The Weekly Scribble | How to Layer Coloured Pencils for Realistic Depth

Layering is the foundation of coloured pencil work—it's how we mix colours, build depth, and create realism. Unlike paint, where colours blend on a palette, coloured pencils require gradual layering directly on the surface. For this horse drawing, I used Luminance Apricot, Polychromos Burnt Sienna, and Caput Mortuum Violet to achieve a rich, glowing bay coat. No single pencil does all the work—layering multiple colours brings life and dimension. Top tips for layering: 🔹 Build up colour gradually—the first layers may look flat, but depth comes with time. 🔹 Let colours blend naturally—adjust as you go instead of rigidly sticking to pre-made swatches. 🔹 Follow fur/hair direction—this small detail makes a huge difference in realism. If you’re new to coloured pencils, patience is key! Keep your pressure light, let the layers work together, and enjoy the process:) Subscribe for more tips like this! 🧡