Gold with Colored Pencils: Drawing Tips

Sooner or later all the artists encounter a situation in which they need to know how to make gold with colored pencils. This article will reveal all the secrets and tips on what colors make gold and how to draw it realistic-looking. So stay with me!

What Colors Are Used to Depict the Texture of Gold?

The first thing that comes to mind when there is a need to achieve an effect of the gold texture is using a yellow pigment. Furthermore, it’s highly likely that there are supposed to be a few tones. However, let’s recall that the surface of the precious metal is usually shiny, so you will need additional colors to render it. In particular, you will need something light-toned for depicting patches of reflected lights.

The highlights are usually accompanied by the shade, and that is why you will also need some dark pencils. For instance, brownish and reddish tones are as good as possible for such a purpose.

Now, I hope you won’t have any questions like “What colors do I need?” to draw gold.

Basic Techniques for Drawing Gold with Colored Pencils

The first thing that you need to do is to contour a shape with a light, usually yellow, pencil. For sure, you can find the best matching tool in Crayola sets. Then, using a white color, leave some spots that will serve as highlights. Beneath them, blend two tones, brownish and reddish, by hatching them. Then cover these patches with a yellow tone using the hatching technique.

I use my Prismacolor pencil for this purpose, but you can take whatever brand you want.

Top Colored Pencils to Blend for Gold Color on Amazon

Here are my recommendations for selecting colored pencils that can be used for drawing gold and other precious metal colors. This table showing the main features of the decent sets from popular brands will help you select the best option for you.

Rank	Review	Name	Set size	Features	Rating
1		Faber-Castell Polychromos	120	Metal tin 3.8 mm lead Break and water-resistant core Round barrel	10.0
2		Prismacolor Premier	72	Metal tin Soft and thick core Lightfast and saturated pigment Crack and chipping resistant lead Round barrel	9.9
3		Caran d'Ache Luminance	76	Metal tin with foam mat Lightfast pigment Smooth core Round barrel	9.8
4		Crayola Signature	50	Metal tin Soft core Saturated pigment Round barrel	9.7
5		Caran D'ache Pablo	80	Metal tin Creamy and soft core Water-resistant pigment 3.7 mm core Hexagonal barrel	9.6
6		Arteza Expert	72	Metal tin Smooth application Saturated colors Thick core Round barrel	9.5

In Closing

At first glance, gold may seem too difficult to depict, especially for those who have just started their art journey. In fact, there is nothing tough at all. The only thing you need to do is follow some recommendations and use the proper techniques to represent the gold color.

Besides, never give up if you screw up. Only practice can give you the necessary knowledge, so the next steps will be much easier.

References