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FelesTacita — How I Color Fur

Published: 2006-09-19 16:38:59 +0000 UTC; Views: 27213; Favourites: 573; Downloads: 167
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Description ...and a bit on other textures, like the tongue, nose, and the eyes. I felt like including that, too, even though this is supposed to be a fur tutorial...

This is a traditional tutorial, meaning I did this using pencils.

Since it was requested by numerous people, ( and some who just plain asked me how I do fur ), I made this tutorial for them. Well, it's more of a 'how I color' sort of deal, explaining how I go about working on my realism. I don't explain technique very well.

Sometimes I change the way I color slightly on every drawing. It depends on the fur colors. I started on the eye for this, to make it easier to understand. Be aware that I might not be using this technique months from now, since I've found my coloring technique changes quite a bit over time.

Sorry if there are any grammar issues--I didn't really pay attention to that. I might go back and edit if something really bugs me.

NOTE: There are NO tricks to coloring fur. There's no secret to it. It's a load of practice, patience, layers, and expirimenting. This is also just the way I do fur. There are many, many ways to go about coloring fur, and there isn't a wrong or right way. I found this method by goofing around, using different colors, and trying out different techniques.

I'm not so sure if this tutorial can apply to other colored pencil brands, since Prismacolors are wax-based, not clay, like most cheaper pencils are.

I forgot to add what I used to draw this, so I'll put that here.
Prismacolor pencils
Verithin pencils - the lead is harder than regular Prismas, allowing for nice detailing.
Kneaded eraser - I make a mess, and this is great for picking up pencil bits. It's also useful for erasing sketch marks.
Sharpener - Always keep your pencils sharp. I'm guilty of coloring until it's down to the wood, but if you want good fur, sharpen like crazy. *Is lazy.*
Mechanical pencil - I either sketch where shadows/highlights go with this, or I use Verithins.
Bristol board - I prefer smooth. I like this kind of paper since it blends nice and it can take a lot of abuse, in my opinion. You may find a different paper works better for you.

Omg. The preview image is disgusting.

I have the finished piece in my gallery. You can view it here.

The images in this tutorial are © me.

If you find this tutorial helpful, let me know! Feel free to bookmark it/fav/share it!
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Comments: 35

LonelyZoner [2010-11-27 01:37:07 +0000 UTC]

This was VERY helpful! I've just taken up on realistically drawing animals, and it was SO hard (especially the fur)! This definitely helped. Thanks!

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Kirei-garanchou [2010-06-30 04:46:49 +0000 UTC]

Thanks for the tutorial, it will help me finish a project I have just started.

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JumpSpark [2009-12-31 06:37:55 +0000 UTC]

Wow, that's impressive what you managed to color...

And you used a real dog! Holy shit!

Awesome stuff, I'm trying something out from there right now. Its for an awesome sky pirate girl's fur boots.
Good luck and all that stuff.

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TheDarkBillabong [2009-11-20 05:27:38 +0000 UTC]

WOW, I will DEFINITELY have to try that out....*goes to try*

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1boltiefan [2009-09-07 21:25:23 +0000 UTC]

woa that pic is cool

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froger-dog [2009-07-20 06:28:04 +0000 UTC]

Wow I actually learned something from this. I was experimenting with white and blue to smooth out something the other day and shade some things but I was being really cautious with it and didn't smooth it out that much.

I really love this tutorial, seriously one of a kind.

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CatAclysmArt [2009-07-19 17:43:54 +0000 UTC]

awesome tutorial, thanks!

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XxXM1dN19HtW0lfXxX [2008-10-07 03:06:38 +0000 UTC]

Wow this will definately help. THanks man!

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fallensweets [2008-06-29 05:27:30 +0000 UTC]

This kind of scares me o_o why? At first, I was confused which was the real dog!!!! But now, I know.. ^^ good job!

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RangerLenara [2008-05-31 21:09:45 +0000 UTC]

I've been trying to figure out how to get smoother results with pencils, smooth as in the little white specks caused by the papers texture aren't there. I've been trying to use white to smooth and blend the colors a little better, but I'm not sure. Your tutorial, which is very nice by the way, is sort of making me feel like layering works the best. Do you have any advice?

I love you picture. It's very realistic.

