Ciao Copic readers! In our previous blog, we wrapped up our final sketching exercise by using our Copic Multiliner pens to create plein air sketches in our travel journals (check it out here). Today, we’ll begin coloring our travel journals by starting with one of our two different cover designs: the Venetian cover. And with that, let’s take a look at the template below and get started!
If you've been following along with this blog series, you’ll remember that back in July, we shared a step-by-step guide on how to design and draw two different travel journal covers. The above template is the final drawing of the Venice design, where the artist had a specific trip to Italy in mind when making their cover. While the black and white drawing does look nice, it’s time to add some color to this scene!
Using two different Sketch 6 pc sets, the Earth Essentials and the Bold Primaries, the artist begins the coloring process by coloring the sky with B41 and the water with B45. While it is very popular when using markers to fill in areas using flat layers of color, the artist chose to use an unconventional method of coloring the sky: stippling! This technique requires more time and patience because you’re filling in a large area by using only dots. However, the results are unique and worth the little bit of strain on your wrist (quite literally flexing your artist muscles)!
When coloring the water, the artist again used the Super Brush nib, coloring horizontally, matching the motion of the water with soft wavy strokes. The artist also added two layers of B45 to darken the water to create depth. The result of this first step sets the mood for a bright daytime scene.
The natural next step is to start adding color to the buildings. Beginning with E34 and E39 from the Earth Essentials set, the artist scatters this color combination throughout the scene, trying not to have two buildings “touch” using these same two colors. The next combination to be added is Y13 and Y17, again from the Earth Essentials set, scattered about the city-scape. Next up, bright Y15 is used from the Bold Primaries set, strategically placed on both the front and back sides of the journal.
Finally, reds and blues are added to the remaining buildings and rooftops, almost coloring the entire scene. Only a few details within the city-scape are left to be colored, as well as the “Venice” label.
Notice how, during this step, the artist went back and forth between colors and layers, using darker colors such as E29 to blend with E39 and E34 for all of the brown rooftops, for example. Using the Super Brush nib, it’s easy to create soft gradations by flicking the color downward and lifting the nib as you swipe it. Then, layering on top of the darker color, add the lighter tone. This is especially helpful when the darker color is still wet/has been applied within the past five minutes or less.
If you are new to using Copic alcohol markers, we recommend practicing this technique using this template! Color blending is much easier to accomplish in smaller areas, especially when you’re just getting started.
The next step is to add color to the remaining areas that were left blank from the previous step and to create contrast by adding more layers of the same or different colors. Some of the rooftops, for example, are darkened by another layer of E29, while the rooftop that was colored with B28 was layered with R29, resulting in a new dark purple color.
Additionally, the “flicking” coloring technique (using the Super Brush nib) was used again throughout the composition to create shadows for each building, making both their rooflines and entire structure distinct from each other. This shading technique was also used for each building along the waterline.
Last but not least, the artist chose to use B41, B45 and B29 to color in the city of Venice label. The artist chose blues to tie in with the water and sky and to further represent this magnificent city built on water.
The final step to bring your cover to life is to cut it out and fold it down the middle! Since this entire cover was colored using Sketch alcohol markers, the ink will be seen on the backside of the paper, but notice that it did not bleed through onto the artist’s desk. This is thanks to the paper the artist chose, Neenah Bright White Premium Cardstock 65 lb. paper. This mid-weight paper is perfect for Copic alcohol markers; the colors blend well together, it allows for multiple layers in one area, it can also handle Copic acrea and Multiliner pens effortlessly, it runs through a home printer with ease and it’s thin enough that it’s able to fold in half evenly. This simple cardstock is a workhorse and we recommend it for illustrators, crafters, cardmakers, designers, and anyone using Copic products!
And with that, we wrap up today’s blog! To give this lesson a try yourself, download the above template here from our line art gallery and print it on a sheet of smooth cardstock suitable for Copic alcohol markers. As previously mentioned, we recommend Neenah Bright White Premium Cardstock 65 lb. paper, which was used in this blog. Another great paper for coloring with Copic markers is the Premium Bond paper found in all Copic Sketchbooks! Then, using the Earth Essentials and Bold Primaries sets, or any other Sketch sets you would like, color the line art of this vibrant city!
In our next blog, we’ll be showing you how to color a general travel journal cover design using the same two Sketch 6pc sets. Until then, don’t forget to follow us across our social media channels @copic_official_us, and sign up for exclusive discounts and prizes by joining the Copic Club! One last thing - use #copicwithus or tag us @copic_official_us for a chance to have your drawings or workspace featured on our Copic US social media channels.
Thank you so much for reading and enjoying Copic markers as much as we do! 😀
