These are some tips I have learned over the years through books, magazines, articles and other artists. Please refer to the reference page for sources.
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Keep your pencil points sharp, sharp tips work best.
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Don't just use one color, try using several layers of different colors
together to add some spark and life to your drawings.
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Beware of over saturating your paper's surface with too much color, the color
will start to no longer adhere to the paper's surface.
It will also start to wear and possibly tear the surface of the paper or board.
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Be careful when applying heavy pressure, such as when you burnish, sometimes
pencils tend to flake. To remove the flakes I use a brush or
tissue.
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To remove wax bloom (a build-up of wax on the surface of the paper), wipe the surface of the paper with a
soft tissue and then lightly spray the drawing with 2 to 4 layers with
Krylon workable fixatif. The fixatif will prevent wax bloom.
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To create vivid intense colors, try using a solvent (turpenoid, liquin, Berol
Prisma colorless blender markers, bistine, mineral spirits, baby
wipes).
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Make sure to add a good range of values throughout your drawing, the more layers the darker the color.
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Make sure you apply all elements of design in your drawings-line, texture,
shape, value, space, form and color.
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To add life to your work, try varying the color intensity in your
artwork.
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Make sure the color temperature (warm and cool areas) in your drawings are
well balanced.
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Try creating different moods, by drawing on different colored
papers.
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Make sure to keep the surface of your paper clean, by using a drafting brush
to sweep away debris and dust. I personally, like to use a makeup brush. It
works great, especially on small portraits.
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When working on a tonal drawing, work from dark to light.
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Keep pencil strokes even, and consistent in pressure and in direction.
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Start off with light pressure when adding layers of color and gradually increase your pressure.
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