Colour Match hints

Light
Colour will vary under different lights and should be matched in daylight to achieve a reliable match. Colours matched under fluorescent light may look different in daylight and vice versa.

Matching
Colours need to be matched by trial and by eye. Testing colours and allowing them to dry is important for consistently good results.

Metallics
The reflective nature of the metallic effect of metallic colours makes it more difficult to match the colours as they change with the light. As much as possible view all colour matches under the same light and at the same angle to the light. Metallics should be put on as per flat colours - dark to light. Start away from the light source and work towards it. Metallic pencils are those pencils numbered within the range 600-700.

Mixing
When working with white colours, as the colour and differences between colours are so subtle, the art of mixing becomes very important when matching these colours. Dark colours need to be used very softly and sparingly and overlaid by the pale colours. Most colours have a large proportion of white in them. Best results are achieved when colours are wet so that dilution can give the subtlety required and an even effect may be more easily created.

Paper colour
The appearance of any colour is affected by the colour of the background. Always test colour mixes on the same background as the final drawing. White paper stock will generally give the best results.

Proportions
The amount of each pencil needed for an ideal match will vary slightly, depending on whether you use dry or wet applications.

Use lightly
A bracket around a pencil number means you use that pencil lightly in the colour mix.

Results
The speed to achieve a quality end result will improve with practice of the techniques outlined earlier. Individual styles allow for endless variety in the finished product.

Pencil recipes
Download recipe and RGB list (Excel file) - How the system works - Selecting the technique - Pencil usage notes - Colour match hints