🎨 Struggling to Blend with Coloured Pencils? Try THIS Instead! ✨
Blending with coloured pencils shouldn't feel like a battle, but let’s be honest—it often does. Harsh lines, grainy textures, aching hands… sound familiar?
Well, not anymore.
In this video, I’ll walk you through my absolute favourite blending technique that’s smooth, effortless, and doesn’t require any fancy tools (no solvents, no burnishing, no hand cramps!). Just smart layering and the right pencil strokes. That’s it.
00:00 - The Problem with Blending
Why most blending methods are frustrating, painful, or time-consuming.
00:36 - The Easiest Way to Blend (No Burnishing!)
A quick peek at the layering method that makes blending smooth and effortless.
01:00 - Why I Don’t Use Swatches
Real talk: why colour blocks don’t help and what to do instead.
01:12 - Recreating Skin from a Real Drawing
A behind-the-scenes look at how this method works in actual artwork.
01:59 - The Colours I’m Using Today
A close-up of the colour palette: pinks, peaches, and a hint of red.
02:36 - First Layer: Cinnamon (Polychromos)
Light strokes, low pressure, and pencil-holding tips for smooth application.
03:59 - Second Layer: Burnt Ochre (Luminance)
Soft pencil, round strokes, and how the layering starts to build the blend.
06:08 - Blending with a Cotton Bud (Optional)
A quick extra tip to gently smooth without overdoing it.
06:42 - Pink White Layer: Gentle Blending Begins
Adding a subtle pink to blend the undertones and soften texture.
08:22 - Adding Depth with Warm Earth (5%)
Creating contours and realistic tone shifts in the skin.
10:15 - Back to Burnt Ochre for Smoothing
Layering again to blend everything seamlessly.
11:29 - Pink White: Final Softening Pass
Blending it all together—light pressure, round motions.
12:32 - Glazing with Deep Scarlet Red
The scary-but-gorgeous part: rosy cheeks using glazing technique.
13:56 - Realism Through Layering
Why layers matter more than perfection—and how this method creates depth.
15:25 - A Secret Weapon: Cinnamon (Lightfast)
One of my favourite tools to smooth things out without solvents.
17:00 - Pale Peach for Final Smoothing
Light pressure, a bit of polish—bringing it all together.
18:38 - Wrap-Up: The Full Blended Result
A look at the finished area and how you can keep building from here.
👉 You’ll learn:
Why swatch-based tutorials can mislead you (and what to do instead)
How to blend skin tones naturally and realistically
My step-by-step method for layering colours without pressing hard
What pencils I use (and avoid!) for the best blending results
My “secret weapon” pencil combo for those buttery-smooth finishes
Oh—and if you’ve ever felt nervous about using red in skin, I’ll show you exactly how to glaze it in gently for that rosy cheek glow. No panic necessary.
Whether you’re new to coloured pencils or you’ve been at it for years but still wrestle with blending, this is the video for you. It’s real-time, real drawing, real results.
So grab your pencils (and maybe a brew), and let’s get blending the easy way. Your joints will thank you. 😉
🖍️ SUPPLIES USED:
Pastelmat paper
Polychromos, Luminance, and Lightfast pencils
Cotton buds (dry—no solvents!)
💬 Let me know in the comments if you try this technique—I LOVE hearing how it goes for you!