Capturing Soft Realism in Colored Pencil

There's a trick to painting realistic subject matter without including every last little detail. It's this "soft realism" approach to colored pencil that Ann Kullburg shares in her insightful new technique book.

Kullberg teaches artists how to faithfully capture the essence of any subject without wasting time on excessive detail work. Step by step she presents 35 popular subjects and describes techniques for adding rich texture, depth and form in the most simple and straightforward way possible. Insights on getting a realistic effect include: • Mapping out a complex subject to make it easier to paint • Changing pencil strokes to create different textures • Mixing hues for greater visual interest • Creating softer, more natural edges by varying the pressure of the pencil It's all the instruction a colored pencil artist needs to effortlessly add gorgeous details to every piece they create.

Ann Kullberg is the author of Colored Pencil Portraits Step by Step. She is a popular colored pencil workshop instructor and is also an active and honored member of the Colored Pencil Society of America. She lives in Federal Way, Washington.