Draw Colourful Pencil Portraits
A step-by-step course to help you build confidence, depth, and expression in coloured pencil portraiture
A note from me
I have been working on this course quietly in the background, refining each portrait and thinking carefully about how to make the learning feel steady, supportive, and enjoyable.
Coloured pencil portraiture has been one of the most rewarding parts of my own practice. It is slow, layered, and deeply observational, and over time it teaches you to really see.
This course is designed to help you step into that process with more confidence.
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What we will create together
In this course, I will guide you through four complete colourful pencil portraits, each one focusing on different aspects of colour, layering, and facial structure.
Each portrait is built to help you practise:
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understanding light and shadow in skin tones
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layering coloured pencils without overworking the paper
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building depth and richness gradually
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improving accuracy in facial proportions
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adding life and expression through colour choices
There is also an extra optional lesson where I demonstrate how I use alcohol markers to build rich, dark skin tones. This is a technique that helps create depth quickly and gives a beautiful foundation for coloured pencil work on top.
How the course is taught
I have structured this course to feel very clear and easy to follow, even when the subject becomes more detailed.
You will find:
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A time-lapse demonstration showing how I plan and construct proportions using my iPad
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Real-time portrait lessons, where I draw slowly and talk you through every stage
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Clear explanations of materials, layering, and colour choices
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Gentle guidance so you can follow at your own pace
Each portrait took me around one and a half hours to complete, but I encourage you to take your time. If you are newer to portrait drawing, you may wish to pause often, repeat sections, and work slowly.
There is no rush at all.
🖍 Materials we’ll use
I will be creating with:
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my Pink Pig Colour Pencil Sketchbook
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a set of 24 Derwent Procolour Colour Pencils
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A pencil sharpener
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an Eraser
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Alcohol markers if you purchase the extra lesson.
💛 A mindful and encouraging approach
This course is something I have genuinely loved creating. It brings together years of my own practice with coloured pencils and portrait work, and I have tried to share it in a way that feels steady, generous, and clear.
I am really looking forward to drawing with you.
Irene