Layering Copic Colours to Create a Beautiful Night Sky Effect

I'm back this week with another idea with many uses - layering your Copic colours, for a beautiful though abstract result.  I often hear Copic beginners expressing their frustration with learning to blend, well while you are mastering blending why not play with layering.  Layering colours is much easier, gives interesting and unexpected results and can be used on many projects.  I have used this to create a journal page, but you could easily use this as an amazing way to colour clothing on a stamped image, create a beautiful name tag, a stunning background or anything else you can think of!

For this page I have used:

• X-Press It Blending Journal
• Copic Markers: Colorless Blender '0', N0, N1, N3, BG11, B13,  B69, B79, RV06, RV09, BG94, B97 & B99
• Molotow Extra Fine Paint Marker

 To create this page:

Start by stamping, printing or writing onto the lower right of your page.

Using very pale Neutral Grey (or Cool Grey) colours roughly draw the outline of a hole onto your page.  This will be used as a guide for the final step so don't spend too much time on this.

Next add BG11 and BG13 and blend slightly - just enough so the colours look smooth.

Add B69 and then darken using B79.

Where the B69 borders the BG11 or BG13, pounce the BG11 over the darker colour - this will make the darker blues go a little mottled and cloudy and add some of the aqua into the blue.

Add a hint of RV06 and darken with RV09.

Where the Cerise borders the blue, layer RV09 over the blue, while these colours will not blend, a little of the Fuchsia will be introduced into the blue.  In doing this, you are introducing a hint of one colour into another - your finished result will be much nicer.

Then use BG49 to add a little more depth - I have used it to create something of a pattern.

Darken the image by layering B97 and B99, both over and around the existing colours.  I've also used these to outline my 'hole' in the paper.

Continue to add more layers (using the method of pouncing one colour over another where 2 dissimilar colours meet) and fill in any pale spots with the colours you have already used.  I have tried to create patterns that look vaguely cloudlike (you could refer to photos of the night sky for ideas if you like).

To finish I have used B79 and B99 to add fine lines and outlines to some of the patterns.

Flick paint from the tip of a Molotow Paint marker over your coloured image and carefully draw some starbursts.  Leave to dry.

See how the white paint really makes the colours 'pop'.

To finish the page scrunch up some paper, tear a hole to match what you have drawn  (this is a tiny bit fiddly) and roll back the edges of the paper around the hole.  To make sure this stays exactly as is, glue down the rolled paper pieces.

Between the starkness of the white page and the depth of colour, this really leaps out at you.  This is a really simple way to use colours that don't naturally go together, just remember to keep layering until you are happy with the result and pounce one colour over another so that there are no harsh edges.

Hoping you all have a wonderfully creative week,
KatePin It

Using Molotow Paint Markers with Copic On Journal Page

Hi All -  many Copic users often want to know whether they can use Copics with other mediums – the answer to that is YES (but its important that you understand how to use other mediums so you don’t damage your Copic). One of my favourite mediums is the Molotow One4All Paint Markers.

The One4All is a versatile acrylic based paint marker, which has a highly pigmented, solvent-free, hybrid-paint and just like the Copic Markers they are refillable and the nibs can be replaced.

So a few important things to note when combining your Copic Markers with other mediums, especially paints.  

• The nibs on Copic Markers are porous - this allows the ink to flow out of the nib - this also means that other mediums can be sucked into the nib like a sponge. Particularly harmful to the nibs are acrylic paints, chalky substances and glitter particles.  
• On sealed or glossy surfaces your Copics will appear several shades lighter than they do on paper (as they can't be absorbed) so always choose a colour several shades darker than you would normally use.

To be able to use your Copic Markers with mixed media, you will need to do one of following things:

1.  Apply the Copics first BEFORE paint, pencil or any other mediums, so they won't become clogged.  Works best when only adding small amounts of paint marker.
2. Have a few Copics that you use ONLY for mixed media work, and understand the nib may become blocked by repeated use over paint and you accept that you will need to periodically replace the nib.
3. Apply the Copic marker AFTER all other mediums and AFTER you have sealed the page with a gloss sealant.  This is my favourite, it allows for a translucent glaze of colour and is a lot like working with Copics on acetate.  For hard lines apply colour direct from fine or chisel tip, for softer lines I like to use either my Copic Blender to apply the colour or the brush tip on the marker (layering light next to dark until colour fades away) - think 'fade to white' technique when applying like this.

