January and February classes now Open!

Wow. I can't believe the year is almost over. I have been working hard finishing up the training manual and finalizing the images for our upcoming Tracing Memories classes. We know that these are going to be a hit this year, and so you will start seeing more locations popping up over the next few months. In fact, my Portland, Oregon Tracing Memories class just opened for February!! Two different class times, so find a time that works for you.

Here is a short rundown of all the Copic classes currently open. Most of them still have spaces available, but you need to register now, as classes will be capped soon for CHA/Anaheim. Visit our site for more details and to register. www.copicmarker.com/certification

Standard Certification:
Jan 8, Anaheim CA Taught by Sherrie Siemens

Feb. 21, Tempe AZ Taught by Sherrie Siemens
Feb. 21 Orlando, FL Taught by Lori Craig

Intermediate Certification:
Jan. 9 Anaheim CA taught by Sherrie Siemens

Feb. 22 Tempe, AZ taught by Sherrie Siemens
Feb. 22 Orlando, FL  taught by Lori Craig

Workshops:
Jan. 8th Anaheim CA, Artistic Mixed Media Apron, Taught by Michele Houghton
Jan. 10th Anaheim CA Whimsical Faces and Hair, Taught by Colleen Schaan
Jan. 10th Anaheim CA, Airbrushing for Papercrafters, Taught by Colleen Schaan
Jan. 12th Anaheim CA, Alcohol Ink Painting, taught by Colleen Schaan
Jan 12th Anaheim CA, Tracing Memories (2 different times) taught by Marianne Walker

Feb. 15 Portland OR, Tracing Memories (2 different times) taught by Marianne Walker
Feb. 22 Charlotte, NC Whimsical Faces & Hair, Taught by Debbie Olson
Feb. 22 Charlotte, NC Airbrushing for Papercrafters, Taught by Debbie Olson
 

Tracing Memories Update

Wow! The Tracing Memories class on Jan. 12, from 9am to noon is now full. I am so happy that so many of you want to take this class! And, I like seeing that many of you around the country are also eager to take this class.

If you are going to be in the L.A. area in January, don't despair, if you want to take this class. Due to the high demand, we have opened an evening session of the same class! Same date, same location, this evening class will run from 6pm to 9pm. Space is limited, and the morning class filled in a few days, so if you want to attend, register NOW!

Visit our website and apply today!

Copic Art Class at CHA

If you have been following my blog this year, you'll notice that I've been talking about our new program Tracing Memories. This program teaches you how to convert a photograph into an outline, then color it in while looking at the photograph.

If this sounds exciting, and you think you'd like to try it, then you are in luck!

I will be teaching a 3hr. introductory class in January.

Tracing Memories, Discovering Memories Through Art

Anaheim, CA,  January 12, 9am to 12pm. $35 Taught by Marianne Walker.

Class will be held during CHA, but is not part of the convention. Class will be held at the Anaheim Red Lion Inn.

With the Tracing Memories program, you will learn how to take your own photographs and turn them into custom works of art. Start with an outline generated from a photo, then color it in using Copic Markers. Learn how to see and identify colors. Learn basic Copic marker blending techniques, while working with beautiful photographs on high-quality fine-art paper.

This class is perfect for beginners and those who don't consider themselves artistic. Studies have proven that coloring and arts activities once a week helps relieve stress and promote relaxation at all age levels. But, a lot of the stress in fine-art comes with drawing the original artwork. With the Tracing Memories program, you convert your own photographs, so you don't have to draw. Choose images of your pets, your favorite vacation, or something you want to give as a special gift to a loved one. Coloring your own custom artwork helps you remember those memories, and creates a special picture that resonates for you. These make wonderful family gifts, or can be turned into cards, or printed as works of art. All supplies will be provided. You will leave with 1 to 3 completed images.


Apply for this, and our other CHA classes HERE. This class is filling quickly, so apply soon!

Also, If you are local to the Eugene, OR area, on Tuesdays through Nov. and December, I am hosting FREE Tracing Memories relaxation coloring sessions in conjunction with Sheldon Park Senior Community.

