From the moment you open that box of coloured pencils, the sound and feel of the tools immerse you in a nearly hypnotic state. Drawing not only relaxes but colouring enhances your focus as you fill in each design, adding life to your sketches. If you’re searching for inspiration, this collection of drawing ideas invites you to explore your creativity.
Drawing Ideas to Try in Full Colour
Rainbow
Notice how the rainbow’s colours fade gradually as they move away from the umbrella in this delightful design. This is the perfect drawing to use your entire range of colours, from red to purple. Start with soft strokes, then add layers with more pressure to achieve a vibrant and saturated look.
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Anxiety
When you feel your outward appearance doesn’t match your inner emotions, draw it. Create a bold doodle using specific colours—blue for sadness, and red for anger or stress. This exercise is both expressive and therapeutic, allowing you to visually manifest your inner feelings.
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Desert Sunset
A desert might not seem inspiring at first, but add a sunset, and it transforms into something magical. Use warm colours pencils to capture the perfect sunset, and draw stars with a white gel pen or correction pen to make them stand out against the dark sky.
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Dinosaur
While dinosaurs are typically thought of as large and intimidating, drawing one just hatched from an egg can make it cute and chubby. Use complementary colours, like red and green, to make your artwork stand out with a vibrant finish.
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Poppy Field
Inspired by Monet’s famous painting, this simple poppy field design can be turned into a masterpiece. All you need to do is draw clusters of red circles to bring the field to life with vivid colour and energy.
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Waiting Dog
This simple yet meaningful drawing captures the patience and loyalty of a dog waiting. It’s ideal for beginners to draw and colour without overcomplicating the process.
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Farmlands
Avoid dull farmland drawings by using a variety of colours to represent different crops—greens, yellows, oranges, and more. This creates a vibrant and visually engaging scene.
>> Draw the beauty of winter with snow and cosy scenes Winter Drawings.
Day and Night
Play with light and dark tones to explore the contrast between day and night. On the daytime side, paint a sunrise or sunset with warm oranges, capturing the smooth transition of time.
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Dreaming Dog
This drawing offers endless customisation options—change what the dog is dreaming about: bones, another dog, or a squirrel. Personalise the dog’s colours to match one you know, making it a thoughtful gift for its owner.
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Plants
Just as the desert showcased warm colours, plants allow you to experiment with cool tones like blues and greens. Capture the diversity of plant life and create a calming, colourful piece.
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Polaroid
Drawing a Polaroid is simple—just sketch a couple of rectangles. Make it special by turning it into a photo of something impossible, like a dog dreaming of fantastic adventures.
Flower Bouquet
If you can draw flowers with a few simple circles, you can create an entire bouquet. Use all your colours, much like a rainbow, to transform a basic drawing into a lively and vibrant composition.
Robot
Robots are fun and easy to draw, whether big or small, modern or vintage. Contrast their metallic bodies with bold, colourful details to add life and personality to your creation.
Stamp
A stamp acts as a frame, turning ordinary objects into something special. Fill an entire notebook page with a collection of stamp designs, and it will look stunning.
Bandage
A creative way to symbolise care or healing, whether physical or emotional, is through a drawing of a bandage. This is a simple and meaningful project that anyone, even beginners, can colour and personalise.
Brief Tips for Drawing with Coloured Pencils
- You don’t need an expensive set of coloured pencils. A set of 12 is enough for fun projects, but having up to 40 provides more variety.
- Great brands for hobby drawing include Faber Castell, Lamy, and Plastidecor. Despite being associated with crayons, Plastidecor is excellent for advanced techniques.
- Start with light layers and gradually increase pressure to intensify the colours.
- Experiment with different tones for shadows and highlights, such as using dark blue or purple for shadows on green trees. This adds depth and interest to your work.
FAQ for Colourful Drawing Ideas
What do I need to start creating colourful drawings?
To start creating vibrant and colourful drawings, you’ll need basic materials like coloured pencils, good-quality paper, and optional tools like markers or paints. A wide range of colours will help you maximise creativity in your projects.
What are the main features of colourful drawings?
Colourful drawings allow full artistic expression by using vivid and saturated colours that captivate attention and enhance visual appeal. This technique is perfect for highlighting details and creating impactful artwork.
How can I solve common colouring problems?
If the colour doesn’t apply evenly, ensure the paper is of good quality and appropriate thickness. To avoid breaking pencil tips, sharpen them properly and apply moderate pressure while colouring.
How do these drawings compare to other colouring techniques?
Unlike pastel or watercolour techniques, coloured pencil drawings offer more control and precision, making them ideal for detailed work and small corrections. Experimenting with various techniques will help you find the one that suits your style best.
Is it worth investing in high-quality materials for colourful drawings?
Investing in high-quality materials is essential for achieving the best results. Premium materials offer richer pigments, better durability, and ease of use, improving your drawing experience and outcomes.
What maintenance tips are recommended for preserving colourful drawings?
To keep your drawings in excellent condition, store them in a dry place away from direct sunlight. Using fixative sprays can also help preserve the colours and prevent fading over time.