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FelesTacita In reply to RangerLenara [2008-05-31 22:26:06 +0000 UTC]

What kind of paper do you normally use? Sometimes that can be a factor. I've found smooth paper works best. I usually use smooth Bristol board, but I know many people who like to use regular printer paper, and get some nice results as well.

Colorless blenders are great for getting white specks out. Prisma makes them, and they're really nice. I like to use them starting by the areas with the most/heaviest areas of color, then blend outwards towards the spots that need to be covered, since the blender will carry the color with it. Or you can just use the blender around the surrounding area where you need color, and blend it in. Working in a circular motion is best, and gives the smoothest result.

I hope that helps!

Thanks!

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happyjoe [2008-05-17 19:05:46 +0000 UTC]

thank you so much for creating a color pencil tutorial!

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FelesTacita In reply to happyjoe [2008-05-17 21:30:57 +0000 UTC]

No problem!

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Uchiha-Tracker [2007-10-20 17:51:48 +0000 UTC]

this makes me want to practice with my new pencils *o*

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Dark-Shad0w [2007-08-09 22:26:53 +0000 UTC]

that is extremely helpful!! thanks so much

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FelesTacita In reply to Dark-Shad0w [2007-08-09 23:28:47 +0000 UTC]

Good! I'm glad you found it useful.

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Katrina-Madd [2007-07-22 23:13:11 +0000 UTC]





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FelesTacita In reply to Katrina-Madd [2007-08-11 19:26:38 +0000 UTC]



Bah, I am full of fail today, when it comes to comments. >:

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Katrina-Madd In reply to FelesTacita [2007-08-12 00:23:23 +0000 UTC]

D'awww it ok xD

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Malachor-IV [2006-10-18 05:08:51 +0000 UTC]

Awesome, well done!

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FelesTacita In reply to Malachor-IV [2007-05-03 16:33:28 +0000 UTC]

Thanks!

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psycho-chinchilla [2006-10-10 07:40:51 +0000 UTC]

finially! a PENCIL fur tut

thanks alot mate, i found that very helpful and intresting. i'll sertain;y try that when i get some 'professional' pencils ^^

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FelesTacita In reply to psycho-chinchilla [2006-10-10 15:43:46 +0000 UTC]

You're welcome!

I've seen some really impressive things with cheaper pencils. It just takes a lot more blending. :3

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psycho-chinchilla In reply to FelesTacita [2006-10-10 20:02:15 +0000 UTC]

thankyou so much! ^^ oh and thanks for the fav's ^^

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Bobwa [2006-09-22 01:11:55 +0000 UTC]

oh wow thanks allot!!! ^_^ i can use this!!! thanks!!!

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FelesTacita In reply to Bobwa [2006-09-22 01:27:12 +0000 UTC]

Oh, good! n_n I was hoping it was alright. A few other people found it useful too, so I'm glad I made it.

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Bobwa In reply to FelesTacita [2006-09-22 02:10:09 +0000 UTC]

yes yes, its VERY good! thanks thanks thanks!!! and your picture im making you will be late, probably... but i will work on it to do you proud! *sniffle sniffle* so in other words, something with fur ^_^

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FelesTacita In reply to Bobwa [2006-09-22 03:30:00 +0000 UTC]

That's okay. Take your time! I want to see if I can actually teach people.

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Bobwa In reply to FelesTacita [2006-09-22 03:35:09 +0000 UTC]

hahaha ok! i shale do well! yes yes!!!

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MonarchyBunny [2006-09-19 17:42:23 +0000 UTC]

I doubt I'll be drawing fur, ever. But I'll probably look back on it for anything else.

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FelesTacita In reply to MonarchyBunny [2006-09-19 18:39:18 +0000 UTC]

It could be applied to human/anime-ish hair too, but I do a couple things different. O_o

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FelesTacita In reply to MonarchyBunny [2006-09-19 18:29:54 +0000 UTC]

You'd be surprised. You drew Wiz. He has fur.

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ppgrainbow [2006-09-19 16:46:30 +0000 UTC]

This is a really good tutorial.

I like how this drawing turned out.

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FelesTacita In reply to ppgrainbow [2006-09-19 16:59:33 +0000 UTC]

Thanks! I hope it helps the people I made it for.

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ppgrainbow In reply to FelesTacita [2006-09-19 17:29:14 +0000 UTC]

You're welcome!

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