This time we're coloring with colored pencil on the theme of "a sunset sky and a girl."
The line art we're using depicts a schoolgirl after class, bathed in the light of the setting sun.
On the official Nuri-Iro site, we offer both a ready-to-color download version and a version pre-printed on dedicated coloring paper. Check out whichever suits you.
If jumping straight into this feels daunting, we also have practice videos. Take a look at our past videos on basic figure coloring, drawing fabric wrinkles, and background coloring before giving this a try. Let's get started.
This time we're using "Holbein Artist Colored Pencils."
Close equivalent colors are also noted alongside the colors used, so feel free to substitute with whatever colored pencils you have on hand.
How to Color the Girl
To let the sunset take the starring role, we start by expressing the sunlight hitting the girl. Keeping a backlit mood in mind, layer yellow, golden yellow, and orange onto the sky in the background.
For the hair, use brown and dark brown to build volume, darkening behind the ears and at the back of the head to create depth. Sharpening the pencil tip and drawing in strands gives it a natural finish. Add a light layer of yellow to the bright areas for a touch of light.
For the cardigan, use gray as the base. First color it while keeping the wrinkle lines in mind, and layering a bit of yellow light here and there gives the gray fabric the texture of warm light hitting it. Adding brightness along the edges of the wrinkles brings out the fabric's volume. Since it's backlit, color the button placket at the center of the bodice a bit darker and more solidly.
Black is effective for boosting contrast, but its color is strong, so be careful not to press too hard.
For the scarf and ribbon, use red as the base, adding shadow in dark brown for a sense of volume. If you color too heavily anywhere, lift the brightness back up with an eraser to tidy it up.
For the sailor collar, use blue to navy. When coloring the fabric as a whole, use the side of the lead for a soft touch, and use the tip of the lead to tighten up areas where you want stronger shadow. Switching up the angle of the lead expands your range of expression.
→ [Video] How to Color Fabric Wrinkles, Part 1 ~ Basic Concepts and Coloring a Ribbon ~
→ [Video] How to Color Fabric Wrinkles, Part 2 ~ Coloring Skirts and Curtains ~
How to Color the Face
First, lay down pink for the shadows, then layer light skin tone over it to build the skin color. Adjust the shading further with pink or brown. Be mindful of your pressure so no stray marks are left behind.
This time we're going for a natural look, fitting for a student. Just changing the eyebrows, eyelashes, eyeliner thickness, or eye color can dramatically change the impression. Feel free to arrange it to your taste.
Rather than leaving the printed lines as-is, layering color over the lines raises the overall finish and sense of unity.
→ [Video][Figure Basics 1] Glossy Straight Hair Coloring and Volume, How to Create It
→ [Video] [Figure Basics 2] Coloring Skin and a Dimensional Face [Colored Pencil]
How to Color the Sunset Sky
Color roughly the top quarter of the sky in blue, then layer orange over it to build a gradient. Add golden yellow as well, placing more yellow toward the bottom to express the light of the setting sun.
For the clouds, add sunset colors on the underside and pale purple or gray on top for a sense of volume. Adding a very light touch of black where needed makes the light stand out even more.
When coloring the clouds, using a "swirl stroke" with the side of the lead, drawing circular motions, gives a soft, natural look. Blend the whole sky together while keeping the position of the sun and the gradient in mind.
→ [Video] Basic Background Coloring Methods
→ [Video] How to Draw a Sunset Sky and Sea
Finishing Touches and Fine Adjustments
Once color covers the whole piece, make fine adjustments while checking the overall balance — deepening areas that aren't dark enough and adding a light touch of color to areas that are too bright.
Lift highlights with an eraser to brighten them, then layer white on top for a nice effect. If you have it, lightly layering Holbein "Shell Pink" over the skin smooths it out nicely. Adding a touch of pink to the sky too brings out the softness of the sunset.
And that's a wrap! This time we finished the piece around the theme of "the light of the setting sun." The background clouds are easy to customize, so simply changing the colors can completely transform the mood. Try a different sky, keep building out the background, and have fun with it however you like.
We'd love for you to post your finished piece to Nuri-Iro's "Everyone's Coloring." We're looking forward to seeing everyone's work. Thank you for watching! We look forward to your thoughts and requests in the comments.