When will you learn advanced coloring techniques?
Have you ever noticed that you keep taking coloring classes…
Reading more tutorials… watching more videos…
And yet for some strange reason, nobody ever gets around to teaching the really advanced Copic Marker or colored pencil techniques.
Uhm… I have a bit of surprising news for you about “advanced techniques”
My latest video demonstrates why advanced coloring classes do not teach advanced coloring techniques.
WATCH: ADVANCED REALISM USING BEGINNER TECHNIQUES
(click below to watch at YouTube)
Want the Photo Reference?
The carton of eggs in the “Speckled Eggs” online class are imaginary. We begin with a master photo reference similar to the free photo show here. Students learn change the colors and patterns while keeping the entire project photorealistic. Amy guides you through the process, a lesson on shifting any color in any photoreference.
You can download a similar photo for FREE from Pexels.com
Special thanks to Roman Odintsov on Pexels.com. We appreciate photographers who offer excellent free pics for creative use!
Tips for overcoming the urge to learn a new technique for everything
TIP: Techniques are nothing more than a motion made with a tool in your hand
Let’s face it, there’s a limit to how many motions you can make with a marker or pencil.
It’s all too easy to assume that advanced colorers are using some magical or mystical technique you’ve never heard of yet.
In fact, the professionals are using the same simple strokes you use every day.
So it’s time to rethink your education process!
If you’re constantly collecting new faux-techniques, then you’re procrastinating.
Why are you postponing the real art lessons— learning how to see the three dimensional shape of the object you want to color, and how to express that shape with color on paper?
QUESTION: I’ve taken a lot of coloring classes and I can’t find a teacher who doesn’t teach techniques. I didn’t know there was anything more because everyone talks about techniques!
I totally understand. The internet is flooded with technique classes because they’re very easy to teach. “Copy what I’m doing” is the easiest demonstration in the world— it doesn’t require a lot of marker skill and it doesn’t require a lot of teaching or communication skills either.
Look critically at the classes you’re taking.
Does the instructor talk about more than blending?
Does the instructor mention “shade” and “shading” a lot? (That’s a bad sign)
Does the instructor explain why they’re using each color and stroke?
Does the instructor show outside examples and references or are you simply watching them demonstrate their personal coloring process from start to finish?
Does the instructor show you how to make decisions on your own?
TIP: Coloring Talent is not Teaching Talent
After a class, video, or tutorial— ask yourself the hard question: What did I learn?
We focus too much on entertainment. Was it a fun class? Did I enjoy the project.
But if your goal is to learn and grow? You’ll need a teacher who challenges you.
A Carton of Color
It’s hard to color from photo references if you can’t find photos you want to color.
How do artists color creative things like purple daisies or orange frogs?
Advanced Independent Level
Marker + Pencil Coloring
Amy teaches you how to read photo references for realism while substituting any color you want
“Speckled Eggs”
This is an advanced project. We’ll color 10 eggs, gradually growing your ability to make substitutions for color, pattern, and texture.
Copic Marker List
Amy used Prismacolor Colored Pencils over Copic Marker. Pencils listed at the bottom of this article.
EGG CARTON:
Copic Marker - T7, T5, T3, T1
Prismacolor Colored Pencils - your choice of pencils based on your choice of egg colors
EGGS:
Copic Marker Underpainting - V28, V25, V22, V20
Sorry, this is a complex project without a set supply list. Students make their own decisions for every egg.
Related Reading
More About Turquoise Markers
We test Copic inks. See results here.
Copic underpaint blending recipes.
Copic project palettes using color theory.
Supply List: Speckled Eggs
