byjoanne
harpe
was introduced to the ubiquitous Copic markers in 2009, and Im crazy for coloring again! I had heard constant mention of these markers and I wondered
what all the fuss was about. Well, almost 300 markers (of the 346 available colors) and a Copic Designer Certification class later, I am definitely hooked. Even as a professional artist, I find good old-fashioned coloring relaxing and artistically gratifying, especially with the right tools.
colorful coloring benefits
While studying for my degree in art education, I was taught that coloring had a negative impact on creativity. Having taught all ages for many years, I see value in coloring for skill building and mental exercise. Studies have shown that coloring and drawing promote stress relief, stimulate brain activity, and are pleasantly therapeutic. As a daily practice, I find great comfort and calm when coloring pages of my own drawings, doodles, and stamped images, using bright bold colors.
Copic markers are used by artists, illustrators, designers, architects, and crafters. For pen snobs (Im a pen snob), this is the top-of-the-line marker. These markers are filled with vibrant dyes suspended in alcohol and become acid free when the alcohol evaporates. They are low odor, and environmentally friendly. You never have to throw them away; you just refill them and replace the tips as
needed. These markers blend easily, and work on paper, acrylic, ceramic, leather, wood, metal, and even fabric. Copic markers come in several styles, but my preference is the two-tipped Sketch Marker. It has a broad tip for coloring large areas, and a flexible brush point for line work and smaller details. I use my collection of markers as a portable paint palette, as each juicy pen is like a preloaded paintbrush.
May/June 2011
Cloth PaPer SCiSSorS
Figure 1
Figure 2
coloring artfully
Think outside the lines, but color inside them. You can start brushing up on your coloring skills using the illustration I created exclusively for Cloth PaPer SCiSSorS on page XX. If you want to branch out, color heat-set rubber-stamped outlines or your own drawings, sketches, doodles, or Zentangles. Think of these markers as a sophisticated art tool, ready to go and color your world.
Figure 3
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Cloth PaPer SCiSSorS
understanding
letters
B- Blue BG- Blue Green BV- Blue Violet G- Green YG- Yellow Green Y- Yellow YR- Yellow Red R- Red RV- Red Violet V- Violet E- Earth C- Cool Gray N- Neutral Gray T- Toner Gray W- Warm Gray
copic markers
numbers
The numbers on the marker explain the qualities of light, dark, and gray colors in that marker. The first number stands for the saturation/vibrancy of the color: 0s will be very vibrant, while 9s are more dull or gray. The second digit tells you how light the marker is within that saturation group. When blending, choose colors in the same color family with the same letter and first number, keeping 23 digits between the last digits (as shown opposite).
The letters on the marker indicate the color family:
2. Print out the black-and-white
illustration on 81/2" x 11" cardstock or start with your own sketch.
3. Color the image using Sketch
colors are very wet and can flow into each other.
tip : Use the colorless blender to soften
the color where the colors meet, if needed. 5. Repeat the process, layering and
Marker trios. Using the brush tip, color in a circular motion with the lightest shade first, smoothly soaking the paper. (Figure 1) While the base color is still wet, add the medium color to one side (Figure 2), and then the darkest color on the edge to create dimension. (Figure 3)
note: Copic markers will bleed through the back of most papers, except glossy or coated marker papers. Avoid soft papers, like newsprint or regular copier paper, and always work over scratch paper.
blending 23 wet colors. Leave a little white space around any lettering.
6. Fill in the letters with various
colors, and add details with the pen tip, if desired.
M at e r i a l S
Copic Sketch markers Marker paper Blending Card from
X-Press It , Neenah Classic Crest Solar white 80# smooth cover stock, or heavyweight vellum
directions
1. Embrace your inner child and get in
4. Continue blending the colors in a
Scratch paper
optional
the coloring zone.
circular motion, overlapping very wet colors into each other. Seamless blending is best achieved when
Rubber-stamped images, outline
illustrations, journals, drawings, or doodles
Copic colorless blender
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Cloth PaPer SCiSSorS
copic coloring tips
Copics are compatible with other
inks, such as Tsukineko MEMENTO.
When you encounter an open
space, consider using your colorless blending technique to create a mottled effect.
Add highlights to your colored
drawings with a white gel or paint pen.
best to heat set stamped images Its
before coloring.
the color begins to get streaky, the If
marker needs to be refilled. Start building your refill collection with the colors you use most.
Dont forget to use black in your
drawings and sketches
Add Copic marker color accents
to your mixed-media projects. They work beautifully on metal, foil, glass, ceramic, and fabric.
When sketching, use a Copic
Multiliner pen. It will not bleed into areas already colored with marker(s).
May/June 2011
Cloth PaPer SCiSSorS
Interweave grants permission to photocopy this image for personal use.
