Photorealism

Coloring Myths: Underpainting makes everything look realistic (Copic Markers, Colored Pencil)

Coloring Myths: Underpainting makes everything look realistic (Copic Markers, Colored Pencil)

I’m thrilled that underpainting is finally catching on.

But I do worry that people are overdoing the underpaint.

Underpaint shading is not a one-size-fits-all technique.

Today, let’s look at where underpaint shading works best and more importantly, when underpainted shade can damage your realistic coloring.

Coloring Myths: Is Realistic Coloring Just a Copy of a Photograph? (Copic Markers, Colored Pencil)

Coloring Myths: Is Realistic Coloring Just a Copy of a Photograph? (Copic Markers, Colored Pencil)

You want to try realistic coloring…

But honestly, the fear of trying to copy a photo reference is stopping you. All that detail? And trying to match the colors exactly?

It sounds stressful, not fun.

Today, let’s look at why you may be overestimating the difficulty of realism…

Photorealistic Coloring: "Lemonade" & "Cherry Danish" Expansion Tutorial Kits (Colored Pencil Magazine)

Photorealistic Coloring: "Lemonade" & "Cherry Danish" Expansion Tutorial Kits (Colored Pencil Magazine)

Each month CP Magazine features a different artist with a step by step tutorial plus line drawing and photo references. They’re a great way to experiment with new genres of pencil art, to see how other artists work, and to try their style or process to see if it works for you. The only downside to these great tutorials is they’re limited to 8 steps. For my articles, I had to edit out many important details!

Now I’m finally able to offer the expanded versions of my tutorials here.

Box of Colors: What Comes After Copic Marker Coloring Classes? Artistry & Independence

Box of Colors: What Comes After Copic Marker Coloring Classes? Artistry & Independence

After all the Copic Marker and colored pencil classes… after all the tutorials, articles, and skill building projects…

You’ve learned how to color beautiful projects with skill.

What comes next?

Box of Colors. It’s time to become an artist…