# The new Colored Pencil Plus course! **URL:** \ **Category:** Share Your Art\ **Created:** [December 15, 2023, 9:55pm UTC](https://community.thevirtualinstructor.com/t/the-new-colored-pencil-plus-course/3500 "2023-12-15T21:55:37Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 7
**Author:** ![Brenda](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/community.thevirtualinstructor.com/brenda/32/3459_2.png) [@Brenda](https://community.thevirtualinstructor.com/u/Brenda)\ **Post date:** [January 10, 2025, 7:42am UTC](https://community.thevirtualinstructor.com/t/the-new-colored-pencil-plus-course/3500/124 "2025-01-10T07:42:23Z")
Jane you’re blueberries look amazing. You have convinced me to give this lesson a try! I’ve done the others in this course, but I’ll have to wait a bit to do the last one. I have a couple of other projects in progress. Keep up the good work! Brenda ---
**Author:** ![Meme5](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/community.thevirtualinstructor.com/meme5/32/6555_2.png) [@Meme5](https://community.thevirtualinstructor.com/u/Meme5)\ **Post date:** [January 11, 2025, 3:06am UTC](https://community.thevirtualinstructor.com/t/the-new-colored-pencil-plus-course/3500/125 "2025-01-11T03:06:59Z")
My blueberries… paper warped but I’m content with the outcome ☺ Sonia Alonzo ![IMG_8830](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/uploads/thevirtualinstructor/original/2X/4/474729e4212fff9386c75b5316cd9a3ebad7009f.jpeg) ---
**Author:** ![janed](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/community.thevirtualinstructor.com/janed/32/3597_2.png) [@janed](https://community.thevirtualinstructor.com/u/janed)\ **Post date:** [January 11, 2025, 4:02pm UTC](https://community.thevirtualinstructor.com/t/the-new-colored-pencil-plus-course/3500/126 "2025-01-11T16:02:03Z")
Excellent Sonia! Do you think you’ll use this technique again? ---
**Author:** ![Meme5](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/community.thevirtualinstructor.com/meme5/32/6555_2.png) [@Meme5](https://community.thevirtualinstructor.com/u/Meme5)\ **Post date:** [January 11, 2025, 4:39pm UTC](https://community.thevirtualinstructor.com/t/the-new-colored-pencil-plus-course/3500/127 "2025-01-11T16:39:17Z")
Hello @janed! I might try on my own if I ever stop the struggle I have with any washes with brush application because it’s a huge learning curve for me. The values of ink were totally difficult to achieve on these blueberries (I didn’t get them right) so I used the color pencils instead for values which covered most of the ink. Otherwise, I will do anything Matt and Ashley are teaching whenever possible, including washes and acrylics. Sonia Alonzo ---
**Author:** ![robichon](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/community.thevirtualinstructor.com/robichon/32/4993_2.png) [@robichon](https://community.thevirtualinstructor.com/u/robichon)\ **Post date:** [January 12, 2025, 1:47am UTC](https://community.thevirtualinstructor.com/t/the-new-colored-pencil-plus-course/3500/128 "2025-01-12T01:47:58Z")
Hi Sonia. These look good. Did you use 140lb for the paper? I still believe 300lb is the only way to go for anything with a lot of moisture (like ink or watercolors). And of course you need to fully tape down all the edges. Terri w2rs ---
**Author:** ![Meme5](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/community.thevirtualinstructor.com/meme5/32/6555_2.png) [@Meme5](https://community.thevirtualinstructor.com/u/Meme5)\ **Post date:** [January 12, 2025, 1:55am UTC](https://community.thevirtualinstructor.com/t/the-new-colored-pencil-plus-course/3500/129 "2025-01-12T01:55:33Z")
Terri @robichon, Well I used the arches 140 lbs because I’m saving the good stuff for when I can at least learn how to better control the amount of water in the brushes. I had to use a brush that you fill the little tank with water, so water was dripping and soaking the paper, not as bad as with the tomatoes but the values…… there were only medium and darkest than dark lol I don’t feel bad about it just honest truth. I will get there at some point, 🤞🏼 Sonia Alonzo ---