Tracing Memories Relaxation Sessions
Every Tuesday, Nov-December, 5:30 to 6:30pm. Free! Sheldon Park Senior Living, 2440 Willakenzie Rd. Eugene, OR (Near Sheldon High School). Everyone welcome! (I may not be at each session, but I will be at most of them).

I hope to see you at one of these events!

Depth of Field with Gray, & Upcoming Events

This week I will be at the annual U of O Tools of the Trade Show in Eugene, OR.

Wed. & Thursday, Nov. 6 & 7th, 10 am to 6pm
University of Oregon Main Campus Bookstore, Downstairs in the art department.

Come for a chance to win doorprizes, meet amazing artists and watch them work. There will be an amazing sale going on, and I will be there all day to answer Copic questions.

Depth of Field, Gray Outlines
Here's a drawing I was working on last year at that event. I drew the main black outlines with multiliners, then photocopied it onto nice paper. I then drew in the bunnies in the distance and the flying deck of cards with a gray multiliner.

You can see how simply drawing things with a lighter outline creates the illusion of depth of field. Notice even the largest cards, up close, I drew with a light outline. When I color the things outlined in gray, I don't use the same intensity of colors as I do on areas outlined with black.

Here is a photo of the finished piece. I really like how it came out (though this photo was taken during the event in poor light). I like how you can clearly see the important bunnies, and the ones in the distance are not as prominent.

Who knows what I will draw this year? I don't even know, so I am really looking forward to seeing what I come up with over the next few days!

Also, our new classes I mentioned yesterday are now open for enrollment! We have already had some applications, and popular classes are already starting to fill. If you want to take one of our classes at CHA, you need to apply soon!

You can find Workshop information and applications HERE on the Copic Website.

You can find Standard Certification information and applications HERE on the Copic Website.

You can find Intermediate Certification info and applications HERE on the Copic Website.

See you at CHA!!

CHA classes open this week!

Stay tuned, as we have a lot of exciting NEW classes opening this week for Winter CHA in January. There will be classes in the days before the show opens and even a class during the show, so if you are working on your education schedule, keep these times open. Registration and full class details will be posted later this week on the Copic Website. The 2014 Color & Ink Workshop Series is a little different than 2013 classes, and you can register for each section independently, no prerequisites!

All classes are held in Anaheim, CA at the Red Lion Inn, just a block away from the convention center and are NOT hosted by CHA or listed in the CHA program.

Jan. 8th 
Standard Certification, 8am - 4pm,  $120 No Prerequisites!
Artistic Mixed Media Apron class with Michelle Houghton, 5-9pm  $60 No Prerequisites!

Jan. 9th 
Intermediate Certification, 8am - 6:30pm  $199

Jan. 10th
Whimsical Faces & Hair Color Along,   8am - 1pm  $99 No Prerequisites!
Airbrushing,  2 - 6pm  $99 No Prerequisites!

Jan. 12th Alcohol Ink Painting 2pm to 5 pm $35 No Prerequisites!

Again, Registration will open later this week on the Copic site, and I will post information as soon as it opens. See you in January at CHA!

Spooktacular Giveaway!

Head on over to the Copic Blog to be entered in our Spooktacular Giveaway. Each day, one winner will be chosen to win 3 anniversary markers. At the end of the month, one lucky winner will win a set of 36 markers!  You can enter each day for more chances to win.

To enter, and to find out complete rules and information, you need to visit the Copic blog.

Good luck! Contest runs through the end of October.

Certification Classes 2013

The final Papercrafting Certification classes for 2013 are all open and accepting applications. If you've wanted to take these classes, now is your chance! Our popular locations are filling fast, so if you don't want to wait until next year, register NOW! You can find applications on our website.

Standard Certification
We welcome all skill levels! Our instructors are here to help you work out whatever coloring questions you have tricky concepts. We step you through a solid foundation of using Copic products.  You can sign up today, or e-mail with questions.

