WARNING: The Blend is a beginner level introduction to Copic Marker blending technique.
This study does not teach the full process for realistic or artistic coloring.
For our comprehensive 12 week artistic coloring courses, please see Marker Painting Foundations and Colored Pencil Plus.
Join Amy Shulke, professional illustrator and art instructor for an innovative approach to learning Copic Marker blending technique.
Maybe you're a complete Copic beginner-- but odds are, you've taken more than one marker class. You've watched lots of free coloring videos and you've read more than a few blogs and tutorials.
If beginner coloring lessons worked, you'd be blending like a pro already.
It's time to put away the project-based approach to learning Copic Markers. It's needlessly complicated and the results are rigged to keep you coming back for more classes.
Learn how to blend like an artist -- with confidence and independent spirit
The Blend is a 12 Week Study
We're stripping away the distractions which come with coloring cute but deceptively complicated commercial stamps.
With the focus on developing technique rather than copy-catting the class sample, you'll master basic blending skills faster and understand blending at the core level.
Wouldn't it be nice to not worry about blending anymore?
Amy guides you through the complete blending process with comprehensive demonstrations filled with tons of tips, tricks, and technique break-downs.
Class images target specific skills without frustration. Repetition builds confidence, allowing you to master each new blending challenge. Every lesson encourages independent thought and creativity.
The Blend is for Copic beginners and anyone who is frustrated with blending
Learn to:
Smoothly blend Copic Markers using flick, swish, fence, and blending strokes
Select quality materials for best results
Control your marker strokes for neat & tidy results
Apply ink efficiently
Basic marker care & maintenance
Make minor corrections (and how to tell when fixing will make it look worse)
Choose unique blending combinations based on taste, realism, or the colors you have available
Simple underpainting methods
Determine stroke directionality
Apply shade correctly for dimension
Simple color sculpting
Apply easy highlights using fool-proof tools
Should you take Marker Painting Foundations or The Blend? A comparison here.
The Blend is a 12 week course
New videos, tips, and techniques every week plus feedback and community support
$170 for lifetime access - that's $14 per lesson!
Practice Images: Ladybug, Ice Cream Treat, Oak Leaf
Your Purchase Includes
- 1 PDF easy-print image per month for 3 months (four projects per page)
- 1 PDF easy-print learning aid (four items per page)
- PNG versions of the 3 practice images (ladybug, ice cream bar, oak leaf)
- 22 video lessons (each 20 to 60 minutes long)
- Skills build on top of each other weekly, slow learning for maximum growth and deep understanding
PLEASE NOTE: Lessons are released gradually to allow adequate practice time for each concept. Slow learning is better learning.
One segment is opened per week for a total of 12 weeks. New skills are added on top of the previous lesson for maximum growth, confidence, and long-term memory building.
Your purchase includes membership in The Blend's exclusive community forum access for discussion, assistance, and feedback. See FAQs below for more forum info.
Available IMMEDIATELY Upon Enrollment:
- Ladybug PDF easy-print coloring image
- Ladybug PDF easy-print learning aids and photo reference
- Expanded supply info and instructions
- Forum onboarding instructions *see FAQs below for forum info
- Introductory video (11 minutes)
- Video lesson #1 (23 minutes)
Subsequent Weekly Releases Include:
- PNG files for digital stamp images
- Easy-print PDF coloring images for months 2 and 3
- Easy-print PDF learning aids for months 2 and 3
- Weekly video lessons
- Bonus video lessons on key concepts, mindset, and techniques
- Forum prompts and discussion
Required Supplies:
For all segments:
- Acrylic clipboard, glass craft surface, or other non-porous coloring surface (discussed in first video)
- X-Press It Blending Card (no substitutions)
- Laser printer or Copic-safe ink jet model (I do not recommend tracing images for this course
Link to Ladybug supply list* here.
Link to Ice Cream Treat supply list* here.
Link to Oak Leaf supply list* here
* supply shopping lists above contain affiliate links to trusted retailers
Classes you may want to take during or after The Blend:
(click image to see class info page)
Flutterby - A Beginner's Introduction to Push & Pull for Depth
Oopsie Daisy - A Beginner's Introduction to the Flick Stroke
Coloring Basics, Flick Stroke - 2 Instructors Share Personal Tips & Tricks
Coloring Basics, Blending Technique - 2 Instructors Share Personal Tips & Tricks
Your Instructor
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.
Get started now!
Frequently Asked Questions
"The Blend course has been a joy for me and what a great beginning for my journey to really understanding the principles. Amy, you have been the perfect teacher for me. When I bought my first Copic Markers, I signed up for several workshops. Unfortunately, they never provided the information necessary to optimize the markers. This class is truly the place to start learning how to effectively use Copic Markers. Now, thanks to your 'spot on' teaching methods, I'm excited to have begun what I know will be an amazing journey!"
"The Blend was very challenging and rewarding. I learned a ton. This was my first art class since the early 80's and Amy is a top notch educator for sure. My wife is a retired teacher and I was a teacher for a short period of time. I felt the the instruction was second to none."
"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."