Strawberry Toast

An Intermediate Independent Study in Realism

WARNING: THIS IS NOT A CLASS

Strawberry Toast is an INTERMEDIATE INDEPENDENT STUDY

Independent Studies are for more advanced colorers who are comfortable working without step-by-step instruction. At the independent level, we're working on developing your artistic instincts and intuition.

You must know how to blend and underpaint before purchasing this course.

Students will be asked to select their own colors and blending combinations (hints provided). The guidebook provides a summary of the coloring process, tips, and extensive WIP photos but there are no "copy what I do" videos to work from. Amy demonstrates several sections of the project via video but there are many parts of the project not covered. Truly advanced students are capable of intuiting a process and experimenting to create the look they want.

If you can not work on your own, please do not purchase this advanced independent study.

 

Join Amy Shulke, professional illustrator and art instructor in an education format designed to get you coloring with independence and creativity.


Move from simply coloring-along to creating unique and original art.


Use your medium of choice: marker, pencil, watercolor, pastel, charcoal, etc. Add your own ideas, style, and creative flair.

 

Are you taking coloring classes but expecting art school results?

You’re comfortable receiving the class image plus a detailed supply list. Then you follow the leader, mimicking the instructor, step by step from start to finish.

But everyone ends up with the same ho-hum instructor-approved project.

You feel good about what you’ve done, but it's a bummer that it looks exactly like everyone else's project.


Psst, art school doesn’t work this way. Art school gives you open-ended challenges and asks you to invent your own solution with your own materials, your own colors, and your own ideas.


Tutorials, watch-me demonstrations, and practice exercises can not transform you into an artist.

Art is made independently. Art is made originally. Art reflects something unique inside you. You can't make art following step-by-steps with 200 other people.

You need gentle guidance to support your transition from coloring to independence.

Strawberry Toast is an intermediate independent study


What's a study? In college and post graduate art programs across the world, students are given an assignment and just enough guidance to start the project. This allows students to develop a unique art project, personal style, and most importantly, the ability to plan a project and troubleshoot when issues arise.

If someone is always holding your hand and showing you what to do, you'll never become a true artist.

Move beyond standard coloring classes to self-determined projects in your medium of choice.

Challenge yourself to move beyond copy-cat projects towards creative freedom.

Amy gives you a complete project with lots of hints and encouragement on how to make it to the finish line. In the beginning, you can rely heavily on the videos and guidebook but we encourage you to peek less with every project.


Become the artist you were born to be, rather than a professional student.

 

Your Purchase Includes

  • Original Vanilla Arts digital stamp
  • 29 page full color guidebook with over 70 steps plus hints and tips. Book includes printable photo reference, detailed color map, value study, and a high resolution look at Amy's finished sample
  • Recorded demo-- a full demonstration of the Strawberry Toast digital image (livestream recording)
  • FOREVER ACCESS
 


We recommend The Blend and The Point as a prequels to Independent Studies

(The Blend and The Point are encouraged but not require)


The Blend:


The Point

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.


 

Frequently Asked Questions


Is this a coloring class? Will there be video instruction?
Yes... kinda. This is what we call an independent study which is close to a class but not quite. This project originally ran as a monthly lesson in the Color Wonk membership group. You are purchasing all of the materials originally provided to Wonk members including stamp, guidebook, and recorded demonstration. Unlike Amy's classes, this Strawberry Toast purchase does not include access to the Q&A group and you will not receive personalized feedback.
What skill level do I need for this kit? Is there a pre-requisite class?
Strawberry Toast is an intermediate level coloring projects. We do not cover beginner techniques such as marker blending or how to layer colored pencils. To learn these beginner skills, please see our beginner level 12 week Copic Marker course, The Blend.
Is a membership required?
No. This kit is a one time purchase and does not incklude membership in any of our monthly coloring groups.
Can I participate without joining the forum? Is this a Facebook group?
All project conversations must take place in our Marker + Pencil general forum forum. We do not accept email images and will not offer project feedback via email. The forum is a private group, exclusive to paid students of Vanilla-Workshop classes/courses. It is hosted by Amy Shulke of Vanilla Arts Co and housed on the Teachable platform. We do not use Facebook for this group.
Can I download the videos to watch offline?
Sorry but no, you must be logged into your account here at Teachable to view the videos and livestreams.
Will I get feedback on my project directly from Amy?
This is a self-directed kit with guidance from the Vanilla team. The more you support other members, the more quality feedback you can expect. We can not guarantee feedback from Amy on your project. She is active in the community, monitors content, and offers guidance when possible but her primary focus is on creating new lessons, classes, courses, free videos, newsletters, and articles.
What if I purchase the kit but find that I’m not happy with the materials?
Please contact us within 14 days of your purchse for a partial refund (purchase price - processing fees). After that, no refund is possible.

Course Curriculum


  References
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  The Printables
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  Videos:
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  S.O.S. Help
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"It's the OMG moments. That's why Amy's classes rock. She explains things that you've maybe noticed before but never thought much about. I love it!"

"At 62 years of age I have no illusions about becoming a great artist but. I am so appreciative of the change in my perception since taking classes with Amy at Vanilla Arts Co. Now I see the play of colors, the motion and the grace... It's a great way to view the world around me."

"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!"