Oct. 4,  Philadelphia, PA taught by Debbie Olson 
Oct. 11, Hartford, CT taught by Cindy Lawrence
Oct. 11, Austin, TX taught by Lori Craig

Nov. 1  Ft. Lauderdale, FL taught by Cindy Lawrence
Nov. 15  Sacramento, CA taught by Debbie Olson

Intermediate  Certification Class
If you are going to a standard certification class, go ahead and register for an Intermediate Certification at the same time. All sessions are scheduled back-to-back, making travel easier. Learn how to color so that your images stand out more...more contrast, more believable colors, and more dynamic shading. We also teach you a bit about composition, helping you put your beautiful images together with paper and embellishments in a pleasing way. You know you want to attend so, register on our website now.
 
Oct. 5,  Philadelphia, PA taught by Debbie Olson 
Oct. 12, Hartford, CT taught by Cindy Lawrence
Oct. 12, Austin, TX taught by Lori Craig

Nov. 2  Ft. Lauderdale, FL taught by Cindy Lawrence
Nov. 16  Sacramento, CA taught by Debbie Olson

Color & Ink Workshops
 If you've already taken our Standard Certification class, go ahead and register for our Color & Ink Workshops. Only two locations left this year! Next year, we will be mixing up the content a bit, so register now for the cool projects in this year's class.

October 25-26th, Portland, OR taught by Sherrie Siemens & Debbie Olson

November 8-9th, Dallas, TX taught by Colleen Schaan & Cindy Lawrence
 

Rose petals

A quick comparison image today, of this simple rose I drew.

Sometimes when you are coloring flowers with deep petals, like a rose, it comes out too flat. To make the tips of the petals need to look like they are standing out, the key is contrast and a wider range of colors. Today I'll be coloring this quick rose drawing I made for the tutorial. The lighting is kinda generic, being from the front & above, so neither side will have stronger shadows.

Here is the first example. I colored the leaves with YG11, then added YG17 to darken the shading, then went back with the YG11 to blend. The white petals I shaded with B41, as I wanted a very cool-feeling white rose (many white roses have a hint of pale yellow or pink). To make the blue shadows feel even more blue, I put the compliment of blue in the background- orange. Not a strong orange, but YR21, blended with Y11.

This isn't bad, but it is very limited in depth. Sure, I went petal by petal, and added shadows that are appropriate, but it still lacks punch.

So, I started over and spent more time being careful. First, I worked on the leaves. Instead of two colors in the same natural blending group, I threw in extra colors.

 I used a base of YG11 again, but I added some Y11 over the tips to warm it up even more. Then, in the shadows, I added YG17 in streaks following the veins on the leaves. I tried to not go back and blend, as I wanted to keep the veins visible.

Next, I added G28 and G99 in the shadows, as both of those greens are grayer and cooler than the YG families. For good measure, I also really cooled the shadows down by adding hints of B37. You can't see it, but it's there. Now the leaves look a lot more dynamic.

For the petals, again, I started with the B41 that I used above, only, this time, I bended it out a little with the colorless blender. I also added extra deep shadows with BV02 and B45. I was careful to leave plenty of white. Note how my shadows are dense at the base of each petal, be it the topside or the underside of each petal. The tips are left as white as I could.

To make the tips look warmer, yet curled, I pulled in hints of Y00 on either side of where I wanted the highlights to be brightest.  Remember, warm colors feel closer, and cooler colors are good for shadows. Last, I threw in a simple background of YR21 and Y00. On my paper it almost looks neon, but scanned in it loses a lot of vibrancy.

What I want you to take away from this tutorial is that you shouldn't color an image just once. Try it multiple times, and push yourself to add more contrast or add unusual colors into the highlights or shadows. Try coloring the rose with yellow tones and having the sky in blues. Or, if it was a red rose, make the background the compliment (pale green).

Have a great week coloring!!

Art Demos this Fall

Whew! Fall has started around here, and with it comes a few local events that I am participating in.