**Author:** ![robichon](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/community.thevirtualinstructor.com/robichon/32/4993_2.png) [@robichon](https://community.thevirtualinstructor.com/u/robichon)\ **Post date:** [January 12, 2025, 1:59am UTC](https://community.thevirtualinstructor.com/t/the-new-colored-pencil-plus-course/3500/130 "2025-01-12T01:59:12Z")
I know you will get there Sonia but use a good paint brush. Terri ---
**Author:** ![janed](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/community.thevirtualinstructor.com/janed/32/3597_2.png) [@janed](https://community.thevirtualinstructor.com/u/janed)\ **Post date:** [January 12, 2025, 10:47am UTC](https://community.thevirtualinstructor.com/t/the-new-colored-pencil-plus-course/3500/131 "2025-01-12T10:47:58Z")
I had used mixed media paper for mine, I too was saving the good paper. ---
**Author:** ![Meme5](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/community.thevirtualinstructor.com/meme5/32/6555_2.png) [@Meme5](https://community.thevirtualinstructor.com/u/Meme5)\ **Post date:** [January 19, 2025, 7:53pm UTC](https://community.thevirtualinstructor.com/t/the-new-colored-pencil-plus-course/3500/134 "2025-01-19T19:53:13Z")
Hello Terri @robichon friend, So I went to Michaels looking for some sale on picture frames, no luck. BUT I got some Silver Brush watercolor brushes!!! 😁💃🏽😁 they were on sale too!!! I can’t wait to try them, but first I must complete the oil paint Live Class….I can’t wait to catch up with the class, I love mixing the colors Sonia Alonzo ---
**Author:** ![HarleysMom](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/community.thevirtualinstructor.com/harleysmom/32/6478_2.png) [@HarleysMom](https://community.thevirtualinstructor.com/u/HarleysMom)\ **Post date:** [January 25, 2025, 4:53pm UTC](https://community.thevirtualinstructor.com/t/the-new-colored-pencil-plus-course/3500/135 "2025-01-25T16:53:30Z")
I splurged on a Arches watercolor block and cannot wait to do this lesson… I am taking an IRL watercolor class and it’s amazing to see how far Matt and Ashley have gotten me in one year- so far I’m comfortably participating in the class and feel like I belong there rather than feeling like a fish out of water! I dare say I know a little more than my classmates when it comes to value, color mixing/theory and general art history. We learn SO MUCH HERE. I joined the class to get out of my comfort zone and to push myself in the area of watercolors. HOWEVER- the base I have for drawing from listening to Matt to “Draw every day” has allowed me to really focus on the painting and not being uptight about sketching out references, which is what I’m seeing happen with other participants. If you are visiting and on the fence about becoming a member- DO IT. ---
**Author:** ![Lucy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/e47774/32.png) [@Lucy](https://community.thevirtualinstructor.com/u/Lucy)\ **Post date:** [August 6, 2026, 6:46pm UTC](https://community.thevirtualinstructor.com/t/the-new-colored-pencil-plus-course/3500/136 "2026-08-06T18:46:43Z")
Hello all, I have already made 2 drawings from this course ( tomatoes and avocados) and now it’s time for blueberries! 🫐 Slowly getting used to ink, here is my progress: ![IMG_6028](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/uploads/thevirtualinstructor/original/2X/b/ba48dccacda7fd9e99ab7fa086905ff05eb61d03.jpeg) Lucy ---
**Author:** ![Lucy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/e47774/32.png) [@Lucy](https://community.thevirtualinstructor.com/u/Lucy)\ **Post date:** [August 10, 2026, 8:30pm UTC](https://community.thevirtualinstructor.com/t/the-new-colored-pencil-plus-course/3500/137 "2026-08-10T20:30:48Z")
First blueberry with some color 👏 It is still without a blender, so it will change after I blend it. I somehow thought I had a blender with me and when I was looking for it, I realized I don’t have it. So today I went to buy one, excited to be blending soon ☺ Here is a blueberry with colored pencils and without the blender: ![IMG_6056](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/uploads/thevirtualinstructor/original/2X/2/22b63bcbdf257ca2de871bf7678d32600f79dd9b.jpeg) Lucy ---
**Author:** ![robichon](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/community.thevirtualinstructor.com/robichon/32/4993_2.png) [@robichon](https://community.thevirtualinstructor.com/u/robichon)\ **Post date:** [August 11, 2026, 11:35pm UTC](https://community.thevirtualinstructor.com/t/the-new-colored-pencil-plus-course/3500/138 "2026-08-11T23:35:38Z")
Hi @Lucy The blueberries are looking sooooo good. Keep sharing your progress. Terri Robichon ---
