When coloring backgrounds with colored pencil, have you ever felt "something's missing" or "I want it to feel a bit more vibrant"?
If so, we recommend trying expression techniques using an eraser.
With an eraser, you can easily add light, shine, and patterns, which dramatically boosts the finished quality of your piece.
This time, we're introducing "How to Use an Eraser to Easily Boost the Expressiveness of Colored Pencil Backgrounds (Background Edition)." It's a very simple method, but one that allows for all kinds of variations, so please give it a try.
>> Check out "Erasers Are Drawing Tools Too! A Guide to Types and Uses"
The Base Background Before Using an Eraser
We're using two types of backgrounds this time:
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A "scenic background" drawn with horizontal strokes
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A "patterned background" drawn with vertical strokes
These already work well as backgrounds on their own, but using an eraser lets you add light and dimension.
>> Check out "How to Draw a Sunset Sky and Sea"
>> Check out "Backgrounds Made Just by Moving Vertically"
Eraser Technique for Creating Ocean Sparkle
First, let's add ocean sparkle to the scenic background.
We'll use a stick-type eraser for this.
Steps
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Erase the areas where the waves catch the light
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Erase more heavily in the center, where the sunlight hits
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Add shadow below the erased line
Adding a light line beneath the erased area creates a sense of wave dimension.
Expressing Sparkle with an Electric Eraser
Next, we'll use an electric eraser.
Press it lightly against the paper and erase random dots.
This easily creates the sparkling glimmer of the ocean.
Here are the key points:
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Use it on areas that are already colored solidly
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Place the dots randomly
If the coloring underneath is too light, the sparkle won't stand out, so it's important to layer color beforehand.
This dotted technique can also be applied to stars in a night sky.
Creating Patterns on a Vertically-Colored Background
Next, here's how to create a pattern using the vertically colored background.
Here too, we'll use an electric eraser.
Even on areas colored solidly through layering, an electric eraser makes it easy to draw a pattern.
It erases so cleanly that you might find yourself having a bit too much fun with it.
Why It's Okay Even If You Make a Mistake
Some of you might feel nervous about erasing something you worked hard to color.
But with an eraser, there's no need to worry.
Even if something goes wrong,
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You can color over it again
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You can fix it with a different color
These are relatively easy ways to redo it.
It's not as hard to correct as pen, so feel free to experiment.
Tips for Blending in a Pattern
If simply erasing feels a bit lacking, try one of the following methods.
Outline It Lightly with Colored Pencil
Lightly outlining the erased area with color will make the pattern stand out more clearly.
However, be careful — tracing too heavily can make it look out of place.
Add Vertical Strokes Around It
Adding a bit of vertical coloring around the area will help it blend with the background.
Try Changing the Color
Matching the color to the surroundings will make it blend more naturally.
Adjustments for Use as a Background
If the erased area looks too white and stands out, we also recommend lightly adding a touch of color inside it.
Even if you feel it's better without color at first, your impression may change once you see the whole piece.
Adjust as you go, checking against the finished work.
Using a White Colored Pencil for a Natural White
For even richer expression, we also recommend a white colored pencil.
A white colored pencil has the following effects:
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Lightens colors
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Spreads colors
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Smooths out gradients
Coloring white over an area you've erased gives you a natural white that's different from the plain white of the paper.
Layering white over unfilled areas also helps them blend better with the background.
For this piece, we're using
Holbein Artist Colored Pencil OP500 White.
Some brands' white doesn't show up very well, so it's worth checking before use.
Making It Even More Vibrant
Finally, let's try adding dots in a different color.
Changing the color for the dots gives the background a livelier, more playful mood.
Recap: An Eraser Opens Up Even More Background Possibilities
Using the methods introduced here, you can create:
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Scenic expressions like ocean and sky
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Background patterns and textures
and many other kinds of backgrounds.
Of course,
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an eraser
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a white colored pencil
aren't required to make a beautiful background, but if you have them, we encourage you to try incorporating them.
A small bit of ingenuity can open up a whole new range of background expression.
Please try experimenting with different colors and have fun with your coloring.