Coloring tips
Simple advice for choosing colors, adding shading, and protecting your pages.
Choose colored pencils
Colored pencils work best for these pages. Test a few shades on scrap paper before you begin, and keep a small swatch nearby as a guide.
Build light layers
With colored pencils, start with gentle pressure. Add more layers to deepen the color without filling the paper too quickly.
Leave a little light
Keep some areas pale for highlights. Add darker shades under wings, beneath the body, or wherever you want a little depth.
Follow the feathers
Short pencil strokes can suggest soft feathers. Try following the direction you see in the bird’s photograph.
Protect the next page
If you use markers, place an extra sheet of paper behind the page to help protect the next one. Test for bleed-through first; a dark reverse side does not stop ink from passing through.
Borrow or invent
Use the colored reference and photos for inspiration, or give your bird a completely new palette. Take your time; there is no race to finish.