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Colored Pencil Painting Bible: Techniques for Achieving Luminous Color and Ultrarealistic Effects
Learn to paint with groundbreaking new techniques for a favorite medium!
• Dazzling colors, incredible realism—with simple step-by-step demonstrations
• Easy-to-follow instructions from a top colored-pencil artist
• Master the wide range of colored pencil effects possible, including blending, layering, translucent effects, and more
Radiant color…painterly finishes…astonishing realism…with colored pencils! Achieve rich, luminous color and eye-popping ultra-realistic effects. Artists of every level will be inspired by the amazing new techniques created by Alyona Nickelsen, presented in Colored Pencil Painting Bible for the very first time.
Nickelsen’s innovations will delight readers and detailed you-can-do-it processes bring her striking results within reach for every artist. Take colored pencils beyond the ordinary with Colored Pencil Painting Bible !
• Dazzling colors, incredible realism—with simple step-by-step demonstrations
• Easy-to-follow instructions from a top colored-pencil artist
• Master the wide range of colored pencil effects possible, including blending, layering, translucent effects, and more
Radiant color…painterly finishes…astonishing realism…with colored pencils! Achieve rich, luminous color and eye-popping ultra-realistic effects. Artists of every level will be inspired by the amazing new techniques created by Alyona Nickelsen, presented in Colored Pencil Painting Bible for the very first time.
Nickelsen’s innovations will delight readers and detailed you-can-do-it processes bring her striking results within reach for every artist. Take colored pencils beyond the ordinary with Colored Pencil Painting Bible !
192 pages, Paperback
First published March 3, 2009
351 people are currently reading
745 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
January 8, 2011
This book surprised me! I almost overlooked it because my favoured medium is watercolour, but then I reminded myself that one often learns most from those working in different fields of art and that’s precisely what happened when I read this book. It isn’t just the average ‘how to draw and colour in pencils’ manual, the text really delves into the properties, techniques and rules for success thoroughly and professionally.
For me, the most interesting subjects she tackled were those universal to all mediums, such as composition, colour, light and shadows. I can’t emphasise how much (useful knowledge) I learned. Another thing the author taught me was a new, meaningful way to analyse a subject before one attempts to depict it. I now know specific things to look for because she described (almost scientifically!) how things react and how the eye sees and colours mix.
A bonus with this book is that the subjects are explained in detail but thenhave run down pages of the basic rules accompanying the text so that once one has read and learned the piece, there is a reminder for quick reference.
You can also pick up some clever tips as you flick through.
I can’t really fault this book, but to give a balance review I’ll add a little shade to go with the light (as the book says, they are intrinsically linked in the world!). The author, though beneficially passionate for the reader because she treats the coloured pencil as a medium very seriously and in huge detail, when stating an opinion on art sometimes came across with a hint of sternness. She has every right to hold strong opinions and voice them, but I wondered whether it might ‘freeze’ a new artist up as I firmly believe the most essential thing to producing good work is to be relaxed about it. This said however, she redeemed herself with a sensible lesson on enjoying drawing and not being overly critical of your work, realising that without mistake one doesn’t learn and grow.
Would thoroughly recommend: much more than these ineffectual ‘copy me’ books.
For me, the most interesting subjects she tackled were those universal to all mediums, such as composition, colour, light and shadows. I can’t emphasise how much (useful knowledge) I learned. Another thing the author taught me was a new, meaningful way to analyse a subject before one attempts to depict it. I now know specific things to look for because she described (almost scientifically!) how things react and how the eye sees and colours mix.
A bonus with this book is that the subjects are explained in detail but thenhave run down pages of the basic rules accompanying the text so that once one has read and learned the piece, there is a reminder for quick reference.
You can also pick up some clever tips as you flick through.
I can’t really fault this book, but to give a balance review I’ll add a little shade to go with the light (as the book says, they are intrinsically linked in the world!). The author, though beneficially passionate for the reader because she treats the coloured pencil as a medium very seriously and in huge detail, when stating an opinion on art sometimes came across with a hint of sternness. She has every right to hold strong opinions and voice them, but I wondered whether it might ‘freeze’ a new artist up as I firmly believe the most essential thing to producing good work is to be relaxed about it. This said however, she redeemed herself with a sensible lesson on enjoying drawing and not being overly critical of your work, realising that without mistake one doesn’t learn and grow.
