Copic Marker: How to Color Faces with Shape and Expression (VanillaArts.com)

[@AmazinGraceXOXO1]

By far the best copic teacher I've ever come across!

[@AmyShulke]

Well, thank you! I really appreciate the feedback!

[@pamgaylord2130]

These real time videos are so much more helpful than the speed seasons. Really enjoyed watching this and the information provided! Thanks!!

[@AmyShulke]

Good to know. I think these mini-lessons on a single focus are easier to do too. Normally, I'm crunching to squeeze in more than I have time to say (and I can't just teach the whole darned thing because it'd be hours...) I'll try to do this format more often, if not all the time.

[@kathyfs9742]

I can count the number of projects I've done with a face involved with one hand since I started coloring in late 2016 . After watching this video I think I can stop avoiding them. I know that they will be challenging, but with your narrative running in the back of my head will keep me going! Thank you for the walk through your process.

[@AmyShulke]

Just keep feeling your face. Literally. You have the best reference sitting on your shoulders. It shows you exactly where the pushes and pulls should be :)

[@pamelasertich9850]

Oh, and yeah, you are the FIRST person to use the darker shades first. I always thought that made more sense, but most people go from lighter to darker. We learn as children that you outline first. :)

[@AmyShulke]

I started with markers back when they were just an illustration tool, long before hobby coloring existed. Chartpak and DeSign markers with fun volatile compounds! We had marker indication classes in art school but we never blended. We did start with our darks first and that combined with the way I was taught to underpaint in oil classes is how my marker technique formed. I was pretty shocked to discover the coloring world of tutorials telling folks to work light to dark. I'm not the first because I'm simply borrowing painting techniques but I do think it makes more sense AND it wastes less ink.

[@traciemckinnon2086]

I’ve been hesitant to use my Copics...I’m thankful for your videos and this one especially because I feel like I can try now! Thanks for sharing your tips/techniques and being open about what you use.

[@AmyShulke]

Woo Hoo! Take that step! Take that step! I'm cheering for ya. Copic fun awaits!

[@AmyShulke]

CONFESSION TIME: I use the same Copic skin combinations over and over. I have 3 total- caucasian, mid range, and african. I know there are lots of in-between recipes but by sticking to the same core group of blending combos, I've become an expert at using those markers. I know 'em like I know my own kids and can blend with them anytime anywhere. Do you have a binder full of skin combos? Do you have skin smoothing issues? There might be a connection. What's your favorite skin Copic combination? Have you noticed that the more you use it, the easier it gets? Tell us about it in the comments below!

[@loricalass4068]

I am impressed. So many vids on alcohol markers produce orangish skin for Caucasians, whether Copic, or Ohuhu or Blick. Your skin looks great. But I only have the 36 set of Copics and that doesn't include all the colors you listed, so I will have to find dupes elsewhere as Copics are too expensive for me. A super product, but I wonder if they would make more money if more people were buying them because they became less pricey. There are so many competitors out there now making Copic dupes - not as outstanding, but still darned good.

[@queenachike1481]

@@loricalass4068 I am also fustrated by the prices of copics. I now have to use dupes with the bullet nibs. I wonder why they have to be so darn expensive.😡

[@loricalass4068]

@@queenachike1481 Dupes work great though. ;-)

[@princetonkareem1509]

Pro trick: watch series at flixzone. I've been using it for watching all kinds of movies these days.

[@jonaslandyn6945]

@Princeton Kareem yup, I have been using Flixzone} for years myself =)

[@lap83199]

I loved doing this Squidgy!! He is so cute. Amy's process for coloring faces has helped me on so many other projects. 🙂 You're a great teacher Amy, I have learned so much from all your classes.

[@AmyShulke]

Thanks Lisa! If you color other images using this face process, share it with us on the Vanilla Arts Chat group at Facebook. We love seeing how people translate Vanilla lessons into other stamps and projects. facebook.com/groups/vanillaartschat

[@lynnehammill2265]

Thank you Amy. You teach us so more than what color to put where...you teach us the why! I had so much fun coloring this little guy.

[@AmyShulke]

Thanks, Lynne! Be sure to bring him to class next month.

