When you draw or "color" with colored pencils, are you paying attention to how much pressure you put on the pencil?

If not, then you should.

Many people may not think the amount of pressure you place on your colored pencil makes a difference. This certainly did not occur to me before I learned otherwise.

However, the pressure you place on your pencil does have a noticeable effect on the marks made on your paper. Believe it or not, the medium will also "behave" a certain way on the surface depending on the pressure you use.

Let's take a closer look at the different types of pressure you should use and when you should use them.
<h2>Pressure Categories for Using Colored Pencils</h2>
Of course if you think about it, the range of pressure you can apply to a colored pencil is endless. You can do anything from barely touch the surface to press so hard that the "lead" breaks.

Since it is unlikely that you will do either of these two extremes purposefully, let's make this real simple. Here are the three very broad categories of pressure you should be aware of when using your colored pencils:

Light pressure means you are .... - see through

pic - single line, hatching, crosshatching with diff colors

Medium pressure - mix together

pic - single line, hatching, crosshatching with diff colors

Heavy pressure -mix together, end goal

pic - single line, hatching, crosshatching with diff colors
<h2>Varying the Pressure</h2>
Varying the pressure placed on the pencil will affect the value and intensity of the color that is applied. By varying the intensity, the artist has complete control over the marks and the color.

Hatching with varied pressure - heavy to light

Cross hatching with varied pressure - heavy to light
<h2>Closing...</h2>
begin with light pressure and layer over colors with light pressure, medium, and work you way up to heavy pressure

Remember from now on to always consciously be aware of the pressure you are using and plan for the right amount of pressure for the task at hand whenever you make colored pencil marks on your paper.