Garden Gate 01

I'm going to start the colored pencil tutorial with one of the first pages from my "Enchanted Garden Coloring Book", the Garden Gate. Here's what it looks like without any coloring.

Before I start coloring, or even drawing for that matter, I do a lot of research on what things actually look like. That means firing up the computer, tablet or smart phone and searching for images.  In this case I started my search with "rock walls".

I started with that for two reasons. First and foremost, I always start any painting or coloring with the elements that are farthest back. I think I learned that when I was just starting out as an artist. I was working in watercolor then (actually one of the hardest mediums to master). I find that it works best for me. The second reason is that I thought the rock wall would set the tone for the whole piece. 

Once you've done a little research on what rock walls actually look like, you have to then decide if YOUR wall is going to be a realistically colored wall or something a bit more enchanted.  I chose to start out with it a bit more realistic.  The choice is up to you.

I started with a Pale Gray Pencil (Prismacolor #PC1061 - Cool Gray 30%) And lightly covered all the stone.     Have your pencil strokes go in all the same direction. It makes for a nicer look. For this first layer of color, keep your strokes light. We'll be building up color (getting darker) as we go.

Once I was done with that I thought the rocks needed to be a bit more defined. I used a Dark Umber (PC947) to color in the crevices between the rocks.  Honestly, it was just so that I could see the rocks a bit better. For no other reason but personal preference.  I think it helped the rocks to pop! 

Notes:

• You do not have to use Prismacolor Pencils. Any nice size set will be just fine.  I'm including the Prismacolor #'s just because that's what I'm using. I'm also including the names so that you can match the color if you want to. 
• You do not have to use the same color scheme as I'm showing here. In your color scheme find the tone that best matches the ones shown here. 

You can post any comments or questions below. I'll get to them as quickly as I can!

Thanks for visiting!

Sneak Peek.

Here's the first sneak peek at the first finished page for the next in my

Enchanted Coloring Book Series. 

The next book is titled "Enchanted Sea". Of course I had to start the book with Clown Fish, also known as Nemo!
Watch for more sneak peeks to come as this new book comes to life.
And don't forget to look for more updates on my Colored Pencil Tutorials.

Hope you have a great weekend. Happy Earth Day.
And for all my Jewish friends - a Happy and Blessed Passover.

Colored Pencil Techniques - 01 TOOLS

Are you ready to start coloring?
Do you have all the coolest tools?
Here are some of the ones that I think are the best.

Colored Pencils! 
They come in a gigantic variety. From simple Crayola pencils that you can get just about anywhere. Even, sometimes at your local grocery store. To the high end of possibilities -  Prismacolor Pencils. To make the decision even more complex, Prismacolor Pencils come in a variety of types. ... I use Prismacolor Premier Soft Core Pencils. They're pretty pricey, but I think worth the investment. Eons ago, I invested in a set. Over the years, I've added to that set a couple of pencils at a time.  I think it's a big advantage, to be able to purchase these pencils individually as I need them. Shop around, prices vary.

Once you've decided what brand to purchase, you then have to decide what quantity size. If you're not sure of the brand, get a smallish set. If you're pretty sure of the brand and style, I suggest a set of, at minimum, 24 to begin with. But you can never have too many colors!! So, splurge a little. Get a bigger set.

 

Container!
You don't actually have to have a special carry case for your pencils. Some of the boxes or tins that the pencils come in work just fine.  My box disintegrated long ago.
If you're going to color in the same place most of the time. Then any bunch of containers, glasses, mugs or whatever, will work well. But, if you're like me and want to be able to indulge your creativity anywhere (the couch, kitchen table, car, train, plane), I suggest buying some sort of carrying case. This way you can pick up and go at a moments notice.


Sharpeners!
When I'm at home, I use an electric pencil sharpener. It make things so much easier. I like the style that has the pencil being inserted from the top. I think that this type sharpens the pencil a whole lot more evenly.  I also use one with an auto-stop.


I also have a manual sharpener that I take on the road with me. I splurged a bit and purchased one made by Prismacolor. It works
great! Gives a nice sharpe tip. It even has a choice of point types.



Miscellaneous!
A nifty little tool, is what I call the extender (pencil holder). As you use your pencils and they get smaller and smaller and harder to hold onto, this little piece of equipment comes in very handy. It lets you get lots more use out of your pencils without cramping your hands.

There are a lot of other nifty tools that you can purchase. But these are the ones that I think you need to get started. OH! Well, except for a coloring book, that is!  Just click the link up there in the right that says - Coloring Books and get one of your very own! Hurry! I'll start coloring this week!

Hugs!

Hello!!

I suppose that it's about time that I started a blog. I've been encouraged to for a while now. Honestly, I've been a little frightened about learning yet one more program and social media gadget!

However, using just Facebook to post my "Start to Finish" work-in-progress updates, has left a little bit to be desired. Both for myself and for the folks who really enjoy following along.
So here I am! You will have to bear with me, as I figure out how to best work with this program.

I will start with a "how to" work with colored pencils as you enjoy coloring in my new

"Enchanted Garden Coloring Book". 

Which is now available on Amazon. Here's the direct link to that page.
Teri Rosario - Enchanted Garden Coloring Book
Here's a sample of one of the pages that I colored myself --

The page that I will start the tutorial with will be the first page in the Coloring Book -

The Garden Gate. 

I will post updates as I color. Look for those updates to appear at least once per week.

So if you want to color along with me, make sure to get your copy. I'll start posting this coming week.
Thanks so much for subscribing and for your support of my art.
Hugs much.