Sept. 13 Springfield, OR:  2nd Friday Art Walk & Vendor Fair
Tomorrow, join me at the Springfield, OR, 2nd Friday Art Walk from 3 to about 7:30pm. I'll be mostly painting, but I'll have some markers there as well. I'll have original paintings and prints of my favorite Copic illustrations for sale.

Nov. 6-7 Eugene, OR: U of O Tools of the Trade  Art Supply show
I will be at the annual Tools of the Trade Show, downstairs next to the marker display, demoing Copic markers and coloring whatever fun things come to mind. Stop by and ask me questions, learn techniques, and get a great price on all your favorite art supplies during their awesome sale.

I hope to see you in person at one of these events!


Color & Ink Workshops
Have you taken one of our fun and messy Color & Ink workshops yet? We still have space in the last three sessions for 2013! Classes and projects will get switched up for 2014, so register now for this year's awesome projects!

Sept. 20-21st, Glen Allen, VA taught by Colleen Schaan & Cindy Lawrence

October 25-26th, Portland, OR taught by Sherrie Siemens & Debbie Olson

November 8-9th, Dallas, TX taught by Colleen Schaan & Cindy Lawrence

Back to School
Are you a professor at an art school? Do you use Copics in your classes? Did you know you can request official demos? We have a sponsorship request form on our website. Check it out to see if your class can qualify! 

NY Fashion Week 2013

I was doing some research this week on colors, and realized NY Fashion Week is going on now! They released a nice chart and write-up on the 2014 Spring Fashion colors, and I love color charts.

I went through the effort of matching the Spring 2014 Pantone® colors to the closest Copic colors and whipped up this fun graphic and illustration. Enjoy!

If you also want the full color report for Spring 2014 and to know how they choose colors, you can download it here.

Hero Arts and Copic Blog Giveaway

This week, if you wander over to the Hero Arts blog you will find a simple and fun airbrushing video I made for Halloween using the new Hero Arts Fall 2013 stamps and stencils.

Leave a comment for a chance to win an autographed book, markers and refill inks, and a $50 gift certificate from Hero Arts!

Then, once you've commented on the Hero Arts site, go and leave a comment on the Copic Blog for ANOTHER chance to win!! 2 sites, two prize packs...twice the giveaway fun!!

Good Luck!!

Creative Ladder new class

I just found out that over at the Creative Ladder site, this week they opened a Beginner Copic online class. You might want to go check it out!!

 CreativeLadder.com

Helpful Color Chart

Isolating Colors Chart
I hope you are having a great week! I was coloring a tutorial image for Tracing Memories outline, and I realized that a trick I use with attendees should probably be added to my blog.

An old trick artists use when they want to figure out what color something is, they isolate that color by looking through a card with a hole cut out of it. Then they can compare that one spot with the colors they are working with.

I know some people have taken their large Copic color charts and done something similar so they could identify color matches, by punching a small hole in each swatch. But, those charts are kinda small, and I don't have a long-arm small hole-punch. So, I made a special color chart that I wanted to share.

To make this easier for the class I'm working with, I created this helpful chart for 36 colors per half-page (72 colors per printout). This is set up so that you can punch the holes with a standard, single hole-punch.

To use this chart, right-click on the image and download it. Then, simply print it on your favorite marker paper and color in each rectangle with the colors you have. Write the color number next to it. Punch each hole. Then, line up the colored page with the area you are trying to color-match.

As you can see from this close-up of the dog photo, the grass is somewhere between G28 and G99. So, when I go to color, I will use a mix of those two colors. I actually want the grass a little lighter, so I threw some G24 into the picture first, then scribbled in G28 and G99.

For the lighter gray on the dog, my color guide told me that C2 is a good match. This is a really handy quick reference, especially if you have a hard time matching colors to the Copic color spectrum, or if you only have a limited range of colors and have a hard time figuring out which will match the best.

Here is the finished picture. I colored him with G24, G28, G99, YG11, YG13, YG17, G02, E33, E27, E49, 100, C2, C5, R85, and B41. instead of worrying about keeping the daisies white while coloring, I went back after I was done coloring and added them back in using Copic Opaque White. The original photo was taken by Chelsea Lowery, of her big dog, Rupert. He's such a cutie!