Now before I show you my Molotow One4All  and Copic journal page, I thought I'd show you a few examples where I have used the Molotow markers with Copic Markers on cards, for those of you who aren't journalers.

Adding the glint of reflective light into the eyes of your Copic Coloured images,
I've used the White 1mm Molotow for this.

Adding reflections to shiny objects ie: Glass, metal, water
I've used the White 1mm Molotow for this.

Stamp Flourishes Orchids stamp onto vellum using Memento Tuxedo Black ink.  Flip image over and colour reverse side with Molotow Markers (let dry), I used 4mm white and 2mm Grasshopper.
Then flip and colour stamped side using Copic Markers, I used: G48, R81, RV55, Y32 & Y35.
This really makes the image pop on printed or coloured card, and I love the way you can see the background designs through the vellum.

Now for something a little more involved, this is the most beautiful way I know to combine Molotow One4All Paint markers and Copics, while keeping your Copics safe from paint.    I have used:

• Molotow Paint Markers: 201 Lilac Pastel, 010 Lobster, 161 Shock Blue Middle223 Metallic Black, 160 Signal White (extra Fine) & 180 Signal Black (extra fine)
• Copic Markers: E47, Bv13, Copic Colorless Blender, B91, B95 & B99
• Atyou Spica: Clear and Turquoise
• Gloss Varnish or Sealer

Technique

Glue paper, tissue etc onto journal page and coat with Matt Medium, when dry, draw image in pencil.

Apply One4All Paint from 2mm markers in the following method - apply paint directly to image, while wet, smear with finger to create softer effects and translucent layers of colour.  
NB: This won't work on unsealed paper.

Continue to apply colour with this method until the image is coloured to your satisfaction - mine looks like this.

Using 1mm Signal Black Molotow, add detail and outline to the image.

Use 1mm Signal White Molotow marker to add highlights (eg: to the eyes)

Add shading, a hint of glitter with Atyou Spica pens and a quote using Molotow 2mm and 1mm paint markers on the facing page.  Seal with a gloss varnish.

Add Copic Markers over the top of the gloss varnish (this forms a layer like plastic, protecting your markers from whatever is underneath), apply the darker marker first and blend out with either lighter colours of Copic marker or your Colorless Blender.  
Once all my Copic layers have been applied, my finished page looks like this, much deeper colour.

Now it's really difficult to show the amazingly gorgeous glaze effect achieved from the Copic Markers, but I'll try - compare the before and after photos.

Before


After

and closer, you can see each individual layer - even the tissue underneath.  Honestly you will have to try this yourself to see how amazing it looks!

I hope this has given you a few ideas about how you can use your Copics and Molotow paint markers together,

KatePin It

Copic Art Journaling #3: Learning to doodle

Hi All - it's my turn to share some more ideas with you all to use in your Copic Art Journal, and this week I'm hoping to inspire you to try your hand at doodling.. 

There are many types of doodling, there is the increasingly popular Zentangling, there is tangling, there is Stentangling, and there are doodles - Phew no wonder people get confused!  Today I am talking about simple doodling, this is often quick, fun and once you begin it's difficult to stop.
Whether you know it or not, most of us doodle without even realising it.  It can be as simple or as fancy as you like, the doodle itself can be the art or it can compliment the art. My job today is to give you some ideas so you can begin to incorporate these little drawings into your Copic Art Journal - or any art.

These are the basics that you will need to begin doodling in your Copic Art Journal:

• Copic Multi-Liners in a variety of sizes and colours 
• Set of Grey Copic Markers either: T0, T1, T3, T5 or N0, N1, N3, N5  for adding shadows
• XPressIt Blending Card or the XPress It Blending Journal
• Rubber stamps with an open design
• Stencils with an open design
• Your imagination!

WHAT TO DOODLE?

What is a doodle anyway?  Wikipedia defines a doodle as:  'an unfocused or unconscious drawing made while a person's attention is otherwise occupied. Doodles are simple drawings that can have concrete representational meaning or may just be abstract shapes.'

But where do you start - what should YOU doodle?  This is a tough one as doodling is very personal, I can tell you I love to doodle circles, lines and floral patterns - but these designs may not be interesting to you.  I sometimes doodle images, other times I just doodle shapes or patterns - it's all doodling.  The easiest thing to do is to look around you, can you see a pattern a shape that you like - then try doodling those or drawing them and doodling within those shapes.  It's much easier to do if you draw something you like.

