How to Color Realistic Grays (Draw & Color Demo)
Color Theory for Gray Alcohol Markers
Copic makes 47 different gray alcohol markers— Neutrals, Warms, Cools, and even something mysterious called Toners.
They make a lot of grays because gray is important for artists.
But gray is totally misunderstood by the papercrafting community and hobby colorers. You’ll see tutorials for “grayscale” projects, treating all-gray as a novelty technique. Then other colorers blindly follow the grayscale method to color everyday objects like black cats or silver candlesticks.
Have you ever noticed, grayscale coloring looks cool but it doesn’t look real?
There’s a big problem with grayscale. Let me help you solve it.
Draw & Color: Gray Witch Hat with Copic Markers & Prismacolor Pencils
This live event was recorded on October 10th, 2023 and has been saved for your convenience
(click below to watch at YouTube)
The Problem with Grayscale
If you’ve ever wondered why gray coloring feels lifeless, I’ve got the answer. Colorers have misunderstood gray and grayscale for years, let’s look at why.
Recorded version is available to watch now
In this live session, I draw and color a realistic gray and black witch hat from scratch, taking your gray questions and offering tips.
No digital stamp, just me, some markers, my bare wits, and a few pencils!
Supplies listed at the bottom of this page.
Resources for “Realistic Grays”
TIP: Skip the Toner Grays
Toners were developed for commercial artists to match the color of business size Xxerox copy machines. The color is very close to the Neutral Gray family but is seen by scanners differently.
The average hobbyist and even most professionals today do not need Toner grays.
TIP: You don’t need both Copic Blacks. Pick either one.
The only way to tell the blacks apart is to use them side by side. Realistically, you’ll never use both blacks in the same project. Buy whichever one is on sale!
TIP: Should I color an elephant with cool grays or warm grays?
YES! The answer is always yes! Watch the video to find out why.
This livestream is FULL of gray tips! Watch to learn more about which grays to purchase first and which numbers to focus on… plus a realistic gray demonstration!
Digital Stamp
Color “Witchy Hat” with Amy
Amy colored over her original witch hat line art during the livestream.
But just for you, she’s recreated and even improved the sketch with a bigger brim and better magic!
See the full supply list at the bottom of this page.
Related Reading
Take a Class
Amy has classes featuring gray and grayscale coloring technique
Or focus on blending skills
“Nevermore Manor” teaches you to see and use accurate values for depth and dimension.
“Luminous Lanterns” teaches how to color realistic illuminated objects without shading.
More About Gray Markers
We test Copic inks. See results here.
Copic underpaint blending recipes.
Copic project palettes using color theory.
Supply List
(to be updated after the livestream)