Butterfly Shadows

Introduction to Cast Shadows

This class originally ran as a Livestream in April 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 a student Q&A session at the close - questions taken live.


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.

 

Butterfly Shadows is an intermediate 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: Intermediate

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

Techniques used:

  • Flicking
  • Push & pull
  • Underpainting
  • Realistic shadows
  • Pointillism
  • Overpainting with colored pencils


Course includes:

  • Over 2 1/2 hours of video demonstration with Q&A timeouts. Work at your own pace.
  • Butterfly Shadows digital stamp in three handy formats (PNG, JPG, or quick print PDF)
  • 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.

 

Required Supplies: complete printable supply list included in class package

  • High-quality Copic friendly marker cardstock (X-Press It Blending Card or Cryogen Curious Metallic White is recommended)
  • Copic Markers
  • Technical pens - Staedtler Triplus (0.3) black, Uniball Signo Broad white or Posca Paint Pen, extra fine, white
  • Artist quality colored pencils (Prismacolor Premier colored pencils use for this project)
  • Pencil and thumb tack
  • Glassine paper
  • Mod Podge brush or Hake dusting brush.
  • Clipboard or hard surface (glass mat is recommended)
  • Drafting tape.
  • Pencil sharpener.
  • Erasers - black and white polymer, white sticky tack, Tombow Mono Zero (round).
 




We recommend these Workshops as companion classes to Butterfly Shadows:


(this class is an Intermediate skilled class)

(*click image for more information + enroll)


(this class is an Beginner Challenge skilled class)

(*click image for more information + enroll)

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.


Course Curriculum


  General Supply Info
Available in days
days after you enroll
  The Printables
Available in days
days after you enroll
  The Demonstration Videos
Available in days
days after you enroll

"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!"

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 included in the class materials. No new purchase necessary.
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].
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. Sorry, but 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.

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