A. Use the different tips of the marker for different line weights. Each marker has a different nib that can create different lines. Experiment and Enjoy!
B. Work from light to dark
C. When you begin a rendering, start with a very light value. Draw fast and light to define your shape and volumes. I like to use the lightest value of my color palette that I can.
D. Then keep getting darker by either layering the same color over. Keep in mind that different effects can be created by stroking perpendicular to the line underneath or by mimicking the same stroke.
E. You can add more defined details with Prismacolor colored pencils on top of the marker.
F. Add highlights by leaving areas blank (negative) or by using a white highlight paint marker after you have finished your rendering.
G. Also, a good tip is to do a light line drawing out of graphite pencil and photocopy it. Use the photocopies to experiment with colors. I do this often to decide which color paint, carpeting and fabric work best together before I buy them for a client.
H. Remember that color will change as it dries so I like to make a reference or color palate sheet before I start and I always use a larger sheet of paper. I use the outside borders to experiment be for laying the color on the paper. When I am finished with my rendering I trim off the edges.
I. You can place a lighter color marker on top of a darker one...it creates a nice effect, a fun combination is a layer of Prismacolor Premier Art Marker in Warm Black (PM-97) with Canary (PM-19) over that.
J. Blending and shading
- a. You can apply the same color over itself to create a darker shade.
- b. Lay down a color of similar or equal value next to a previously applied color before it dries will allow the marker colors to bleed into each other. For a flawless blended application, use the Prismacolor Colorless Blender marker over the area.
- c. Color the back side of a pencil outline rendering on vellum with Prismacolor Premium Double Ended Art Marker and then add the shadow and highlights on the front side of the vellum with colored pencil and art marker.
- d. When you are going over a color that has already dried on the paper, avoid dark lines by stroking perpendicular to the previously laid down line.
- e. Practice these techniques. Just like a musician needs to practice scales their entire career. A great marker artist continues to practice and experiment with Prismacolor Premier Art markers to fine tune and create new and refined looks.
