The Blend

Beginner Blends for a Lifetime of coloring

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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!

 
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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

 
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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 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.


Get started now!



Frequently Asked Questions


What skill level do I need for this group? Is there a pre-requisite class?
This is a beginner level coloring class. It is suitable for those who have never touched a Copic Marker, those with some marker experience, and anyone who is unsure or unconfident about their blending skills. There is no pre-requisite for this course.
Is this a monthly subscription or membership? Will you bill me on a regular basis?
No, this is not a monthly subscription. After you purchase the course, there will be no future billings. At this time, we plan to release four unique editions of The Blend. Each is a separate purchase.
What is included in the weekly materials?
Please see above for the items available immediately versus those which will be released in later weeks.
How long do I have access to the course materials? Can I keep the downloads?
You have forever access to all course materials. Please note that "forever" really means until I die or retire, whichever comes first. You may keep the downloads for personal use. See the Terms of Use PDF inside the Printables section of the course for legal info.
What if I can’t keep up with the weekly assignments?
Relax, you have forever access to the course materials. There is no rush! Work at your own pace, take vacations, handle family emergencies, and feed the kids when they're hungry. Do the assignments as you have time. There is no prize for finishing first or even by week 12. I'd rather you slowly digest the materials because you'll understand them deeper and remember them longer.
Will I get feedback on my projects directly from Amy?
I visit the forum as often as I can and make comments when possible. For The Blend projects, I can not guarantee feedback from me personally on the projects you post. I have several very kind and highly qualified forum administrators but I also encourage the community to offer support and opinions. Remember, my time is limited but I will pop in when I can be of help, when I see something which needs to be addressed, or when a detailed answer will benefit the entire community.
Forum Information
Our students-only discussion forum for The Blend is housed on Mighty Networks, a safe and secure site which does not monitor our content or sell your information. WE ARE NOT ON FACEBOOK. Because the forum is not here at Teachable, admission to the forum is not automatic on purchase. Please see the Forum Info section inside the course for more details on how to apply for access.
Can I participate in The Blend without joining the forum?
You can but lack of participation limits your growth potential. Please note, due to the high volume of email I receive, I do not have the ability to offer project feedback or answer coloring related questions via email. All communications must take place on the dedicated private forum. My forum administrators are all very qualified to answer your coloring questions and my assistant is happy to help with technology issues.
Can I use other brands of markers?
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 Copic brush nib... but if you are willing to match my colors to your brand and promise not to complain when your markers don't work as well, go for it. Keep in mind that I absolutely will not troubleshoot problems you encounter with other brands because I won't be able to test your blends myself. Remember, I'm a Copic expert, not an every-brand expert.
Can I substitute other Copic Marker colors for those on the supply list?
This is a beginner course and to be honest, at this point, you probably don't know enough about Copic Markers to make good substitutions. Not all Copics behave the same and two similar colors can create very different effects. Every substitution adds another hurdle between you and learning proper blending technique. Relax, my supply list is designed to use extremely versatile markers, combinations favored by Copic fans worldwide. Watch the video and see how I'm using the marker before deciding to purchase or substitute.
Is this class suitable for children or teenagers?
This course is designed for adults, not children or young teenagers. I speak in the videos at an adult level and I assume the audience has basic adult skills and life experience. Plus, I've been known to accidentally say humorous things I wouldn't want your child to repeat at the dinner table. We're not vulgar or obscene but this is an adult environment. Please do not purchase this course for anyone under 16 years old.
What if I am unhappy with the course?
We follow Teachable's 30 day money back guarantee. Please contact us within 30 days at [email protected] to start the refund process. Due to the digital nature of this course and the Teachable control panels, absolutely no refunds are possible beyond the 30 day mark. NO EXCEPTIONS. Note: A refund is essentially withdrawing from the course. You will lose access to the course panel, course materials, and associated forum.
Should I take Marker Painting Foundations or The Blend? Which is best for me?
Marker Painting Foundations focuses on a fine arts approach to coloring or "painting" with markers. MPF lessons introduce the blending technique but quickly move beyond this to color sculpting shapes for realism. The Blend is strictly focused on learning or improving your blending process. We have a comparison page here: https://www.vanillaarts.com/blend-vs-mpf

Course Curriculum


  General Information
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  Digital Stamps (Not for use during the course)
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  Ladybug 1 - Natural Blending
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  Ladybug 2 - Creative Blending
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  Ladybug 3 - Confident Blending
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  Ladybug 4 - Underpainting
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  Interlude 1: Refill Your Markers
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  Interlude 2: Copic Numbering System
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  Ice Cream Treat 1: Efficient Natural Blending (The Blend Zone)
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  Ice Cream Treat 2: Efficient Creative Blending
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  Ice Cream Treat 3: Confident Blending with Speed
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  Ice Cream Treat 4: Underpaint Blend Choices
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  Oak Leaf 1: Analogous Rebel Blending
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  Oak Leaf 2: Texture Over Blending
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  Oak Leaf 3: Underpaint and Overpaint
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  Oak Leaf 4: Rebel Blending for Realism
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  Vanilla Arts Company- More Information
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  S.O.S. Help
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"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."

 
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