Certification update

Wow! Where has this Summer gone? I can't believe that August is half-over already. I need to update my blog more often. I promise to post a tutorial later this week. Meanwhile, here is a class update. There are classes this weekend that you can still get into, so don't hesitate! 

Standard Certification
This class is an overview of everything Copic. Every papercrafter who uses Copics should take this class! We have people who have never held a marker before, to experienced users in our classes. Everyone leaves with something they never knew before. These classes are not project based, but teach you standard techniques, process, and why some things are done in a certain way.

We welcome all skill levels! Our instructors are thrilled to answer your questions and help you through your tricky concepts. You can sign up today, or e-mail with questions.

Aug. 16, St. Louis, MO taught by Lori Craig
Aug. 16, Minneapolis, MN taught by Debbie Olson
Aug. 16, Portland, OR taught by Sherrie Siemens
Aug. 23, Carlsbad, CA taught by Sherrie Siemens


Sept. 6, Milwaukee, WI taught by Debbie Olson
Sept. 13, Seattle, WA taught by Sherrie Siemens
Sept. 27, Edmonton, AB taught by Sherrie Siemens


Oct.4,  Philadelphia, PA taught by Debbie Olson 
Oct. 11, Hartford, CT taught by Cindy Lawrence
Oct. 11, Austin, TX taught by Lori Craig

Intermediate Papercrafting Certification
Once you've taken the Standard Certification class, you can take the Intermediate class. All sessions are back to back, making travel easier.
Learn how to color so that your images stand out more...more contrast, more believable colors, and more dynamic shading. We also teach you a bit about composition, helping you put your beautiful images together with paper and embellishments in a pleasing way. You know you want to attend so, register on our website now.

Aug. 17, St. Louis, MO taught by Lori Craig
Aug. 17, Minneapolis, MN taught by Debbie Olson
Aug. 17, Portland, OR taught by Sherrie Siemens


 Sept. 7, Milwaukee, WI taught by Debbie Olson
Sept. 14, Seattle, WA taught by Sherrie Siemens  
Sept. 28, Edmonton, AB taught by Sherrie Siemens


Oct. 5,  Philadelphia, PA taught by Debbie Olson 
Oct. 12, Hartford, CT taught by Cindy Lawrence
Oct. 12, Austin, TX taught by Lori Craig

OK, I promise to post a fabulous tutorial later this week. If you want to leave me a comment about what you'd like a tutorial on, I'd be happy to help!

Certification class updates

Time again to update the Copic Papercrafting Certification classes available. We are just beginning to open our Fall classes, so be sure to beat the rush and register right away. Some locations fill quickly, so secure your spot now!

Standard Certification
This class is an overview of everything Copic. Every papercrafter who uses Copics should take this class! We have people who have never held a marker before, to experienced users in our classes. Everyone leaves with something they never knew before. These classes are not project based, but teach you standard techniques, process, and why some things are done in a certain way.

We welcome all skill levels! Our instructors are thrilled to answer your questions and help you through your tricky concepts. You can sign up today, or e-mail with questions.


Aug. 16, St. Louis, MO taught by Lori Craig
Aug. 16, Minneapolis, MN taught by Debbie Olson
Aug. 16, Portland, OR taught by Sherrie Siemens
Aug. 23, Carlsbad, CA taught by Sherrie Siemens


Sept. 6, Milwaukee, WI taught by Debbie Olson
Sept. 13, Seattle, WA taught by Sherrie Siemens
Sept. 27, Edmonton, AB taught by Sherrie Siemens

Intermediate Papercrafting Certification
Once you've taken the Standard Certification class, you can take the Intermediate class. All sessions are back to back, making travel easier.



I must say, the Intermediate class is my favorite! We teach you how to color so that your images stand out more...more contrast, more believable colors, and more dynamic shading. We also teach you a bit about composition, helping you put your beautiful images together with paper and embellishments in a pleasing way. So, don't delay, register on our website now.

