I have a brand new set of 72 colored pencils. I can't create anything but mud. I don't know how to "color in". I can't shade. I can't do anything. I am new to color period. I know all the theory of color but just can't apply it. Would also like help on layering. Any info will be greatly appreciated.

have a look at this site .. it may give you some ideas
http://drawsketch.about.com/library/weekly/aa051303a.htm

Coloured pencil, like any other colour medium, is all about mixing and layering colours to acheive the effect you want. If you know the theory of colour, that's a great step in the right direction. Sometimes the theory doesn't make sense until you are actually doing the drawing. Seeing the colours and reflected colours is something that comes with time, as does choosing your colours and how to apply them.

Coloured pencil needs a light hand and many, many, many layers to make it work well. You can create soft watercolour-like effects or something as rich and deep as an oil painting with them, depending on how much time you are willing to invest in the drawing.

It would be useful for me to see what you are trying to draw so that I can give you some ideas of how to approach it and suggest a palette of colours to use, as well as techniques in getting you there. Also what brand coloured pencils are you using and what type of paper do you have? They all make a difference when using coloured pencils. Show me what you are doing and I'll walk you through it to get you started.

I have a link for you..

http://cpchallenge.com/

hope it helps a bit