2.4 Colored Pencil Succulent
Objective
Create a vibrant drawing of a succulent through the use of gradients and burnishing.
1) Find a reference
Choose and print a photograph of a colorful succulent plant. Already done one? Try a beta fish instead.
2) Practice
On a scrap piece of black paper, try different color gradients using a white pencil to help create contrast as needed.
3) Outline your drawing
Softly draw your succulent in graphite pencil on black 9×12 paper.
4) Color the base layer
Lightly introduce white and vibrant colored pencils to the entire drawing with an “underpainting.”
The more gradients, the better!
5) BurnishÂ
Going from the lightest colors to darkest, use hard pressure and burnishing to complete the drawing. Remember to keep gradients!
Novice (50%)
Student does not complete all steps or submits work incorrectly.
Apprentice (80%)
Student completes most steps, misses the use of gradients or burnishing, or shows a weak attention to detail.
Master (100%)
Student completes all steps with a strong attention to detail, gradients, and burnishing.
Grandmaster (Extra Credit)
Student masterfully draws on 12x18 paper.
- Submit a photo of your completed drawing