[@TheresaPetermann]

You explain things so well. I do enjoy the real time coloring vs the sped up process. Can see and learn so much more from it. thanks as always for sharing.

[@AmyShulke]

Good to hear! I think we may have hit on the winning format. And to think, I was worried that people would complain to not see the whole project from start to finish.

[@pamelasertich9850]

Amy, I have to tell you that of ALL the Copic coloring videos, yours by far helps me the best. I guess it is because you explain why you are laying down the colors. I know that the videos are long and in depth and probably more than many people want to see, but I guess for me, I am a why kind of girl. Thank you for sharing this information. It's like taking a real art theory class. I know there are many people doing that, however they cover just color blending, etc. I want to know the reality of why. I have never had an art class and really wish I had, and at 67 it probably won't happen, but this really is wonderful. I signed up for your first class, the free one, but I will signing up for more. Thank you Thank you. Sooooo much! By the way, where is the best place to buy the Express card stock.

[@AmyShulke]

Hi Pam, I'm glad you appreciate the longer explanations! Even in art school, I was always frustrated by some instructor demonstrations because I need to hear why before I can process the technique in my head. I'm definitely not a simon-says kind of learner, I have to think about it, not just mimic someone. So you're definitely NOT alone in learning this way! As for X-Press It, I tend to order the giant packs from a local store where I teach but remember, I go through a ton of it. Amazon carries it (but watch the price, some vendors charge more). Also check Oozak, Ellen Hutson, Merri Artist... I think one student says Walmart carries it online. I'm sad that more art stores don't know about X-Press It, it's not uncommon for students to report going to an art store and walking out with terrible paper because the clerks don't usually have experience with serious Copic coloring.

[@tal_jip]

as someone who just started using copics your videos have been an amazing help!

[@AmyShulke]

Awesome! Thank you, honored that I'm able to help!

[@Wendy520May]

Im new to Copic and have learned so much watching this video. New fan of you channel. Thank you

[@AmyShulke]

Hi and welcome Wendy! I have more free resources after you run out of videos here. My website is www.vanillaarts.com and I have tons of articles on art and coloring there. I also have a Facebook group at facebook.com/groups/vanillaartschat

[@deborahscoza1443]

You’re the best teacher Amy! I’ll see you soon in class... I miss it!!

[@AmyShulke]

Deb! I miss you too. But knowing you, you're still coloring and taking lots of classes. Come back soon though!

[@deborahscoza1443]

Amy Shulke , no I haven’t been taking classes anywhere and coloring a little but not enough. See you in class!

[@trudievick2359]

Thank you for this video. Never thought of the face as a dimensional object when coloring. This video was filled with all kind of necessary information. Thanks for sharing.

[@AmyShulke]

And thank you, Trudie! Once you start thinking of the face dimensionally, you'll stumble upon your own unique way of coloring them... and suddenly people start calling it a style. But it all starts when you banish the basketball method :)

[@valhohenstein9106]

Thank you!

[@marjoriekoval8152]

Thoroughly enjoyed watching this video! Time just flew by. I found myself wanting to color the little boy right along with you!

[@AmyShulke]

The rest of the coloring is pretty straight forward. Definitely give it a try, he's a fun character... and good boy-themed stamps are so darned rare!

[@cherylscrivens3560]

Loved watching the real-time coloring of this skin, Amy, and I agree. I feel far more confident in coloring a "kid." I want to make some cards for children, since one of our dear families have a three-year-old dealing with a bone marrow transplant after chemo. Need cards for the other siblings too. Thank you SO much! I need to review my skin-tone combinations, and these will be one. Hugs!

[@AmyShulke]

What a great mission you're on, cards to support the whole family. Wishing them luck and rainbows and tons of healthy healing prayers.

[@Kat-fg3qw]

Awesomeness, u did a beautiful job all the little details make a big difference. Thanks Amy

[@AmyShulke]

Thanks, Kat! The details are the fun parts!!!

[@RenieinMN]

I just discovered your channel today. You're an amazing colorist! Thank you! I doubt I will ever accomplished any as well as you have done but it definitely gives me some ideas and something to strive for. I had to pass the word along to my sister also and she is as enthused about it as I am. Thank you again 😊

[@AmyShulke]

Thanks Renie! And don't undersell yourself. This stuff is totally learnable, it's 100% practice and learned skills, not talent.

[@claudiswelt.]

I like your coloration beautifully!

[@AmyShulke]

Thank you very much!

[@lynnosullivan1754]

I have so totally stayed away from skin due to a massive failure. Now I have an idea of my ignorance to what and why. Thank you.

[@AmyShulke]

Cool! Just remember that skin takes practice. It'll take some time to develop the correct speed and flick strokes to get a nice smooth complexion but hang in there. Once you figure it out, you'll be set for life!

[@coolpostal1]

Great video Amy. Adorable project!

[@AmyShulke]

Thanks Cathy! I'll be releasing the Holtz paper review on Tuesday with a large pic. of the whole project.

[@coolpostal1]

Amy Shulke ..thanks Amy..I was wondering about that paper..🥰

[@dw9822]

Do you think its worth it to get the prismacolor highlights and shades 24 set? Is that something that can be used with copics?

[@AmyShulke]

Yes, Prismacolor pencils are great over Copics. Sets are a good start but I just read the color list and noticed that this one doesn't contain any of the pencils I use most for shade and only one of my favorite highlight colors. It also contains several pencils I never use, so this set would be pretty useless for me personally or for students in my classes. To be clear, some pencils are better than no pencils but I'd rather see students pick wisely from open stocks instead of prepackaged sets with only a few great colors in them. My most used colors are here: www.vanillaarts.com/recommended-products

[@queenachike1481]

Excuse me but can you do a video on how to colour realistic faces. I also think your tutorials really help.

[@AmyShulke]

I'll add it to my list. I've been focusing on classes rather than KZbin recently but I do keep a running list of YT ideas :)

[@queenachike1481]

@@AmyShulke thanks!!!😁😁😁

[@postyourscore75]

Hi, I just found your channel😊 I read and watch a lot about the artistic Copic markers. Since they are super expensive I bought Ohuhu instead. But I am not able to shade and blend with them. Would you recommand Copic for better results?

[@AmyShulke]

I would recommend Copics over Ohuhu. I'm actually in the process of testing Ohuhus right now and while they're very, very close to Copics, I'm frustrated by the O ink behavior and also the O numbering system which makes finding similar ink formulas harder than it ought to be. I'm not a Copic or die kind of person either, I'm very open to finding substitute brands. A little competition could help force Copic to bring out more colors and adjust their price... consumers would really benefit from some competition. I just don't think Ohuhu is the ink that can do it.

[@AmyShulke]

BTW, what paper are you working on? I've found the Ohuhu ink to be very grabby (staining) with paper fibers. Switching paper may get you better results while you're saving to upgrade your markers.

[@postyourscore75]

@@AmyShulke Thank you for your response. Colorwise I am very happy with the Ohuhu, but meanwhile a little better with blending them. Yes,they appear sometimes very streaky and on other paper not at all. I use different qualities of paper, but mostly it is 150g/m2

[@AmyShulke]

@@postyourscore75 You'll need to tell me a specific kind of paper. The weight is less important than the fiber composition and finish. For any brand of ink that doesn't blend well as well as Copic , your paper is going to be 10x more important.

[@katymcgloin2523]

Thanks for sharing these skin tips, Amy!! Like Kathy, I have avoided coloring faces since they never look right when I am finished. Will definitely be practicing this technique in future coloring! Now to share your video on my FB page!!! (BTW, the link to Holtz Perfect Colouring Paper is not working correctly... thought you would want to know!)

[@AmyShulke]

Thanks Katy. The link is not working because the article won't go live until Tuesday. But I knew if I didn't include the link today, I'd never remember to go back and add it.

[@katymcgloin2523]

@@AmyShulke , so glad you added that information about the delay in the article... definitely makes sense now, LOL!!

[@nullavitasinemusica1]

Thats how i learnt to paint Im confused when people paint from light to dark

[@AmyShulke]

I think it's kinda like left handedness. Some of us see the darks easier while others see the lights better. I think knowing you can work both ways and even switching it up based on the project requirements is a much smarter approach.