How to Match Colored Pencils to A Reference Photo
Method 1- Color Swatches
So much selection can be daunting….
Colored pencils come in a variety of hues, which is great news for pencil artists. Lots of us love buying more sets so that we have more options to choose from. However, I understand that 120 color choices might be daunting for a new colored pencil artist. I remember feeling overwhelmed by all of the choices when I began using the medium. One way to be less overwhelmed is to buy a smaller set and try to layer fewer colors to match a reference photo. But the problem with that is that mixing pencils is trickier than mixing paint. The outcome is not quite the same even if you are using a solvent. Because of this, I decided to embrace the hundreds of beautiful colors and try to figure out a way to match them to my reference.
Over the years I have tried three ways to pick colors. I will share these methods and tell you how I currently determine which pencils to use. All artists are different, so I think it’s good to try all methods and then pick which works best for you.
If you feel frustrated with color-picking I think it’s helpful to know that as you create more artwork, color-picking does become easier. Your eyes will learn how to locate colors more efficiently as you practice. In fact, these color-picking methods actually help to train your eyes. You may find that you will be taking a walk, seeing a dog, and thinking, if I drew that dog’s eyes I’d use chocolate brown. Or maybe that’s just me…
This blog will go into the first method. I will go into two other methods in subsequent blog posts. Onto method 1.
Method 1- Color Swatches
This was the first method I tried. I spent a good deal of time cutting out pieces of paper, creating lines on them, and coloring in swatches for each of my Prismacolor Premier pencils (which were the first brand of colored pencils I used). I will say that it was satisfying to create the swatches. Below is a picture of how I created them if you would like to try this method.
Creating the Swatches
Make sure to use the same paper that you draw on the most, because colors may look slightly different depending on what paper you prefer. I used medium to hard pressure for my swatches, which perhaps wasn’t the best idea. Preferably, you could use a variety of pressure on each square, which would show what the color would look like with light and heavier pressure.
I punched holes at each rectangle’s tops so I could string the swatches together. You could do this if you find it helpful. I never did string mine together. However, that said, I did lose one of the swatches so it’s not a bad idea…
Using the Swatches
After you have created your swatches, simply hold the card up to the reference photograph. I was trying to match Ruby’s orange fur under her snoot here. Mineral orange, Prismacolor #1033, was a close match, although Ruby’s fur is a tad browner. Based on this knowledge I would probably try and mix a little brown on top of the Mineral orange on a scrap piece of drawing paper to see if I could create an even better match. If it was, I would apply that combination to my drawing.
I’m a firm believer in scribbling on scrap drawing paper to make sure I have a decent match before committing my color choices to my artwork. Again, make sure you use the same kind of paper that you are drawing on if you do this. I like to keep all scraps specifically for this purpose.
Some artists create larger swatches than I did. Then they punch a hole in the middle of the swatch so that they can hold it over the reference photo to match that way. You might prefer to create your swatches in that manner. I suppose it would help to zero in on the one space you are matching. Sometimes our eyes get confused by viewing neighboring colors, so I could see how that tactic might be helpful.
Pros and Cons of the Color Swatching Method
Be careful if you are printing the reference photo on regular paper, as I typically do. The colors won’t be as true. They tend to be more washed out on printer paper. I always use a printout the same size as my artwork to ensure all of my shapes are in the correct place and to make sure that my drawing is proportionally correct. Knowing that the color isn’t correct on my printout, I use an iPad to help me gauge the color. To remedy this, you have a couple of options. You could match your swatch on the digital copy of the reference photo on your iPad, computer, or phone. Or you could print out the reference on photograph paper, which I have done before with much success.
Positives of the Color Swatching Method
The positives of this method are that it is very cheap and easy to do. It’s almost relaxing to create the swatches, and I thought it was fun to see what kind of color each pencil was capable of achieving. It’s a great way to get to know your pencils if you have a new set. You can get a reasonable match that aids you in selecting the nearest correct color using swatches. Keep in mind that you may need to add another color to get an exact match.
Negatives of the Color Swatching Method
The negatives of this method are that it is time-consuming to create the swatches, especially if you have multiple collections of pencils. That said, it’s really a one-time task to do with each set, so if you like this method it’s not that big of a negative.
I’d say the biggest drawback of this method is that it doesn’t take into account the layering method. Layering is important for a realistic style, and looking at one swatch isn’t going to tell you how to achieve the color using multiple pencils. This method might be perfect for you if you are content with using a heavier hand and fewer hues.
Another negative for me with this method is that I like to fly by the seat of my pants. Some artists like to plan out what colors they need before they even make a mark on the paper. They might pick what colors they will use with swatches like these. That’s not how I prefer to do things. I like to get a general idea in my brain and work it out as I go. I am too impatient for picking pencils in advance.
Let me know what you think. Have you tried color swatching? Do you like it? If you haven’t, would you try it? Have you seen anyone do it differently?
For the next blog, I will go into Method #2 of color picking, which will be using computer software to isolate colors. Until then, happy coloring.
