Thursday, December 17, 2009

Exploring something new - Copic Markers

It all started a few months ago.
I saw a YouTube video tutorial showing Copic markers. Copic are alcohol-based markers used most recently by Manga artists in graphic novels, but scrapbookers and stampers have been using them for a few years now.The above doodle is my first attempt at using Copics. I used the wrong paper, but finished the piece in less than 2 hours.
If you are at all familiar with my work, you know I like to work with colored pencils and ink. However, I frequently have wanted to be able to fill in areas with saturated color without having to apply many light applications of pencil and risk burnishing too soon. Even though I work small -- tiny really -- my finished pieces took many hours.
I have another order in for more Copic markers already. I really like them!

11 comments:

Brenda LaBell said...

Wowzer Karen!! She is beautiful and in two hours, amazing!! So glad you ordered more, can't wait to see what you can do with them. I do so love your pencil drawings!!!

Brenda

In the Light of the Moon said...

What a lovely piece!!!.I always wanted to try copic markers..now I'm inspired to do so.You say you used the wrong paper..what paper were you supposed to use?Warmest Regards,Cat

Creepy Creations by Jamie Moore said...

Amazing work!!

Jamie

Lisa said...

Karen, who is she? I also am going to purchase some, maybe one at a time...and the wrong paper or no, your work is excellent!

BoneyLittleFingers said...

Thanks for the nice comments!

To answer a few questions...
the correct paper is thinner, very smooth -- color copier paper is recommended. I used a much thicker paper that absorbed a lot of marker and bled slightly. I have used the color copier paper since I posted and now I am not certain I like it all that much either. I guess it is all personal choice at this point.

I drew this from a vintage photo of Augustus Sherman's Ellis Island Portraits 1905-1920. She was simply labeled "Italian Woman".
I wanted to explore folds and fabric and liked her headpiece.

Anonymous said...

Your portrait is beautiful! Just wanted 2 see how u were and 2 wish u and yours HAPPY HOLIDAYS;)

Flora said...

Karen she really is gorgeous,I have always wondered about the markers too, you make it look so creamy smooth in the artwork.
Coloring has ALWAYS been my biggest
conundrums and I have shied away from doing it even though I would LOVE to do watercolor. Are they really worth the money?
blessings,Flora

BoneyLittleFingers said...

Flora, I am still learning how to use my Copics. So far, I like them. I have already started my Christmas card for next year using Copic. I am creating a WIP of this card, which I will share here -- eventually.

Thanks for nice comments, everyone!

Sarah Sullivan said...

Oh oh oh I love this!! I will have to give these a try!! Wow and your picture is stunning..wrong paper or not..it is beautiful!!
How are ya hon? So glad it is almost January..I feel like I have been on a hamster wheel!!
Hugs, Sarah

Lisa Lectura Creations said...

Hi Karen! She is beautiful! Happy 2010! Wishing you a year full of love and creative happiness! Thanks so much for your sweet inspiration to us all!

Hugs,
Lisa :)

Lisa Lectura Creations said...

Hi again Karen! Thanks so much for your sweet message! :)