Questions & Answers ♡

Our Innovative Paint & Pencil™ art projects incorporate the use of both acrylics and colored pencils in a mixed-media form. The acrylics are used for the background colors and the final details. Depending on the project, the colored pencils are often used for the shading, highlighting, and lining. Our method is a great fit for all skill levels — and also for the colored pencil enthusiast who wants to add a unique twist to their colored pencil experience!

When you combine both paint and colored pencils, you get the best of both worlds. Colored pencil work can be tedious if used alone — especially when creating large elements. A painted background is a wonderful time saver with so many possibilities!

Likewise, colored pencils used for shading, highlighting, and lining opens up the creative process to everyone. Even a beginner can be successful! Using colored pencils brings a different look to a project and also offers new possibilities you couldn't achieve with paint alone.

We love Jo Sonja's Artists' Colors — both the brand and the company! Here's why:

• Flow formula acrylics that dry to a velvet matte finish (similar to traditional gouache)
• Superb opacity, handling, and brushing characteristics
• Work extremely well with mixed-media, especially colored pencils
• Unlike gouache, they are water-resistant and won't chip or crack when cured
• Made from the finest quality pure pigments — vibrant and true for generations
• Safe, water-based, and easy clean-up with soap and water
• Over 40 years in business — a trusted name in decorative painting

Watch Erika's helpful technique videos to get started:

This chart is very helpful for tracking your Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils. Use it to track inventory and as a visual color guide. Download, print, and color in the individual squares with the matching colors.

We're always happy to help! Reach out and we'll get back to you as soon as we can.