Blending Techniques for Coloured Pencils: How to Create Smooth, Realistic Fur and Other Animal Textures
- debbielouart1
- Jun 5
- 3 min read
Blending is one of the most important skills in coloured pencil art, especially when drawing animals. Whether you're trying to capture the softness of a cat’s fur or the sleekness of a horse’s coat, learning how to blend your colours effectively can bring your drawings to life. In this blog post, we’ll cover essential blending techniques for coloured pencils and how to use them to achieve smooth, realistic results.
Why Blending Matters in Animal Art
Animals have complex textures, especially in their fur and feathers. Blending allows you to:
Smooth transitions between colours
Add depth and realism to your drawing
Mimic the softness and layering of natural fur
Eliminate harsh lines or uneven tones
Without proper blending, coloured pencil work can look flat or scratchy. With the right technique, however, you can achieve results that are soft, seamless, and lifelike.
Tools You Can Use for Blending
There are several tools that can help you blend coloured pencils effectively:
1. Blending with Pencils
Light Colours: Use a light or neutral-coloured pencil (like white or cream) to blend layers and smooth transitions.
Burnishing Pencils: Apply heavy pressure with a colourless blender or a light-coloured pencil to press pigment into the paper for a polished look.
2. Blending with Tools
Blending Stumps or Tortillons: Perfect for smoothing out small areas and softening edges.
Soft Brush or Tissue: Useful for gentle blending, particularly over large areas.
3. Solvent Blending
Odourless Mineral Spirits (OMS): A popular choice for dissolving pigment and creating a smooth, painterly look.
Application Tip: Use a small brush or cotton bud to gently apply solvent. Let it dry completely before continuing with more layers.
Step-by-Step: Blending Fur with Coloured Pencils
Here’s a basic guide to blending fur:
Start Light: Begin with a base layer using light pressure. Map out your colours and follow the direction of the fur.
Layer Gradually: Add multiple light layers instead of pressing hard. This allows for smooth blending later on.
Use Short Strokes: Mimic fur texture with small, directional strokes.
Blend Between Layers: Use blending pencils, stumps, or solvents between layers to build depth.
Final Blend & Highlights: Once your layers are built, blend one final time and add highlights with a white pencil or electric eraser.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Blending Too Early: Let your drawing develop before blending, or it may muddy your colours.
Over-Blending: Too much blending can flatten your textures and lose detail.
Using the Wrong Paper: Choose paper that can handle layering and blending (e.g., Pastelmat or Bristol).
Practice Makes Perfect
Blending takes time to master, so don’t be discouraged if it doesn’t look perfect right away. Practice with different tools and techniques to find what works best for your style. Try blending different fur types—short, long, curly, or sleek—to build your confidence.
Final Thoughts
Blending is a key part of coloured pencil realism, especially in animal art. With the right tools, techniques, and a bit of patience, you’ll be able to create beautifully smooth transitions that bring your animal drawings to life.
Want to Learn More?
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