PRISMACOLORLyra Rembrandt Polycolor Colored Pencil, Blue Violet

I love to create art, and am proficient with basic sketching and watercolor techniques. I am not as experienced with colored pencils, so I was really excited to try out this art kit. I previously completed Level 1 of these kits (Flower), so I was interested to see how the next level up would be different.Basically, these Prismacolor Technique art kits contains everything you need to create a colored pencil drawing. In this kit, you get:- 12 Prismacolor Premier softcore colored pencils- 2 pencils (2H and 2B)- 6 dual ended illustration markers- 1 pencil sharpener- 1 Magic Rub Eraser- 5x7" drawing pad with 15 sheets high quality textured paper- 1 code to watch the class for the project onlineBeing Prismacolor brand, the supplies are HIGH quality, and this kit is an amazing value for the current price of around $22.47. I was especially impressed with the paper in the drawing pad, which was reminiscent of cold pressed watercolor paper given the weight and texture.In order to watch the course, you have to scan the QR code inside your box. The code will redirect you to the course page and you will have to create an account. Once you have an account, you can enter the included promo code (under QR code) on the checkout page and access your course.The online course is very professionally done and narrated while the in house artist is drawing the picture. You can access subtitles as well. The duration of this particular class is about 60 minutes, although sometimes I had to pause to rewatch parts and catch up. I found the instructions to be beginner friendly, and throughout, the narrator was encouraging in that your art does not have to look exactly like the artist's. The course teaches basic layering and shading techniques, focusing on starting with highlights, using midtones, and finishing with the darkest part. The instructor also shows how using the markers can be used to aid in layering.Level 1 of these kits focuses on basic techniques such as hatching, crosshatching, scribbling, etc. In order to complete this kit, you should ideally have a basic understanding of what these terms mean, although you would probably be fine if you don't.Overall, here is a quick breakdown of my pros and cons for this product:PROS- contains everything you need- supplies are very high quality- beautifully packaged- AMAZING value for $20 (current price), especially if you don't have a lot of supplies on hand- beginner friendly - would recommend for ages 10 and up- course is professionally done- very giftable kit for art lovers- contains template for drawing if you don't feel confident enough to draw on your own- can rewatch the course as many times as you want- closed captions available- course is 60 minutes - very doable when you have little timeCONS- does not actually teach the drawing process, only the coloring techniques- requires internet accessThese kits are available with multiple subject matters and for different skill levels, so you may want to browse to see which one best fits your needs. I own multiple of these kits in addition to this one, and have been impressed by each one. Although there is some overlap with the colors included, the company did a great job varying the colors, so that you can build your supply inventory by buying these kits.Even though it is the same idea, the kits differ in the approaches and contents. I would recommend these kits.

I have always really loved Prismacolor, and was so happy when I saw this series of sets. I've done the math, and it's a really good value for the money with how much you get in each set. All of the products inside were really high quality and performed great. The digital instructions were comprehensive and perfect for any beginner. I like that it really has all you need to get started. This would be a great gift for a beginner or a good value for someone more experienced. (I have found, if you get all three sets in a theme, they will all fit in one box if you throw out the plastic inserts.)My only issues are quite small, but I'll list them here anyway. If you get all three sets in the one theme, or all six sets in total, you will get a lot of repeat colors, for example, there is a white pencil in each kit. Not a problem if you are only getting one, and they are common colors, that you'll likely go through eventually if you color a lot. But I do suspect they assumed people wouldn't get them all, or they would have avoided having six of so many colors.The instructions are a single piece of paper folded in half, with stuff you can look up for free. Most of it is digital, which shouldn't be too much of a problem for most nowadays. Although the digital instructs are really very good, they teach stuff you can look up for free. I would say, look more at what art supplies are in the box, and choose off of that, more so than the picture it shows you can make. As when you learn to color yourself, you can make any picture you want anyways.I still highly recommend these, because the savings on getting this many Prismacolor art supplies is just such a good deal, it's worth it for them alone. They are all such high quality and with such a variety of different supplies, you'll be able to make almost anything you can imagine.P.S. To help those new to Prismacolor avoid a common pitfall, remember that to sharpen a Prismacolor pencil without breaking the core, you need to have a super sharp blade, and use a metal sharpener. The ones provided in each kit worked perfectly for me. Also, don't drop the pencil, or it could shatter the core.

