How to color various skin tones?

How to Color Different Skin Tones with Colored Pencils: An Easy Tutorial for Beginners

If you want to learn how to realistically color different skin tones, I have a great tutorial for you! In this article, we will focus on three basic skin tones: light, Asian, and dark. The interesting part is that I decided to use the same portrait template for all three variations to show how different effects can be achieved using colored pencils.

You can apply this technique both in adult coloring books and if you are drawing from scratch—creating your own portrait and just want to refine your coloring skills with pencils.

My recommended list of colored pencil shades for each of these three skin tones is just a guideline—if you don't have the exact colors in your set, simply choose the closest shades based on the photo examples.

For this tutorial, I used Prismacolor Premier pencils, but you can use any high-quality colored pencils you have available.

You can download the template of these three faces along with the color lists for free at the link at the end of this article.

Choosing the Right Paper

Paper is also an important factor—I don't recommend drawing on regular printer paper or rough-textured cardstock, as they are too grainy and may not allow you to achieve a smooth skin effect with soft transitions. Instead, I suggest using a smooth paper with a very fine texture, such as Fabriano Disegno, Bristol Vellum, or Bristol Smooth. If you're coloring my Art-printed coloring books, they are already printed on suitable paper!

📥 Get My Free Template!
You can download my free skin coloring worksheet, including the full color list, at the link at the end of this article.

📺 Want to see the whole process in action? Watch my YouTube tutorial here:

Step by Step: How to Color Skin with Colored Pencils

1. Prepare Your Colored Pencils

I recommend laying out only the shades you will be using on your desk. This helps you focus on the coloring process without wasting time deciding which color to pick next. Before starting on your actual drawing, try layering and blending colors on a scrap piece of paper. This will help you practice applying light pressure and smoothly transitioning between shades.

2. Work with Light Pressure

When you start coloring skin, always begin with a very light pressure. Build up colors gradually, aiming for soft transitions without harsh strokes. Be patient and layer the colors carefully.

Step-by-Step Coloring Process

Step 1: Define the Darkest Areas

I like to start by identifying the shadows—this helps me establish the shadows and highlights and gives the portrait a natural 3D effect. I then soften and blend the shades using lighter pencils. However, some people prefer to start with the lightest base tone and gradually darken the skin. Try both methods and see which works best for you!

If you are coloring in my semi-grey scale coloring books, you can apply the darkest colors to the pre-shaded places where you can see the grey color shading applied.

Step 2: Softening Dark Areas

Using a medium-dark shade, I begin softening the shadows, blending them toward the center of the face. I may use multiple medium shades, but always apply them gently, layering gradually.

Step 3: Applying the Base Skin Tone

Now, I take the lightest or base skin tone from my palette (not white!) and fill in the rest of the face. At the same time, I use this light shade to soften the darker areas. It's important to keep the pencil sharp and clean to avoid blending darker pigments into lighter areas.

Step 4: Blending

Using a white or the lightest color in my set, I now blend all the layers together. At this stage, I apply slightly more pressure to mix the pigment smoothly, filling in any remaining white spots on the paper. However, I don't press too hard, as I want to keep the paper's surface intact for further layering. This creates a smooth skin base to continue working on.

Step 5: Adding Life to the Skin

To make the skin look more natural, I apply an additional soft tone to bring warmth and dimension. I then blend everything again with the white or lightest pencil.

Step 6: Blush and Makeup Details

For the final touches, I add eyeshadows, lipstick, and blush. I also redefine the eyelashes and pupils with a thin black liner. To give the eyes a realistic shine, I place a small white dot in the pupil using a white gel pen.

You can download my free coloring worksheet to help you practice skin coloring. The images are lightly pre-shaded, making it easier for you to identify the darkest areas of the portrait.

Enjoy your drawing! 😊