020
Originally published on my blog: Nonstop Reader.
Drawing: Colored Pencil Basics is a tutorial and style guide by Cynthia Knox. Due out 3rd March 2020 from Quarto on their Walter Foster imprint, it's 40 pages and will be available in paperback format.
The layout follows the familiar Walter Foster tutorial format. An introduction covers tools and supplies and is followed by a short and easily accessible general drawing tutorial and an introduction to color theory. There's a good subchapter on blending, burnishing, and pencil techniques as well as a short intro on how to choose the right pencils.There's a good bit on grid drawing as well as drawing from reference photos. The book ends (quite abruptly) with a short tutorial on drawing animal fur.
Each of the chapters includes a start to finish project illustrating the concepts and techniques from the chapter.
This is a very basic book but full of intermediate techniques and will provide some useful takeaways for the majority of readers/artists. This entire series is worthwhile and will be a valuable addition to the artist's home library.
Four stars.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
Drawing: Colored Pencil Basics is a tutorial and style guide by Cynthia Knox. Due out 3rd March 2020 from Quarto on their Walter Foster imprint, it's 40 pages and will be available in paperback format.
The layout follows the familiar Walter Foster tutorial format. An introduction covers tools and supplies and is followed by a short and easily accessible general drawing tutorial and an introduction to color theory. There's a good subchapter on blending, burnishing, and pencil techniques as well as a short intro on how to choose the right pencils.There's a good bit on grid drawing as well as drawing from reference photos. The book ends (quite abruptly) with a short tutorial on drawing animal fur.
Each of the chapters includes a start to finish project illustrating the concepts and techniques from the chapter.
This is a very basic book but full of intermediate techniques and will provide some useful takeaways for the majority of readers/artists. This entire series is worthwhile and will be a valuable addition to the artist's home library.
Four stars.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
March 3, 2020
Drawing: Colored Pencil Basics by Cynthia Knox
Drawing is something everyone can do. Practice enhances the skill whether doodling or recreating exact replicas of what one sees. Each art book I read provides new ideas for contemplation and application.
What I liked:
* Simplicity with detail
* Illustration of each step
* The idea of having a brush handy – had not thought of that before
* New color combinations and how to use them when using colored pencils (My medium is watercolor most of the time)
* The information on the three types of colored pencils: wax-based, oil-based and water-soluble
* How “tooth” of paper impacts the outcome of a drawing
* Information on a variety of papers
* Specifics shared in each example making it more likely there will be success for the reader working to recreate it.
* Short book with information that can be used in any colored pencil work the reader might choose to tackle.
Thank you to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group – Walter Foster for the ARC – This is my honest review.
5 Stars
Drawing is something everyone can do. Practice enhances the skill whether doodling or recreating exact replicas of what one sees. Each art book I read provides new ideas for contemplation and application.
What I liked:
* Simplicity with detail
* Illustration of each step
* The idea of having a brush handy – had not thought of that before
* New color combinations and how to use them when using colored pencils (My medium is watercolor most of the time)
* The information on the three types of colored pencils: wax-based, oil-based and water-soluble
* How “tooth” of paper impacts the outcome of a drawing
* Information on a variety of papers
* Specifics shared in each example making it more likely there will be success for the reader working to recreate it.
* Short book with information that can be used in any colored pencil work the reader might choose to tackle.
Thank you to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group – Walter Foster for the ARC – This is my honest review.
5 Stars
January 23, 2020
Cynthia Knox knocks this one out of the park! Drawing: Colored Pencil Basics may be short, but it is packed full of information for anyone looking to begin drawing, or improve their techniques in drawing, with colored pencils.
I love Knox's clear and detailed, yet easy to follow, step-by-step instructions and watching the drawings come alive. The book itself is very visually appealing and covers virtually everything you need to know about using colored pencils.
A five-star review from me!!
My thanks to NetGalley and Walter Foster Publications for allowing me to read a copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review. All opinions are my own.