Would thoroughly recommend: much more than these ineffectual ‘copy me’ books.
January 13, 2020
I didn't like the tone of this book. Basically - no art is worth considering unless it is "perfect". Also the author seems to have a bit of a chip on her shoulder; defending coloured pencil use against unseen critics who don't consider pencil work as real art.
I learned some technique but spare me the lectures. As a lover of folk art I appreciate all attempts at creative expression. I hope no one gets discouraged from sharing what is in their heart after reading this book.
I learned some technique but spare me the lectures. As a lover of folk art I appreciate all attempts at creative expression. I hope no one gets discouraged from sharing what is in their heart after reading this book.
January 5, 2013
Very good. For those new to the medium I would say it's a must buy.
For anyone looking for a quick fix or inspiration maybe not.
This is a written study of colour pencil art by a highly respected
artist. Personally I found it a bit basic. Not because i'm a brilliant artist, I just felt it could have covered more ground with
1. Clearer explanation of basic principles,
2. Much more examples,
3. A better balance of example paintings. Every painting is from
her own repertoire,(and mostly of fruit).
Having said all that, this book is quite unique and deserves a round
of applause for being one of the pioneers of this wonderful art medium.
For anyone looking for a quick fix or inspiration maybe not.
This is a written study of colour pencil art by a highly respected
artist. Personally I found it a bit basic. Not because i'm a brilliant artist, I just felt it could have covered more ground with
1. Clearer explanation of basic principles,
2. Much more examples,
3. A better balance of example paintings. Every painting is from
her own repertoire,(and mostly of fruit).
Having said all that, this book is quite unique and deserves a round
of applause for being one of the pioneers of this wonderful art medium.
September 8, 2021
This is an excellent book that provides inspiration for anyone interested in doing art with colored pencils! The explanations and the illustration provide step by step instruction that is easy to follow along to duplicate the process. I encourage to do the twelve exercises at the back of the book as I think you will become a more mature colored from the process. And remember to to have fun while you work!
June 15, 2016
Excellent technique information, but holy crap is the tone of this book awful. The author/artist comes across as a controlling perfectionist, and takes pencil crayons more seriously than most people take... well, anything. Very dismissive of other forms of art, media, and styles of working. I really enjoy the tips, but cannot enjoy an approach to artmaking that is so rigid.
November 14, 2018
Great help with my color pencil artwork
April 10, 2025
Il libro nel suo insieme mi è piaciuto.
Ha una struttura classica e solida.
Diviso in 5 capitoli, i primi 4 sono di teoria e tecnica e nell’ultimo propone una serie di esercizi a difficoltà crescente per realizzare opere realistiche con le matite colorate.
Il testo è ottimo, per quel che concerne l’applicazione del colore che l’autrice chiama appunto rendering di un disegno a contorno a matita.
Non insegna assolutamente a disegnare ma solo a copiare pari pari un’immagine da una qualsiasi fonte. Non c’è alcun accenno all’uso espressivo del colore e delle matite colorate, tutto il libro si concentra sull’ottenimento del realismo.
A me il l’iperrealismo o ultrarealismo piace poco, oltre ad essere difficile da ottenere tecnicamente, richiede molto tempo, il disegno si appesantisce perde freschezza ed espressività e come se non bastasse per ottenere certi effetti sono necessarie set di matite da centinaia di euro.
Se cercate il realismo intenso come render di un disegno a contorno questo è un ottimo libro, altrimenti è necessario guardare anche altrove.
Ha una struttura classica e solida.
Diviso in 5 capitoli, i primi 4 sono di teoria e tecnica e nell’ultimo propone una serie di esercizi a difficoltà crescente per realizzare opere realistiche con le matite colorate.
Il testo è ottimo, per quel che concerne l’applicazione del colore che l’autrice chiama appunto rendering di un disegno a contorno a matita.
Non insegna assolutamente a disegnare ma solo a copiare pari pari un’immagine da una qualsiasi fonte. Non c’è alcun accenno all’uso espressivo del colore e delle matite colorate, tutto il libro si concentra sull’ottenimento del realismo.