Here are a few ideas, simple things I doodled with my 0.5 Copic Multi Liner while watching TV, see they don't have to be amazing!  If you need a bit more inspiration you can check out  my 'Doodles' Board over on Pinterest.  To find your doodles try drawing some squares (about 5cm x 5cm) and just draw little doodles within these, then use these on a larger scale.  These simple doodles, look more interesting when viewed as a whole and even better coloured with Copics!  The joy of doodles is that they can be as simple or as complex as you like.

This is where I got really excited about doodling, with a little colour and a bit of confidence, you can easily incorporate your doodling into whatever art or craft you already create, why not doodle on small pieces of card stock and turn these into the main element on a card, or bookmark or even framed art, or doodle designs around your photos on your scrapbook pages.  Once you begin the possibilities are endless.

WHERE AND HOW TO USE DOODLES?

Give these ideas a go.....

Doodle on Stamped Images

Using a Copic safe ink like Memento, stamp your image onto your card or journal.
Add doodle designs with Copic Multi Liners to part or all of your stamped image, here I've doodled designs onto Marci's Kimono to add a pattern.  Whether your image is stamped, collaged or drawn, this is a fun way to add a little whimsy to your art.  Try a doodle hair-do, or doodles on a dress, even a doodle body to draw attention to the focal image.

Use Stencils to create a doodle pattern

Using your Copic Multi Liner (I like Grey or Black) use a stencil to draw a pattern onto your card or journal.   Using the pen of your choice, fill in around the pattern or within the pattern (or both) with doodle designs.    Leave it as is or add colour if desired.   Use your doodled designs to decorate planners and diaries or filing folders.  I can't be the only person who still uses a diary or smash book!  Get to it and start dressing up your dividers with a doodle or two, come to think of it you could apply this to your files for work or home, address books, recipe cards etc.

Doodle Within or Around Letters or Images

Using your Copic Multi Liner draw bold a capital letter (or word) with space inside the letters to add doodling or colour.  Use your favourite supplies to add doodling either within the letters or around the letters, again coloured or uncoloured the choice is yours.  On a more manageable scale, this would make wonderfully fun and personal name tags or place tags for weddings and parties!

Doodle Within Shapes (or get fancy and have the doodle create the shape)

Here are 2 examples of what I mean:
1. Try drawing a heart (or a few) and adding doodling within or around the shape to embellish it, smaller shapes are best with single patterns, larger shapes can handle a few different patterns at once.  Now I chose a heart, you may prefer a flower, a circle, an animal - pick a shape and have a play.  You can use these simple doodles on cards or page backgrounds, and it's all drawn by you - so an original piece of doodle art! 

2.  Draw your heart in pencil and doodle around or within it, then rub out the pencil - your designs create the shape,  I really do love the Copic Multi Liners for this, the coloured ones in particular.   Now just a note here, if you draw over lead pencil with either Copic markers or Copic Multi Liners, then the pencil covered by the Copic will not erase - strange but true.

Doodle Backgrounds

Enhance your art by using doodles and doodle patterns in your backgrounds, a little or a lot it's up to you - just make sure you are using pens which won't bleed if you decide to colour over the top - I love the Copic Multi Liners for just this reason - they are life proof!  When you are feeling a bit more confident, try creating scenery with doodles or using doodles as your art.  Doodles aren't just 'unconscious drawing' anymore - they are now entering the realm of DOODLE ART.  

Face coloured with Copic markers, fine details added with coloured pencils,

 hair coloured with Silks - all doodling created using 0.3 & 0.5 black Copic Multi Liners.

Do you you remember the doodle right from the beginning of this post - the one I drew while watching TV?  This is what I used it for, I added a little stenciling, some gold foil, stamping, black paint and white Molotow marker and turned it into this, even the simplest doodle can turn into something special.

May your day sparkle and happy doodling,
Kate

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Copic Journals

Copic journals - where do I begin??  When people talk about Copic Journals they are often discussing different things without even knowing it, from now on I will be calling mine by the following names:

• Copic Art Journal - a visual art journal or diary in which Copic Markers are used, and
• Copic Colour Journal - which records colour combinations, ideas on colouring, techniques and often a printed chart with purchased/wanted marker colours.

Now these could be combined into the one book but many people (myself included) have a separate book or journal for each of these purposes, mainly because my Copic Art Journal is a tiny bit messy - just a little bit.  Now on to a few examples...

