How to Create Realistic and Beautiful Skin Tones With Crayons and Colored Pencils

Creating realistic, beautiful skin tones is one of the most rewarding skills kids can learn when coloring. When children understand that human skin comes in a gorgeous spectrum of shades—and know how to mix colors to capture that beauty—they develop both artistic skills and an appreciation for diversity.

Here’s a practical guide to help kids (and adults!) create stunning, realistic skin tones with everyday crayons and colored pencils.

Why a Single “Skin Color” Isn’t Enough

If you grew up with a box of crayons that included one lonely “peach” crayon labeled “skin color,” you know how limiting that feels.

The truth is:

• Human skin comes in hundreds of beautiful shades, from deep mahogany to pale ivory and everything in between

• Even within one “tone,” skin has undertones of pink, yellow, red, olive, or golden hues

• Skin has natural shadows and highlights that add depth and dimension

• No single crayon can capture this gorgeous complexity

When kids learn to layer and blend multiple colors, they create more realistic, more beautiful representations of diverse skin tones—and they understand that every shade deserves attention and care.

Basic Color Mixing Recipes for Different Skin Tones

These simple formulas work with standard crayon and colored pencil sets. Encourage kids to experiment and adjust—skin tones are wonderfully varied!

Light Skin Tones

Base: Peach or light orange

Add layers of:

• Light pink (for rosy undertones)

• Very light brown or tan (for warmth)

• Tiny touches of yellow (for golden undertones)

Shadows: Light brown or gray

Highlights: Leave white or add cream/pale yellow

Medium Skin Tones

Base: Golden yellow or light brown

Add layers of:

• Soft orange or peach

• Light brown

• Touches of red-brown for warmth

Shadows: Medium brown or burnt sienna

Highlights: Golden yellow or light tan

Deep Brown Skin Tones

Base: Dark brown or chocolate brown

Add layers of:

• Red-brown or burnt sienna (for warm undertones)

• Touches of deep purple or plum (for astounding depth)

• Deep red (for richness)

Shadows: Very dark brown, black, or deep purple

Highlights: Medium brown, bronze, or golden brown

Deep Black Skin Tones

Base: Very dark brown or black

Add layers of:

• Deep purple or indigo (for beautiful depth)

• Dark red-brown

• Touches of deep blue in shadows

Shadows: True black or deep indigo

Highlights: Dark brown, bronze, or copper tones

Kid-Friendly Blending Techniques

Blending makes the difference between flat, single-color skin and realistic, dimensional skin tones. Here are simple techniques kids can master:

1. Light Layering

Instead of pressing hard with one Color, teach kids to:

• Color lightly with the base Color

• Add a second Color on top, also lightly

• Build up gradually until they get the shade they want

• Remember: It’s easier to add more Color than to remove it!

2. Small Circular Motions

Instead of back-and-forth strokes that can look streaky:

• Use tiny circular motions to blend colors smoothly

• This creates a softer, more natural look

• It’s especially effective with colored pencils

3. Test First

Always test Color combinations on scrap paper before coloring the actual picture. This lets kids experiment without worry and build confidence in their Color choices.

4. Add Shadows and Highlights

Even simple shading makes skin look more realistic:

• Shadows go under the chin, along the sides of the nose, and anywhere light wouldn’t hit directly

• Highlights go on cheekbones, the tip of the nose, and the forehead

• This adds dimension and brings the character to life

Important Reminders for Kids

As children practice creating diverse skin tones, these mindset tips help them approach the work with the right attitude:

There’s No “Wrong” Shade

Just like real people come in endless beautiful variations, kids’ interpretations of skin tones are all valid. If a child colors skin purple or green, that’s their creative choice—but also gently introduce the idea that realistic skin tones use browns, tans, peaches, and related colors.

People Are More Than One Color

Even someone’s face might have different tones—cheeks might be rosier, foreheads might be lighter. Encourage kids to notice this variety and recreate it in their art.

Experiment and Have Fun

The best way to learn is to try different combinations. There’s no test, no grade—just exploration. Remind kids that every artist develops their own style over time.

Celebrate Every Shade

Whether coloring light, medium, or deep skin tones, approach each with the same care and attention. Every shade is worthy of being portrayed beautifully.

Practice Activity: Skin Tone Swatch Chart

This hands-on activity helps kids practice blending and builds a helpful reference tool:

What You’ll Need:

• White paper or cardstock

• Crayons or colored pencils

• Ruler (optional)

Instructions:

1. Draw several squares or rectangles on the paper (about 6-8)

2. In each box, practice creating a different skin tone using the Color recipes above

3. Label each swatch with the colors used (e.g., “peach + pink + light brown")

4. Keep this chart as a reference for future coloring projects

5. Add to it as you discover new, beautiful combinations

This activity teaches Color theory, builds confidence, and creates a personalized tool kids can use again and again.

Use Inclusive Coloring Pages to Practice

The best way to practice realistic skin tones is with coloring pages that feature diverse characters—like the ones from Color In Pretty!

Our inclusive coloring pages:

• Show characters with various skin tones, giving kids natural opportunities to practice different shading techniques

• Feature realistic, respectful representations of diverse people

• Provide context and inspiration for thoughtful Color choices

• Help normalize seeing and celebrating all skin tones

When kids regularly Color diverse characters with care and attention, they’re not just building artistic skills—they’re also developing empathy, appreciation, and a positive relationship with human diversity.

Start Creating Beautiful, Realistic Skin Tones Today

You don’t need expensive supplies or advanced training to help kids create gorgeous, realistic skin tones. With basic crayons or colored pencils, a willingness to experiment, and an appreciation for the beauty of all shades, children can develop this rewarding artistic skill.

The techniques they learn aren’t just about art—they’re about seeing, honoring, and celebrating the incredible diversity of human beauty.

Explore our diverse, inclusive coloring pages at Color In Pretty and give kids the perfect canvas to practice these skills while celebrating every beautiful shade of humanity.