Mastering Tan with Colored Pencils: A Step-by-Step Guide

Creating a natural tan using colored pencils might seem daunting at first, but with the right techniques and materials, you can achieve a beautifully blended color that adds depth and warmth to your artwork. In this guide, we will walk you through the process of creating a tan color from scratch, ensuring you get the desired results every time.

Materials Needed

Colored Pencils: A range of colors, including light brown, yellow ochre, burnt sienna, white, and orange Blending Tool: An optional tool like a blending stump or tissue Paper: Smooth paper for better blending

Steps to Create a Tan Color

Select Your Colors

To start, choose a base color such as light brown, yellow ochre, or burnt sienna. You may also want to include white to lighten the tan or orange for warmth. These colors will form the foundation of your tan.

Layering

Apply the Base Color: Start by lightly applying the base color in the area you want to color. Use gentle pressure to build up the color gradually. Warm it Up: Add a small amount of yellow ochre or cream to warm the base color. Gently blend it into the base color.

Blending

Use a blending tool or a tissue to smooth out the pencil strokes. Gently rub the blending tool or tissue over the colored area to mix the colors together. If you don’t have a blending tool, you can use a white pencil to blend by going over the colored area lightly.

Adjusting the Shade

Lighten or Darken: If the tan is too light, add more of the base brown color. If it’s too dark, incorporate more white or cream. Add Warmer Tones: For a warmer tan, add a touch of orange or peach.

Final Touches

Enhance Depth: Once you achieve the desired tan color, go over the edges with a darker brown or a darker shade of your base color to add depth. Blend Again: Blend again if necessary to ensure a smooth transition.

Tips for Successful Tan Coloring

Practice First: Always practice on a scrap piece of paper before applying it to your final piece. Experiment: Try different combinations of colors to find the perfect tan that suits your artwork.

Expert Insights

While mixing colors can be a rewarding experience, it can also be risky, especially with valuable artwork. As an expert in colored pencils, I strongly recommend using a good set of flesh/orange-colored pencils, such as Prismacolor, for creating tans. These pencils are specifically designed for this purpose and provide consistent results.

In my experience, mixing colors can be unpredictable and may end up ruining a piece of art you value. Instead of relying on mixing, consider purchasing a well-reviewed set of pencils that can help you achieve the desired tan with ease.