Copic Coloring Tutorial

Here's a Copic tutorial on how I colored this bouquet (click on any photo to view it larger):

 

These Copic Sketch markers were used for the entire bouquet:

If you don't know about these markers already, what you first need to understand is the numbering system.  The first letters represent a color family: YG is for yellow-green, G for green, R for red, E for earths and so on.  The last digit of the numbering system is the lightness/darkness within that color family -- this is the reason R81 is a light pink within the red spectrum and R08 is a darker red within the red family.  The middle digit is the color tone or brightness/dullness, so R08 is actually on the lighter, more orange end of the red spectrum, while something like R59 is on the other end of the red spectrum, containing more red/violet tint.

To achieve the variegated roses, I used the lighter red/rose Copic marker R81-Rose Pink to lift off some color from a darker red R08-Vermilion:

Then when you first touch the lighter marker to paper, you'll have the darker red color fading into the lighter color.  You can see this shading technique a little better in the straight squiggled line . . . the swirl is how I actually colored the roses, starting in the centers where color is usually darker on a rose.

With these alcohol-based markers, you don't have any fear of ruining your lighter marker, because as you can see, the more you color & scribble with the marker, the darker color is removed from the lighter marker.

The wrapper around the bouquet was colored much in the same way at the top, and then adding the #0-Colorless Blender pen towards the bottom of the wrapper and using it to lift off some of the lighter R81 Rose Pink color and fading it into almost white, to leave a lighter color of highlight.

The leaves were colored a little differently.  I started by using the lighter green YG03 and colored the top halves of the leaves, since these would be naturally lighter, with a light source coming from the top:

 

Then I used a darker green G24 to color the bottom halves of the leaves:

Since the green colors ending in 3 and 4 are so close within the green color family, you'll achieve a subtle but noticeable difference in the shading.

The shadow you see around the right side of the bouquet uses C-1 (C stands for the Cool spectrum) to give a light, natural shadow and make the bouquet appear more three-dimensional:

I hope these tips have been helpful and I'll certainly have more of them for you in the future!

Edited to Add: I've had some questions as to the ink and paper I used here . . . my apologies for not mentioning those (you all usually keep me on my toes!).  My favorite non-smearing ink to use with the Copic markers is Brilliance Graphite Black or Pearlescent Chocolate by Tsukineko.  Once you stamp your image, let it air dry thoroughly, or if you are the impatient type like me, zap it with your heat tool for a few seconds to dry it quicker!

My favorite cardstock to use for any kind of coloring (watercolor, dye-based inks or watercolor crayons) has been a shimmery white for several years now.  Stampin' Up's Shimmer White is the same (in my opinion) as Arjo Wiggins Curious Iridescent Cryogen White (available from CutCardStock.com).  This manufacturer also makes a beautiful vanilla shimmer cardstock (Poison Ivory) you'll find in the highlighted link above.  It is also available at PaperZone storefronts, if you happen to have one near you.  I'm happy to report this coated shimmer cardstock works GREAT with the Copics and is just about the only thing I use for coloring stamped images!

Comments

[Laurie]

1.

Sharon, you are just amazing with the copic markers!! Thank you so much for posting this tutorial! I have a LOT of practice ahead of me... LOL!

[Lorie]

2.

Wow! That is very helpful. I didn't know I could touch the tips of my markers to each other like that and not ruin them. Thanks for the great info!

[Melinda]

3.

I loved reading this tutorial. I only have 1 copic right now, so it's impossible for me to try this technique, but I'm hoping to learn a little more about them and how to use them before I delve in and have to choose some colors! Thank you so much.

[amy]

4.

Thank you so much for the tutorial! Could you please tell us what type/brand of stamp pad you use so as the black ink from the stamp doesn't bleed when you color in the design. Thanks!

[Julie Brooks]

5.

That did it! I'm getting them! My bank account thanks you! :0)

[Sue B]

6.

Fabulous tutorial. Thank you SO MUCH! I now own the Cyrogen White and Poison Ivory cardstock but have yet to try these pens on it.

[Jessica]

7.

Sharon, your card is beautiful and your instructions were great. I bought some Cryogen white shimmery paper, but it's not nearly as shimmery as yours. I think I got a bad batch.

[Aimee]

8.

Thank you for showing how to use the copics on this... it is a beautiful card.

[jen del muro]

9.

gorgeous card!! thx for the copic tips!!

[trudee]

10.

So pretty, love the Ornare!!

[Lori Craig]

11.

Well done! Bravo!! Fabulous!

[Kerry Fitzpatrick]

12.

WOW!!! Thanks for all the instructions and the step by step pictures. What a great tutorial.
THANKS!!!!

[Beth]

13.

Thank you for this awesome tutorial! I'm just "getting to know" my Copics and I need all the tips I can get! Your bouquet image is absolutely beautiful!

[Terri Honz]

14.

Sharon, Thank you so much for writing this tutorial. I have some of the Copics, but have been so frustrated using them. I can never seem to get the blending to look right. I'll keep plugging away at them.

[Latisha]

15.

Thank you so much for this tutorial. I see so many people use the copic markers, but I don't know how to use them. This helped me so much in deciding if I need them or not :) Its a lot of money to put out for something you know nothing about, but you have made my fears go away. Thank you very much for explaining this so nicely.

[Rose Ann]

16.

Thank you for this! I'm going to study it better later, when the kiddies go to bed. ;)

[nancy morgan]

17.

Thank you so much for the tutorial! I've been playing around with my copics and you've answered a few questions on shading that I keep struggling with! Can't wait to give it a try = ). Your card is gorgeous!!

[Velta]

18.

Sharon ~ I am so glad to see this tutorial! You did a wonderful job with the coloring. I am expecting my new Copics to come in soon and cannot wait to give this a try. Thanks for sharing ;)

[Pat Huntoon]

19.

I am copic-phobic -- but your tutorial makes me want to get them out and use them! Thank you for this tutorial.

[Jenn Ellefson]

20.

Great work on the tutorial, Sharon! You explained things beautifully.

[Jan Hunnicutt]

21.

Thank you so much for your tutorial and Copic marker chart. I love coloring with my pens and want to be "good" at it. Teach me, teach me! =)

[Linn]

22.

Hi- thank you so much for so much clarification in one lil ole' paragraph. I have been exploring w/copics- again thank you!

[Sheri]

23.

So wonderful. Really appreciate the level of detail in your tutorial. I feel more comfortable and confident and frankly excited to use my markers