Tuesday, February 26, 2008

Copic Obsession

Yes—I have fallen under the Copic fever that everyone seems to have! At the last stamp show I attended I saw some at the Lost Coast Designs Booth. She had a sample pack for us to test and I could tell how much I liked them. I decided to splurge on myself and got both sets: Earth & Air and Fire & Water. This gave me a nice collection of muted tones; the kind of colors I love to work with. I used them in the card above; supplemented with some of my Prismacolor Alcohol markers for the bright yellow, red and black colors. I also had to use some of my Stampin Up! water based markers for the lighter grey and stone tones.

This made me decide to supplement with some more Copics from Ellen Hutson's store. I also got a blender pen which I highly recommend.

Then, since I am obsessed I decided it wasn't enough so I found this great bargain at Dick Blick. Click on the image to see more. This was a fabulous addition because it has all the primary colors plus black. It came with a pad of paper, which is almost a thin, tracing paper, but it shows off the colors so well. I have just used it to practice so far. The kit has a litle carrying case (for all my singles I bought!) and a great book on Manga & Anime. Even though I can't draw a stick figure, I have always wished to be an artist, so I read the book completely to get ideas and learn coloring techniques. I do recommend the book—even if you are just a crafter like me. It gave lots of tips on shading and coloring and some images you can photo-copy to use for coloring practice if you like.

So, here's my Copic Tip for you that I learned from the book and haven't read anywhere else. When you are coloring, put a layer of the blender pen first and lay it down on the paper like a primer. This will help the colors to blend together easier. It really does help. You can, of course, also use it on top of the colors once you have colored your image.

13 comments:

Kerilou said...

I have seen a lot about Copics..I would have to live in a pumpking to not! I have to admit, it freaks me out...they are quite $$, and there are so many!! So I am trying my hardest to resist...Kerilou

Dymphie said...

This is lovely Lianna. I'm not familiar with Copics, did see them in the art store last time I was there. Guess I have to go back :) Are these 'waterproof'?

Michele Kovack said...

I never thought about using the blender pen FIRST! That is a great idea!! WIll try that! Your card is awesome!

Debbie Olson said...

So, that Copic bug bit you too! Love the card that you colored with them, and I just know that you will continue to enjoy working with them!

Anonymous said...

Lianna, your coloring is beautiful! Thank you for the tip. I wonder if that would work with my lowly Prismacolor markers--the ones I never use. I'm really beginning to yearn for some Copics.

Ethel Amutan said...

Dang girl! That image looked so detailed and complicated enough! You really made it come alive! Beautiful coloring! I couldn't tackle an image like that, but you really made it 'pop'!

Vintage Papers said...

so gorgeous! I love the colors and design! can't wait to learn more about these markers!

Penny said...

Oh this is such a lovely scene and FABULOUS colouring! I am so hopeless at it and admire your techniques very much .

Thank-you very much for your good wishes on my blog too xx

Cathy said...

Oh, Lianna, you're card is gorgeous! {Said while pretending I didn't notice you got bit by the Copic bug! Add me to the list of those whose resisting... I don't need another supply to store, LOL!} My goal is to get my studio organized, cleaned, and actually back to working in it... soon, very, very soon...

Thank you for your sweet wonderful comments on my blog posts. They mean so much to me!

Deb Neerman said...

What a great tip: to "prime" with the colorless blender before laying down the color. Can't wait to try it!

The card is beautiful!

Thanks for sharing and thanks for visiting my blog!

~Hugs, Deb

Lisa Renéa said...

Lianna thanks so much for the tip. I, too have been interested in these. Your card should be hanging on a wall, it's truly lovely! Thank you for visiting my blog, today!

CraftyC said...

A fabulous card, so detailed!
Clairexx

Gwen Lafleur said...

Wow - this image is gorgeous! I have to admit, I'm hooked on the Copics as well. It didn't take much to convince me to buy them and I'm glad I did - they're awesome! I'm glad to find your blog... I love looking at your work!