5 Coloring Techniques That Make Every Page Look Better
You don’t need to be an artist to make your coloring book pages look incredible. A few simple techniques can take your work from flat and streaky to rich and layered — and the best part is, they’re easy to learn.
Here are five techniques that work with any coloring book and any set of colored pencils.
Technique 1: Light Pressure First, Dark Pressure Last
The biggest mistake new colorers make is pressing hard right away. Start with very light, even strokes to lay down a base layer. Build up darkness gradually by adding more layers with slightly more pressure. This gives you much richer, smoother color than pressing hard from the start.
Technique 2: Color in One Direction
Pick a direction and stick with it for each section. Small circular scribbles create a messy texture. Long, consistent strokes in one direction create a smooth, professional look. Follow the shape of the area you’re coloring — if it’s a leaf, stroke along the vein lines.
Technique 3: Layer Complementary Colors
The secret to depth is layering. After your base color, add a second color on top. For example, add a light layer of yellow over green to create warmth, or a layer of light purple over blue for richness. This creates dimension that a single color can’t achieve.
Technique 4: Leave the Highlights
Don’t color everything. Leave small areas of white paper where light would naturally hit — the top of a sphere, the crest of a wave, the curve of a petal. These highlights make your coloring look three-dimensional.
Technique 5: Use a Colorless Blender
A colorless blender pencil (available in most colored pencil sets) smooths out your strokes and blends colors together without adding new color. Run it over your finished areas with light pressure for a polished, seamless finish.
Ready to Try These Techniques?
The Art of Travel Coloring Book by Everpath Studio features detailed illustrations designed for exactly this kind of careful, satisfying coloring. Every page is a journey — from European cityscapes to coastal villages. Available on Amazon.
Want printable coloring pages you can practice with? Browse digital coloring packs on our Etsy shop.
