Spring Rain

An Introduction to Negative Painting

This class originally ran as a Livestream in May 2020. It was filmed live and unscripted.

This is a different style of presentation than the normal Marker Painting Workshops. Amy speaks live and off-the-cuff, so this is a more conversational and less formal feeling class. Includes an introduction video with the opening of the class and a student Q&A session at the close.


Then in a series of demonstration videos, students will practice coloring the Spring Rain image. Instruction includes all elements, the cast shadowing, underpainting base markering, and pencil details. Over 2 1/2 hours of demonstration video.


Join Amy Shulke, a professional illustrator and marker enthusiast for a live coloring demonstration. Real coloring in real time.

Are you ready for realistic coloring?

Online video classes are not real, at least not real in the way you assume.

The projects are planned months in advance. The lessons are tested and simplified. The demonstration is rehearsed. The footage is shot multiple times and edited for clarity. The script is….well, it’s a script!

Everything about an online art class is designed to make the project look easy and amazing.

But that's not how real art works

Vanilla Livestream breaks the production barrier, giving you a real look into the real time artistic process.

 

If you've ever dreamed of coloring with freedom and flair, this is the ticket to artistry.

We're celebrating the shape instead of the object with an introduction to negative painting.

Too often we get trapped into coloring "leaves" and "flower petals" which leads to the same old boring leaves and flower petals. This lesson will force you out of your comfort zone.

This is marker painting at its finest, more of a watercolor approach than you’ve ever experienced before. We’re not blending, we’re splashing color to create dynamic artistry.


You’ll never look at flower petals the same way again.

Spring Rain is an advance level demonstration


We welcome colorers of many levels at Vanilla Arts, but basic marker painting techniques are not covered in this class.

Advanced classes assume you’ve mastered basic techniques and are ready for independent work using artistic skills. Read more about Vanilla skill levels here.


Skill Level: Advanced

We do not recommend this course for first time Vanilla students.

Techniques used:

  • Flicking
  • Push & Pull
  • Underpainting
  • Splash technique
  • Technical pen detail
  • Overpainting with colored pencils.


Course Includes:

  • Over 2 1/2 hours of video demonstration with Q&A timeouts (for the live audience). Work at your own pace.
  • Recipe guide
  • Printable photo reference, underpainting guide, detailed color map, and full color sample

Please note: Q&A session was for students who attended the live session

WARNING:


Basic computer skills are required to access class materials.

If you struggle with websites, video players, downloads, printing digital files, and communicating in discussion forums, this course may not be right for you.

We recommend that you try our FREE More Than Luck course to get a feel for how our site works and the type of computer skills you'll need to make the most of your learning experience here.

 

PLEASE NOTE:

The digi stamp is a separate purchase from PowerPoppy.com and is not included in the class materials.

Hellebores is the digital stamp used for this class.

Required Supplies: printable supply list included in class package

  • High-quality Copic-friendly marker cardstock (Cryogen Curious Metallic White is highly recommended)
  • Copic Markers
  • 0 Colorless Blender Solution (small refill preferred for better control)
  • Tim Holtz Waterbrush, detail tip, filled with Copic 0 Colorless Blender (must be new, never had water in it)
  • Technical pen - Posca Paint Pen, Extra Fine, White
  • Artist quality colored pencils (Prismacolor Premier recommended)
  • Mod Podge or Hake dusting brush
  • Acrylic clipboard, glass mat or hard surface and drafting tape to secure your project to the surface
  • Pencil, pencil sharpener
  • Erasers - black and white polymer, white sticky tack, Tombow Mono Zero Eraser (round)
 




We recommend these workshops as companion classes to Spring Rain:



(this class is an Intermediate skilled class)

(this class is an Intermediate skilled class)

Your Instructor


Amy Shulke
Amy Shulke

Amy is a professional freelance technical illustrator with 25 years of experience in graphic arts. Amy began using colored pencils in 1985 and she started with DeSign markers in 1989. Colored pencils with a base of either marker or watercolor is her preferred process for portraiture and scientific illustration. She has a special passion for teaching crafters and shy artists to stretch their boundaries by adding established fine art techniques to their coloring projects.

Join Amy for fun and highly informative lessons which will not only change the way you color but the way you see color in the world around you.


"OMGosh! This was so much fun! This has such a watercolor feel, which I just love. Thanks Amy! Fun project!!"

~Lynne H.

"I haven’t colored a Livestream in some time. This one spoke to me for the “artist” look and feel to it. I created a gorgeous Copic splash background and totally lost the image on the front. So I decided to just go rouge and use a combination of Distress Ink and Copic."

~Kathy FS.

"I just love the things I'm learning and can't wait to start the next project. Your images are challenging for me and I like that. I'll never look at another image and how to color it the same again!"

Frequently Asked Questions


When does the course start and finish?
Immediately! As soon as you're through the registration and payment processes, the class material will be automatically opened for you.
How much of the course will I have access to? Do you stagger the release of information?
This course is 100% FULL ACCESS from the moment you join. Work at your own pace and take as much time as you want to complete the lesson.
How long do I have access to the course?
Anytime access! You have unlimited access to the content - across any and all devices you own.
Is the digital stamp included or do I have to purchase it elsewhere?
The digital stamp is not included in the class materials. Purchase can be made at PowerPoppy.com, digital stamp is the preferred form.
What if I'm missing markers or supplies from the required list?
I'm very liberal about supply substitutions BUT please understand that not all markers and pencils behave the same way, even if the colors are very similar. Every substitution you make will change the look of your finished project and the more substitutions you make, the harder your project will be to complete. If you are missing a color and want advice on alternatives, email [email protected] for further info.
What if I use a different brand of marker?
I'll be honest, I use Copic because of their brush nib. I've yet to find another maker brand with nibs as springy and juicy. I would suggest that some of my techniques are unlikely to work well without a brush nib... but if you've got other markers and are willing to match my colors to your brand, GO FOR IT. However, keep in mind that I won't be much help troubleshooting any problems you encounter because I won't be able to test your blends myself.
What if I am unhappy with the course?
If you are unsatisfied with your purchase, contact me in the first 14 days for a full refund minus processing fees. Due to the digital nature of this course, absolutely no refunds are possible beyond the 14 day mark. NO EXCEPTIONS. Note: A refund withdraws you completely from the course. You will lose access to the course panel, course materials, and any associated forum or group.