I know the video is quite old, but I wanted to say thank you. There are SO many artists supplies that I tend to get lost in what actually is a artist grade product & a good buy. Thank you again!
Lower right of the video you'll see a little sprocket you can click on to speed up or slow down any youtube. You also can turn off pop up in the videos.
Lisa, this is great information. The great thing about this videos is that we don't need to do the trial and error process to find the best products. Your info on sharpeners and erasers is most timely. Thanks again for this and all you d0.
Gosh! I love your honesty, knowledge and willingness to share. I've spent the last 5 years studying art, supplies, books, DVDs and techniques (driven me bonkers trying to determine the best) and I can clarify to anyone watching this video that, your recommendations are absolutely spot on! You are one of the best, most passionate and interesting inspirational Master Artist I've ever come across and, believe me, I've studied a lot. I'm a Bob Ross CRI and a self taught Artist (which is far greater an accolade than having the Bob Ross cert title!). Colour mixing has proven the most complex subject with so many conflicting issues relating to types medium, brands, light-fastness, costs and bias undertones. But, your videos (which I wish I'd have come across years ago) have been a great vindication of my massive amount of study and frustration!
OMG Lisa. I won a real bargain yesterday and feel a need to tell you about it. After watching this, I went on a mission to find an Ott-Lite Natural Daylight Floor Lamp. I'm in Western Australia and this light sells for around $269 online stores and $200 on ebay. A lady listed one on ebay, still in box, unopened, starting bid at $40. Someone bid once at $40 (silly move). I came in and won the bad @ $41 (plus $20 postage). I'm stoked!! Now I can have good light when working at night!
Lisa... as an alteration lady for a dry cleaners, I had quite often used "scotch tape" or at times "masking tape" to lift DIRT off of clothing collars & cuffs, etc. THEN what "lite" stains that remain, I just used a bar of soap to wash them out... comes clean most of the time. 😊
+Jason Morgan - Wildlife Art You CANNOT resist the dark side! Seriously though, Jason, might be a little pricey to start, but once you try Colored Pencils, you will be hooked. If you can do what you do on a relatively small canvas with oil paints, just imagine what you could do with some pencils! It's very different, but a good kind of different. There's really no need to resist. You can just pick up a few different colors of Polychromos and/or Luminance pencils and do a quick study with them or try drawing fur or an eye, just to see if you like them. That way there isn't as much of a risk.
I just want to say lacri! You are such an inspiration to everyone and especially the young artists. You are such a help and always put out amazing and good quality videos ! Keep up the good work
I've had no breakage with prismas....I use a Panasonic kp310 sharpener....I must also say, though, that I use a very sharp point with a very light touch and many layers. Yes not all prismacolors colors are lightfast, which is a disappointment, but don't buy those, use the ones that are. Lisa, thank you for your insight and being so willing to share your experiences. 👍🏻
I've done two colored-pencil drawing/paintings with Prismacolor. And I haven't run into any breakage problems yet. But...that's only two! However, I do have a very old electric sharpener that works beautifully. That might have something to do with it, or it could just be the newer pencils have been upgraded because of the complaints of them breaking. I bought mine about a year and a half ago. So I don't really know if that's a factor. But I really appreciated the tip you gave in a previous video, Lisa, about leaving the breakage-prone colored pencils under a lamp (or covered under something in the sunlight...but I'm not for surely if that was you...sorry if not and sorry if so, lol) if the breakage ever begins. And I know you don't like the tip regarding microwaving them for like six seconds because of the "warts" it gives the pencils, but I'm really fine with that if a lamp or the sun is not handy, hahaha. But as I said, I've had no problems with it yet. And I so hope I don't. As far as the color lasting goes...yeah...I had no idea any of that was an issue when I bought them. Only by watching your videos have I been made aware of it. And to buy another set that is so expensive at this point Is just not something I can justify doing to my husband. He's not a jerk or anything. He's wonderful in fact...even after 32 years of marriage. He's just not a visual artist, and we don't have a ton of money. Oh the familiar song of the artist! LOL. So maybe when I get through these pencils, I can invest in something better. But thanks so much for letting us know about the color problems. Also I've found that Prismacolor markers work well under the colored pencil and so does watercolor in getting rid of the paper coming through underneath. I'm just not so great at burnishing and using the mineral oil yet. Ugh. The Prismacolor markers are a bit too saturated in color though, giving a little bit more of a cartoony look which I don't really like. I wish I could have afforded getting the less saturated Copic markers, but at eight bucks a pop, no way! On top of this, I broke down and actually bought one of their blender markers because I'd heard that Prismacolor blender markers are great at blending colored pencils (I have five in my set, oh brother!) but not markers. As a result, many say that the Copic blender is better used for blending the Prismacolor markers. Go figure. They were right. BUT the problem was that the doofy Copic blender marker dried up. Huh? Eight bucks for something that worked for one picture! Yes, I stored it right. No, I didn't leave it open except when using it for a moment or two. Yes, I know I can get refills. No, I don't want to though since I feel ripped off by the company. So I'll just have to learn how to work the color in correctly I guess eventually. As far as paper goes, when I started my first picture on the smaller paper that was Strathmore sketch (I think), it was supposed to be just a practice, something I could throw away because I was excited to get started using my supplies since I built them up to where I could actually do an entire picture without feeling like, "but I don't have this or that, yards yada, yada." But it turned out a bit better than okay. So I thought I'd hang it on a wall but determined it needed a companion picture. So I had to work on the same bad paper, this time having some major problems with it. But I did finagle a bit with the colored pencils on a better paper (I can't remember what kind though) of which I have a huge pad. Wow! It took that color like a champ. Then it kind of bothered me, that while working on the second picture on the lesser paper, there was some great paper I wouldn't have problems with across the room. Oh well, next time I hope.
BeardedBarley1 i would recommend getting a colorless blender ink refill bottle and an ink brush,so you can eliminate potential marker problems by cutting outbthe middle man
Can Kupeli Heather uses Luminance now I believe. She mostly does human portraits, which is why Prisma was so good for the large areas of skin. I think she mixes the two making sure all the pencils are lightfast. Cool to see different artists following the same trends that make sense.
Hi Lisa! Thank you very much for all of your videos and product reviews! They have been immensely helpful and I have learned so much in little time as I am new to the world of color pencils. It takes time and dedication to produce your videos and your years of knowledge and experience are priceless, and for that I am very thankful!
