This time, we're introducing some "basic coloring methods" you can use for the background of your coloring pages. They're all simple techniques that make a big difference in the finished look.
The background is the space outside the main motif, filled in with color to set off the subject and build the world of the artwork. You don't have to color it, but adding a background really raises the finished quality. A lot of people find backgrounds tricky, so let's start together with the basic coloring methods.
What You'll Need
Any type of paper works, but one without too rough a surface is recommended. Placing a sheet underneath helps you color more cleanly. About 24 colored pencils is plenty — the brand doesn't matter.
Basic Grip and Coloring Method
Instead of the tip of the lead, use its "side" to color softly over a wide area. Hold your hand a bit higher up the pencil, tilt it at an angle, and move it in broad horizontal strokes while gradually working your way down. Go slowly and evenly so no gaps appear. If you want to add shading, press a little harder at the top and ease off as you go down to create a gradient. Even if you want a deeper color, don't darken it all in one pass — build it up with several layers instead. The trick is to keep the pencil on the paper the whole time you're coloring.
Two-Color Gradient
Create a top-to-bottom gradient with your first color, then layer the second color starting partway down from the top. For both colors, go darker at the top and lighter toward the bottom. Layering the whole area two or more times creates a smooth blend.
Background 1: Blue Sky and Clouds
Color horizontally in blue, and lightly sketch "puffy" cloud shapes toward the bottom. Don't trace the outline too precisely — letting it spill over slightly gives a softer, more cloud-like feel. Layer light blue on top, darker at the top and lighter at the bottom. Adding a very faint touch of color inside the clouds too creates shadow and a sense of volume. Layer in more blue and light blue for depth, and in no time you'll have a sky-like scene.
Background 2: Sunset Cityscape + Eraser
Layer blue, purple, and pink from bottom to top, getting darker toward the top to create a twilight sky. Use the tip of the lead to scatter rectangles and triangles to draw building silhouettes and windows. The coloring can be rough — that's fine. If you have a stick-type eraser, erase parts of the sky to add a moon and stars. The shapes can be rough too; you can refine the outlines with colored pencil afterward. Lightly spreading yellow around the moon gives it a soft glow.
Background 3: Bokeh Light Orbs
Hold the pencil near the bottom as if pinching it, turn the lead sideways, and color softly with a "swirl stroke." Layer circles of various sizes, making them slightly darker near the edge of each circle and lighter toward the center... away from it. Lightly trace over the overlapping areas with the tip of the lead to tighten them up. Using pink as a base with purple layered in places creates a dreamy mood. Adding a small touch of yellow at the center of a circle also looks lovely. At first, avoid going too dark — practice layering while keeping a soft, fluffy texture.
Background 4: Colorful Background with Vertical Strokes
A simple method where you move the pencil only vertically. Deliberately leave gaps and slot in a different color there, and you can quickly create a colorful, artistic background. Part of the appeal is how much the impression changes depending on the colors, layering, and number of colors you use.
Application: Plaid Pattern
Draw vertical lines at even intervals, then layer horizontal lines over them. Blend the whole area lightly with one color, then add thin lines of another color between the grid squares for an instant plaid pattern.
Application: Wood Grain
Color the whole area vertically in ochre, then draw lines over it in brown, randomly varying the thickness, darkness, and spacing. Adding gentle curves and knots brings out a wood-grain texture. This can be applied to frames and backgrounds too.
Background 5: Random Layering with 4 Colors
Prepare four colors and, holding the pencil in a pinch grip, place short diagonal strokes at random. The key is to place them deliberately "scattered," so the same color isn't right next to itself. Add a touch of another color on top here and there, adjusting the depth and number of layers as needed. A version with no layering at all — just the strokes placed side by side — turns out just as charming.
That's all for today — every one of these is a basic technique you can pick up easily. Starting from these methods, simply changing your color choices and layering will open up endless possibilities for variation. Please give them a try. Thank you for reading!