Copic Coloring Tips: Improve your Artistry by Avoiding Black Art Supplies

Do you want to develop a unique style and voice in your coloring? Learn how you can improve your Copic or colored pencil coloring and your artistry by challenging yourself to find new ways to color black objects.
Many adult colorers use childhood definitions of color, assuming they know what color things are based on snap judgements. Artists look deeper to see more than color names. They look at hue, temperature, and value before they decide to automatically use black marker.
Amy Shulke, a professional illustrator, shows you the benefits of looking deeper at color, to capture more expressive and more authentic color in your projects.
Read more: www.vanillaart...
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Learn to color "Luminous Lanterns", another fun Marker Painting Workshop from VanillaArts.com. This 2 hour video course is a challenge level project for intermediate to advanced adult colorers.
"Luminous Lanterns" teaches you to color both soft and bold glows, useful for candles, lightbulbs, jack o' lanterns, flashlights, lighthouses, or any other glowing object.
"Luminous Lanterns" is an original mixed media drawing and lesson by Amy Shulke of VanillaArts.com. Supplies include Copic Markers, Staedtler Triplus Pens, and Prismacolor Soft Core Colored Pencils.
For more original digital stamps: www.vanillaart...
"Luminous Lanterns" online class: vanilla-worksho...
#copicmarker #realisticcoloring #howtocolor
--- S U P P L I E S ---
• Curious Metallic - CRYOGEN WHITE Card Stock - 89lb Cover - 8.5 x 11 - 25 PK
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• Mask it Masking Film
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• Tonic Studios Tim Holtz Glass Media Mat 1914e
--- amzn.to/2MaeI3K [ Amazon US ]
• Post-it Tape, 1" wide
--- amzn.to/2wOBYP7 [ Amazon US ]
• Life Changing Blending Brushes (for Distress Ink)
--- amzn.to/2G3TGEq [ Amazon US ]
• Tim Holtz Distress® Ink Pad Wild Honey
--- ldli.co/e/4j4jx0 [ rangerink.com ]
• Tim Holtz Distress® Ink Pad Chipped Sapphire
--- ldli.co/e/2jnjym [ rangerink.com ]
• Tim Holtz Distress® Ink Pad Black Soot
--- ldli.co/e/5j5j1x [ rangerink.com ]
• Copic Sketch B60 Pale Blue Grey
--- ldli.co/e/3jgjlx [ Blick Art Materials ]
• Copic Sketch BG53 Ice Mint
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• Copic Sketch BG57 Jasper
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• Copic Sketch C6 Cool Grey 6
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• Copic Sketch B93 Light Crockery Blue
--- ldli.co/e/j191d4 [ Blick Art Materials ]
• Copic Sketch B97 Night Blue
--- ldli.co/e/yy4y9p [ Blick Art Materials ]
• Copic Sketch C8 Cool Grey 8
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• Copic Sketch Marker E40 Brick White
--- amzn.to/2H0haa4 [ Amazon US ]
• Copic Sketch E44 Clay
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• Copic Sketch E42 Sand White
--- ldli.co/e/ol3lnk [ Blick Art Materials ]
• Copic Sketch R02 Rose Salmon
--- ldli.co/e/lz6z9g [ Blick Art Materials ]
• Copic Sketch R05 Salmon Red
--- ldli.co/e/xygyz4 [ Blick Art Materials ]
• Staedtler Triplus Fineliner Pens 20 Color Pack
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• Staedtler Triplus Fineliner Pens Brown
--- ldli.co/e/1jkjy1 [ Blick Art Materials ]
• Staedtler Triplus Fineliner Pens Light Grey
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• Staedtler Triplus Fineliner Pens Gray
--- ldli.co/e/zy5yg1 [ Blick Art Materials ]
• Staedtler Triplus Fineliner Pens Red
--- ldli.co/e/9prpxd [ Blick Art Materials ]
• Prismacolor PC105 Cobalt Turquoise
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• Prismacolor PC901 Indigo
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• Prismacolor PC922 Poppy Red
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• Prismacolor PC938
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• Prismacolor PC992 Light Aqua
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• Prismacolor PC997 Beige
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• Prismacolor PC1024 Blue Slate
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• Prismacolor PC1067 Cool Grey 90%
--- ldli.co/e/2jnjqm [ Blick Art Materials ]
• Prismacolor PC1094 Sandbar Brown
--- ldli.co/e/5j5jqx [ Blick Art Materials ]
• 6 inch ruler (with cork backing)
--- amzn.to/2FERPph [ Amazon US ]
• Sticky Tack (for erasing colored pencil)
--- amzn.to/2LL21fc [ Amazon US ]
• Factis Eraser Black 18
--- amzn.to/2LIKUuB [ Amazon US ]
• Pentel Eraser, Hi-Polymer Eraser, White
--- amzn.to/2LIKV1D [ Amazon US ]
Product list made with LinkDeli - linkdeli.com/e...