Aug. 17, St. Louis, MO taught by Lori Craig
Aug. 17, Minneapolis, MN taught by Debbie Olson
Aug. 17, Portland, OR taught by Sherrie Siemens


 Sept. 7, Milwaukee, WI taught by Debbie Olson
Sept. 14, Seattle, WA taught by Sherrie Siemens Sept. 28, Edmonton, AB taught by Sherrie Siemens


Color and Ink Workshops
Here is your chance to get more hand's on experience with the markers. Learn fun new techniques and head home with completed projects. These small classes are a great way to hone your coloring skills, and get inky on many surfaces. Anyone who has taken one of our Standard Certification classes is welcome to register! Next year there will be totally different classes offered, so register today, as locations are limited.


Color & Ink Workshop, Chicago, IL
This weekend!! There is still time to register
 July 19-20th, taught by  Debbie Olson & Cindy Lawrence

Color & Ink Workshop, Glen Allen, VA
Newly opened! Register now before it fills!
Sept 20-21, taught by Colleen Schaan & Cindy Lawrence

Sky Tutorial continued

Finished Tree and Sky
Here is the final tree from yesterday. I colored the trunk with E33 and E29. I also threw in hints of B45 to gray it down. I also dabbed in a few spots of R22 into the leaves just for variety. You can't see it because it is subtle, but it is there.

I think I like how it came out. Now let's adapt this to another image that I will spend more time on. Remember, things far away or things in shadow are less vibrant, and tend to be cooler/bluer. If you want to learn more about this concept, take one of our Intermediate Certification classes, or register for an online class through Creative Ladder (there may a few hiccups with the launch so be patient!). By the way, if you like little hints like this, you really should also pick up a copy of the Copic Coloring Guide, Level 4: Fine Details

More Complex Tree/Sky
Let's look at another, more complex tree, with the sky colored in a similar way as yesterday. This time, both the tree and the sky are more complex. The tree again, is drawn with a 0.3 Warm Gray multiliner, on a piece of sketchbook paper.

This time, I used the BG000 with my colorless blender for clouds. Here is a link to the technique tutorial I made a few years ago for making this style of clouds. Very simple, but nice, subtle clouds.

Notice the fields in the distance, how I made sure to color those with the blue, darker farther away, and lighter blue close up. Again, I wasn't worried about going over the areas with leaves.

Here is the final complex tree. I used similar techniques to yesterday, of dotting on layers and layers of color to make the leaves. I just used a wider range of colors. The fields below the tree are all colored with Y11, it just looks farther away because of all the BG000 underneath. I did add YG11 and hints of E33 to the scrubby bushes off in the distance. Nothing high contrast.

Trunk: E33, E00, E27, E49, W5, Y11(for highlights) B41 (shadows).

Leaves: YG11, YG13, YG17, G24, G28, Y11, R22, C2, C5.

Sky: BG000, 0

Grass: Y11, YR21, E33, YG11, YG13, YG17, W1, W5 (shadows under the tree). Most of these colors I lightly flicked in with the tip of the brush. Notice the grass closest to the viewer has the most contrast, grass under the tree has a little less contrast, and the rest of the grasses just softly fade off in the distance.

Creative Ladder and simple Sky Tutorial

I am so excited!!! Creative Ladder, our new online class resource is now open for enrollment. We have two classes to start, with more on the way.

Check it out and register today!  www.creativeladder.com

Coloring sky behind trees
A quick tutorial today, as I look out at the beautiful summer sky. We have had a rather dry Summer so far, and I am starting to miss the rain. However, this is a great time to go over how to color a beautiful blue sky, peeking behind some trees.

I drew this quick little sketch of a tree with one of the new Copic Warm Gray Multiliners. I love how light and sketchy these feel- not as dark as drawing with black, or as brown as the sepia, but it also doesn't feel like I'm drawing with a pencil (The cool gray multiliners look a lot like a light, fine-line pencil sketch). We have new brown multiliners as well, so check out our website for the full range of new sizes and colors. 

