How to create a colored light portrait drawing

Prior to starting this lesson, it may be helpful to build skills with using colored pencils on black paper. Click here for a helpful tutorial that shows artists how to draw a light bulb on black paper.

*HEY EDUCATORS! Scroll below if you are interested in purchasing a ready-to-go lesson for the classroom!*

Step 1: Photographing

The first step is to take a portrait photo that will be used as a reference image. To create a reference image with eye catching colored light, it is best to photograph the subject in a dimly lit room with a simplified background. For the light source, you can use two of the options below:

OPTION 1- A Rainbow lamp is a great new tool for creating colored light. It casts bright, colored light on the subject and makes interesting shadows and highlights of all colors!

OPTION 2- Red, green and blue are the 3 primary colors of light. Photographing a subject with 3 colored light bulbs positioned at different angles creates interesting colored light sources. You can get the full spectrum of the rainbow using these 3 bulbs! I’ve also heard of some teachers using colored light flashlights.

Step 2- Setting up a grid

Next, create a digital grid on your photograph. A grid is a helpful tool that breaks a large photo reference into smaller parts to make it more manageable to draw with accuracy. For this lesson, we cropped the photo horizontally around the eyes.

I use Google Slides for this step (as pictured). More information on this step can be found on my blog post- how to create a digital grid.

Step 3- Prepare your drawing paper

Next, prepare the size of your gridded black drawing paper and use pencil and a ruler to VERY LIGHTLY draw the grid lines. Using a square grid system, there are a few different size options that are recommended.

Step 4- Sketch & build highlights

With a pencil, very lightly sketch the contours of the portrait. Use the grid to aid in accuracy. Once contours are sketched, use a white colored pencil to begin adding highlights. I like to call this step “bleaching the paper.” A scumbling technique is recommended. Scumbling with colored pencil can be achieved by using the side of the pencil and softly making marks in a circular motion. This technique helps to (1) layer evenly, (2) avoids burnishing too quickly before desired colors are achieved, and (3) ensures the work doesn’t not have harsh directional lines visible.

TIP- Some artists find it helpful to turn the reference image black and white for this step!

Step 5- Layer color

Once the white is built up, begin to layer colors on top. Continue using a scumbling technique and be patient with the process.

Step 6- Continue layering more color

Continue to layer colored pencils to reach the desired colors. Patience is key! As you work, continue to refine the details. As the artist, you have creative freedom to exaggerate highlights/shadows and emphasize/soften colors. Get creative!

Step 7- Burnish, add details and shadows

As you finalize your drawing, consider layering colors heavily until you reach desired colors. Have you ever reached that point in a colored pencil drawing where the paper will not take anymore color? When a colored pencil drawing reaches this waxy, well-worked phase, it is burnished. A colored pencil drawing does not necessarily always have to be fully burnished to look finished. Consider your own personal preference, style and goals.

My advanced middle school artists recently completed this project. I was so proud of them! Many have had scaffolded practice using Prismacolor pencils and drawing with a grid. The entire process took about 7 45 minute class periods.