[@AmyShulke]

Hi colorers! Today, I talk about developing alternative or "pseudo" blacks in your coloring projects. I use a lot of high number Copic grays with blue or violet underneath them in place of true black. In colored pencils, my favorite black is a layering of Indigo Blue, Tuscan Red, and Prussian Green. I also love to create deep shady zones using the complement of a color (find the color that's opposite of your color on a CMY wheel). Have you tried using fake blacks before? What's your favorite black substitute?

[@Telindra]

I think I've been lucky. Drew a lot as a kid and teenager, pretty exclusively graphite pencils. I remembering that colors felt too challenging to wrap my mind around. So I spent all my time working in greyscales. Whenever I look through my old drawings from that time in my life the times that I've used black is so very rare. I don't even think it's in 10% of my drawings. I quit drawing in my early twenties and didn't pick it up again until my thirties, and sure I use the color black more now. Primarily for linework if I want a more comic style of a drawing or painting, my use of black is very deliberate in that sense. But otherwise, I got a bit surprised when you mentioned that you used to shade with black. I had no idea people would even do that, as it feels soo so wrong to me. It's too flat, and as you said, few things are truly black in reality. Really interesting subject for a video, even if I am slightly shook now, haha, that it doesn't come naturally to people to avoid using true black!

[@Telindra]

I don't even use black when I sketch digitally, even that feels wrong and too flat. I tend to opt for a more sepia tone, or a grey. A bit translucent too, so not completely opaque. I don't like using a bright white canvas either, I always change the background to a light, warm or cold grey. When drawing traditionally I try to avoid those bright white papers as well, but the quality of the paper is ultimately more important to me then.

[@AmyShulke]

Totally agree. Maybe it's becasse we draw in pencil, but to ink anything in black just makes it look wrong. When I do ink linework, it's always a very light gray pen.

[@loricalass4068]

One thing I am personally liking about your vids is that I can look back and forth at your them - maybe sometimes just sit and watch them, though - while doing other things. You give so much verbal info that i still learn a lot. There is one channel with millions of subscribers, mostly all about Copic. To me your channel is so much more instructive!

[@AmyShulke]

I'm glad they work on more than one level! Videos are not a natural format for me, so I'm happy to hear people appreciate me leaving my comfort zone :)

[@loricalass4068]

@@AmyShulke Yer doin' great with the vids!. It seems to me you have a giving spirit in what you share. The spirit behind the offerings is so important, not just the info.

[@AmyShulke]

@@loricalass4068 Thanks! The spirit is willing even though the video process is torturous :)

[@loricalass4068]

@@AmyShulke The vids are gift.

[@sendii69]

I never really used black and until today I never knew why I didn’t now I’ll try to appreciate the other colors even more thanks :)

[@AmyShulke]

No black definitely teaches you to think differently about darks. It's pretty darned cool that you didn't have to unlearn black the way most of us do. Thumbs up for figuring it out early!!!

[@PhrankieCreativeCorner]

Perfect timing on this video. I practiced on a project trying to create dramatic lighting on a face. Whew was that challenging. The reference photo had large black area on her face there was no other color just straight black. I knew you would pluck me in the head if I used straight black on her face. It was a challenge to figure out how to go really dark. But you said something here that really makes sense now that this project is fresh in my head. The temperature of the pseudo black is important. I am not sure I thought about that when I was choosing my colors -but I will now on my next dramatic lighting project. Thanks for another thought provoking video.

[@AmyShulke]

So I'm dying to know, what did you choose to shade the face?

[@PhrankieCreativeCorner]

I used umber, dark umber, scarlet, I think I tried some purple in there too

[@AmyShulke]

​@@PhrankieCreativeCorner I haven't touched portraiture in a while but I played with cyan and blue-greens under flesh tones a lot. Never hit on a good blue that didn't have hidden white in it though. Theory says it should work, just need to find the right pencil. Even considered putting it in my paint layer. That's part of my problem though, what works in paint is sometimes hard to translate to pencil.

[@Suzy373]

I only discovered your videos yesterday and I’m learning such a lot from you already! I still have lots to learn but this video about losing the black has been extremely helpful, thank you!

[@AmyShulke]

Well thank you, Sue! I'm really glad the black information has you thinking. It's a default grab for far too many people and you're better off without it most of the time.

[@houseoftherisingsign4237]

Thank you for your videos. I like to think every artist has their own thing but you are truly helping me put more meaning into my art. I am grateful for Your channel.

[@AmyShulke]

I'm so glad! Hopefully, I'll be back to making videos soon. Open to topics you'd like to see discussed.

[@anthossotnya5770]

Epic transmission, thank you Amy 🙏🏽😊🎁

[@AmyShulke]

🤗

[@arioctober]

See, I've already heard this advice before and I've already taken it to heart, but I still watched this entire video because I found it very informative. Now I better understand why I do what I do! Most of the time when I use black it's because I'm sketching using only a black pen, when color is involved it's rarely touched! Thank you for going so in depth into this topic, my resolve has been strengthened by this knowledge 🥰

[@AmyShulke]

Awesome! Love reading this!!! Sometimes learning isn't figuring out something totally new, often it's hearing someone put into words a concept we kinda know but have never verbalized. Reinforcement helps us improve. Thanks for sharing this.

[@lynnehammill2265]

'Black' isn't just Black and 'white' isn't just White. Huge lessons to learn. And when that lightbulb goes off while looking at some everyday object...I think to myself, "that's Amy!"

[@AmyShulke]

Awww, thanks Lynne. I still laugh at what Mr. Lynne must have been thinking when you made him pull over to look at the green trees! He and my husband can have eye-rolling contests to see who can look the most exasperated.

[@kel7627]

@@AmyShulke I cant't stop laughing 😂

[@BornAgainFarmGirl]

Great advice I hardly ever use black but I love my Copic grays .

[@AmyShulke]

Now you're talking! C4 and C8 are two of my most refilled markers. Can't live without my grays!

[@BornAgainFarmGirl]

I’ve learned the majority of my coloring from my watercolor and acrylic painting . Negative and balance of space are key to a great result Amy Shulke .

[@AmyShulke]

@@BornAgainFarmGirl We're in sync there too. I borrow a lot of marker technique from classical oils and the rest from watercolor. Basically, everything is either underpaint or a glaze ;)

[@BornAgainFarmGirl]

Amy Shulke exactly 🤫 .

[@jeanneinutila5628]

I love your videos, Amy! They are mini art classes where I learn so much to improve my art. Thank you.

[@AmyShulke]

Thank you for the kind feedback. And I'm honored to play a small part in your art explorations!

[@78Kimberli]

Every...single...time I learn SOOOOO much from your videos! You bring up incredible artistic points and I feel so inspired to go and create.

[@AmyShulke]

Thanks, Kimberli! That's about the highest compliment you could ever throw my way. I'm so pleased to be a part of your artistic growth.

[@patcox8745]

Wow, phenomenal video! I always learn so much from you. Thank you and I will be “losing” my black copic so that I can appreciate all the other colors.

[@AmyShulke]

Just don't lose it too well. Sometimes, you just really need a black marker!

[@kathyfs9742]

First off, I know if Mr. Hubbard sees this video he will well up with pride and probably get a tear in his eye. There is so much to take away from this video. I'm just to the point where I am applying the "draw what you see not what you know" to my selection of colors. I am no longer dependent on a # or name of the color, I trust my eyes as they can compare the reference to my color swatch(es). Don't get me wrong, you can't have my training wheels back yet. :)

[@AmyShulke]

Awww, thanks. I've been meaning to tell you though... the training wheels are still on you bike but they haven't been touching the sidewalk in quite some time!

[@PhrankieCreativeCorner]

Training wheels? Have you seen your own work lately? Lol It is amazing the training wheels fell off and get lost in the dust a long time ago.

[@brendaheins3191]

OMG this was an amazing video! I really love your insights on color! I am relatively new to Copic coloring and even though I did take the Copic Certification course last year (the last one they offered) - I feel like I still know nothing! I am currently taking your Marker Foundations Course and loving every minute of it! I love how you have really started at all the basics including how important paper choice is. I have never considered myself an artist (that's my daughter!) - but I really feel I can definitely learn to be a better colorist! Thanks Amy!

[@AmyShulke]

Your green ribbons in the ribbon assignment recently tells me you may have more artistic genes than you think! You're doing really well in that class!

[@brendaheins3191]

Thank you @@AmyShulke! I really want to learn all I can so I can attend your retreat next year. Trying to convince my daughter to go as well. She does drawing and pencils. I haven't gotten her into the markers as yet, but she will.

[@roxannewall2585]

Very interesting. Never considered not using black. This has gotten me to think differently. Thank you Amy!

[@AmyShulke]

Music to my ears! It's a good experiment to run with black because it teaches you a ton of things about color in general... but if you ever fall into a rut with another color, tucking it out of reach can force you to find new solutions.

[@colleendevellis8717]

GREAT video as usual!!! I'm never disappointed. Very much looking forward to doing this Vanilla Arts workshop!!! LOVE the lanterns.

[@AmyShulke]

Thanks, Colleen! If you get stuck coloring them, don't hesitate to post an in-progress pic over on the Facebook group. There's a big gap between now and the next class so Facebook might be a good lifeline!

[@kel7627]

You Inspire me so much, thanks for changing my life, "black isn't just black", you are such a good artist, hope I can be an artist like you some day. 😇

[@AmyShulke]

You definitely can be. Talent is a myth, it's all practice and determination!

[@sheepyaries_o3]

The best tips for coloring I've ever seen so far. Honestly, it's totally worths as a lesson that has definitely changed my life and my point of art. Thank you so much! ❤️

[@AmyShulke]

Hey, Aries- I'm so glad you found this helpful. Getting rid of the black pencil totally changed my life, not just my art but also learning that sometimes to grow, you have to get uncomfortable. It was just a black pencil but the fact that I figured out a way around it was an incredible confidence builder. It gave me the courage to keep blasting through hardpoints and hurdles. So much value from one little pencil challenge!

[@cindyguzik9102]

Great video...... thanks for always sharing your artistry and knowledge...... you have a great way of really explaining your thoughts and instructions...... and I hope this project ends up in Your shop!

[@AmyShulke]

Thanks, I'm glad you enjoy the videos! Lanterns won't be a standalone digi until next year. For now, here's the class link: vanilla-workshops.teachable.com/p/luminouslanterns

[@CarolHeld]

Thank you, Amy. Very instructional tutorial.

[@AbiNomac]

Dearest Amy, my mind has been occupied with hardly any other thought this past couple of weeks besides, “Where is Amy”? Once again you do not disappoint. I LOVE this video. It’s so true, what will you use if black is removed? You have me thinking and I can see other colours where black usually is. I have spent a good portion of the new year researching coloured pencils and I still haven’t decided which ones to buy, Prismacolor wax base, or oil based Faber Castell, though I am not sure oil based coloured pencils work with Copic Markers. If I remember clearly you use Prismacolor. As I researched them I wondered why you would with all the negative things said about them since the new owners took over. Besides the number one complaint about them, their constant breakage, there is the problem with the wax bloom that leaves a white haze over your finished work and finally, the inability to layer Prismacolor pencil because it is a wax based pencil. So Amy, useless I have it wrong and you use a different brand of pencils, how do you deal with these three problems? Happy New Year, I’m so glad your back and I hope you are injury free.

[@PhrankieCreativeCorner]

Abi Nor-Mac hiya you touched on my favorite subject- color pencils so I have to give my 3 cents on the matter. I have been using color pencils for about 3 years now and have 4 sets of pencils. Prisma, Polychromos, Pablo, and Holbein. I can say my experience with prisma has not been as bad as many people have said. I have seen some breakage but not at a significant level that becomes frustrating for me. Now after owning other brands prisma is a very soft core so it is easier to learn color pencil strokes and blending. As for the wax issue - all pencils have wax it’s just the ones stating oil have less wax. I use both types and it really is a matter of your preference. Right now I am in love with my Pablo’s but use them with prisma and Holbeins. Mixing them is not a big issue for me and wax bloom, mainly because how thin I make my layers. In my opinion you can control the wax bloom with the pressure you use. I do not use any OMS and I don’t have wax bloom problems. Ok maybe that was more than my 3 cents but I do hope my perspective helps you in choosing your new set of pencils.

[@AbiNomac]

Frankie Bell - thank you, that is so kind of you to help me out with this. The four brands you mention are the same brands I have been researching and I want them all. Have you ever tried thicker layers of Prismacolor? And what were the results, do they layer nicely? My research shows that the older Prismacolor pencils rarely broke but the more recent ones do.

[@PhrankieCreativeCorner]

I admit I am a color pencil junkie and love all color pencils. Just like kids I love them all differently and don’t have a favorite. Yes the prisma layer nicely and blend so easy it is like painting. I never owned any of the older prisma and I have heard they are awesome. I still don’t see the issues with the newer prisma. I use them differently than when I use my other pencils because they are softer. I tend to use some basic colors from my prisma set more often cause I learned with them and feel comfortable cause I know how the color will lay down.

[@AmyShulke]

I have an article here which summarizes my thoughts on Prismacolor-- www.vanillaarts.com/blog/defend-prismacolor As Frankie mentioned, I teach people using Prismacolor because they make learning easier. And all of my marker classes combine Copic with Prismacolor because we need the unique waxy softness to adhere the pencil to very slick marker paper. Coloring with Polychromos or Pablos on XPress It Blending Card is like trying to nail jello to a tree. It just won't stick. Prismacolors look wonderful on XPress It. Wax bloom is a sign that someone doesn't understand how to use their pencil. They're usually over-layering, hard burnishing, using a colorless blender pencil, or failing to seal the project with fixative. That's not the pencil's fault, that's complete user error. For art that's not a class project, I work with Holbein, Luminance, Pablos, and I still throw a few Prismas into the mix. I sold my Polychromos because I disliked them so much. We have a wonderful selection of brands and pencil styles that I cry a little inside when I see people on the internet trashing one brand and declaring another the best ever. Everyone has different needs, different musculature, different style, and different technique. There isn't a best pencil for everyone, only what's best for you. And in my opinion, Prismacolor is a wise decision for someone starting out in colored pencil. The article goes deeper for you.

[@AbiNomac]

Amy Shulke - Great article Amy, wish I read it a month ago. I would have saved myself the frustration and a headache. So it looks like I will be getting Prismacolor Soft Core after all. Frankie Bell thank you too. You came at the right time and helped me make decision easier. One last question. Well actually, two. How well do the other brands mentioned in this discussion work with Copics? And lastly, how do you deal with (or prevent if possible) Copics from fading over time? God bless

[@beverlyparkison8758]

We never stop learing. Thank you

[@AmyShulke]

Thanks Beverly! That's what I love so much about art, no matter how good you get, there's still so much to learn.

[@kel7627]

what is the thing that you used to blend in the background that looks like a hairbrush w/ the ink???

[@AmyShulke]

That's a LifeChanging Brush from Picket Fence Studios. I absolutely love them. There are similar brushes which are usually called "makeup brushes". I've tested a few of them in several price ranges from Amazon, side by side with the Picket Fence brushes. They're all soft and all work well but what I notice about the cheaper brushes is that the fibers are less dense. With more fibers, the Picket Fence brushes apply the ink softer with fewer streaks. The cheaper brushes also shed A LOT more and stained after the first use.

[@alexm5531]

What is the tool you're using towards the end when you're putting color on the background??

[@AmyShulke]

I masked off the edges with 3M's Post-It Tape and pieces of scrap paper. Then I applied the Distress Ink with the largest brush in this set: amzn.to/3E6Z4o3

[@alexm5531]

@@AmyShulke Thank you!

[@amymillsart]

Another great video, Amy. I always learn so much from you! :)

[@AmyShulke]

Thanks Amy, and thanks so much for all your help!

[@MsShutterbug1]

Thanks Amy i have soo much to learn

[@AmyShulke]

It's fun stuff though... unlike algebra ;)

[@dgmlmax]

Great video, great lesson!

[@AmyShulke]

Thank you! I'm so glad you found it helpful!

[@jennyhoa3273]

What paint you use?

[@AmyShulke]

The background is Distress Ink, everything else is a combination of Copic Marker and Prismacolor colored pencils.

[@lindajohnson2967]

Great video!

[@AmyShulke]

Thanks, Linda! I really appreciate the feedback.

[@artbyagema]

So did your instructor give back your black pencil? haha :P

[@AmyShulke]

I honestly don't remember... but I have a bunch of black Prismacolor pencils here dating back to the mid 80's with the gold Art Deco font, so I'm guessing the lesson stuck :)

[@sarahjagenberg5620]

I appreciate the video, but I have to say that I am noticing that so many artists have this "black pencil (marker paint whatever) phobia". Using black in NO WAY, if used properly, limits your creativity despite what all the artists are saying. It's as if you're being judged as limited or amateur by using black. It's really getting tiresome and annoying quite honestly. Be BOLD and USE BLACK!!

[@AmyShulke]

Using black is fine but using black instead of thinking deeper is a mistake. You mention using it properly which is what "so many artists" are objecting to-- people aren't using it wisely. We're asking you to think before grabbing a black pencil or paint. I'll stand behind that 100%.