Have you ever been asked to ‘colour in’ a stamped image and not known where to start? What ink should you use? Which pens? How do you blend?! The list of questions goes on and on, and we’ve answered them all. With some help, of course. From mixing shades to adding highlights, our experts are on hand with their alcohol markers to walk you through it. So grab a pen and get colouring!
1. LEARN HOW TO BLEND WITH ALBERTO GAVA
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• When colouring with alcohol markers I usually choose three pens for each colour. I start with the darkest one, then blend with the medium and at the end I finish with the lightest • If you have a large space, use more than three markers for each colour so you can add extra dimension to bigger areas • Always swatch your markers before using them and don’t trust the colour on the cap. The caps are made from plastic and are never 100% the true colour of the marker • If you like high-contrast images, then you can use different colouring mediums to create shadows or highlights. I use a black pencil to add dark shadows to my colourings and a white gel pen to apply highlights.
2. LESLEY OMAN'S TOP TIPS
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• Using small circles where you overlap your colours and shades will help you to create a nice blend • For fur and hair, you can use flicking motions with your markers to create a more textured look • Greys are your friend. For areas where you want something to look white, use light greys instead to create some shading • If you don’t have a dark tone of your chosen colour, simply blend it with a dark grey – it will really make your image pop! Plus, using a few strokes of grey marker behind your motif to create a ground will really anchor your design and make it stand out.
3. KITTY DAY'S EXPERT ADVICE
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• When it comes to colouring in your stamped motifs, I recommend building it up step-by-step. Remember, you can always add colour, but it can’t be removed, so only add a small amount to begin with • As well as a gradual approach, use your darker hues on the outer edges of your motifs to help with seamless shading • Achieving good blending and shading isn’t all about which colours you use, but how you apply that colour. Adjust the pressure you apply to your alcohol markers for a perfect blend.
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