A me il l’iperrealismo o ultrarealismo piace poco, oltre ad essere difficile da ottenere tecnicamente, richiede molto tempo, il disegno si appesantisce perde freschezza ed espressività e come se non bastasse per ottenere certi effetti sono necessarie set di matite da centinaia di euro.
Se cercate il realismo intenso come render di un disegno a contorno questo è un ottimo libro, altrimenti è necessario guardare anche altrove.
September 1, 2018
A classroom in a book.
I started using colored pencils in coloring books to relax. I loved the process of layering the different colors and the effects that resulted. However, the subject matter to color was limited. I wanted to create my own pictures but had little to no skills in drawing. This book showed me how to create my own drawings and many, many techniques to make those drawings realistic using what I first loved about using colored pencils - layering. This book takes you from setting up your work area or studio to the finished artwork and everything between. The only reason I didn't give it a five star rating is that I would have like more colored pictures and examples of the different techniques.
I started using colored pencils in coloring books to relax. I loved the process of layering the different colors and the effects that resulted. However, the subject matter to color was limited. I wanted to create my own pictures but had little to no skills in drawing. This book showed me how to create my own drawings and many, many techniques to make those drawings realistic using what I first loved about using colored pencils - layering. This book takes you from setting up your work area or studio to the finished artwork and everything between. The only reason I didn't give it a five star rating is that I would have like more colored pictures and examples of the different techniques.
July 1, 2022
This book is a fantastic description on the technical details of using colored pencils. She goes into great detail on how to use them as well as some step by step examples. I was new to colored pencil when I first read this book so it was a little intimidating to me at first, but just take it in chunks and play with the easier examples. The more you get experience, the more you will appreciate this book. As other readers have said, the tone isn’t the best-almost conceited. But look past that and enjoy the details.
August 20, 2018
I skimmed this as not all of it applied to me. I can't draw, but I really like to color. The parts that I was interested in was helpful.
July 17, 2019
Not a book for beginner artist
September 3, 2019
Superb reference for colored pencil painting.
Read
January 13, 2021Great book, lots of pictures and comprehensive. I like that he explains all the terms.
October 25, 2023
Gorgeous book full of all the technique info needed to use colored pencils in so many ways.
July 4, 2025
This is a very good instructional book if you are a beginner. I am still learning!
October 6, 2025
Beautiful book. Some techniques and terms that I wasn't familiar with. It showed me some of what is possible for the medium and its limitations.
May 1, 2009
Suitable for: Beginners and Improvers interested in making art using coloured pencils – particularly those wanting to learn how to render different types of surfaces and achieve saturated colour
Summary: An excellent manual for those who prefer their coloured pencil to be realistic and their work to look like paintings. It provides very good guidance on basics for those starting out while at the same time providing detailed explanations about technical aspects which will provide an excellent refresher for more advanced artists. It also includes some excellent and practical summaries and tips for developing artwork
Read an extended review at http://makingamarkreviews.blogspot.co...
Summary: An excellent manual for those who prefer their coloured pencil to be realistic and their work to look like paintings. It provides very good guidance on basics for those starting out while at the same time providing detailed explanations about technical aspects which will provide an excellent refresher for more advanced artists. It also includes some excellent and practical summaries and tips for developing artwork
Read an extended review at http://makingamarkreviews.blogspot.co...
November 30, 2015
Great book! I've read it several times and I'm going back again and again, I always find there something new that I haven't tried yet! The word 'Bible' in its title is true. I can recommend it to anybody who is interested in realist drawing / paiting by CPs.
August 31, 2016
Stunning, buy it.
March 23, 2013
One of the best I've found yet on colored pencil techniques. Very thorough with a lot of examples and ideas beyond just pencil and paper.
February 16, 2014
I've learn a lots from this book. About how to use the tools and the technics. It was really a good book.
May 15, 2014
this book taught me a lot and made me rethink a few things. sometimes watching something plays out really gives you ideas. it's not about copying a style it's about experimentation to find your own.
August 13, 2014
This book explains in great depth and detail what is means to use colored pencils and how to make good art using colored pencils. One of my favorite colored pencil books so far.
July 12, 2015
this book taught me a lot and made me rethink a few things. sometimes watching something plays out really gives you ideas. it's not about copying a style it's about experimentation to find your own.
November 21, 2016
slowly worked my way through - but didn't complete many of the exercises. I really need to do that to get the most out of the book.