I love Knox's clear and detailed, yet easy to follow, step-by-step instructions and watching the drawings come alive. The book itself is very visually appealing and covers virtually everything you need to know about using colored pencils.
A five-star review from me!!
My thanks to NetGalley and Walter Foster Publications for allowing me to read a copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review. All opinions are my own.
August 22, 2020
Being brand new to illustrating at the ripe, old age of fifty-four, I was looking for some basic information about how to better utilize my precious Crayola pencil crayons. So when I came across this book I jumped at the chance to have a look at it. Especially when it also came to me as a free copy from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review. (Which is of course what you will always get from me).
What can I say about a non-fiction reference book? Either it delivers or it doesn't. This one does. But I think they use the word "Basics" in the title so as not to scare us newbie illustrators away by the amount of content it contains, because it holds not only the basics but so much more. But you won't be overwhelmed, just given a good foundation of knowledge arranged and communicated well. It is definitely a reference book that you will be gleaning more from as time goes by and you advance in your knowledge and hone your abilities. Definitely a keeper.
For me though, I'm thinking I would like it in the paperback format since it deals with the physical use of coloring pencils. Then I could also be doodling in the margins as I go along. The publishers might want to consider adding to the paperback version places for my own trial and error test spots as I try out what I'm learning on the various pages. It also makes me want to check out more titles in the "Drawing" series.
I was grateful for the chance to see an advanced copy and I will certainly be mindful of this opportunity when I'm a rich and famous "artiste" someday. Now go and color your world.
Thank you for reading another one of my reviews.
Sincerely, Laura-Lee
What can I say about a non-fiction reference book? Either it delivers or it doesn't. This one does. But I think they use the word "Basics" in the title so as not to scare us newbie illustrators away by the amount of content it contains, because it holds not only the basics but so much more. But you won't be overwhelmed, just given a good foundation of knowledge arranged and communicated well. It is definitely a reference book that you will be gleaning more from as time goes by and you advance in your knowledge and hone your abilities. Definitely a keeper.
For me though, I'm thinking I would like it in the paperback format since it deals with the physical use of coloring pencils. Then I could also be doodling in the margins as I go along. The publishers might want to consider adding to the paperback version places for my own trial and error test spots as I try out what I'm learning on the various pages. It also makes me want to check out more titles in the "Drawing" series.
I was grateful for the chance to see an advanced copy and I will certainly be mindful of this opportunity when I'm a rich and famous "artiste" someday. Now go and color your world.
Thank you for reading another one of my reviews.
Sincerely, Laura-Lee
February 13, 2020
Learn to draw with colored pencils
"Drawing: Colored Pencil Basics: Learn to Draw step by step" by Cynthia Know is one of the 40-page books from the "Drawing ... step by step" series, published by Quarto Publishing Group - Walter Foster. The book is divided into eight chapters: 1) Tools & Materials, 2) Colored Pencil Techniques, 3) Using Complementary Colors, 4) Blending & Burnishing, 5) Selecting Pencils, 6) The Grid Method, 7) Enhancing a Photo Reference, and 8) Drawing Fur. Knox basis her drawing on photos and provides a sample dot list of colors that are needed for a specific project. This is very helpful, especially for beginners.
The book presents itself with great graphics and design. Tips and information which Know calls "Technique Primer" are included and are a great help for the budding artist. It is helpful and inspirational for beginning (and advanced) artists who are wanting to draw with colored pencils. For them it would make a nice gift and I would recommend it for them. Readers need to be aware that it is a basic book, index and information were the needed materials are missing. Furthermore, it would have been helpful if the reference photos could be downloaded since the are of small size in the book.