In the US all odorless mineral spirits are the same.. it's regulated by law. I use Strathmore 400 bristol vellum and love it. I'm not a pro and I use prismacolor premier pencils. I use a colorless blender.. cardboard smudge.. and small paint brush to blend. I just use regular paper folded to protect my work while laying down color.. I use an electric pencil sharpener. I use a Dazor professional desk lamp with daylight bulbs... I have a sketch board with a clip that I use to hold my paper. I store my pencils in a wood US art supply box... I really like my set up.. it's directly in front of my TV..lol.. which is a 42in flat screen that is connected to my laptop.. I and bring up ref pictures and have them blown up huge for details.. all the time having music going in the background.
*Thank You So Much for posting this!* For my own videos I don't now what I'm doing in the line of art, truly a beginner here, and because of this I've been holding back because I learn so MUCH (when I get a chance to practice) so "quickly" (like say in the course of a year or several months) that I thought there was no reason for me to post what I've learned so far because it's always changing. *Now because of this video I know it's okay for me to post what I've learned so far. And it's all because you showed me here that if I learn new things and move on with my talents I can just post an "Update" of sorts, like you did here. =-D* *Thank You So Much again* for posting this! It has truly opened my world and showed me I CAN post what I have "learned" (or really screwed up on) so far 'BUSH!' *P.S.* - My income being nil, my videos are for CHEAP art creations, so don't worry no like "copyright infringement" of your videos here *;-D!*
I don't really have any tips on other arts supplies. (I'm an amateur when it comes to traditional art) That being said, I love making art with colored pencils as a hobby and it's nice to know that I don't have to depend on just Prismacolor alone for high quality pencils. I've been watching your videos for a while and the Inktense pencils look tempting because I like layering like crazy. Excellent video, by the way. :) I gathered more confidence in experimenting with traditional drawings. I'm too used to digital.
I use daylight bulbs, in a normal desk lamp, Stonehenge paper and clear transparent sheets for an overhead projector to protect my work form my hand. I also use pencil extenders but once the pencil gets to short i just superglue it onto another of the same color and just keep on trucking with it.
this was extremely helpful! You made me decide to go with a set of 60 polychromos with some other Luminance pencils, now, off to watch your video on how to sharpen them! ^^
Thanks as always for the great tips on supplies. Because of you I bought polychromos and luminance and have been very happy. The only issue I have with the luminance is that they aren't as "soft" as the Prismacolors were, and my wrists hurt more with them, but using them along with the polychromos solved that issue! I need to try a higher quality paper, like Fabriano or Stonehenge, that's next on the list when I can afford it.
Hey Liza !! I use Luminance pencils and i usually dont use paint thinner to do blending and i just use the pencils directly. At first i was using Saunders hot pressed paper and i tried Fabriano Hot pressed few days ago and i found Fabriano's paper is tooooooo smooth which i couldnt do layering as much as Saunders did. Was it because i didnt use paint thinner? Actually i know paint thinner can blend color easier and look smoother but if i dont want that blending effect, just use the pencils alone, is it better to use hot pressed paper with a little bit more roughness (not cold pressed), such as Saunders ?
I use a little bit of everything. I'm always trying something new to get a feel of what I like. I use Prisma color products but you are absolutely right they do break easy. I love the Tombow blender and there markers. I'm always trying new art supplies
my favorite art supply ... humm it has been the golden acrylic paints. but I'm gonna spend some time now learning about colored pencils painting. I'm sure I'm gonna have new favorites soon hahaha aahh love art!
I have been an artist for years, talking elementary school, I have learn so much on your site in a matter of days! Thanks so much for the information.;-)
I use prismacolours pencils.. I learnt a trick from the art store lady if you tie a rubber band around the pencil it stops them from breaking because when you drop it, it just bounces.. It's not completely break proof but it does help :) I use arches watercolour paper and strath more paper :)
I invested in a small amount of prisma color, they are bright and I love that they have flesh tones available in stores , but they break so much and for me I blend without white or tools , prisma color really does need help to blend and it sucks but they can blend well
Hi Lisa, just thought would mention that the Caran D'ache Museum Aquarelle white color pencil is even more opaque than the Luminance white color pencil! :-)
This was great info! Thanks Lachri! I loved the suggestion on the light bulb ! ! I'm having less problems with my prismas breaking lately. They are a few years old, and I was wondering if they just needed time to dry out and cure?? Maybe the wax is too soft when brand new? Although I'm still very careful about sharpening.
Thanks again for an informative video. Since your'e asking, as a professional artist, I highly recommend Turpenoid Natural for people who are sensitive to paint thinners. Even if odorless paint thinners are toxic. Turpenoid Natural is non-toxic and non-flammable. It bends pencil beautifully. I have used it for years and it is amazing.
Jess videos are very useful! I'm a newer artist and to know what good supplies you use are awesome! And would you be open to talking about copic markers?
Hi Lisa! Thank you for your videos!!! I have a friend who is in the final stages of publishing a book, and asked me to do the cover for it because she likes my graphite drawings. I happily agreed, and then days later - she asked if I could do color. I honestly don't know. :D Hehe. I'm giving it a shot, though - and though I told her I didn't know how it would turn out, she's so excited, and I'm feeling the pressure - so I turned to UA-cam for some help, and your videos have BY FAR been the most helpful. I'm curious why you would recommend the Strathmore Drawing paper, while the others appear to be watercolor papers - why not the Strathmore watercolor paper? I ask because I only have hobby shops in my town with no professional grade paper, and would like to get started soon without having to order something online. I do have the Strathmore Drawing paper, but I'm having trouble with the parts that I've blended appearing oily (I have tried to control my amount, layered the colors, all other tips you have given). I thought I might try out the Strathmore Watercolor paper, but would like to know what you think first. Thanks!
Hi there I'am an artist in Tampa Fl . I love doing portraits , I'm pretty good at getting my likeness but I am on a mission to improve as much aspossible . I have gotten the urge to use my colored pencil for portraits . You have open a whole new world for me that I hope to master or at least get really go . In this video you never said the weight of the Stonehenge paper you like best for portraits or I keep missing it . I also wanted to tell you I joined your support then canceled it because I had to much trouble knowing how it works or even finding you ... have you ever thought of making and selling dvds...I would still like to go back an join your support program again because that way I can watch the whole videos but not until I can find out how to use and find you there . Rather than go hoping from video to video on here I wanted also if I may to ask about the brush and pencil fixative that you keep spraying after the powdered blender ... question is do I have to protect my wood floors from this spray or anything thing else in the room . My painting area is my back bedroom / office / studio😂 ... I bought over $50 on Blicks yesterday for the B&P stuff and more . I need to see if the new local Bilcks has these papers ... hope I hear from you soon I am so anxious to start my journey through this ... Thank you so much you are amazing , yes you talk very fast and thank god for rewind , I can talk pretty fast as well lol... ok enough take care
Do you have anything up related to sketching and overall preparing you're color pencil works? If not, I would be really intrestend in that because that's where I have problems. Like how detailed should I make the sketch etc. Would be great to get some tips on that! By the way, this is my first time commenting on your vid so I want to thank you for all the things I've learned :) I just bought my first polychoromos pencils and I'm SO happy you introduced them to me. I only bought a black, a white and to greys because of money problems, but I'm going to buy more colours someday.
I love the Polychromos, and I really want to try the Caran D'ache pencils but the only pencils my local art supply stores carry are the Prisma's :-( How, oh how, can we get our local vendors to carry quality stock?! In any case, Lisa, thank you, as always, for your educational videos. I think i speak for everyone here in saying that you teach, inform and inspire.
I calculate my portrait drawings.. I first print the official photo on A4 or A3 than messure everything so end up with small squares. I number the squares from the outside of the drawing like a map. So now i do the same on a clean paper and so i can draw it easily from the original. When i'm done i trace it.. It's a lot of work but i love it that way. :)
Have u tried sticking the thinner IN a aqua brush? I stick lil 3rd inch o rings in em to seal them. U can get a pack of them assorted at the hardware store for like 8$
Lisa ... do you still buy from Jerry's? If so, do they offer a bulk pencil discount for Luminance pencils, as they do for the polychromos when you order 49/50 or more of open stock? Lastly, do you buy from the UK or anywhere else over seas? Right now Luminance are 2.99£. That's $3.88 dollars compared to $4.49 a single Luminance costs here. Every bit helps. 12 Luminance pencils bought in the USA is the equivalent of 10 + 2 free (12), in the UK. Granted there's shipping but, if I'm buying a 100 mixed Luminance pencils in the UK, cost wise, I would still save 40 to 50 dollars, pending how much the shipping is. I've bought art supplies, including colored pencils not sold in the US before. Had a good experience. I would rather give my fellow Americans the business but, at a 100 pencils ordered, I can't in all fairness spend more than 400, less order from the UK. That 50 saved buys me the new powder blender, titanium white and both texture plus the final fixatives, leaving only the sandpaper board to buy. Big difference, right!?
Lisa, Thanks you. I enjoy and learn a great deal from your detailed reviews and demos. I know that you recommend Polychromos & Luminance but what do you think of the Pablo colored pencil vs. these two. I am a beginner and have a few Polychromos and Prismacolors. I can see why you don't suggest Prismacolor pencils anymore. I have used Supracolor Aquarelle pencils a bit and thought I might try the Pablo because of the cost of Luminance but I'm seeking your opinion first. Your animal pieces are stunning. I have received a gift card for some supplies this Christmas and want to be careful with my choice.
+Judith A Rowland - I was wondering the same thing! I know the main difference between the Luminance and Pablo are that the Lumin's are wax like Prisma, and the Pablo's are oil similar to FC Poly's. But other than their medium, I am clueless.
Lisa, I have to say, I was VERY disappointed in the Kum Magnesium sharpener. My Prismas STILL have a breakage problem, plus the sharpener doesn't sharpen the Derwent pencils at all. Not a good one there.....But, On the other hand, I still love my Strathmore paper....
I’m new to color pencil, and I’ve noticed that artists tend to use watercolor paper instead of color pencil paper. Why is that? I haven’t tried the watercolor paper yet, but it does seem like covering the white on color pencil paper takes some time. Thanks.
I have a question. This glassine is a long roll with around 30 cm of width and 18 meters of lenght? I have not seen the product so the measures are confusing to me.
Are the polychromos the same as the old spectracholors? I tried for years to find them until I learned that they had been discontinued. I sadly switched to prismas. I had a drawing class many years where my classmates had prismacholors I has the old spectracholors. By the end of the class, even the teacher had switched because of the blending properties. Waaaaaaay better. I felt sick when I threw out the last fragment of them.
Oh, okay. So the Strathmore drawing paper gives more tooth to the drawing. That would the best advice that I can get. What about when I dropped a colored pencil, would the lead break? The reason why I'm asking this is that I have one of the Prismacolor colored pencils that I brought that dropped, but it didn't break the lead. I don't know what think because I know that people have issues their colored pencils and think that it's the end of the world. Now, I can still use the one that I broke if it's broken and wait much longer to buy a spared one at the art store because they are sold separately, right?
Marcos Juarez They may or may not break depending on the fall and surface they fell on. Yes they are sold individually too, just like the Luminance and Polychromos :)
This channel is my go to for anything whether it be learning about art or just trying to flush out the thoughts the wrong side of UA-cam gives me which includes Ouija boards and the illuminati. I like to think I have a particularly strong mind because even after watching "demons" drag annoying UA-camrs from their beds, I can still sleep with my covers and the lights off. I feel like a cool kid. 😎
Hello Lisa! New subscriber here, LOVE your work! I had a question... Are the two cheaper paper alternatives a good option for practicing blending with OMS or are there better papers to learn on? I am trying to learn new ways of blending my pencils but I don't want to use commission quality paper to flub on. I also do a lot of coloring books, and I'd hate to ruin the images by not knowing what I am doing. Hope you have a safe and Happy New Year!
I hear so many complaints about how fragile the prismacolors are, and how easy to break. I have two small sets and the complete set of prismacolors and I worried constantly early on about being gentle with them because of breakage. I've eaten through many entire pencils at this point, and I have yet to find one I have a major issue with breakage, in fact I've only had a handful of single breaks at all, let alone one with repeated issues from internal damage or casing allignment issues. I don't have an electric sharpener, I use a cheap hand one, or the prismacolor handheld, and I press pretty hard when sharpening. Maybe their quality control has improved recently, or maybe I'm just very lucky!
Melanie 157 I'm glad you said this. I have the full set of prismas and haven't had a problem either. Like you, I sometimes put a lot of pressure on the pencils while coloring, sharpening, etc and have had, literally, only one pencil break in about two years of use. Maybe prismas are worth another look for those artists that enjoy them but switched due to (previous) breakage issues.
Im glad its not just me! I do agree that polychromos are a GREAT pencil and I wouldnt trade away my set for anything, but I love my prismas too and I do seriously wonder if they finally took losing business over quality control seriously and straightened up
Looking at your work I truly feel I can trust your information it's my birthday soon and I have never owned a decent set of coloured pencils, (Newbie) But My! those Faber-Castell Polychromos are looking yummy, I cant find Luminance anywhere in Sweden. TFS..
hi! there , iav been sketching and working with graphite and carbon Pencils for years now then I decided to do something new for a change ,iav never worked or tried using color pencils so just recently i ordered prisma premier set of 150 in Amazon but it haven't arrived yet , and after what u said about prisma colours I feel sad hehe anyways I'll try using it i hope it ain't that bad ...
Hi, I found this very informative, however, you didn't mention the one thing I was looking for......Blending brushes, what's the size and shape of brushes you find most useful for blending with OMS?
First...hey I was gonna begin with drawing with real stuff instead of school stuff xD and wanted to begin with colouring, since they don't have good supplies in Sweden I took to Amazon..I'm gonna get kneaded rubber pencil stump Faber castle 8b to 2n and a and a prismacolor set of 72, besides paper do you think there's anything else I really should get? Thank you for your videos keep up the good work!
I just got the same two-pack Pencil extender from Derwent. Neither extender will allow by Polychromos colored pencils to fit in either of them! lol And yes, I did open both of them up all the way. Even went as far as removing the cap on extender to see if it would accept the polychromos. Are you SURE your polys fit into the Derwent extender??? Can you check again? Or did you somehow bend/pry it open to accept it in or something? I hate to break the extender. Just wondering how you did it. :) thanks.
+Sylvia Catalano I have no problem with my polychromos fitting at all. I'm not sure what the problem could be. Polychromos and prismacolor fit into the black one and the luminance fit into the silver one.
Lisa , What pencil extenders do you use for Lumiance CPs ( I have 2 different kinds and neither of them work . One is a double ended one side too small the other side too big ...the mental one also doesn't fit . Help
Hi kisa.. just watched your videi on the tracing for acrylic painting.. are these the same technique and supplies u use for traxing to use colored pencil.. gonna do a maltese and wonder if the black will show... thx.. btw I have learned so much from your videos. . thx again..
Hi Liza~! Have you ever heard ''Holbein'''s color pencils? As I'm currently using Caran d ache pencils and Holbein's watercolor and i just found that Holbein also produce color pencils but i dont see many people are having it on youtube
Chak Chak they wont import them because they wont take a toxicity test ,plus they aren't openstock here if you can get them,they just aren't eorth the effort against prisms,poly and lum pencils
love your videos, i work with a lot of medians including digital, but i mostly love working with color pencil, i curently use all 3(prisma, luminance, and polychromos), i was thinking about giving stonehenge paper a try and was wondering exactly which one you use because i looked it up and there are a lot of different ones. I am curently using "Canson: XL Mix Media" paper for all my work and i find it to be very good (if you can do you think you could give it a try and tell us what you think). anyways thanks for all your great help and advice.
Hey lachri, great video as usual! I use the canson dessin at 98 lb paper with faber castell classics the guys in the store I bought them from recommended together , is this a good combo? I am new to colour pencils and do manga illustrations so if you can recommend something for my needs, it would be great. Thanks! :D
I know the video is quite old, but I wanted to say thank you. There are SO many artists supplies that I tend to get lost in what actually is a artist grade product & a good buy. Thank you again!
Ugh, art supplies are so expensive. I'm addicted, lol. TFS.
Tell me about it I just bought 96 of the Caran Dache Luminance
You talk really fast, and I APPRECIATE THAT! You are able to get the point with a minimal amount of words and lulls. Thank you!
I know what you mean, many times I have given up waiting for someone to make a point, filling in the blanks myself ;)
Lower right of the video you'll see a little sprocket you can click on to speed up or slow down any youtube. You also can turn off pop up in the videos.
I think she uses as much words as most people. They just come in rapid fire!
Lisa, this is great information. The great thing about this videos is that we don't need to do the trial and error process to find the best products. Your info on sharpeners and erasers is most timely. Thanks again for this and all you d0.
Gosh! I love your honesty, knowledge and willingness to share. I've spent the last 5 years studying art, supplies, books, DVDs and techniques (driven me bonkers trying to determine the best) and I can clarify to anyone watching this video that, your recommendations are absolutely spot on! You are one of the best, most passionate and interesting inspirational Master Artist I've ever come across and, believe me, I've studied a lot. I'm a Bob Ross CRI and a self taught Artist (which is far greater an accolade than having the Bob Ross cert title!). Colour mixing has proven the most complex subject with so many conflicting issues relating to types medium, brands, light-fastness, costs and bias undertones. But, your videos (which I wish I'd have come across years ago) have been a great vindication of my massive amount of study and frustration!
I don't draw very often but when I do I use Strathmore paper. And no I did not mean to make my comment sound like that one meme.. lol
For decades I have used good 'ol kitchen Parchment Baking Paper for protecting my work, nothing on earth will stick to it :D
OMG Lisa. I won a real bargain yesterday and feel a need to tell you about it. After watching this, I went on a mission to find an Ott-Lite Natural Daylight Floor Lamp.
I'm in Western Australia and this light sells for around $269 online stores and $200 on ebay.
A lady listed one on ebay, still in box, unopened, starting bid at $40. Someone bid once at $40 (silly move). I came in and won the bad @ $41 (plus $20 postage). I'm stoked!! Now I can have good light when working at night!
+Karen Mitchell That is so awesome!!! Congrats!
Lisa... as an alteration lady for a dry cleaners, I had quite often used "scotch tape" or at times "masking tape" to lift DIRT off of clothing collars & cuffs, etc.
THEN what "lite" stains that remain, I just used a bar of soap to wash them out... comes clean most of the time.
😊
Oh that's a great tip!
I must resist trying coloured pencils. ha.... Bet I try them one day though - at least your video shows me exactly which ones to get ;)
Jason Morgan - Wildlife Art Would love to see your work in colored pencil!!!!!
Jason Morgan - Wildlife Art Stop resisting!
+Jason Morgan - Wildlife Art You CANNOT resist the dark side!
Seriously though, Jason, might be a little pricey to start, but once you try Colored Pencils, you will be hooked. If you can do what you do on a relatively small canvas with oil paints, just imagine what you could do with some pencils! It's very different, but a good kind of different.
There's really no need to resist. You can just pick up a few different colors of Polychromos and/or Luminance pencils and do a quick study with them or try drawing fur or an eye, just to see if you like them. That way there isn't as much of a risk.
I just want to say lacri! You are such an inspiration to everyone and especially the young artists. You are such a help and always put out amazing and good quality videos ! Keep up the good work
I've had no breakage with prismas....I use a Panasonic kp310 sharpener....I must also say, though, that I use a very sharp point with a very light touch and many layers. Yes not all prismacolors colors are lightfast, which is a disappointment, but don't buy those, use the ones that are. Lisa, thank you for your insight and being so willing to share your experiences. 👍🏻
Great video. I just discovered your channel and I am new to colored pencil art as I have been working primarily in watercolor. This was so helpful!
I've done two colored-pencil drawing/paintings with Prismacolor. And I haven't run into any breakage problems yet. But...that's only two! However, I do have a very old electric sharpener that works beautifully. That might have something to do with it, or it could just be the newer pencils have been upgraded because of the complaints of them breaking. I bought mine about a year and a half ago. So I don't really know if that's a factor. But I really appreciated the tip you gave in a previous video, Lisa, about leaving the breakage-prone colored pencils under a lamp (or covered under something in the sunlight...but I'm not for surely if that was you...sorry if not and sorry if so, lol) if the breakage ever begins. And I know you don't like the tip regarding microwaving them for like six seconds because of the "warts" it gives the pencils, but I'm really fine with that if a lamp or the sun is not handy, hahaha. But as I said, I've had no problems with it yet. And I so hope I don't.
As far as the color lasting goes...yeah...I had no idea any of that was an issue when I bought them. Only by watching your videos have I been made aware of it. And to buy another set that is so expensive at this point Is just not something I can justify doing to my husband. He's not a jerk or anything. He's wonderful in fact...even after 32 years of marriage. He's just not a visual artist, and we don't have a ton of money. Oh the familiar song of the artist! LOL. So maybe when I get through these pencils, I can invest in something better. But thanks so much for letting us know about the color problems.
Also I've found that Prismacolor markers work well under the colored pencil and so does watercolor in getting rid of the paper coming through underneath. I'm just not so great at burnishing and using the mineral oil yet. Ugh. The Prismacolor markers are a bit too saturated in color though, giving a little bit more of a cartoony look which I don't really like. I wish I could have afforded getting the less saturated Copic markers, but at eight bucks a pop, no way! On top of this, I broke down and actually bought one of their blender markers because I'd heard that Prismacolor blender markers are great at blending colored pencils (I have five in my set, oh brother!) but not markers. As a result, many say that the Copic blender is better used for blending the Prismacolor markers. Go figure. They were right. BUT the problem was that the doofy Copic blender marker dried up. Huh? Eight bucks for something that worked for one picture! Yes, I stored it right. No, I didn't leave it open except when using it for a moment or two. Yes, I know I can get refills. No, I don't want to though since I feel ripped off by the company. So I'll just have to learn how to work the color in correctly I guess eventually.
As far as paper goes, when I started my first picture on the smaller paper that was Strathmore sketch (I think), it was supposed to be just a practice, something I could throw away because I was excited to get started using my supplies since I built them up to where I could actually do an entire picture without feeling like, "but I don't have this or that, yards yada, yada." But it turned out a bit better than okay. So I thought I'd hang it on a wall but determined it needed a companion picture. So I had to work on the same bad paper, this time having some major problems with it. But I did finagle a bit with the colored pencils on a better paper (I can't remember what kind though) of which I have a huge pad. Wow! It took that color like a champ. Then it kind of bothered me, that while working on the second picture on the lesser paper, there was some great paper I wouldn't have problems with across the room. Oh well, next time I hope.
BeardedBarley1 you might have broken the marker
BeardedBarley1 i would recommend getting a colorless blender ink refill bottle and an ink brush,so you can eliminate potential marker problems by cutting outbthe middle man
Can Kupeli Heather uses Luminance now I believe. She mostly does human portraits, which is why Prisma was so good for the large areas of skin. I think she mixes the two making sure all the pencils are lightfast. Cool to see different artists following the same trends that make sense.
Whats does lightfast mean?
Can Kupeli poor lightfast means the colors on your drawing will fade after a few years.
She used prisma then I think luminance and some polychromos
Hi Lisa! Thank you very much for all of your videos and product reviews! They have been immensely helpful and I have learned so much in little time as I am new to the world of color pencils. It takes time and dedication to produce your videos and your years of knowledge and experience are priceless, and for that I am very thankful!
+Christina La Crafty I'm glad I could help :D
that blue and purple bird painting that appeared briefly halfway thru the
vid is out of this world!!!
I have taken your advice on almost everything dealing with colored pencil. Very happy with the results. Thank you I love your longer videos
+Mikey Lewis That is great to hear :D
In the US all odorless mineral spirits are the same.. it's regulated by law. I use Strathmore 400 bristol vellum and love it. I'm not a pro and I use prismacolor premier pencils. I use a colorless blender.. cardboard smudge.. and small paint brush to blend. I just use regular paper folded to protect my work while laying down color.. I use an electric pencil sharpener. I use a Dazor professional desk lamp with daylight bulbs... I have a sketch board with a clip that I use to hold my paper. I store my pencils in a wood US art supply box... I really like my set up.. it's directly in front of my TV..lol.. which is a 42in flat screen that is connected to my laptop.. I and bring up ref pictures and have them blown up huge for details.. all the time having music going in the background.
*Thank You So Much for posting this!* For my own videos I don't now what I'm doing in the line of art, truly a beginner here, and because of this I've been holding back because I learn so MUCH (when I get a chance to practice) so "quickly" (like say in the course of a year or several months) that I thought there was no reason for me to post what I've learned so far because it's always changing. *Now because of this video I know it's okay for me to post what I've learned so far. And it's all because you showed me here that if I learn new things and move on with my talents I can just post an "Update" of sorts, like you did here. =-D*
*Thank You So Much again* for posting this! It has truly opened my world and showed me I CAN post what I have "learned" (or really screwed up on) so far 'BUSH!'
*P.S.* - My income being nil, my videos are for CHEAP art creations, so don't worry no like "copyright infringement" of your videos here *;-D!*
I don't really have any tips on other arts supplies. (I'm an amateur when it comes to traditional art) That being said, I love making art with colored pencils as a hobby and it's nice to know that I don't have to depend on just Prismacolor alone for high quality pencils. I've been watching your videos for a while and the Inktense pencils look tempting because I like layering like crazy.
Excellent video, by the way. :) I gathered more confidence in experimenting with traditional drawings. I'm too used to digital.
I use daylight bulbs, in a normal desk lamp, Stonehenge paper and clear transparent sheets for an overhead projector to protect my work form my hand. I also use pencil extenders but once the pencil gets to short i just superglue it onto another of the same color and just keep on trucking with it.
this was extremely helpful! You made me decide to go with a set of 60 polychromos with some other Luminance pencils, now, off to watch your video on how to sharpen them! ^^
supeng Glad I could help :)
Thanks as always for the great tips on supplies. Because of you I bought polychromos and luminance and have been very happy. The only issue I have with the luminance is that they aren't as "soft" as the Prismacolors were, and my wrists hurt more with them, but using them along with the polychromos solved that issue! I need to try a higher quality paper, like Fabriano or Stonehenge, that's next on the list when I can afford it.
Hey Liza !! I use Luminance pencils and i usually dont use paint thinner to do blending and i just use the pencils directly. At first i was using Saunders hot pressed paper and i tried Fabriano Hot pressed few days ago and i found Fabriano's paper is tooooooo smooth which i couldnt do layering as much as Saunders did. Was it because i didnt use paint thinner? Actually i know paint thinner can blend color easier and look smoother but if i dont want that blending effect, just use the pencils alone, is it better to use hot pressed paper with a little bit more roughness (not cold pressed), such as Saunders ?
I use a little bit of everything. I'm always trying something new to get a feel of what I like. I use Prisma color products but you are absolutely right they do break easy. I love the Tombow blender and there markers. I'm always trying new art supplies
my favorite art supply ... humm it has been the golden acrylic paints. but I'm gonna spend some time now learning about colored pencils painting. I'm sure I'm gonna have new favorites soon hahaha aahh love art!
I have been an artist for years, talking elementary school, I have learn so much on your site in a matter of days! Thanks so much for the information.;-)
+Coolartistgirl :D
I use prismacolours pencils.. I learnt a trick from the art store lady if you tie a rubber band around the pencil it stops them from breaking because when you drop it, it just bounces.. It's not completely break proof but it does help :) I use arches watercolour paper and strath more paper :)
PERFECT information! Thank you for always being straight forward and explanatory!
I'm taking art classes right now and if it wasn't for your tips i would be totally lost so thank you so much for making videos =)
The drawing really looks so real!!
I invested in a small amount of prisma color, they are bright and I love that they have flesh tones available in stores , but they break so much and for me I blend without white or tools , prisma color really does need help to blend and it sucks but they can blend well
Question: when you use pencils that aren’t lightfast, is there a way to fix that, by applying a topcoat locking the color in longer?
yay! just got a set of polychromos for christmas so excited :)!
me too! happy dance!
Thank you so much! You video always gives us so many honest and good tips and loads of information!
Hi Lisa, just thought would mention that the Caran D'ache Museum Aquarelle white color pencil is even more opaque than the Luminance white color pencil! :-)
Those are watercolor pencils. Watercolor (or water based products I should say) are not archival when used over an oil or wax based colored pencil. :)
This was great info! Thanks Lachri! I loved the suggestion on the light bulb ! ! I'm having less problems with my prismas breaking lately. They are a few years old, and I was wondering if they just needed time to dry out and cure?? Maybe the wax is too soft when brand new? Although I'm still very careful about sharpening.
Daylight bulbs are great, but Ott lights are the best.
Thanks again for an informative video. Since your'e asking, as a professional artist, I highly recommend Turpenoid Natural for people who are sensitive to paint thinners. Even if odorless paint thinners are toxic. Turpenoid Natural is non-toxic and non-flammable. It bends pencil beautifully. I have used it for years and it is amazing.
Jess videos are very useful! I'm a newer artist and to know what good supplies you use are awesome! And would you be open to talking about copic markers?
Hi Lisa! Thank you for your videos!!! I have a friend who is in the final stages of publishing a book, and asked me to do the cover for it because she likes my graphite drawings. I happily agreed, and then days later - she asked if I could do color. I honestly don't know. :D Hehe. I'm giving it a shot, though - and though I told her I didn't know how it would turn out, she's so excited, and I'm feeling the pressure - so I turned to UA-cam for some help, and your videos have BY FAR been the most helpful.
I'm curious why you would recommend the Strathmore Drawing paper, while the others appear to be watercolor papers - why not the Strathmore watercolor paper? I ask because I only have hobby shops in my town with no professional grade paper, and would like to get started soon without having to order something online. I do have the Strathmore Drawing paper, but I'm having trouble with the parts that I've blended appearing oily (I have tried to control my amount, layered the colors, all other tips you have given). I thought I might try out the Strathmore Watercolor paper, but would like to know what you think first. Thanks!
I just bought a 12 set of prismacolors and really enjoyed them
Hi there I'am an artist in Tampa Fl . I love doing portraits , I'm pretty good at getting my likeness but I am on a mission to improve as much aspossible . I have gotten the urge to use my colored pencil for portraits . You have open a whole new world for me that I hope to master or at least get really go . In this video you never said the weight of the Stonehenge paper you like best for portraits or I keep missing it . I also wanted to tell you I joined your support then canceled it because I had to much trouble knowing how it works or even finding you ... have you ever thought of making and selling dvds...I would still like to go back an join your support program again because that way I can watch the whole videos but not until I can find out how to use and find you there . Rather than go hoping from video to video on here I wanted also if I may to ask about the brush and pencil fixative that you keep spraying after the powdered blender ... question is do I have to protect my wood floors from this spray or anything thing else in the room . My painting area is my back bedroom / office / studio😂 ... I bought over $50 on Blicks yesterday for the B&P stuff and more . I need to see if the new local Bilcks has these papers ... hope I hear from you soon I am so anxious to start my journey through this ... Thank you so much you are amazing , yes you talk very fast and thank god for rewind , I can talk pretty fast as well lol... ok enough take care
Do you have anything up related to sketching and overall preparing you're color pencil works? If not, I would be really intrestend in that because that's where I have problems. Like how detailed should I make the sketch etc. Would be great to get some tips on that! By the way, this is my first time commenting on your vid so I want to thank you for all the things I've learned :) I just bought my first polychoromos pencils and I'm SO happy you introduced them to me. I only bought a black, a white and to greys because of money problems, but I'm going to buy more colours someday.
I love the Polychromos, and I really want to try the Caran D'ache pencils but the only pencils my local art supply stores carry are the Prisma's :-( How, oh how, can we get our local vendors to carry quality stock?! In any case, Lisa, thank you, as always, for your educational videos. I think i speak for everyone here in saying that you teach, inform and inspire.
I personally have never had any issues with my Prismacolor set. But maybe I got lucky.
I use the Prismacolor Premier handheld sharpener
I calculate my portrait drawings.. I first print the official photo on A4 or A3 than messure everything so end up with small squares. I number the squares from the outside of the drawing like a map. So now i do the same on a clean paper and so i can draw it easily from the original. When i'm done i trace it.. It's a lot of work but i love it that way. :)
+Lymmetje D That is perfect for keeping your work clean :D
Have u tried sticking the thinner IN a aqua brush? I stick lil 3rd inch o rings in em to seal them. U can get a pack of them assorted at the hardware store for like 8$
Lisa ... do you still buy from Jerry's?
If so, do they offer a bulk pencil discount for Luminance pencils, as they do for the polychromos when you order 49/50 or more of open stock?
Lastly, do you buy from the UK or anywhere else over seas? Right now Luminance are 2.99£. That's $3.88 dollars compared to $4.49 a single Luminance costs here. Every bit helps. 12 Luminance pencils bought in the USA is the equivalent of 10 + 2 free (12), in the UK. Granted there's shipping but, if I'm buying a 100 mixed Luminance pencils in the UK, cost wise, I would still save 40 to 50 dollars, pending how much the shipping is.
I've bought art supplies, including colored pencils not sold in the US before. Had a good experience. I would rather give my fellow Americans the business but, at a 100 pencils ordered, I can't in all fairness spend more than 400, less order from the UK.
That 50 saved buys me the new powder blender, titanium white and both texture plus the final fixatives, leaving only the sandpaper board to buy. Big difference, right!?
Lisa, Thanks you. I enjoy and learn a great deal from your detailed reviews and demos. I know that you recommend Polychromos & Luminance but what do you think of the Pablo colored pencil vs. these two. I am a beginner and have a few Polychromos and Prismacolors. I can see why you don't suggest Prismacolor pencils anymore. I have used Supracolor Aquarelle pencils a bit and thought I might try the Pablo because of the cost of Luminance but I'm seeking your opinion first. Your animal pieces are stunning. I have received a gift card for some supplies this Christmas and want to be careful with my choice.
+Judith A Rowland - I was wondering the same thing! I know the main difference between the Luminance and Pablo are that the Lumin's are wax like Prisma, and the Pablo's are oil similar to FC Poly's. But other than their medium, I am clueless.
Awesome. Thank you for all the tips and information. Really awesome.
Lisa, I have to say, I was VERY disappointed in the Kum Magnesium sharpener. My Prismas STILL have a breakage problem, plus the sharpener doesn't sharpen the Derwent pencils at all. Not a good one there.....But, On the other hand, I still love my Strathmore paper....
Sometimes you just get a bad one, unfortunately. I've had a few over the years that had problems.
I used the Strathmore Drawing Pad 400 for a portrait but the colors looked grainy. I'm reverting back to bristol vellum.
Your hair always stands out in your videos..
I’m new to color pencil, and I’ve noticed that artists tend to use watercolor paper instead of color pencil paper. Why is that? I haven’t tried the watercolor paper yet, but it does seem like covering the white on color pencil paper takes some time. Thanks.
Try creatacolour it's amazing also recommend Colleen colour pencils for beginners like me
I have a question. This glassine is a long roll with around 30 cm of width and 18 meters of lenght? I have not seen the product so the measures are confusing to me.
Lisa what’s the name of the paper that you have to cut to do your background with airbrush it seems like it has some kind of glue
I like to use fibercastell toned tan
So far the only product I love from derwent is there pencil extender haha.
Mam , which drawing sheet is more comfortable for polychromos pencils
Are the polychromos the same as the old spectracholors? I tried for years to find them until I learned that they had been discontinued. I sadly switched to prismas. I had a drawing class many years where my classmates had prismacholors I has the old spectracholors. By the end of the class, even the teacher had switched because of the blending properties. Waaaaaaay better. I felt sick when I threw out the last fragment of them.
very helpful thank you from a new artist that is totally inspired by you
Oh, okay. So the Strathmore drawing paper gives more tooth to the drawing. That would the best advice that I can get. What about when I dropped a colored pencil, would the lead break? The reason why I'm asking this is that I have one of the Prismacolor colored pencils that I brought that dropped, but it didn't break the lead. I don't know what think because I know that people have issues their colored pencils and think that it's the end of the world. Now, I can still use the one that I broke if it's broken and wait much longer to buy a spared one at the art store because they are sold separately, right?
Marcos Juarez They may or may not break depending on the fall and surface they fell on. Yes they are sold individually too, just like the Luminance and Polychromos :)
I have a set of Faber Castle Pitt pastels . Which paper is best for these pencils . They are chalky . Thank you
Can you do a 2020 version please
Thank you so much I made a shopping list from this video and I going to Michaels right now .I am looking from alternative to oil painting
What do you think about the derwent artist color pencils (not the colorsoft)?
I know things like that can have bad reactions with certain polyethylene passed plastics and food grade plastics actually melt in alcohol and thinner.
This channel is my go to for anything whether it be learning about art or just trying to flush out the thoughts the wrong side of UA-cam gives me which includes Ouija boards and the illuminati. I like to think I have a particularly strong mind because even after watching "demons" drag annoying UA-camrs from their beds, I can still sleep with my covers and the lights off. I feel like a cool kid. 😎
I use prisma I've used polycromals I prefer paper with teeth. I love to to pencil work as it allows for more control
Hello Lisa! New subscriber here, LOVE your work! I had a question...
Are the two cheaper paper alternatives a good option for practicing blending with OMS or are there better papers to learn on? I am trying to learn new ways of blending my pencils but I don't want to use commission quality paper to flub on. I also do a lot of coloring books, and I'd hate to ruin the images by not knowing what I am doing. Hope you have a safe and Happy New Year!
What is the difference between cold press and hot press paper? The link shows both.
awesome tips, didn't know about the ottlite, thanks!
Glad I could help :D
What about Crayola pencils? Is their quality poor for art work? Ruthie. Thanx
I hear so many complaints about how fragile the prismacolors are, and how easy to break. I have two small sets and the complete set of prismacolors and I worried constantly early on about being gentle with them because of breakage. I've eaten through many entire pencils at this point, and I have yet to find one I have a major issue with breakage, in fact I've only had a handful of single breaks at all, let alone one with repeated issues from internal damage or casing allignment issues. I don't have an electric sharpener, I use a cheap hand one, or the prismacolor handheld, and I press pretty hard when sharpening. Maybe their quality control has improved recently, or maybe I'm just very lucky!
Melanie 157 I'm glad you said this. I have the full set of prismas and haven't had a problem either. Like you, I sometimes put a lot of pressure on the pencils while coloring, sharpening, etc and have had, literally, only one pencil break in about two years of use. Maybe prismas are worth another look for those artists that enjoy them but switched due to (previous) breakage issues.
Im glad its not just me! I do agree that polychromos are a GREAT pencil and I wouldnt trade away my set for anything, but I love my prismas too and I do seriously wonder if they finally took losing business over quality control seriously and straightened up
+Lachri Fine Art You do colored pencils drawings on an easel too?
Looking at your work I truly feel I can trust your information it's my birthday soon and I have never owned a decent set of coloured pencils, (Newbie) But My! those Faber-Castell Polychromos are looking yummy, I cant find Luminance anywhere in Sweden. TFS..
The Derwent pencil sharpener, is no longer available. So, what other battery operated pencil sharpeners do you recomend.
Journaling Booknerd prismscolor has a great handheld sharpener
FABULOUS INFORMATION !!!
Can you do a new updated version to this thanks 😊
hi! there , iav been sketching and working with graphite and carbon Pencils for years now then I decided to do something new for a change ,iav never worked or tried using color pencils so just recently i ordered prisma premier set of 150 in Amazon but it haven't arrived yet , and after what u said about prisma colours I feel sad hehe anyways I'll try using it i hope it ain't that bad ...
What is your opinion about the Blick Studio Artists' Set of colored pencils? Some people think they are really good...
Hi, I found this very informative, however, you didn't mention the one thing I was looking for......Blending brushes, what's the size and shape of brushes you find most useful for blending with OMS?
First...hey I was gonna begin with drawing with real stuff instead of school stuff xD and wanted to begin with colouring, since they don't have good supplies in Sweden I took to Amazon..I'm gonna get kneaded rubber pencil stump Faber castle 8b to 2n and a and a prismacolor set of 72, besides paper do you think there's anything else I really should get? Thank you for your videos keep up the good work!
Hey I was wondering what do you use to hold up your drawing board?? :) Thanks!
nice tops got to try it
I just got the same two-pack Pencil extender from Derwent. Neither extender will allow by Polychromos colored pencils to fit in either of them! lol And yes, I did open both of them up all the way. Even went as far as removing the cap on extender to see if it would accept the polychromos. Are you SURE your polys fit into the Derwent extender??? Can you check again? Or did you somehow bend/pry it open to accept it in or something? I hate to break the extender. Just wondering how you did it. :) thanks.
+Sylvia Catalano I have no problem with my polychromos fitting at all. I'm not sure what the problem could be. Polychromos and prismacolor fit into the black one and the luminance fit into the silver one.
The Vid is soo great, thank you for the informations 😄 but pleeease talk more slowly :)
Lisa , What pencil extenders do you use for Lumiance CPs ( I have 2 different kinds and neither of them work . One is a double ended one side too small the other side too big ...the mental one also doesn't fit . Help
I use the two pack from Derwent. The black holds my polychromos and the silver ones hold my luminance :D
Hi kisa.. just watched your videi on the tracing for acrylic painting.. are these the same technique and supplies u use for traxing to use colored pencil.. gonna do a maltese and wonder if the black will show... thx.. btw I have learned so much from your videos. . thx again..
Hi Liza~! Have you ever heard ''Holbein'''s color pencils?
As I'm currently using Caran d ache pencils and Holbein's watercolor and i just found that Holbein also produce color pencils but i dont see many people are having it on youtube
Chak Chak they wont import them because they wont take a toxicity test ,plus they aren't openstock here if you can get them,they just aren't eorth the effort against prisms,poly and lum pencils
love your videos, i work with a lot of medians including digital, but i mostly love working with color pencil, i curently use all 3(prisma, luminance, and polychromos), i was thinking about giving stonehenge paper a try and was wondering exactly which one you use because i looked it up and there are a lot of different ones. I am curently using "Canson: XL Mix Media" paper for all my work and i find it to be very good (if you can do you think you could give it a try and tell us what you think). anyways thanks for all your great help and advice.
Thanks so much for this super helpful video !
Have you ever tried the soft press fabriano paper?
Thank you Lisa!
You are very talented
+Dalila vasquez Thanks :)
Thank you for sharing your experience and knowledge. Respect :)
fiza foza :D
Hey lachri, great video as usual! I use the canson dessin at 98 lb paper with faber castell classics the guys in the store I bought them from recommended together , is this a good combo? I am new to colour pencils and do manga illustrations so if you can recommend something for my needs, it would be great. Thanks! :D
I've not used that specific paper so I can't say :) I have a supply list of my favorite supplies on my site at lachri.com :)
Thanks!