December 16, 2014
This is on my "BUY" list--and coming from me, that's quite an endorsement.
May 2, 2017
This is, I think, the most beautiful book on colored pencils that I have come across so far. Gorgeous paintings presented in a gorgeous manner.
Artist Alyona Nickelsen utilizes techniques such as odorless mineral spirits, roughening paper and powder brushing in order to achieve effects that she feels are reminiscent of work done in oil paint.
Things I really like about this book include:
A great section on specific materials useful to the colored pencil artist.
A stellar section on "art"-- topics like color theory and how light works, as well as how to render light and shadow in art. These are treated in more depth than in any other colored pencil book I've seen...I read them several times, and plan to reread again.
A section on rendering backgrounds, which I found especially beautiful and plan to try.
Explanations of how to render different surfaces, textures, and items like grass, or sunlit leaves. Some of these explanations are truly step by step, while others are more summaries.
A section with clear step-by-step demonstrations on a variety of subjects, from fruit, to fabric, to glass.
An appendix with lightfastness ratings for major colored pencil brands (very helpful!).
Things worth noting about this book include:
As noted above, quite a few of the explanations are too general to be successfully followed by a novice colorist or colored pencil artist. For example, I am fascinated by Alyona's explanations of how to render a white flower, or white eggs, but found that these and other subjects were not presented simply enough for me as someone pretty new to the medium follow. This is not a criticism, as they are, I think, more advanced subjects.
So, I would highly, highly recommend this book as one for every colored pencil artist's library. I found it incredibly inspiring and educational, and feel that several of the projects are ones that I aspire to, and plan to revisit after I have more experience. And I have tried one of the simpler demonstrations, the dandelion, and enjoyed the process immensely.
Artist Alyona Nickelsen utilizes techniques such as odorless mineral spirits, roughening paper and powder brushing in order to achieve effects that she feels are reminiscent of work done in oil paint.
Things I really like about this book include:
A great section on specific materials useful to the colored pencil artist.
A stellar section on "art"-- topics like color theory and how light works, as well as how to render light and shadow in art. These are treated in more depth than in any other colored pencil book I've seen...I read them several times, and plan to reread again.
A section on rendering backgrounds, which I found especially beautiful and plan to try.
Explanations of how to render different surfaces, textures, and items like grass, or sunlit leaves. Some of these explanations are truly step by step, while others are more summaries.
A section with clear step-by-step demonstrations on a variety of subjects, from fruit, to fabric, to glass.
An appendix with lightfastness ratings for major colored pencil brands (very helpful!).
Things worth noting about this book include:
As noted above, quite a few of the explanations are too general to be successfully followed by a novice colorist or colored pencil artist. For example, I am fascinated by Alyona's explanations of how to render a white flower, or white eggs, but found that these and other subjects were not presented simply enough for me as someone pretty new to the medium follow. This is not a criticism, as they are, I think, more advanced subjects.
So, I would highly, highly recommend this book as one for every colored pencil artist's library. I found it incredibly inspiring and educational, and feel that several of the projects are ones that I aspire to, and plan to revisit after I have more experience. And I have tried one of the simpler demonstrations, the dandelion, and enjoyed the process immensely.
May 3, 2017
Art is supposed to be boundless, timeless, and above prejudices and dogmas.
Yet, many people likes to judge what is art and what is not.
Realistic painting and drawing are among preferred styles that people place out of Art's realm. After all technology gave us cameras.
Let alone the fact that photography is also art, realism in painting requires deep understand of tones, values, shades, perspective, which gives us an intimate relationship with the subjects.
Mastering realism is a spectacular experience and inevitable provides the passport for changing reality and creating abstraction with better tools box.
I loved this book and admire its author.
I am looking forward to Alyona’s next book about portraits.
Yet, many people likes to judge what is art and what is not.
Realistic painting and drawing are among preferred styles that people place out of Art's realm. After all technology gave us cameras.
Let alone the fact that photography is also art, realism in painting requires deep understand of tones, values, shades, perspective, which gives us an intimate relationship with the subjects.
Mastering realism is a spectacular experience and inevitable provides the passport for changing reality and creating abstraction with better tools box.
I loved this book and admire its author.
I am looking forward to Alyona’s next book about portraits.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews