The Shading Mistake You Keep Making: Coloring Line Art

[@XxXPerseus]

"Color the edge - don't dig a ditch!" love it!! thank you!!

[@neothechosenone1502]

Wonderful video! You're a blessing to the art community!

[@AmyShulke]

You are so kind. Thank you very much.

[@burghbrat3319]

And NOW I finally understand why I don't enjoy coloring books. Thank you so much for explaining it in words that make sense to me.

[@AmyShulke]

I understand. Coloring books seem very theme and style oriented to me. There are very few where the personality of the colorist can override the voice of the line artist.

[@QueenofFlannelColors]

@@AmyShulke I've seen some people do wild things with a coloring book page.

[@christopherproulx2683]

​@QueenofFlannelColors ADC Artattack is the first one that comes to mind for me.

[@Oozaru85]

Man, I can so relate to this video. I started coloring in coloring books as a child, but at some point it wasn't satisfying enough to color other artists artworks. I wanted to make my own artworks which I then could color. So I started leaning how to draw. And soon I realized that drawing comes much more naturally to me than coloring. Like, doing my lineart is the main event for me. The coloring is just a fun bonus. Tho I have to admit, since I started using watercolors, I enjoy coloring much more than before. I totally fell in love with that medium and ended up collecting wateroclor palettes like a maniac. :P

[@AmyShulke]

That's awesome to hear! I love the drawing process. I'm better at the rendering part but I find the pencil/paper process so therapeutic and calming that I don't see myself ever going digital. Congrats on finding watercolor. I firmly believe that every person has an ideal medium and the lucky folks find theirs early. I think I'd do more watercolor if I wasn't teaching markers, so I totally understand the appeal. When I finally retire, I plan to buy lots of pretty tubes and just play. What's your preferred brush?

[@Oozaru85]

@@AmyShulke I like using synthetic brushes. I find them easier to use when doing illustrations, which is what I do most of the time. I don't have any expensive animal hair brushes, just a few cheaper ones made of sable hair as well as wolf hair (chinese calligraphy brushes). Oh, they are all round brushes of course. And also mop brushes for bigger washes. Can't really say if pricier brushes make a huge difference. I personally feel like the quality of the paints and paper are more relevant. So yeah, cheaper brushes work well for me.

[@kokobopjammer2571]

Immediately subscribed because of the little interaction with you and your son. So wholesome and funny. Thats an immediate green flag for me

[@AmyShulke]

LOL. Thanks. I'm trying to talk him into being a regular feature.

[@christeepascale4483]

Wow. I may not be able to finish your sentences but you articulated my creative frustration perfectly. I decided earlier this year my path forward is paid classes led by trusted artist instructors. Worth every penny. For too long I believed the answer was more markers when the real solution is investing in learning to use the markers. Do I believe I will learn to conquer form without learning to draw? Time will tell. Thanks for the ray of hope in the meantime.

[@AmyShulke]

There's more than a ray of hope, Christee. You can do this!

[@isaacclarke9554]

Watched in on a whim and had to pause at 3:33, it's so interesting to be reminded about the different types of colorists out there! I worked as a professional comic book colorist for a few years (my work was always digital) but I've always loved playing with my Copic markers. Doing color work my drawing skills had really rusted (and even regressed) since so much of my creative energy was put in coloring others' work. I no longer do color work because I miss drawing and creating my own work so much (and also playing with traditional mediums--- Copics included). It's such a wild thought to think there are people who aren't interested in drawing at all, just being pure colorists since, like you, the two things are intertwined for me but no judgement!

[@isaacclarke9554]

Okay just finished and this was such a lovely video that's so accurate regardless of what topic or genre you're in when it comes to coloring! I couldn't help but laugh at a certain point when I realized I did some of those mistakes when it comes to markers despite working as a colorist. Why? Because working digitally as a medium vs traditional is very different. There's times I'm in digital mode and using markers and lay out an entire flat color when I really shouldn't be, then things look off and I have to go in with color pencils or paint to fix it. Whoops haha, I really need to be a little bit more mindful of the medium I'm using. Light/pixel are not at all the same thing as dye or pigment

[@QueenofFlannelColors]

There is a whole, large subset of people in the adult coloring world who simply color for fun and relaxation. They might watch tutorials, try different techniques, but they just...want to chill and relax. I think a lot of people hear "adult coloring" and just assume pencils or markers. But I've seen people throw paint, pencils, markers, glitter, you name it, at a coloring page and turn it into something on a whole other level.

[@AmyShulke]

This is all interesting to read because like me, you're straddling two worlds. I agree completely about the regression thing and it's a large part of why I stopped working with line art I haven't drawn myself. You're also right about the digital dangers. When I was fiddling with Procreate on the side, I noticed that my marker skills got sloppier because the back button and eraser tool become crutches. I once heard an interview with Billy Joel who said that back in the 70's when synthesizers first came out, he made the decision to stick with his piano only. He knew going electronic would change his piano skills and he wasn't willing to take that chance. That's always resonated with me and it sounds like you'd value the observation too.

[@AmyShulke]

Totally true. I think where we get into trouble is in assuming everyone colors with the same goals we do. Your point is an excellent reminder.

[@SheilaHouse]

Thanks!

[@AmyShulke]

Thank you very much!

[@donnacarraway9182]

You have an amazing way of describing difficult ideas! Thank you! Please keep going! Love it!!💕💕💕

[@AmyShulke]

So glad it resonates with you. Thanks for watching and thanks for the feedback!

[@reneerose9730]

I am a professional artist and am impressed with how you broke down this topic! Great video!

[@AmyShulke]

Thank you! It's always helpful to hear that I didn't botch the explanation. I have a tendency to over teach, LOL. Thanks for the feedback!

[@AlysonGold]

This was so informative. Learning to look for the form when shading, instead of just focusing on which object is in front or in back makes so much sense! I've been so frustrated with learning because the form was never mentioned. I couldn't figure out why they'd put shading where they did, but now I understand that they were following the form. I love your son's interjections on the video 😊I am a web developer. I can't tell you how many times I've silently threatened to delete an irritating customer's entire site lol

[@AmyShulke]

Hahaha, picturing your finger hovering over the delete button... Power of the gods in one little key stroke, LOL.

[@Beecosy]

Hi, another great video. This is why having a reference image in colouring books is so useful (for me anyways but people often believe it is cheating). Otherwise how to tell about light direction and values. It goes deeper than just selecting colours. Thank you for explaining it so clearly. We need to learn from proper sources. Beautiful icecream 🍦🥰

[@AmyShulke]

Thank you, Bee. The use of references is never cheating. Not a one of us has a good enough memory to draw or color everything accurately. Our minds are a small playground full of assumptions and limitations, meanwhile the world is a vast and endless source of inspiration. If you're not using both your mind and references, you're playing at half strength.

[@lisa0j]

Wow. That’s was sooooo useful! If only my art teacher taught me these things at school, I would’ve enjoyed art. It’s only taken until my 50s!

[@AmyShulke]

I've had a full range of great to miserable art teachers, so you're not alone in feeling like "duh, if they'd just told me this in the beginning..." Thanks for watching, I hope my future videos will be as helpful for you.

[@leegreen9928]

You love beaker too yayyyyy.

[@Illustra-H]

😊😅😊

[@kathylovesmk]

✋️ Years not months. Ugh. I can't tell you how many hideously wrong cupcakes I've drawn. 🤦🏼‍♀️. Thanks for the great tutorial!!💖

[@creeationsphotographydesig9892]

Your video is excellent. Your clean, clear, precise explanations with examples demonstrates exactly what you were trying to show us. I just dropped in because it looked like it might be an interesting video. What a treat to actually get what I expected. Thanks.

[@AmyShulke]

I'm so glad you took a chance and clicked! Thanks for watching and thanks for the detailed feedback. I think I need to screen cap your comment and keep it here to the side to remind me of the goal as I plan new videos. You've been most helpful. Edit: your comment is now on my desktop screen. Thank you for the excellent summary of the goal.

[@thoughtfulwatcher]

References help, too. I love serious coloring books. I don't have to come up with idea sor worry about messing up my original art. Sometime I just want to color. I'm in rehab for physical therapy atm and its relaxing. I still use references. With the ice cream I intuitively guessed 90% of the shadows and highlights. Using references narrows the margins.

[@AmyShulke]

Totally agree. 100%!

[@LuvnKakashi]

Wow thanks this was SOOOOO helpful. I always had trouble with coloring icing. And I DREW the icing but my brain still couldn't understand what is wrong. Also I learned a good way to figure this out too is putting both my own drawing and the reference into grayscale and trying to follow that light and dark that way. But I could not transfer this into color for the life of me. This makes it soo much more clearer! Thank you!

[@AmyShulke]

This happens a lot with people who learn to draw by mimicking someone else's drawings. Because you're one step removed from the original reference object, you're not able to make a one-to-one connection between a line and what that line is supposed to convey. You're on the right track by heading back to a reference and the grayscale is also smart. Stick with it, it sounds like you're making the best of the situation and since you're not giving up, odds are it'll click eventually! Good luck!

[@dodopson3211]

I'm not an artist, I dont draw or color. I thought the "wrong" examples looked decent enough. The rainbow colored icecream however blew my mind, i thought it was a photoshop image when i saw the thumbnail. Very impressive. Also the way you "sell" (for lack of better words) your classes is really well put together. You're a good marketer and artist.

[@AmyShulke]

Hi Dodopson, Thanks for the feedback. I hate selling and feel really uncomfortable doing it-- so the fact that you didn't find it obnoxious really helps to hear. I appreciate it.

[@hazelr517]

This was very well explained I love the examples and the effort put into this video thank you so much 💜

[@donnacarraway9182]

Actually I don’t much use markers but I am learning watercolor and this is very valuable for that too!! Thank you!

[@AmyShulke]

Absolutely! Both markers and watercolors are transparent media (if you don't count the granulations). If you ever get a chance, take a closer look at how Tiffany stacked layers of glass -- again, another transparent medium. Same concepts apply even though the application methods differ.

[@imlistening1137]

Besides being explanatory, your videos are very entertaining! You’re a great teacher!!

[@ChristinaB-wy8ej]

I don’t know how you do it but I feel like you read my mind in almost every video. 🙋‍♀️ I am raising my hand as one of those people that the light bulb didn’t go on about form but after this video I feel like it’s starting to flicker now. Thank you for the explanation. It made so much sense, as do all of your videos. And they are funny. I love the “but Amy…” voice

[@AmyShulke]

LOL. The "But Amy Voice" is now it's new name. It's funny, so many of the problems my students have, I remember having the same exact problems myself. So I'm totally of the opinion that there are no new problems in coloring. I'm sure Leonardo Da Vinci had the same ones too. I'm pretty sure his mentor was rolling his eyes and thinking "I wish I could make a video answering this..."

[@alisonhendry2928]

❤❤❤ I “ art” with watercolours, but decided I liked the title of your video as it applies to everything… now I am subscribed and becoming a fan and have already bounced back and finished the donut video too. I love how you describe edges vs. ditches. Brilliant. I understand the whole light dark shadow etc, but now and then get lost in the details and dig ditches and wonder what the beep did I do wrong. I also love how actually drawing something helps to feel the difference. It’s in the head, not just the paper. I do both, project to get some accurate sizes if enlarging, then go in and draw it then trace it so I can transfer to my watercolour paper and trace it again. My own photos and my own drawings and boy do I know the subject before I put on the paint! Thank you for this information it’s making me think, and go borrow my daughter’s Copic markers 😂😂😂. Add me to your fan base! You have a wonderful teaching style too. A good giggle is always the best! 🎉

[@carissa4110]

As an English teacher who is a creative and loves art but never had formal training, you are completely talking about me in this video. The language analogy made it finally click for me! My mom had formal art classes, and she understands color, shading, and highlights, but I could never get it. My work always ends up with that goofy appearance where I can see that it looks weird but I can't figure out why or what I did wrong. I do great when I follow a step-by-step tutorial online, but whenever I try to draw what's in my head or color something I traced, it looks like a five-year-old did it (no offense to five-year-olds). Thank you for this! It really helped me "get" what I'm doing wrong.

[@AmyShulke]

Hi Carissa! Don't sell yourself short. I love that you could identify that you had an issue and then when I finally popped into your life with a theory, you were able to apply it to your unique situation. I'm sure you know better than me, we can't teach if the student isn't ready. Let's hope this opens new artistis paths for you! Thanks for sharing!!!

[@AmyShulke]

BTW, there's something highly intimidating about replying to an English teacher. Suddenly I was very concerned about phrasing and punctuation, LOL.

[@jirikir]

Hello Amy! Yes, it is easier with a good teacher. It's difficult to get the answer if you didn't know the question. It depends on pure luck. And for a beginner it is not possible to tell if the tutorial is good or nonsense. I can say from self experience after some time you know that the advice was bad but takes time and frustration. Wish I have enough money to pay for all of the tutorials I am interested in. Greetings from Germany

[@AmyShulke]

I totally agree! I would add that it helps to study under a wide variety of instructors too. I emphasize things based on what's been important to me over the years but I'm sure I'm missing concepts other artists have found vital. And let's not get into all the things I've forgotten over the years! Plus, sometimes certain ideas just hit home better with one instructor versus another.

[@passarellinelson]

Amy - you are wonderful! 🥰

[@AmyShulke]

Awww, thanks. And thanks for watching. I really appreciate it.

[@Lambertcottage]

Fantastic video! I love experiencing different forms of coloring,shading, all of it

[@AmyShulke]

I'm glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching!

[@arioctober]

You put to words something I knew intuitively but could not explain. I'll definitely be thinking about this the next time I'm drawing / coloring 😮

[@Ilanshiran]

Thank you, Amy. I liked the last tip. Learning from KZbin is not a successful way to learn serious and in-depth. That's why I chose a course with an artist who also has experience in teaching. Your advice is one of the smartest bits of advice I ever got ❤

[@AmyShulke]

Thank you so much. There's good info on KZbin, it's just buried underneath a lot of questionable stuff.

[@Lexafied]

This video is so amazing, helpful, informative, and inspiring. You are incredible. THANK YOU! ❤

[@mdanowarulamin7687]

Watching Your Videos from Bangladesh 🇧🇩. Thanks for explaining so beautifully. Would Love to see more colour pencil tips and techniques related Videos for creating realistic artworks.

[@colouringchemist]

I appreciate your expertise so much, Amy. Thank you!

[@AmyShulke]

You are so welcome! I've been following your channel :)

[@colouringchemist]

@@AmyShulke Awww... Thank you! :)

[@Yet-another-lisa]

I GET IT now!!! It makes so much sense. It's been so frustrating! 😊

[@AmyShulke]

Sometimes it's the simple things that hold us back. Here's hoping that you can now use the info to take a few steps forward in your coloring skills! Thanks for watching.

[@OG-ux8sf]

You are so right. Coloring has always been my issue.

[@AmyShulke]

So you lean towards the drawing half? For a while, I taught classes with commercial stamps that the store could sell. I think that was one of the saddest times for me. I deeply missed the drawing part.

[@PursuingHeaven]

I am not a fan of markers. Is there a way to just apply the art instruction with the media I have? I own mostly pencils, pastels and paint and one small set of professional alcohol markers (which I have maybe used 3 times because I really don't enjoy them). This lesson above is exactly what I am looking for but NOT in markers.

[@burghbrat3319]

I am so with you on markers, just not my thing at all. Pencils, yes. They are so versatile and satisfying to use, endlessly blendable, and responsive to changes in pressure for shading and value. I love them.

[@AmyShulke]

The concepts I teach are not exclusive to markers. In fact, I borrow more from painting instructors than I do from the 2 marker instructors I had. So no, there's nothing I teach which can't be applied to another medium. But having said that, I teach marker + colored pencil classes. That's my personal zone of expertise and I don't stop classes to help people translate a marker technique into pastels or paint technique. My independent advanced group is open to other media and we do have painters there but the instruction is still marker focused. My beginner, intermediate, and even regular advanced level classes are marker + pencil only. To put it simply, if you're building skills, you need an instructor working in your medium. If you're looking for challenges beyond advanced skills, the medium is less important.

[@_Fluorescent_]

Amy, your class changed my life! Thank you for everything you do! Funny because the piece that made me finally reach out and look for quality instruction was an ice cream cone! 🍦

[@AmyShulke]

Wonderful! What kind of ice cream?

[@susanrobertson984]

Oh I think the stuff that works I have somehow managed to colour edges not ditches but low I know why!!! And can do it more deliberately going forward. Many thanks!!

[@AmyShulke]

I think some people have artistic instincts and do smart things naturally without knowing why or even that they're doing it. Congrats! Instinct is such a valuable tool. So glad to help you piece it together.

[@MrKaneo95]

Really enjoyed several of your videos! Keep them coming. I love the knowledge and your voice reminds me of my sister. When do you offer classes or courses?

[@AmyShulke]

Thanks! I sound like my my sister too, LOL. On teaching: I run online classes year round-- in fact, I just launched a new one today. Check the LEARN tab on my site for all the options: www.vanillaarts.com

[@Art_by_Nicole]

Yes, yes, yes! Now I understand why I don’t like most of the tutorials on KZbin or Patreon. They show what THEY are doing. A voice-over tells something that doesn’t match with what they are doing OR they don’t explain why they are doing what they’re doing. If I’m in the mood for ‘brain-at-zero’ then I will mute the sound and just do what they are doing. But when I want to LEARN I’m frustrated most of the time. Thank you so much for this video ❤️

[@AmyShulke]

That's a good theory. If you think about it, most marker demonstrators are people who are pretty good at markers and they can tell you what they did but not necessarily why it works. The really good instructors can always tell you why plus 5 other ways to do it. If you're going to be independent someday, you can't just follow along or be "brain-at-zero" as you so wonderfully stated.

[@Art_by_Nicole]

@@AmyShulke I started a few years ago with only graphite and learned from a good instructor. My profile photo is my own work 💪 I got to a point that I was criticising a tutorial. I was saying (to the screen) “No, if you do it this way it will be easier for beginners to follow what you’re doing and it will make more sense”. I’m a teacher in real life and I think that’s why I can get annoyed by artists who think they also can teach. Don’t get me wrong, they are really good at their art, but teaching is also a profession just like being an artist. I take a deep bow to you, because you have clearly two professions 💛 For myself a make a difference between just relaxing (brain-at-zero) and actively learning. When I actively learn I want to understand ‘the why’. If I do, I can try to use that knowledge in another project. But these days I do need more help with my memory by writing everything down, because of my mild brain damage.

[@rethaf4387]

Thank you! I watch videos on how to work with markers because nobody in my small city teaches it. I tried to buy alcohol markers at my only local art store, and they asked: "What is an alcohol marker?" So, the same way I buy markers online, I try to learn skills online.

[@AmyShulke]

Totally understand. I'm in a rural area as well.

[@HeyHeyItsRei]

This was 🤯 Thank you for this! Definitely helped make a connection for me!

[@liachristy7779]

Amazing info..ty

[@AmyShulke]

Glad it was helpful and thanks for watching!

[@charlesking8943]

Wonderful. I appreciate someone who likes to teach n help

[@AmyShulke]

Thanks! I accidentally fell into the teaching thing but it's fun.

[@JerriJonesabushelandahug]

This is so informative! Love your content

[@AmyShulke]

Thanks for watching and thanks for the feedback too.

[@LollyPalooza]

You’re blowing my mind. I wanna be you when I grow up! 🤣

[@AmyShulke]

My husband and kids live in fear that there may be more of me in the world.

[@trinec9320]

My frustrations with stamps and tracing led me to learning to draw and it’s the best decision I’ve made.

[@wags521]

This is brilliant… well, YOU are brilliant! I have tried to explain this concept- rendering form, to my students… and I am still missing far too many of them. Thank you! (I teach HS) 😊

[@AmyShulke]

Oh my! High praise indeed. Thank you very much and feel free to use the "edges not ditches" in your lesson plans!

[@hubbysswee]

BRILLIANT!!!!

[@AmyShulke]

Well, thank you. I'm glad you enjoyed the video. Were you coloring ditches prior to this?

[@hubbysswee]

@@AmyShulke The ditch looked…rough. That was 5 year old me coloring in a 5 year olds coloring book. I didn’t know how else to do it tho, so I quit. With a near complete set of Copics, I quit. Learning to translate from brain to hand isn’t natural for me. I don’t know how to use a medium as an extension of my brain therefore. Following someone else’s art has been unfruitful yet so has my drawing been. I’ve tried many mediums…watercolor, clay, markers, colored pencils, even pan pastels. My first piece in each turns out better than good. Than it doesn’t, and I fizzle. Your way of thinking seems to be congruent with what I crave to learn. I’m glad I found ya! 🎨🖌️

[@jillstewart3213]

Hi Amy, thank you for your wonderful videos. If I wanted to study at to draw and colour better… what do you study.. visual arts or ??

[@AmyShulke]

Do you mean formal study at a college or university or more like hobby level adult education? Actually, now that I think about it, the best answer is the same: Drawing 101 class at your local community college is a great place to start. Drawing and painting/coloring are two separate skills so after you take a few drawing classes, then move to a painting class which will cover the "coloring" aspects. Everything I do stems from either drawing or painting. If you want to a degree, every school has different names for their program. I was in an Illustration program and at my school, this was part of the Graphic Arts department. Back then (early 1990's), Graphic Arts covered Illustration, Product Design, Typography, and Art Direction. "Graphics" nowadays would mean something more computerized and likely includes animation. You could also go the Fine Art route for painting/drawing but it would also require study of 3D art forms like sculpture and ceramics which didn't interest me as much.

[@IttyBitty412]

I'm just plain broke 😭 I would totally take a class if I could, and I will when things get better for sure. But right now because of a bad accident my boyfriend went through, we're living on 7,000 a year until his settlement comes.. it's been almost 3 years of this, who knows when it'll finally come. It's really getting hard. One day though hopefully I can!!! I'm a COMPLETE beginniner!

[@lorelailynn]

You used my favorite word, doofus!!!! I subscribed!🤣

[@AmyShulke]

LOL, a word I use often.

[@blehbleh1260]

This is so true, I can draw but filling it in with colors is hard for me. I also get stuck with color selection. It's easier for me if I draw in black and white using a pen or a graphite pencil (because obviously there's no color, just highlights and shadows😂)

[@AmyShulke]

Totally understand. There's a reason drawing courses start with black and white. Keep at it and you'll eventually feel the need for color and find way to navigate it. A simple step would be grisaille where you start with gray, then add transparent color over the top. Baby steps :)

[@lauras4472]

When you say “color the edge’ do you mean to color it with darker, because the hi lights are also colored. ??

[@AmyShulke]

So your confusion here and in the other comment lead me to believe that you're either really new to coloring or you've been taught to color with follow-the-leader "shade where I shade" kind of tutorials. Stop worrying about shade and highlights. That's kind'a lesson #5, meanwhile you missed lessons 1-4 which is why you're confused. Look at the image and decide where the forms are. Where the cone stops and the ice cream starts is the difference between two forms. It's pretty logical to put brown cone colors on one side of that line and ice cream color on the other side. Now take your thinking one step further-- each line inside the ice cream is separating one twist from another. Each twist is a form too. If you understand the shape of the form you're dealing with, then the shade and highlight stuff is logical and often super-obvious. But if you skip the form, you'll always be stuck wondering where to shade and why. If all of this sounds too confusing, that's a sign you need more instruction than I can provide in a free video and it's comment section. You don't even have to take a class from me but you do need someone to sit with you and help you figure it out. No shame in that, it's just like learning to ride a bicycle. Anyone can do it, it's just we all need help in the beginning to get started. Find an artist or colorist you admire and enroll. It will be so much easier than struggling for months to figure it out on your own.

[@lauras4472]

Where can I find lessons 1-4? Yiur videos don't seem to be numbered

[@AmyShulke]

@@lauras4472 I'm afraid you're confused again. I was using "lessons 1-4" as an example. I was saying that shade and highlight are more advanced concepts and you've missed the concepts which should have come before them. I don't literally teach 4 lessons and then a 5th on shade/highlight here at KZbin. I teach classes here: vanilla-workshops.teachable.com/courses/ and I will not be teaching detailed beginner how-to lessons here at KZbin. I'd prefer to keep this channel as a way to cover small intermediate/advanced topics which don't fit into classes well.

[@Ella24-007]

Omg can you do lighting? I have such a hard time with that ❤️

[@AmyShulke]

The reason you have a hard time is because the colorist explanations are confusing and contradictory. You've been told it's super important when it's actually not. Lighting adds interest, style, and emotion but it does not create dimension. When you try to use it to create dimension, that's when the explanations break down and it all gets muddled. I'll think about what I can cover here but it won't be a "watch this 20 minute video and become an instant pro".

[@Sharkuterie327]

I found it interesting that when I practiced coloring on professional, high level comic book inks, it was very clear exactly where every highlight and shadow was supposed to be, every form and texture. It was like most of the work was already done for me and even just a color gradient over the entire image could look right, lol. Yet, when I tried to color amateur line art or my own work, I couldn’t interpret where the shadows etc. were supposed to be from the inking and had to create the placement after the lines and almost ignore the line work to do it. Professional comic artists planned for someone else to color their work, and could somehow communicate light and form in their line weights, placement and black and white space even without any hatching. Lines were never just lines. It changed my perspective on the potential for inks to suggest light and color. That those decisions could inform the line work and weren’t just laid over it.

[@AmyShulke]

Great point! This is one of those times when English lets us down. We use "line art" for a lot of different things. I'd say your professional comic inking is in a different class than the line art used for rendering. Your comic inks speak more of the story because they'er intended to stand alone in B&W situations or with minimalist color. Meanwhile someone who does full rendering will say much less in their line art.

[@Sharkuterie327]

@@AmyShulke Yes, that is a good point, too. It’s all about the intentions for the work. I suppose I’d been used to line art as a preliminary step to map out the forms, and I was surprised how much b/w line art could do, and how effortless coloring became to have all those decisions made clearly early on. Thanks for reply. Your ice cream cone was lovely, btw! You have a random new subscriber. 😆

[@m.i.n.a]

Omg, thank you!

[@leegreen9928]

I gotta learn these laws! It feels like my brain wants to betray me when it comes to form. Lord send me an format Angel please.

[@nightynightshade]

YOU ROCK!❤

[@AmyShulke]

Thank you and thanks for watching!

[@dawnmulder3540]

Great info! The music was really distracting, though.

[@AmyShulke]

Noted! Can you tell me how you're listening? Speakers, surround sound on TV, or headphones/earbuds?

[@dawnmulder3540]

@@AmyShulke on my phone with speakers

[@JerrBaybEe]

lol the shade thrown by your son as he edits 🤣

[@AmyShulke]

He's the kid who turned out the most like me. Sometimes I feel like I'm arguing with myself.

[@JerrBaybEe]

@@AmyShulke 🤣 bless your heart

[@beatricenowell8207]

💜💜💜💜💜💜💜I'm sure you mean well and I agree with your statements except "there are a lot of really great artists teaching classes and courses who are willing to show you how to do exactly what they do". No, there really aren't because we live in the "knowledge is power" period, not the Renaissance period (with Botticelli, Donatello, Michelangelo, da Vinci, Raphael) or the Baroque period (with Bernini, Rembrandt, Vermeer, Velazquez). I just want to be able to color the girl with the pearl earring in a manner in which someone will be able to recognize I'm copying Vermeer's work. Coloring is just as unachievable for me now as drawing and painting would have been at that time. I've watched youtube artist since 2015. The best colorist, not the most popular, are ones who add or delete elements from the coloring page. Colorist such as Shirley XL.y, Chris Cheng, and Coloring with Alena, spend a great deal of time on a single page. However their tutorials consist of primarily watching them color. The information you mentioned pertaining to line language wasn't stated by any of the artist I've viewed either. Nor has this topic been presented in the classes I've purchased. The three colorist mentioned were are able to achieved superior results using prismacolored pencils alone, but they don't attract a huge number of subscribers. I think natural talent is their key to beautiful coloring, thus they are unable to teach their instincts to others. The difference in their presentations and the current successful, popular youtube channels is huge. Popular colorists provide instructions, however viewers are told success is dependent on the product. The most popular coloring videos are actually purchases, called hauls, and products provided free of charge, called happy mail. The same costly products are used by virtually every coloring channel. Holbein pencils, Caran d'ache (Luminance, Neocolor IIs, Pablo, Museum Aquarelle), Derwent (Lightfast, Inktense, Drawing, Graphitint, Colorsoft) and Faber-Castell (Polychromos, Albrecht Durer, Pitt Artist Pens) have become basics among colorist at this point. Currently, Ohuhu markers, 320 set, are the standard as there was much push back from viewers about the price of Copic Ciao markers. In addition, the use of outrageously priced watercolors and niche products from Etsy and other private sellers have become popular. The so-called economical products from retailers such as Castle Arts, Arteza, Black Widow, etc. are must haves to supplement and save money while using the professional products. Overtime, I purchased most of these items and the brands "required" accessories to participate in classes a patreon member or as a skillshare member. You are told certain products and classes will improve your art, but anyone who views new colorist's channels can see this is not the case. They have the products but not the skills. So my question is where can skilled artists, or even competent, capable art teachers be found, outside of a degree program, that are actually willing to share information which will allow a person's art to become acceptable? There must be away to improve art without dropping 3000-5000 dollars on Copic markers. How were the 14th -17th century artists that we admire able to do great works without these items?🤔🤨😒😢😢

[@AmyShulke]

There's no way I can address all of this in a comment section but allow me a few quick points: 1. I totally and vehemently disagree with your "knowledge is power" statement as if this is a current thing and something new. Absolutely not!!! Once upon a time, you would have had to leave your family around 7 years old to go learn how to become an artist and you'd work for free half your short life to learn. Information is much easier now than it ever has been. 2. You're asking a colorist for art lessons? Nope. I love colorists and totally admire what they do but if you're looking to them to teach you how to create fine art, you're asking the wrong thing of the wrong person. Find a trained artist, watch painting and drawing videos, take classes from established FINE ARTISTS to learn how to make fine art. 3. Art supplies are cheaper now then they ever have been in history. As a 7 year old working for your room and board, you would have been grinding and making paint for the master using pigments more valuable than gold. Your quick run to the craft store pales in comparison to how things used to be.

[@beatricenowell8207]

@@AmyShulke It's fine for you to disagree, however at no point in history to a date would a person such as myself have had the opportunity to leave their family to become an artist's apprentice. You are correct, I would have and did have to work for free at 7 years old. However these statements are irrelevant. I apologize for asking you about art lessons. I believed you to be an artists based on the information presented in the video, not a colorist. I continue to subscribe and view several artist channels, with my current favorite being Anna Bucciarelli (a successful Canadian Artist who uses the medium of watercolors). I also apologize for providing you with too much information. The point of my comment is and was "locating an artist willing to teach anyone (show exactly what they do), by attending their class or by making a one-on-one request is not possible for everyone. While the "knowledge is power" issue may have never prevented you from learning or having access to things you've desired, I'm certain there are people other than myself who have found this to be an issue. While art supplies are more available at this time, I can't speak to the "cheaper" statement due to the factors of inflation and availability. However, supplies do continue to remain cost prohibitive to many people. I currently live in Millsboro, De, where a quick "run to the craft store is not a possibility". If you were making these statements to someone who had been entitled since birth, your assumptions may be true. I've reached an old age where I have some discretionary income. Since studying art, wasn't an option for me in my youth or middle age, I'm attempting to learn about such things in my late non-working years. What wasn't available to me could become available to the next generation due to this age of information. My children were and grandchildren were born after GOOGLE was created, but with it's existence a place where things such gender, race, ethnicity, and religion was also created so it is possible to receive knowledge which was previously unavailable if someone is persistent in their attempts. My task is to support younger people: who don't live in a place where "quickly running to the craft store" and "locating training is an option", people who for whom supplies continue to be unreachable due to income, and locating a knowledgable teacher willing to share information with them is available. At this point in life, time and thick skin are my allies. As I did, younger people give up do to the comments of others and the necessity of earning wages. From my point of view, "knowledge is power" continues although it is not a current thing or something new. As the wisest man said, "there is nothing new under the sun." However, like prejudice and other negative issues, not sharing information will continue to exist as this way of thinking and living continues to be passed from generation to generation. Thank you for responding to my comment. It was unexpected, but very much appreciated. Once again, I apologize for my misconception of the content you provide. Be blessed, may heaven smile upon you. My your content continue to be successful.

[@ClowdEnvy]

Ty!

[@AmyShulke]

You're welcome! Thanks for watching!

[@vkrausevk]

Yesssssss…. U are soooo right 💛thank you for posting this and for what u do 💛

[@AmyShulke]

Thank you so much. I really appreciate the feedback.

[@cyancaelus6456]

The Thumbnail looks Too Good to Be True

[@AmyShulke]

Nothing up my sleeve, I really colored it :)

[@cyancaelus6456]

@@AmyShulke I Thought You were Making Literal Gradient Shading in The Thumbnail

[@lilacfla]

I colour like 6:21. 😂😢

[@patricialk4996]

Don’t want to draw, just want to play.

[@AmyShulke]

I totally get it. I think that's why I love teaching adult ed classes more than youth. Adult students are better attuned to what brings joy and when they find it, they dive much deeper.

[@cherij9008]

Your videos bring Mr joy!!!!😂

[@reneecailloux2573]

light bulb over my head switched 😉😆

[@AmyShulke]

Woo Hoo! I love it when people hear the right thing at the right moment to make a step forward. Congrats!

[@lauras4472]

I’m so confused. Color the edge, don’t dig a ditch? I don’t get it

[@AmyShulke]

Hi Laura, many colorists have the habit of thinking the lines inside an image are indications of shade, so they run the dark marker over their interior lines, just as I showed in the ice cream and leaf examples. This forms a dark ditch with the black line in the bottom of the ditch. What the artist is actually telling you is that the black line is the edge between one form and another. The colors will be different on either side of the line. When you find a line, pick a side. Which side is light, which side is dark? Don't make both sides of the line the same color.

[@tenza19]

​@@AmyShulkeCould you make another video explaining more details about picking a side between the lines? Those examples with leaf and cupcake aren't enough for me to understand since you only showed them in few seconds.

[@SpookyGroovyPolitoCatMum]

You don't know what you don't know! I say that all the time I don't know what I don't know. And I don't know whether people don't know LOL and in art class When someone tells me but Miss Anita we already know that, I invite them to show me let's see what you know LOL

[@AShakyLife]

Please leave out the music! It's irritating as hell.

[@AmyShulke]

Thanks for the feedback. I'll pass your comment on to my video editor. Are you listening through speakers or via headphone/earbuds? Asking because we've discussed sound levels. BTW, the music won't be going away-- so if it's a deal breaker for you, please avoid my future videos.

[@dawnmulder3540]

@@AmyShulke Why are you adding music? I want content, not entertainment. I guess I won’t be watching any more of your videos. I rarely run across artists who add music.

[@AmyShulke]

Whelp, I guess I'm not the channel for you. I play several instruments and can't imagine my life or my art without music. It sets a tone and sends messages when done well and I'm determined to learn how do it well.

[@dawnmulder3540]

@@AmyShulke well, good luck.

[@dawnmulder3540]

I guess I should have said I rarely run across artists who play music while verbally instructing. I watch many artists who play music while demonstrating a technique when they are not speaking, though.

[@SpookyGroovyPolitoCatMum]

This video could have been so much shorter. I like your presentations and I like what you're teaching but there's a little bit of belaboring the point going on that makes it a little tedious to watch. To quote you, I get it already. Let's move on:-) there's a lot of good stuff here. Start your videos by asking people to like And subscribe and comment. This increases the algorithms distribution of your content. And your content needs to be seen by subscribers very early. You really only have a few hours to make an impression with the computer that decides what gets presented on KZbin and what gets slow tracked. So right up front like subscribe comment. And thanks for taking time to create this content. I think if you work on straight lining a little bit, writing out your ideas and sticking to a list if you had a script, you'll be able to create more content that's watched more often. I'm not a teacher. I'm a learning artist. Which is a lifelong thing LOL but I was asked 2 years ago to teach art for an after school program at my church. We're going into our third fall and I'm very excited to be finding videos like this because this year I am going to be focusing on cancel art for one class and color theory art for another class. The other instructor is going to be focusing on painting. And the art world is so vast with technique that we're really having to pick and choose what we're going to do for 40-minute classes with kids ages 4 through 13. So many opportunities.

[@AmyShulke]

I think you and I have completely different goals for my KZbin channel. Thanks for the advice but we have radically different approaches to KZbin. Good luck with your channel.

[@brianivory405]

Thanks!

[@AmyShulke]

And again? Thank you, the support really helps... more than you realize. Without accepting free products, I'm finding it hard to make the work pay off. Your donation is sooooo very much appreciated!