Gold is a beautiful and versatile color that can be used to add a touch of luxury to any artwork. However, it can be difficult to achieve a realistic gold color with colored pencils. The key is to use a combination of warm and cool colors to create a sense of depth and dimension. In this article, we will show you how to make gold color with colored pencils in a few simple steps.
To start, you will need a few different shades of yellow, orange, and brown colored pencils. You will also need a white colored pencil for highlights. Begin by sketching out the basic shape of your object in light pencil strokes. Then, start adding layers of color, starting with the lightest shade of yellow. Gradually add darker shades of yellow, orange, and brown, blending them together as you go. Be sure to leave some areas lighter than others to create highlights and shadows.
Once you have built up a good base color, you can start adding details. Use a sharp pencil to draw in fine lines and details. You can also use a white colored pencil to add highlights to the raised areas of your object. Finally, go over the entire object with a light layer of gold colored pencil to unify the colors and create a metallic sheen. With a little practice, you will be able to create realistic gold objects with colored pencils.
Blending Primary Colors
1. Understanding Warm and Cool Colors
Before delving into the art of creating gold with colored pencils, it’s essential to grasp the concept of warm and cool colors. Warm colors, such as red, orange, and yellow, evoke a sense of warmth and vibrancy. Cool colors, on the other hand (e.g., blue, green, and purple), convey a sense of coolness and tranquility. Gold, being a mixture of warm and cool tones, requires a delicate balance of both in its composition.
1.1. Mixing Red, Yellow, and Orange
To achieve a golden hue, start by blending red, yellow, and a touch of orange. Red provides the warmth and depth, while yellow adds brightness and vibrancy. Orange, when used sparingly, complements the blend and enhances the golden undertones.
Table 1: Mixing Ratios for Gold
| Color | Ratio |
|---|---|
| Red | 20% |
| Yellow | 60% |
| Orange | 10% |
1.2. Experimenting with Different Proportions
The ratios provided above serve as a starting point. Feel free to experiment with different proportions to achieve a gold shade that suits your liking. For example, increasing the amount of orange will create a warmer gold, while adding more yellow will result in a cooler, more silvery gold.
Layering for Depth
The key to creating realistic gold with colored pencils is layering. By applying multiple layers of different colors and values, you can add depth and dimension to your work. Start with a light base color, such as yellow or peach, and then gradually add darker shades of gold, brown, and orange. Be sure to blend the layers smoothly to avoid harsh edges.
Color Combinations for Layering
| Base Color | Darker Shades |
|---|---|
| Yellow | Orange, Yellow Ochre, Burnt Sienna |
| Peach | Goldenrod, Cadmium Orange, Burnt Orange |
When choosing colors for layering, consider the warm and cool tones of gold. Warm tones, such as yellow and orange, will create a brighter, more vibrant gold. Cool tones, such as brown and gray, will create a more subdued, antique gold. Experiment with different combinations to find the effect you want.
Once you have chosen your colors, start by applying the lightest color in thin, even strokes. Gradually build up darker layers, overlapping them slightly to create a sense of depth. Pay attention to the direction of the light source and apply darker shades in the areas where the light would naturally cast shadows. By carefully layering your colors, you can create a realistic and eye-catching gold surface.
Creating Shadows and Highlights
To create realistic gold with colored pencils, adding shadows and highlights is essential. For shadows, use a darker gold or brown pencil, focusing on areas where light is blocked, such as the underside of objects or the inside of folds.
Applying Shadows
- Select a darker gold or brown pencil.
- Apply light pressure and short, overlapping strokes to create a gradual shadow.
- Focus on areas where light is blocked, such as:
- The underside of objects
- The inside of folds
- Crevices and depressions
- Gradually blend the shadow into the base color.
For highlights, use a lighter gold pencil or a white pencil with a gold tint. Target areas where light reflects, such as the top of objects, edges, and ridges.
Applying Highlights
- Select a lighter gold or white pencil with a gold tint.
- Use light, feathered strokes to create a subtle highlight.
- Focus on areas where light reflects, such as:
- The top of objects
- Edges
- Ridges
- Rounded surfaces
- Carefully blend the highlight into the base color.
Remember, the key to creating realistic gold is to layer colors and blend them seamlessly. Experiment with different shades and techniques to achieve the desired effect.