**Author:** ![Lucy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/e47774/32.png) [@Lucy](https://community.thevirtualinstructor.com/u/Lucy)\ **Post date:** [August 13, 2026, 6:55pm UTC](https://community.thevirtualinstructor.com/t/the-new-colored-pencil-plus-course/3500/139 "2026-08-13T18:55:02Z")
Thanks Terri ☺. I finished the blueberries. It was very interesting experience, using ink and color pencils with a blender. Here is my finished drawing: ![IMG_6085](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/uploads/thevirtualinstructor/original/2X/0/0fa46279bf95449b36172fe640f46c2a2c7feade.jpeg) Lucy ---
**Author:** ![Zman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/9fc348/32.png) [@Zman](https://community.thevirtualinstructor.com/u/Zman)\ **Post date:** [August 14, 2026, 4:11pm UTC](https://community.thevirtualinstructor.com/t/the-new-colored-pencil-plus-course/3500/140 "2026-08-14T16:11:10Z")
Was inspired by the course to try a mixed media with colored pencil on the boat and oil pastel for the sky, land, and water. Didn’t know whether to try to fill the paper tooth with the oil pastel or leave as is - decided to not try to blend it all into the paper. Sometimes I think it looks unfinished. 😕 ![IMG_0594](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/uploads/thevirtualinstructor/original/2X/2/214c2f26fb7e727894c035a83074b9e4cbfc1181.jpeg) ---
**Author:** ![robichon](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/community.thevirtualinstructor.com/robichon/32/4993_2.png) [@robichon](https://community.thevirtualinstructor.com/u/robichon)\ **Post date:** [August 15, 2026, 1:17am UTC](https://community.thevirtualinstructor.com/t/the-new-colored-pencil-plus-course/3500/141 "2026-08-15T01:17:05Z")
Hi James @Zman I think your instincts to fill the tooth of the paper would be good because the texture of the paper detracts from the quality of your drawing. Hope this is helpful. Terri Robichon ---
**Author:** ![Zman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/9fc348/32.png) [@Zman](https://community.thevirtualinstructor.com/u/Zman)\ **Post date:** [August 15, 2026, 2:14am UTC](https://community.thevirtualinstructor.com/t/the-new-colored-pencil-plus-course/3500/142 "2026-08-15T02:14:23Z")
Thanks Terri for your thoughts, because of the nature of the oil pastels not drying, I think I have an opportunity to do as you suggest and make this project better. ---
**Author:** ![Buddy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/e5b9ba/32.png) [@Buddy](https://community.thevirtualinstructor.com/u/Buddy)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2026, 1:32am UTC](https://community.thevirtualinstructor.com/t/the-new-colored-pencil-plus-course/3500/143 "2026-09-03T01:32:55Z")
You did great, Lucy! Very detailed and yummie. I followed the course except the blueberries, just because I still don’t have the needed ink. ---
**Author:** ![Buddy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/e5b9ba/32.png) [@Buddy](https://community.thevirtualinstructor.com/u/Buddy)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2026, 1:35am UTC](https://community.thevirtualinstructor.com/t/the-new-colored-pencil-plus-course/3500/144 "2026-09-03T01:35:48Z")
Hi James, that’s an interesting mix media. Did you use oil or waxed based colored pencils? I always tend to entirely fill in the tooth of the paper and use the colored papers just as a guidance for the values. The boat looks super! Buddy ---
**Author:** ![Meme5](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/community.thevirtualinstructor.com/meme5/32/6555_2.png) [@Meme5](https://community.thevirtualinstructor.com/u/Meme5)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2026, 1:47am UTC](https://community.thevirtualinstructor.com/t/the-new-colored-pencil-plus-course/3500/145 "2026-09-03T01:47:16Z")
I love the progress posts! Your finished blueberries are beautiful! 🤩 Sonia [Previous page](https://community.thevirtualinstructor.com/t/the-new-colored-pencil-plus-course/3500.md?page=6) [Next page](https://community.thevirtualinstructor.com/t/the-new-colored-pencil-plus-course/3500.md?page=8)