Simple Steps for Realism: Marker + Colored Pencil

Realistic Coloring

Oct 17

Written By Amy Shulke

Heard the myth that “real” artists only draw or color from their imagination? To color with realism, look at something real! My latest free video shares how to use references for more realistic adult coloring projects. | VanillaArts.com

ADD MORE REALISM TO YOUR NEXT MARKER PROJECT

It makes me so sad!

A couple times a week, I read a post in some marker related sketch or coloring group

“I only work from my imagination!”

As if this is something to brag about? Let me say this as bluntly as possible… and I’m sorry for any flying shrapnel you may encounter:

The “no photo references” myth PREVENTS you from developing as an artist

Want to make coloring with depth or dimension harder?

Then don’t use a reference.

Want to make drawing and sketching harder?

Then don’t use a reference.

Enjoy struggling to select colors for every project?

Then keep on not-using photo references.

Today, let me show you how and why professional artists use references plus how to incorporate references into your coloring process.

*“Candy Corn”. Copic Marker + Prismacolor Colored Pencil on Strathmore 300 Bistol Smooth. 6 × 6” by the author, Amy Shulke.*

WATCH: SIMPLE STEPS TO REALISTIC COLORING

(project supply list at end of this article)

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TRICK OR TREAT!

Nothing says Halloween more than candy corn.

If you’re like me, your candy corn harvest goes straight into the trash… but still— I can’t deny, this stuff is so stinkin’ cute. Who wouldn’t want to color these happy little kernels?

Candy Corn is an intermediate level digital stamp, now available at my line art site, Sketch-Garden.com

PURCHASE INCLUDES FULL SUPPLY LIST FOR EACH CANDY COLOR

Watch me color candy corn in the video, then color your own using my style and supplies or develop your own unique twist.

Candy Corn digital stamp comes in two line colors: black lined version for easy coloring and disappearing gray lines for realism.

“Candy Corn”. Adult coloring digital stamps for realism with alcohol markers, colored pencil. | Sketch-Garden.com

Purchase CANDY CORN STAMP here

FREE PHOTO REFERENCE

I’m not an amazing photographer.

But I don’t have to be. Because we’re not trying to duplicate the photo exactly, our references don’t have to be framable art.

I snapped this quick pic with my phone, then used it as inspiration for the initial sketch and coloring the Candy Corn digital stamp featured in today’s video.