Texturing the Surface
Creating the illusion of depth and texture on the surface of your gold-colored drawing is crucial for achieving a realistic effect. Here are seven detailed steps to guide your texturing process:
1. Layering Multiple Pencil Colors
Use different shades of gold, yellow, and orange pencils to create a base layer with varying depths. Overlap and blend the strokes to build up a rich and textured base.
2. Adding Highlights and Shadows
Use lighter gold and yellow pencils to highlight raised areas and darker shades for shadows and crevices. By layering these tones, you’ll create a more three-dimensional look.
3. Scribbling and Hatching
Vary your pencil strokes by scribbling or hatching in different directions. This creates a rougher texture that mimics the natural irregularities found in real gold.
4. Using Metallic Pencils
Incorporate pencils with metallic pigments to enhance the reflective quality of the gold. Apply these pencils sparingly in areas that would naturally catch the light.
5. Burnishing and Smoothing
After laying down the base texture, use a burnishing tool (e.g., a blending stump or tissue paper) to smooth out the surface. This will create a polished and slightly reflective effect.
6. Adding Glints and Specular Highlights
Use a white or very light yellow pencil to create small, subtle glints and specular highlights. Place these strategically to simulate the way light interacts with the gold surface.
7. Embossing and Raised Texture
For a more pronounced texture, consider embossing or creating raised lines with a stylus or needle tool. This can add depth and create the illusion of intricate designs or patterns.
Enhancing with Glaze
Glazing is a technique that can add depth and richness to your gold color. To glaze, you will need a clear blending pencil or a colorless blender marker. Start by applying a thin layer of the clear blender over the gold color. Then, use a soft brush or your finger to blend the clear blender into the gold color. This will help to smooth out any harsh lines and create a more even finish. You can repeat this process several times to build up the glaze and achieve the desired effect.
Here are some tips for glazing with colored pencils:
- Use a light touch when applying the clear blender. Too much pressure can cause the gold color to smear or lift.
- Blend the clear blender in small, circular motions. This will help to create a smooth, even finish.
- Allow each layer of glaze to dry completely before applying the next layer. This will help to prevent the layers from mixing and creating an unwanted color.
| Effect | Steps |
|---|---|
| Shiny Gold | Apply a thin layer of clear blender over the gold color. Repeat this process 2-3 times, allowing each layer to dry completely before applying the next. |
| Metallic Gold | Apply a thin layer of clear blender over the gold color. Then, use a soft brush or your finger to blend the clear blender into the gold color. Repeat this process 4-5 times, allowing each layer to dry completely before applying the next. |
| Antiqued Gold | Apply a thin layer of clear blender over the gold color. Then, use a soft brush or your finger to blend the clear blender into the gold color. Allow the glaze to dry completely. Then, use a dark-colored pencil to add shading to the gold color. |
How to Make Gold Color With Colored Pencils
Gold is a versatile color that can be used to add a touch of luxury or elegance to your artwork. While there are many ways to create gold with colored pencils, the most common method is to layer different shades of yellow and orange.
To start, choose a light yellow pencil as your base color. Apply a light layer of color to the entire area you want to be gold. Next, add a layer of a darker yellow pencil, focusing on the areas you want to be the brightest. Finally, add a touch of orange pencil to the darkest areas to create a warm, golden hue.
You can experiment with different shades of yellow and orange to create different variations of gold. For a more antique gold, use a darker shade of yellow and a touch of brown. For a more vibrant gold, use a brighter shade of yellow and a touch of red.
People Also Ask
How do you make gold with only colored pencils?
To make gold with only colored pencils, you will need to layer different shades of yellow and orange. Start with a light yellow pencil as your base color and apply a light layer of color to the entire area you want to be gold. Next, add a layer of a darker yellow pencil, focusing on the areas you want to be the brightest. Finally, add a touch of orange pencil to the darkest areas to create a warm, golden hue.
What color pencils do you need to make gold?
To make gold with colored pencils, you will need a light yellow pencil, a darker yellow pencil, and an orange pencil.
How do you blend colored pencils for gold?
To blend colored pencils for gold, use a light touch and layer the colors gradually. Start with a light layer of light yellow pencil, then add a layer of darker yellow pencil, and finally add a touch of orange pencil to the darkest areas.
