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!

Creative Ladder is here!

I am so excited!! For the last few years, we here at Imagination International - Copic have been brainstorming, researching, and working on ways to bring you all our awesome ideas as new classes. But it can be tricky teaching live classes, and traveling around means we miss so many people. Now, with CreativeLadder.com, you can find a class that fits into YOUR schedule, WHEREVER you live (that's right! Anyone can register from anywhere around the world!).  There will be some Copic classes, but there will also be many other creative classes that expose you to different techniques, mediums, and styles.






So, no matter where you are on your personal ladder of creativity, let us give you a step up to discover new skills and take you to new creative heights. Don't be afraid! The view just gets better, the higher you climb :)

Classes go live in Mid-July. New classes will be added as we go, so keep checking back for more offerings. Stop by today and sign up for the newsletter, so you will be the first to know about all the happenings.

CreativeLadder.com

Visit the site today to meet some of the awesome teachers, find out what great classes are being offered, and get ready to climb your own Creative Ladder!

Curiouser and curiouser...

Excitement lurks ahead.

Stay tuned or sign up to get in on the know by visiting the site www.creativeladder.com

When the truth comes out, you'll be happy you stepped onto the Creative Ladder.