Advertisements like this support free lessons here and at YouTube
SMOOTH BLENDS ARE NOT ALWAYS A WISE CHOICE
I get it— most people are interested in alcohol markers and colored pencils because they make the most wonderful, dreamy-smooth blends.
And I’ll admit, it’s fun to blend.
Blend, blend, blend… but…
Have you ever noticed how plastic and fake marker blends look?
Everything looks a little too smooth and too perfect.
Real life has real texture.
Texture is an important tool for artists. Texture tells a story in your drawings and coloring projects.
In today’s video, let’s look closely at how I use Copic Markers and Holbein colored pencils to develop realistic textures like rust, scratches, patina, and shiny glass.
“Vintage Clock”. Copic Markers and Holbein Colored Pencil on Strathmore 400 Smooth Bristol. 10 x 10” by the author, Amy Shulke.
WATCH: MIXED MEDIA?
Latest Video - Mixed Media Sketchbooks and Paper: Worth It?
(supply list at bottom of this article)
Video not playing?
If your device blocks embedded video, click here to watch at YouTube.
WHERE’S MY PATREON?
I did the Patreon thing from 2014 to 2018. <sigh> To be blunt, it’s like paying for Facebook plus Patreon skims more of your donation than you’d expect.
Since I already run an online school, it’s easy to host my own subscription memberships where we have more options and better organization.
Or support my work by purchasing something nice for yourself!
Plus you’ll see lots of affiliate links here in my articles. But if you really want to donate, click here.
Thanks for clicking and I really appreciate the support!
TECHNIQUES USED IN VINTAGE CLOCK
The following techniques can be spotted in the TEXTURE TELLS THE STORY video:
I printed my Vintage Clock digital stamp onto Strathmore Bristol (Amazon link). Even though I draw my own images, I still color the printed digital version. Why? Because graphite is a serious problem when working with alcohol markers. By printing my images, I eliminate the dirty streaks and paper damage caused by graphite pencils.
You’ll see in the video, the green-black enamel is an odd blending combination. I almost always choose blends to match an inspirational reference. Once you learn the chemistry of Copic blending, standard blending combinations are not necessary.
Holbein Artist’s Colored Pencils (DickBlick link) are my favorite brand of colored pencil. they have an excellent range of colors and there’s usually an opaque and translucent version of most colors. Many of the pencils for this clock, like the Naples Yellow were chosen specifically because they’re opaque.
The bokeh background didn’t photograph nearly as bright as it looks in real life. The actual colors are pastel but festive. I’ve learned over the years that I can either color for the camera or color for in-person viewing. Since most people will never see this project in-person, I won’t do this background again.
LEARN MARKER + PENCIL COLORING TECHNIQUES
Marker with a dash of colored pencil…
The Blend - A 12 week online course for beginners/intermediates which focuses solely on smooth blending with Copic Markers. Learn to blend or improve your current blending technique with this intensive skill building approach to coloring.
Open enrollment: January to June
Colored pencil with a touch of marker…
The Point - A 12 week online course for beginners/intermediates which focuses on efficient techniques for Prismacolor colored pencils. Learn to layer colors with confidence and artistry through this intensive skill building approach to coloring.
Open enrollment: July to December
I highly recommend Scrapbook Pal for Copic Sketch, Ciao, and refills. Plus, they ship the same day you order!
Click the logo to use my affiliate link or scroll to bottom of the page for SP links to specific Copics used in today’s project.
Tick Tock!
If I had to summarize everything I teach into one basic lesson, I want people to understand that it’s okay— actually it’s BETTER if you don’t color everything smooth.
Smooth blends make everything you color look like plastic, fresh from the factory. Real objects have real texture and a flawless color gradients instantly kill your chance to create the patina, rust, dents, and scratches we see in the world around us.
Vintage Clock is intended to celebrate the beauty of well worn, every day, useful objects.
KIT INCLUDES FULL SUPPLY LIST FOR EVERY COLOR BLEND
Watch me color deep 1930’s green-black enamel, tarnished brass, rusty accents and shiny glass over a patinated clock face.
Vintage Clock digital stamp includes pre-colored black numbers, minute marks, and clock hands so you don’t have to struggle coloring these very precise details.
PRODUCTS IN TODAY’S VIDEO
Full supply list at the bottom of the page
ADVANCED MEMBERSHIP
INTERMEDIATE MEMBERSHIP
WE TEST COPIC INK
BEAUTIFUL COLOR PALETTES
UNDERPAINT RECIPE ARCHIVE
Advertisements like this support free lessons here and at YouTube:
SUPPLY LIST: “VINTAGE CLOCK”
