Blue Swan

Add Life to Your Whites

Join Amy Shulke, a professional illustrator and marker enthusiast for a fun and informative coloring lesson, Vanilla Arts style!


Marker Painting is a completely different approach to coloring with markers.

Amy teaches students basic techniques and color theory based on the way artists use paint. Instead of focusing on "how" to color a selected stamp image, Amy shows you the "why" behind color selection, shade, layering, depth, and form. This provides students with the necessary knowledge to color any stamp image in their collection and every stamp they might purchase in the future.

Take your coloring to the next level-- coloring with independence, creativity, and your own unique voice.

 

Learn to color whites with big, bold, and beautiful color.

We’re used to adding shade to white objects with gray markers.

It may look dimensional but it’s also boring.

White is a magical color which adopts color from it’s surroundings. Colorful whites are easier than you think!

We’re coloring a swan with bold blues and sunshiny gold but Amy shares her secret for choosing other gorgeous combinations.


Lesson also includes an introduction to Amy’s unique water backgrounds.

Blue Swan is a challenge level demonstration


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

Challenge 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:

  • Distress background
  • Push & Pull
  • Coloring White
  • Color sculpting
  • Reading photo references
  • Overpainting with colored pencil

Course Includes:

  • Over 2 hours of video demonstration with Q&A timeouts (for the live audience). Work at your own pace.
  • Recipe guide
  • Blue Swan digital stamp in three handy formats (PNG, JPG, or quick print PDF)
  • Printable photo reference, underpainting guide, detailed color map, and full color sample

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 (Cryogen Curious Metallic White for project & X-Press It Blending Cardstock for Distress background process)
  • Distress Classic Ink (not oxide): Stormy Sky and Peeled Paint
  • Mask It Masking Film (or adhesive backed masking paper)
  • Soft rubber brayer
  • Detail scissors
  • Life Changing Brushes by Picket Fence
  • Lawn Fawn Stamp Shammy
  • Small spritzing bottle (filled with water)
  • Copic Markers
  • Artist quality colored pencils (Prismacolor Premier colored pencils use for this project)
  • Glassine paper
  • Mod Podge brush or Hake dusting brush.
  • Clipboard or hard surface (glass mat is recommended)
  • Drafting tape.
  • Pencil, pencil sharpener.
  • Erasers - black and white polymer, white sticky tack, Tombow Mono Zero (round)

 






This Workshop is the recommended Companion to Blue Swan:


(this class is an Intermediate 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.