Review for: 'Prismacolor Technique' Animal Drawings Set, Level 2 (bird)Prismacolor is a U.S. brand of professional artists supplies dating back to 1938. Their 'soft core' colored pencils are consistently rated as among the best and are known for their richly saturated pigments. They are great for laying down color, blending and shading - and are great for beginners and experts alike.Prismacolor has developed their 'Technique' line of art sets that are geared towards beginner artists, ages 6+. Each 'kit' contains all the art supplies (pencils, erasers, markers, drawing template, grid overlay, etc.) needed to complete that specific lesson along with a coupon code that will allow you to access online content by professional artists that you can watch at your own pace. (You scan a QR code on the inside of the box lid which takes you to the Prismacolor website where you need to create an account)There are six sets in all. Two Level 1, Two Level 2 and Two Level 3. This is their Level 2, 'animal' drawing set of a bird, and there is also a Level 2 'sunset' drawing set. Level 2 introduces you to Prismacolor's 'dual end markers' (chisel tips for broad coverage on one end and fine tips for precise lines on the other end)The Level 2 kits are to practice color usage and style, and with this kit, you will learn how to create a vibrant bird drawing

Due to a lot of internet problems this past month, I had to alter my plans to get drawings in progress before I posted my reviews. Now with Christmas so imminent, I wanted to get these reviews up for this set of classes because they make the PERFECT gift.HOW THESE COMEThese are very well packed. The box is very sturdy and makes an excellent storage box if you have the room. There is a clear plastic molded insert which holds the tools very well so nothing came to me damaged at all.VIDEO COUPONTo get access to the coupon on the top of the box, make sure you look for the special sticker inside. If it fell off like one of mine did, look in the box. That is your entry into the video. Just buy it and use the code instead of money on the page you scan to get to.TOOLSThese are professional level artist tools. That is one reason I highly recommend this set.QUALITYThe quality of this video and class is well done. The filming was done well. I found that it was easy to follow and enjoyable too.BEGINNERSThe beginners who are new to art or just exploring will love this set of classes. They have a lower goal in artwork quality so that you will not feel inferior or like you can no possibly ever be as good as the teacher. You will most likely have a drawing you will be proud of when you finish. Working with the art tools this level of professional is important.ARTISTSIF you are an artist and have artist block, this also could be an excellent kit for you too. I found that the level of artwork is not my style, but having this handy made it so that I wanted to improve, add colors, and change the artwork to my liking before finishing. That is what I needed to overcome artists block. It was worth it.PAPERThere is paper inside the kit that allows you to practice or do the drawing several times. There is also a thick paper that has the sketch done on it so you can either use it to trace from with tracing paper or just use the paper to start your drawing.THE BOTTOM LINEThis is a great kit for both beginners and artists who need to have a boost to start working again. I have enjoyed the time I have spent on this set of classes very much.MY RATINGFIVE STARS. This kit is a great kit. I love the painting and that you can download the reference photos to your tablet or computer, and you can take your time doing the drawings. This really motivates me. It would make a perfect gift for yourself or someone else regardless of artistic experience. I love that it made me start to create again and got my excitement about art in gear again.PHOTOSI hope that I can get some photos for you in the future. For now, I want you to know how great this and the other sets in the series are.

This is one of the two Level 2 Prismacolor Technique sets I got lucky to review, besides two Level 1 and one Level 3. They all come with all the supplies you'll need for the project, and they have a very good price tag for what you get.This Level 2 bird drawing set in mixed media includes 14 Prismacolor Premier colored pencils, six dual-ended markers, two graphite pencils, a pencil sharpener, and eraser, a drawing pad with 15 thick paper sheets, an outline of the bird you'll be drawing and a small leaflet with a color wheel and some very basic written instructions (most of the instructions are in the video). All materials are top notch quality.What is missing is the photo reference, which you'll have to get online (I'd much rather have preferred they included a printed copy.)You have to sign up online to follow along the art lesson videos (the inside of the box includes a QR & written code). The videos are top notch quality and very easy to follow along.In the first video for this bird project (14 min) you create an outline with graphite pencil and get a quick lesson on creating a gradient background (which I really love doing, by the way.) Then you lay down the base color for the gradient. In the second video (20:49), you'd midtowns and shade the bird's feathers. IT is super relaxing! In the third and final video (21:03), you add a lot more color and a lot more detail and the markers come into play! The whole lesson is at a pace you could easily follow, but of course you can pause the videos if you need to catch up.This is a very fun lesson in creating a project in mixed media. You end up with a lovely and super colorful bird drawing... and if you're not satisfied, you can repeat over and over, cause you have sufficient supplies to create a lot of drawings! I think I will share it with my 8 year old (my 5 y.o. would find it too complex.)