Coloring with Copics:Tomatoes

I actually remembered to keep the camera next to me while I colored in an image. So I thought it would be a great time to share some step by steps on coloring with Copics.

Don't these tomatoes look yummy? Just off the vine, with that sun kissed glow. MMMMMMM...MMMMMMM.

This is a cute set by Ginak called Summer Harvest. The stamp is one single tomato. So after I inked it up with Memento ink and stamped it in the center of my paper I also created a mask. I placed the mask over the center tomato and then stamped 2 more.

Paper really matters when you are coloring with Copic markers. I recommend that you try several different ones until you find one that works best with your style of coloring.

The first thing I did was put down a good layer of Y11. Making sure to really cover the area evenly. Then I added some YR61. I think that it's important to remember when you are coloring something in that the object is not flat but dimensional. Often it picks up colors from its surroundings. Try to use more colors when you work, not less. (Unless you are trying to make it purposely look flat, color book.)

Now I begin to add contrast to my illustration. I start adding YR16. Wow, did I just scribble like a 2nd grader? Why yes!

I'm going to be blending and blending and blending. Eventually all the layers will be nice and even so it's okay if the YR16 is not covering the surface nice and neat.

I'm going to go over the YR16 with the Y11 and the YR61 several times until I am satisfied with the look.

Now I've really lost it! I'm adding a deeper color, R17. Remember that depending on the paper you work with, and in my case I like the ink to bleed a bit, the colors will meld together. By applying the Alcohol marker over top of an area that has already been colored you are re-activating it and you will be able to make it "bleed" again. This is a good thing. That's how the colors meld together so evenly. And why you need to stay away from clay coated card stocks. The colors stay on the surface of the paper.

I begin to blend the red into the YR16 by using the YR16 over top of the R17. I prefer to use my chisel tip when I blend colors that are more intense like the red I'm using. I'm able to really scrub the areas of color together. Copic markers will not cause the paper to pill like watercolors do. So don't worry. Scrub away! (Do try to stay away from the edges of the image. Remember, depending on how absorbent your paper is, the ink from the marker could bleed over to the outside of the line.) Also, I go back in and feather red up into the areas (you can see this in the tomato on the left of the picture.) I will go back over this and soften the lines.

I'm almost done! I now go back over the yellow highlights working the marker back into the darker areas, plus I also added YR16 to help the areas not get too light. Between the last and this picture of the tomatoes you can see that there are no longer any lines left where the different markers have met. You have to have patience and let the markers work for you and blend over areas. Stopping to see how they are progressing before you add more marker.

For the leaves I used YG00 and YG63. First I color in all the leaves and stems using the lighter colors then I add the shadows with the darker green.

I like to work from light to dark blending with the lighter marker over top of the darker color. The Ciaos are wonderful for beginners because all the colors are chosen so that they blend really well together and most are a couple of digits apart. You really don't have to think about it working, it will.

I go back over the darker areas of the leaves once everything is blending to give them more definition.

I hope you enjoyed my tips and tutorial. Remember, practice, practice and more practice.

Stamps: GinaK "Summer Harvest"

Ink:  Memento Black
Cardstock: SU!, Mat packs
Accessories: Faux Pearls
Tools:  Scallop Square punch (for the corners)
Copic Markers:Y11,YR61, YR16, R17, YG00, YG63

Comments

[Peggy Maier]

SO pretty, Asela! The gingham paper really sets off the image!

[cathy tidwell]

Ohhh so yummy looking!! Excellent tutorial Asela! These look like you can pick them right off your card, lol! So makes me want my plants to GROW!

[Gabriela (Gabi With An Eye)]

A+ on the tutorial and another A+ on the exquisite blending. I adore your tomato card.

[Lynette]

Awesome card!! Thanks for sharing the step-by-step pictures of your coloring. I would love to just sit and watch you for a few hours:)

[inkerbelle]

What a beautiful step-by-step tutorial, Asela. This almost wants me want to get the copics, LOL.
Thanks for sharing and enjoy a very Happy Birthday!!

[Lynn Mercurio]

Holy tomato...this is fantastic. What a wonderful step by step guide to the perfect tomato!

[Sharri]

Asela, Beautiful! The tomatoes look good enough to eat! Thank you for the tutorial! I am off to practice, practice practice!

[Debbie S.]

Fantastic tutorial and lovely card. The colors you used are stunning.

[-mary]

Asela, you have truly mastered the Copics! Those tomatoes look good enough to eat - yum.

I think I'm a day late but wanted to wish you a Happy Birthday and Happy Anniversary. I hope you did something fun and exciting.

-mary

[Angie]

This was really beautiful and informative. I'm going to have to get the courage to try may markers. Thank you for sharing.

[Michele]

Gorgeous!!! Love the mini lesson here!!!! You always do such great work!

[Joan B]

gorgeous, as always!

[Etha]

ohhhh these look just delicious :) love the glow!

[Leonie Castro]

Love the tutorial, wish it was on video too!