Why I Like My Colored Pencil Art to Look Like Oil Paintings

Today, I’d like to talk about why I like my colored pencil art to look like oil paintings.

I can hear some of you already.

“Why would you want to make colored pencil art look like an oil painting?”

For many artists, that idea is unwelcome. Colored pencils and oils are nothing alike and they shouldn’t be forced to look alike.

In some ways, I agree with that. Having used oil paints for over 40 years and now focusing on colored pencils, I can say with 100% certainty that the two mediums really aren’t much alike.

But I also understand why other artists are interested in making their artwork look like oil paintings. I did when I began switching mediums, and I still do.

Why I Like My Colored Pencil Art to Look Like Oil Paintings

I don’t know why every artist wants his or her colored pencil art to look like an oil painting, but I can tell you why I do.

Reason #1: Style

My goal with horse portraits has always been to create a portrait so life-like that it looks like it could blink or draw a breath at any moment. When my clients see the portrait, I want them smell their horse. (I know that sounds odd, but those who have been around animals know they have a certain fragrance that’s unique.)

That was my goal when I as an oil painter. It is my goal now.

So that’s one way I want my colored pencil portraits to look like my oil portraits.

Reason #2: Color

One of the things I enjoyed about oil painting was color. That should be no surprise. Color is what attracts most artists.

But with oil paints, it was easy to create rich, vibrant color either straight from the tube or by mixing. The range of subtle nuances is amazing.

I want the same thing with colored pencil works. It’s not always as easy to get those subtle nuances, but it is possible.

Reason #3: Tooth

It’s relatively easy to fill the tooth of canvas with oil paints. They’re wet, so they tend to “settle” into the tooth. The more layers you add, the more completely the weave of the canvas is concealed.

I never liked canvas showing through finished paintings and I don’t like paper showing through finished drawings most of the time. There are times when allowing the paper to show is the only way to create certain textures with colored pencils. I never had that worry with oils because it’s much easier to paint the appearance of rain, mist or fog.

Reason #4: Detail

I have always worked toward creating the most detailed paintings possible. Since I was painting for clients, the shape of each head, ear and eye had to be correct. Coat markings had be to correct, too, or I was drawing a horse that resembled the subject, but wasn’t the subject.

That desire is the same with colored pencils. I don’t wish to draw less detail because I’m using a different medium.

Reason #5: Framing

I love the look of wood frames on oil portraits. I also love gilt-edge frames, especially for the big paintings.

But I never needed glass when framing oils. Who puts glass over an oil painting?

Colored pencil artwork, on the other hand, requires glass to protect the paper.

When it comes right down to it, I think this is what most artists mean when they ask how to make their colored pencil artwork look like an oil painting.

That used to be a big problem. These days, not so much. The reason is the number of rigid supports for colored pencil and other dry media.

As I write these words, I working with Ampersand’s Pastelbord for the first time. If a drawing on this is properly sealed, it can be framed just like an oil painting—without glass.

There are other rigid supports, as well, and some colored pencil artists are even working on canvas and creating wonderful works.

The Bottom Line

Those are five reasons why I like my colored pencil art to look like my oil paintings.

You may have other reasons. That’s okay. No two artists are alike and no two of us produce the exact same type of work.

If you would like a few tips on making your artwork look more like an oil painting, read How to Make a Colored Pencil Drawing Look Like an Oil Painting.

Sign up for Carrie’s free weekly newsletter and be among the first to know when she publishes new articles.

Share this!