The complimentary copy of this book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley free of charge. I was under no obligation to offer a positive review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
#DrawingColoredPencilBasics #NetGalley
"Drawing: Colored Pencil Basics: Learn to Draw step by step" by Cynthia Know is one of the 40-page books from the "Drawing ... step by step" series, published by Quarto Publishing Group - Walter Foster. The book is divided into eight chapters: 1) Tools & Materials, 2) Colored Pencil Techniques, 3) Using Complementary Colors, 4) Blending & Burnishing, 5) Selecting Pencils, 6) The Grid Method, 7) Enhancing a Photo Reference, and 8) Drawing Fur. Knox basis her drawing on photos and provides a sample dot list of colors that are needed for a specific project. This is very helpful, especially for beginners.
The book presents itself with great graphics and design. Tips and information which Know calls "Technique Primer" are included and are a great help for the budding artist. It is helpful and inspirational for beginning (and advanced) artists who are wanting to draw with colored pencils. For them it would make a nice gift and I would recommend it for them. Readers need to be aware that it is a basic book, index and information were the needed materials are missing. Furthermore, it would have been helpful if the reference photos could be downloaded since the are of small size in the book.
The complimentary copy of this book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley free of charge. I was under no obligation to offer a positive review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
#DrawingColoredPencilBasics #NetGalley
February 17, 2020
Super useful! So far the only project I’ve tried is the cupcake. Were my results amazing? Nope. We’re they better than before I picked up the book? Yes. For a first time trying to seriously color with colored pencils? I’ll take it.
The book starts off with the usual tips, tricks, materials needed, etc.
It moves on to projects and includes step by step instructions right down to the specific colors used (I’m using Blick Studio’s Pencils 72 count and needed to improvise a couple of colors.
The book takes you through a few main aspects of coloring with colored pencils including using complementary colors, selecting pencils, coloring fur, and more.
The book starts off with the usual tips, tricks, materials needed, etc.
It moves on to projects and includes step by step instructions right down to the specific colors used (I’m using Blick Studio’s Pencils 72 count and needed to improvise a couple of colors.
The book takes you through a few main aspects of coloring with colored pencils including using complementary colors, selecting pencils, coloring fur, and more.
March 28, 2020
I requested and received an e-ARC of this book from NetGalley and Quatro Publishing Group – Walter Foster in exchange for an honest review.
Although my drawing skills are crap, I was able to practice my colored pencil basics by using the snipping tool and printing off the black and white image located on each new technique page. By no means am I a master at using colored pencils but I found this book very helpful. The explanations were easy to understand, and the instructions were easy to follow. This book would help other beginners like me improve their coloring skills.
#DrawingColoredPencilBasics #NetGalley
Although my drawing skills are crap, I was able to practice my colored pencil basics by using the snipping tool and printing off the black and white image located on each new technique page. By no means am I a master at using colored pencils but I found this book very helpful. The explanations were easy to understand, and the instructions were easy to follow. This book would help other beginners like me improve their coloring skills.
#DrawingColoredPencilBasics #NetGalley
March 6, 2020
A very basic but useful and enjoyable book, that in only 40 pages introduces to the essential kow-how of coloured pencil drawing. Simple, clean layout, beautiful artwork, very inviting to move the first steps into this technique.
March 28, 2021
Very good tips and fundamentals. Projects might be a little advanced and hard to follow for true beginners, but overall a good start.
February 8, 2020
This is a great introduction to using coloured pencils. Cynthia Knox shows readers the basic materials and techniques and she includes beautiful exercises to attempt. It is a very short book but useful and the pictures are inspirational.
I received this free ebook from NetGalley in return for an honest review.
EDITION Other Format
ISBN 9781633228443
PRICE $10.95 (USD)
I received this free ebook from NetGalley in return for an honest review.
EDITION Other Format
ISBN 9781633228443
PRICE $10.95 (USD)
January 5, 2020
This book is absolutely fantastic. The tips and techniques are excellent and the steps are very well organized and detailed. It only has a few tutorials as the book is very short. But the skills covered are invaluable to those wishing to up their skill level in pencil drawings and I loved it. I definitely recommend it and plan to buy several copies. I received this book from NetGalley for an honest review.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews