5 Easy Steps to Achieve a Gold Color with Colored Pencils

Gold color created using colored pencils

Are you looking for a way to add a touch of luxury to your artwork? If so, then you’ll want to learn how to make a gold color with colored pencils. It’s a simple technique that can be used to create beautiful, realistic gold effects. In this article, we’ll provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to make gold with colored pencils and offer some tips for getting the best results. So what are you waiting for? Grab your colored pencils and let’s get started!

To make a gold color with colored pencils, you will need a variety of yellow, orange, and brown pencils. Start by layering a light yellow pencil over the area where you want the gold color to be. Then, add a layer of orange pencil over the yellow. Finally, add a layer of brown pencil over the orange. The more layers of each color you add, the darker and richer the gold color will become. You can also experiment with different shades of yellow, orange, and brown to create different variations of gold.

Once you have created a base layer of gold color, you can add highlights and shadows to give it more depth and dimension. To create highlights, use a light yellow or white pencil to add small strokes of color to the raised areas of the gold. To create shadows, use a dark brown or black pencil to add small strokes of color to the recessed areas of the gold. By adding highlights and shadows, you can create a more realistic and three-dimensional gold effect.

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Selecting the Right Colored Pencils

When selecting colored pencils for creating a realistic gold color, it’s crucial to consider several factors to ensure the optimal outcome.

Core Characteristics

The core of a colored pencil is its most important attribute. For gold, choose pencils with a hard core. Hard cores allow for greater precision and control, enabling you to create fine details and avoid smearing. Soft cores, on the other hand, can lead to a muddy, washed-out appearance.

Lightfastness

Lightfastness refers to a pencil’s ability to resist fading over time. For a long-lasting gold color, select pencils with high lightfastness ratings. This will prevent your artwork from losing its vibrant hues and becoming dull over time.

Color Range

To achieve a true gold color, you’ll need pencils that offer a range of warm and cool tones. Look for pencils with shades such as yellow ochre, gold, antique gold, and brass. The more shades you have at your disposal, the greater your ability to create depth and realism.

Compatibility

Ensure that the colored pencils you select are compatible with each other. Some brands of pencils may react poorly when blended together, resulting in muddy, uneven colors. Test your pencils beforehand to avoid any unexpected surprises.

Consideration	Recommended Characteristics
Core Hardness	Hard
Lightfastness	High
Color Range	Warm and cool tones in yellow, gold, and brass hues
Compatibility	Compatible with each other for smooth blending

Layering Colors to Create Gold

To achieve a realistic gold hue with colored pencils, it is crucial to layer different colors and shades. Start by applying a base layer of a warm yellow pencil, covering the entire area where you want the gold to be.

Next, layer a medium orange pencil over the yellow base, focusing on the areas that will catch the light. This will add depth and warmth to the gold.

For the third layer, use a light brown pencil to create shadows and define the contours of the gold. Apply gentle strokes in the areas where the gold would naturally recede.

Finally, add highlights to the gold using a white or light yellow pencil. Focus on the raised areas and edges to create a shimmering effect. You can also use a metallic gold pencil to enhance the shine, if desired.

Color	Purpose
Yellow	Base layer
Orange	Add warmth and depth
Brown	Create shadows and contours
White/Light Yellow	Add highlights
Metallic Gold	Enhance shine (optional)

Using a White Pencil for Highlights

Adding highlights with a white pencil can enhance the realism and dimension of your gold-colored drawing. Here are some tips for effective use:

1. Choose the Right Pencil: Select a white pencil that is sharp and firm. Avoid using soft pencils, as they can smear or create streaks.

2. Apply Carefully: Use a light touch to apply the white pencil to the areas you want to highlight. Hold the pencil at a slight angle and make delicate, thin strokes.

3. Blend Seamlessly: To create a natural-looking transition, use a blending stump or tortillon to smooth out the edges of the white highlights. Alternatively, you can use your finger to gently rub the white areas, but be careful not to blend too much or remove the color.

Highlighting Technique	Result
Thin, precise strokes	Subtle, localized highlights
Wider, softer strokes	Diffuse, ethereal highlights
Blending with tortillon or finger	Smooth, seamless transitions

4. Layer Gradually: Add multiple layers of white highlights to build up the intensity and create a more realistic glow. Let each layer dry before applying the next.

5. Experiment with Pressure: Experiment with varying the pressure applied to the white pencil. This can create subtle variations in the brightness and intensity of the highlights.

Smudging and Blending Techniques

Smudging and blending techniques are essential for creating smooth, realistic transitions in your gold-colored drawings. Here are several effective methods:

Burnishing

Use a colorless blender or tortillon to gently rub and blend the colored pencil strokes together. This technique creates a smooth, polished surface with subtle transitions.

Layering and Overlapping

Apply multiple layers of colored pencils, with each layer slightly overlapping the previous one. Use different shades of gold to create depth and variation. Blending the layers with a tortillon or blender will further enhance the transition.

Scumbling

Apply short, overlapping strokes of a lighter gold color over a darker gold base. This creates a soft, textured effect that mimics the reflective qualities of gold.

Tortillon Blending

Wrap a tortillon with a small piece of tissue paper and rub it gently over the colored pencil strokes. The tissue paper will absorb the excess pigment and create a smooth blend. You can also use your finger to blend, but be careful not to smudge the colors too much.

Technique	Description
Burnishing	Rubbing with a colorless blender or tortillon to create a smooth, polished surface
Layering and Overlapping	Applying multiple layers of colored pencils and blending them
Scumbling	Applying short, overlapping strokes of a lighter gold color over a darker base
Tortillon Blending	Rubbing with a tortillon wrapped in tissue paper to absorb excess pigment and create a smooth blend

Adding Metallic Shimmer

To achieve a more realistic gold color, you can add metallic shimmer to your drawing by using a white gel pen. Here are the steps to follow:

Outline the Gold Area:

Start by outlining the area where you want to add the gold color. Use a white gel pen to create a thin, solid line around the edges.

Apply White Gel Pen Within the Outline:

Once the outline is complete, fill in the area within the lines with the white gel pen. Apply the gel evenly, ensuring there are no gaps or streaks.

Use Colored Pencils to Shade:

Select a warm yellow or orange colored pencil and lightly shade over the white gel area. This will create a base for the gold color.

Apply Yellow-Brown and Brown:

Add depth to the gold by using a yellow-brown and brown colored pencil. Shade over the yellow, blending it smoothly to create a more natural gold tone.

Add Metallic Shimmer (optional):

For a touch of metallic shimmer, gently go over the shaded area with a white gel pen once again. This will reflect light and enhance the illusion of gold. Be careful not to overdo it, as too much shimmer can look unnatural.

Creating Texture with Pencil Strokes

To create a realistic gold texture with colored pencils, use a combination of short, parallel strokes and circular motions. By varying the pressure and direction of your strokes, you can simulate the irregularities and subtle variations found in real gold. A light touch will create a softer, more delicate texture, while a heavier hand will result in a bolder, more textured look.

Experiment with different shades of gold and yellow pencils to add depth and richness to your texture. You can also incorporate subtle hints of orange or red to create a warmer, more radiant gold effect.

When applying your pencil strokes, pay attention to the natural flow of the surface you’re depicting. For example, if you’re drawing a gold coin, follow the contours of the coin’s shape and curve your strokes accordingly. This will help to create a more realistic and cohesive texture.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating texture with pencil strokes:

Start with a light base layer: Apply a light layer of yellow or gold pencil to the surface you’re drawing.
Add short, parallel strokes: Draw short, parallel strokes over the base layer, using a slightly darker shade of gold or yellow.
Vary the pressure and direction: As you draw the strokes, vary the pressure and direction of your pencil to create irregularities and subtle variations.
Use circular motions: Incorporate small circular motions into your strokes to add texture and depth.
Add highlights and shadows: Use a lighter shade of gold or yellow to add highlights to the surface, and a darker shade to create shadows.
Experiment with different shades: Experiment with different shades of gold, yellow, orange, and red to create a more realistic and varied texture.

Experimenting with Different Pencil Grades

The grade of colored pencil used significantly affects the resulting gold color. Each grade has a varying softness or hardness, influencing the intensity and opacity of the color:

Soft Pencils (B to 6B): Soft pencils are highly pigmented and lay down thick and smooth lines. They produce a rich, intense gold color with a velvety finish.

Medium Pencils (HB to 2B): Medium pencils are a balance between soft and hard pencils. They offer a moderate intensity while still maintaining smoothness in application. The gold color achieved is less intense than with soft pencils but has a subtle sheen.

Hard Pencils (H to 4H): Hard pencils are less pigmented and produce thinner, harder lines. The resulting gold color is pale and translucent, creating a more subtle and realistic effect.

Pencil Grade	Intensity	Opacity	Finish
B-6B	High	Opaque	Velvety
HB-2B	Moderate	Semi-opaque	Subtly shiny
H-4H	Low	Translucent	Subtle

The optimal pencil grade depends on the desired result. Experiment with different grades to find the perfect combination of intensity, opacity, and finish for your unique gold color.

Sealing the Gold Color

To protect your gold color from smudging or fading, it is important to seal it. There are several different ways to do this:

1. Clear Pencil Sealer

Apply a thin layer of clear pencil sealer over the gold color using a brush or sponge. This will create a protective barrier and prevent the color from smudging.

2. Hairspray

Regular hairspray can also be used as a pencil sealer. Spray a thin layer over the gold color and let it dry completely. This method is not as durable as clear pencil sealer, but it is a quick and easy option.

3. Varnish

Applying a layer of varnish over the gold color will provide a strong and durable seal. Use a water-based varnish or a varnish specifically designed for use with colored pencils.

4. Resin

For a high-gloss finish and maximum protection, apply a layer of resin over the gold color. This method is more time-consuming and requires specialized materials, but it will produce a very durable and beautiful finish.

5. Wax

Applying a thin layer of wax over the gold color will create a protective barrier and give the color a slight sheen. Use a soft, clean cloth to apply the wax and buff it gently to create an even finish.

6. Oil

Oils, such as linseed oil or Tung oil, can be used to seal the gold color and give it a slightly darker, more antique appearance. Apply a thin layer of oil and let it dry completely.

7. Gesso

Gesso is a white primer that can be applied over the gold color to create a smooth, even surface. Once the gesso is dry, you can apply additional layers of gold color or other colors as desired.

8. Embedding

For a unique and durable finish, you can embed the gold color in a clear medium, such as epoxy or crystal resin. This method is ideal for creating jewelry, ornaments, and other decorative objects.

Sealing Method	Durability	Finish
Clear Pencil Sealer	Good	Matte
Hairspray	Fair	Matte
Varnish	Excellent	Glossy/Matte
Resin	Excellent	High-gloss
Wax	Good	Satin
Oil	Good	Antique
Gesso	Good	Matte
Embedding	Excellent	Varies

Avoiding Common Pitfalls

1. Layering Too Many Colors

Avoid layering too many colors on top of each other, as this can result in a muddy or dull gold. Instead, focus on using a light touch and gradually building up the color.

2. Pressing Too Hard

Avoid pressing too hard with your pencil, as this can cause the paper to tear or the color to become too intense.

3. Using the Wrong Paper

Not all types of paper are suitable for colored pencil drawing. Use a smooth, textured paper that is specifically designed for colored pencils.

4. Ignoring the Light Source

When drawing gold, consider the light source and how it will affect the color. Observe the shadows and highlights to create a realistic gold effect.

5. Using Too Much White

Avoid using too much white pencil, as this can make the gold look washed out. Instead, use a light touch of white to create highlights and details.

6. Mixing the Wrong Colors

Experiment with different combinations of yellow, orange, and brown pencils to find the perfect shade of gold. Avoid using too much black or gray, as this can dull the color.

7. Blending Too Much

While blending is essential for creating smooth transitions, avoid blending too much, as this can result in a loss of detail.

8. Using Cheap Pencils

Invest in high-quality colored pencils that have a good range of pigments. Cheap pencils may not blend well or provide the desired color intensity.

9. Not Practicing

Practice regularly to improve your colored pencil drawing skills. The more you practice, the better you will become at creating realistic gold and other colors.

Applying Gold Pencil Color to Drawings

To apply gold pencil color to drawings, follow these steps:

Start with a light, even layer of gold color.
Use a circular motion to apply the color, overlapping the strokes slightly.
Build up the color gradually, adding additional layers as needed.
Use a blending stump or tortillon to smooth out the transitions between colors.
Use a white pencil to add highlights and create a more three-dimensional look.
Use a black pencil to add shadows and depth.
Use a variety of gold pencils to create different shades and tones.
Experiment with different blending techniques to create unique effects.
Use a clear sealant to protect the drawing from smudging and fading.

Advanced Blending Techniques:

Technique	Description
Cross-hatching	Overlapping short, intersecting lines to create a smooth transition between colors.
Stippling	Using small dots to create a smooth transition between colors.
Burnishing	Rubbing the pencil with a hard tool to smooth the color and create a polished look.

How To Make A Gold Color With Colored Pencils

To create a gold color with colored pencils, you will need pencils in the following colors: yellow, orange, red, and white. You can also use a colorless blender or a white pencil to help blend the colors together.

Start by drawing a base layer of yellow. Then, add a layer of orange over the yellow, leaving some of the yellow showing through. Next, add a layer of red over the orange, again leaving some of the orange showing through. Finally, add a layer of white over the red. This will help to lighten the color and give it a more golden hue.

You can experiment with the proportions of each color to create different shades of gold. For example, adding more orange will create a warmer gold, while adding more white will create a cooler gold.

Once you are happy with the color, you can use a colorless blender or a white pencil to help blend the colors together. This will give the gold color a smoother, more polished look.