This was drawn on Copic Sketchbook paper, which is the same paper you can find in our new Mini Paper Packs. 

I added my sky first by layering some B41, then I came back with BG000. What I want you to note is how the BG brightened up the whole image. Also, see that I was not very careful about the edges of the tree. I went all over the lines. This is not a big deal, because I was trying to color fast and keep my paper from getting streaks or lines in the large blue area. A little blue under my green isn't going to bug me at this point. Also, it helps with the foliage behind the trunk, as that should be a little less vibrant in my final picture anyways.

Next, I colored the leafy areas with a scribbly base of G12. In this case, I scribble fast in the center of the tree with the side of the brush. Then, I slow down around the detailed edges. I do NOT want that green to get out into the blue.

Whenever I slow down, the paper gets soaked more, so those areas will be darker. This is fine, as it is pushing that lighter blue out of the way in unwanted areas. Down by the base of the tree, do you see the plants in back? They are already darker and less vibrant than the plants in front because of the blue base.

Now, think about where you are going to have shadows. I am keeping this tree simple, so mostly my light will be from above. I actually am not too worried about shadows in this image, I just want a range of contrast on my doodle.

Next, I dabbed in G24 and G28. I kept layering, dabbing, dotting, and adjusting the tones to get the look I wanted. I am careful to leave the brown trunk alone, as that area would look strange with green undertones. Don't forget the foliage at the base of the tree as well.

Just keep dotting in colors until you are happy. To brighten up the top of the tree, I dabbed in a lot of Y11. Look at how it really warmed up the top of the tree.

Tomorrow I'll put the finished tree up for you to see how I completed it.

Meanwhile, if your really want to learn about REAL light and shadow, not just me goofing off with markers on a doodle, head on over to Creative Ladder and register for the Light and Shadow class taught by Sandy Allnock!

Copic Sponsored Workshops at Anime Expo

Happy 4th of July, and happy first day of Anime Expo!

If you are in L.A. and will be attending the convention, you are in luck! Copic is sponsoring a  bunch of incredible workshops and panels over the next few days. Here is the full list of Copic Sponsored Events:

Friday, July 5th, Workshops and Panels
Ink, Paper, and Imagination:  10:00 - 11:30am, WS1

Do you know how to ink your ideas into a manga? This class teaches how to use manga paper, light tables, screentones, and inking techniques with Copic pens. Great for people who want to draw manga by hand, no computers needed! All supplies provided. Taught by Marianne.

Manga-ka:  1:30 - 2:30 pm, LP3

Come learn what it is to be a manga artist in Japan! Hear from a panel of talented Japanese Manga-ka. Each artist will talk about their drawing process, while showing a wide variety of styles. Includes time for Q & A with each artist. Sponsored by Copic

Copic Essentials: 2:15 - 3:45 pm, WS2

From choosing paper to inking and coloring, this class gives a basic overview of how to use Copic products for creating your own manga. Learn how to pick blending colors, how to color like the pros, and see an airbrush demo. All supplies provided.
Taught by Marianne.

DIY Zombies: 5:15 - 6:30 pm, WS2

Have undead lurking in your brains? Need ideas for drawing your own withered corpses? This panel will unearth ways to bring your undead to life. The discussion will leave you crying out for brains. Drawing tools provided, zombie riot gear optional.
Taught by Marianne.

Saturday, July 6th, Workshops and PanelsRookie Manga Character Design: July 6th, 1:00 - 2:30 pm, WS2

Are you a total newbie to drawing manga characters? Come learn some quick tricks for designing your own characters. We’ll discuss basic inking techniques, proportion, heads, hair, hands, & more. Bring your ideas & questions! All supplies provided. Taught by Marianne.

Creature Creation: July 6th, 2:45 - 4:15 pm, WS2

     Industry Creature Designer Terryl Whitlatch demonstrates the creation of an imaginary creature and its place in a fantastic world, from its anatomy and appearance, to its place in story and script.

