Coloured Pencil Drawing Fundamentals Workshop

Build confidence in drawing through coloured pencil techniques, tone, and observation in relation to portraits.

📍 Abbotsford, Vic, Australia 🗓️ Days vary 🕰️ 3hrs &10mins 🎟️ $70-$80 AUD pp

Discover the expressive potential of coloured pencils in this hands-on drawing workshop designed for beginners, emerging artists, and those looking to refine their technique.

Across this extended session, you’ll learn how to build rich layers of colour, achieve smooth blends, and use light and shadow to create convincing depth and form. Guided by a professional artist, you’ll explore how coloured pencils differ from graphite, how wax- and oil-based pencils behave, and how paper choice affects your results.

You’ll begin by strengthening foundational skills such as pressure control, pigment layering, and understanding colour intensity. Through guided exercises, you’ll practise creating gradients, blending complementary colours, and developing seamless transitions. The workshop also explores how to apply colour to form — learning to observe light sources, build warm and cool shadows, and use neutral tones to create balance and realism.

These techniques are then applied to a major portrait drawing of your choice. Working from a reference image, you’ll learn how to map proportions, plan colour placement, and gradually build depth through controlled layering. Attention will also be given to refining textures such as skin, fabric, or natural surfaces, while developing contrast and subtle highlights that bring your portrait to life.

Throughout the class, individual feedback and guidance are provided in a relaxed, supportive environment, helping you strengthen both confidence and technical understanding. By the end of the workshop, you’ll leave with a completed or near-completed coloured pencil portrait and practical knowledge you can continue developing at home.

All materials are provided, and no prior drawing experience is required.

    • Note paper and pen.

    • Professional quality artist papers

    • Sharpener to use during class.

    • Erasers to use during class.

    • Experience using various coloured pencils.

    • Understanding of the English language (deaf students may bring a sign language interpreter if needed - you must purchase an additional ticket for the interpreter).

    • Must be between 17 and 90 years old.

    Please note: Due to the leader of the workshop being hard of hearing (hearing aids), translators that need to speak during lecture sessions are not permitted to allow the workshop leader to communicate effectively with minimal background noise. Therefore, for any individual who cannot speak/understand English, this class is not for you.

  • Required:

    • Someone to draw (photo reference only- front or side view)

    Optional:

    • Notebook and writing materials (please note that note paper and pen will be provided, but you are more than welcome to bring your own)

    • Your own sketching/coloured pencil supplies (please note professional-grade supplies will be provided, but you are welcome to bring your own too)

    • Your own refreshments (no alcohol permitted)

    • A disability support person if needed (you must purchase an extra ticket for the support person)

    • Suitable for adults, and kids (minimum 16 years old).

    • Adult accompaniment is not required.

    • Suitable for teens, young adults, mature-age learners, and emerging or intermediate artists.

  • If you enjoyed your experience, I would truly appreciate a five-star review, as it helps support my small creative business and future workshops. If you have any concerns or feedback, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me directly before leaving a review — I’m always happy to help and ensure you have the best possible experience.

  • Customers can cancel/reschedule up to ten days before the date of the workshop. After ten days no cancellation or rescheduling is permitted and no refund will be given.