Eyes in the Dark: My First Colored Pencil Owl on Black Paper

Eyes in the Dark: My First Colored Pencil Owl on Black Paper

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for supporting my work.

My exploration into colored pencil art began in the summer of 2022. At that time, I had been creating artwork with watercolor paints for about two years. A friend’s beautiful colored pencil creations at my weekly art group piqued my interest. Eager to try the medium, I purchased a variety of colored pencils.  I started with Amazon Basics Premium Colored Pencils, then purchased Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils and a small set of Faber-Castell Polychromos Colored Pencils.  I found the reference photo on Pixabay, a website offering royalty-free images that can be used freely, even for commercial purposes, without requiring attribution.

The image featured striking black eyes that captivated me, and I decided to recreate it using colored pencils. I wanted to use black paper to represent the deep shadows  I saw in the photo.  I was a bit unsure about how to transfer the outline accurately, so I opted to use the grid method. This technique involves drawing a grid over the reference photo and a corresponding grid on the drawing surface. By focusing on one square at a time, it’s easier to replicate the image with accurate proportions.

Using the grid method allowed me to build the drawing systematically, ensuring accuracy and helping me develop my skills with colored pencils. This approach proved especially helpful for capturing intricate details and achieving a realistic result. The eyes really drew me in, so that’s where I began.

Little did I know that  the Prismacolor colored pencils were perfect for black paper. The colors really popped against the dark background.

Work progressed slowly as I filled in each square one at a time.

Square by square, the owl began to take shape.

As I progressed, the eyes were always staring at me. I often prefer to get the eyes just right early on in my artwork. It seems like when the eyes are just right, the rest isn’t as crucial.

First roughing out squares, expanding the area, going back and adding details—and before I knew it, it was done.

Mockup in a frame

This project taught me the value of patience and attention to detail. Working methodically, square by square, I was able to bring the owl to life on black paper. It was a rewarding experience that deepened my appreciation for colored pencil art.

Love this drawing? You can find this owl design and other favorite artworks printed on pouches, totes, mugs, journals, and more in my refreshed Etsy shop: NorthernSwanArt.etsy.com. Functional art you can carry and enjoy every day!

If this owl’s piercing gaze speaks to you, you can now take it with you wherever you go! I’ve added this design to several practical, gift-worthy items in my Etsy shop. You’ll find it featured on a sturdy ceramic mug, a roomy tote bag, a flat accessory pouch perfect for art supplies or everyday essentials, and a T-bottom pouch ideal for makeup, knitting notions, or travel. Each item is printed with care and brings a little artistic mystery into your daily routine.

I hope you enjoyed seeing the progress of this owl drawing! I’d love to hear your thoughts—what types of progress photos would you like to see more of? Are there specific pieces you’d be interested in following along with? Or perhaps you’d like to see some product reviews mixed in? Let me know in the comments!

Supplies Used in This Piece: Some links below are affiliate; I may earn a small commission at no extra cost—thank you!

• Amazon Basics Premium Colored Pencils
• Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils 
• Faber-Castell Polychromos Colored Pencils.  
• Pixabay Reference Photo
• Strathmore 400 Series Gray Scale - Black Sheet