Science of Creature Design: July 6th, 4:30 - 6:00 pm, WS2

      Internationally acclaimed Creature Designer Terryl Whitlatch shares her art and experience in creating imaginary beings for Film and Animation, from Star Wars to Brave, and beyond.

Also, come by our booth for incredible savings on all the Copic Products you need. We have markers, both individual as well as sets, we have refill inks, and we have an amazing array of papers, sketchbooks, screentones, and more. We hope to see you there!

Blog Hop Winner and Anime Expo

What a week! I taught classes this week on Tracing Memories, taught a teen drawing class for the City of Eugene Library, and got all of my prep done for heading off to Anime Expo in a few days. We have online classes opening up soon through Creative Ladder.com, as well as a new beading and apron class coming to Kansas City, August 17th (You can find out full class details and apply HERE on the Copic education page).

And...I was so thrilled at how excited everyone is over the new book that Colleen and I worked so hard on!!

Before I announce the blog hop winner, I wanted to tell people about Anime Expo coming up this
week.

Anime Expo, July 4-7, 2013
Los Angeles Convention Center

Stop by the Copic Booth, located in the back with Artist's Alley. Prices will be great, and you can get personal demos throughout the entire show. We will have 3 guest Manga artists from Japan, as well as Terryl Whitlatch from the Tales of Amalthea project.

We have a full schedule of hands-on workshops and panels on July 5 & 6th. (I'll post more class details tomorrow). Stop by to get all your favorite Copic supplies and meet some amazing artists!!


Blog Hop Winner!
But, before I go to L.A., I need to share the winner for the 4th Copic Coloring Guide book blog hop!

Random.org chose #95 out of 187 possibilities for a winner. Wow!

The lucky winner is:

Ellen, who said...

Your coloring is incredible! Can't wait to get my hands on the new Copic Coloring Book! Thanks for the chance!

Ellen, I sent you a note! Please get back to me and next week when I return from the convention, I will send out your very own copy of the book!!

Copic Coloring Guide Book 4 Blog Hop

Good morning and welcome to a very special blog hop!  Colleen and I have worked really hard to create another book! the Copic Coloring Guide, Level 4: Fine Details

This book is jam-packed with uber-cool techniques that help you take your coloring from good to great!  The 64-page book is the latest in the Coloring Guide series, offering information and educational material for crafters of all skill levels.

From light source to shading and shadows, to mixing mediums and tackling detailed images, this book shows how to take your coloring up one notch further… by focusing on the fine details.  I know that I was challenged coloring some of the tutorial images, but these simple to follow directions will make the process easy for you. I know you will love it!

You can print each tutorial on your own paper and work along with the book, using the included CD of images.

I have a really neat card included in the book. This is one of my all-time favorite images I have ever drawn for papercrafting. But, it can be tricky to color. Lucky for you, to color it I used a lot of techniques that are discussed in the book. Little things that will make your image jump! The color scheme on this card is so simple and vibrant...I love it! I like simple, bold designs.

Today, each contributing designer is hopping along to give you a peak at their favorite project from the book - and a chance to WIN your own autographed copy!

To help kick off the celebration of the new book... each designer on the hop is giving away an autographed copy of the book...signed not only by Colleen and myself, but by the individual designer too (I guess if you win my copy, it will only be signed by Colleen and myself).   

Please comment on this post for your chance to win a copy for yourself!  Commenting will be closed midnight on Sunday, June 30th.  Check each individual's blog to find out winners. Please Note: winners on my blog are limited to North America, sorry! Once you comment on my  post, wander over to these other fine blogs for more chances to win. Good luck and happy hopping!

Jane Allen  

Michele Boyer 

Lori Craig

Jennifer Dove

Sharon Harnist

Melanie Holtz 

Kathy Jones 

Cindy Lawrence 

Debbie Olson 

Colleen Schaan 

Can't wait for your copy?
Copic Coloring Guide Level 4: Fine Details is now available at many stamping and scrapbooking stores. Visit your local store today and ask about availability.  It is also sold through the Annie’s catalog, accessible online at Annie's.

Commenting is now closed. Thank you to everyone who participated!