Beginning a Copic Colour Journal
To start your own Copic Colour Journal the following items are essential:

• Copic Markers in assorted colours
• Copic suitable card (my all time favourite is X-Press It Blending Card A5 as it's already cut to perfect journal size and works so beautifully when blending)
• Copic Multi-liners in assorted thicknesses
• Digital or rubber stamps
  

For my Copic Colour Journal I purchased 3 packets of  X-Press It Blending Card (A5 size) and some matt board/book board and took these to the local print shop where I had them bound with spiral binding into a neat little book.  I split the book into sections - colour chart/list, colour combos, colouring ideas (hair, water etc) and lastly techniques.  You can see a few photos of my Copic Colour Journal below, of course you can put anything you like in yours!

 I have several pages with combos for flowers.

 A page listing the colours I have, and those I need.

A quick list of some techniques I've seen used - I should have made this section larger!

 Plus a section at the back for techniques I've created or am working on.

Beginning a Copic Art Journal
I created my Copic Art Journal in just the same way as my Colour Journal, but without any sections. To start your own Copic Art Journal the following items are useful:

• Copic Markers in assorted colours
• Copic suitable card - X-Press It Blending Card
• Copic Multi-liners in assorted thicknesses
• Molotow Paint Marker - these are amazing white paint markers
• AtYou Spica pens in assorted colours
• anything else you like to use - fancy papers, paints, pencils etc.

The rest of this post refers to creating in my Copic Art Journal.  This is one of my art journal pages and this particular page was created and coloured using all Copics.  YES this did take a while to finish and not all of my pages in here are like this, but I wanted to play with my Copics and this is the result.

Copic Colours used on 'K' page:

• N3, N5, N9, Black 100, 
• YR15, YR27, 
• V01, V12, V15, V17, V28
• BG 01, 05, 07, 09, 11, 53, 57
• B 01, 02, 04, 06 18, 21, 23, 24, 37
• YG 03, 05, 07, 17
• AtYou Spica: Lilac, Pink, Clear and Lavender

In my Copic Art Journal I'm not interested in perfect blending, I just want to lay colour down FAST - so I use the following technique to quickly get colour on the page, have it still look blended and get a nice amount of shadow - all achieved as quickly as possible.  This is basically blending colours using 'flicking'.

Draw image using Copic Multiliner pens and choose colour palette.  For my journals I use 2 or 3 colours from a blending family (eg: V15 & V17) and then a marker which is roughly 12 higher on the colour chart in this instance V28 for shadows and depth.

Lay down the mid tone first - V17, starting from darkest edge and 'flicking' towards lightest area.

Add your palest colour - V15, starting from about halfway up the V17 you already coloured and 'flicking' towards the lightest area.

Add your darkest colour - V28, colouring over the previous layer of V17.

Add the second layer of V17 and colour over most of the previous layer of V15 (keep the top edge light and wispy so that some of the V15 peeks through.

Add another layer of V15 - going over the edge of the V17 and flicking further into the centre of the lightest area - this will help to blend the V17 and V15.

Flicking from top down, fill the rest of the lightest area with V15 - keep flicks light and wispy so as not to end up with a flat colour.

I've used this same technique to create all the elements of the 'K' Art Journal page, as this flick colouring technique is relatively quick and gives great blended results, perfect for pages, but you can use this same technique to colour images.

If you look closely at the flower petals, circles or green flower stalk you can see the 'flicks'

I used a little more care on the 'K' as it was a larger area and I wanted to make sure I had a nice graded blend.

Challenges when using Copics in journals

• The markers bleed through the card, so you get colour on the reverse side of page. 
  They sure do, I cover my reverse pages with pretty paper, gesso, cut out images or I just stick another layer of clean paper over the back and keep colouring. 
• They don't perform well in journals with watercolour card or normal (non copic safe) card.
  I remedy this by colouring my image on copic safe card (X-Press It Blending Card) and then gluing my image into my journal.
• Colouring a whole page with Copic Markers uses a lot of ink.
  While this page did take a while to colour and I'm sure it used a bit of ink, not all my pages are 100% coloured with Copic markers, sometimes I only colour my main image, sometimes it's just doodling or colouring text, I often then add spray inks, ink from ink pads, paints, paper, pencil etc - while Copic Markers may not perform well on non copic safe card, all those other yummy mediums perform just fine on X-Press It Blending Card!

I hope this post has cleared up the difference between Copic Art Journals and Copic Colour Journals and maybe even inspired some of you to begin your own journal.  If you already have a Copic Journal (of either sort) we would love to see them.  If you feel like sharing please post a photo of your Copic Journal or favourite page/s onto the Copic Marker Australia Facebook page.

May your day sparkle,
KatePin It