Iced Coffee
Reading Complex Photo References
This class originally ran as a Livestream in October 2021. 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 an introduction video with the opening of the class and a student Q&A session at the close.
Then in a series of demonstration videos, students will practice coloring the Iced Coffee image. Instruction includes all elements, the cast shadowing, underpainting base markering, and pencil details. A total of over 3 hours of demonstration video.
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.
It sounds so simple, let’s color gorgeous swirls of cream in a glass of iced coffee…
until you look at the photo reference and realize those swirls are harder than anything you’ve ever colored before.
Photo references can be intimidating, especially if you’re new to realistic coloring.
Join Amy for a fun yet challenging lesson on how to read photo references to capture the most important details while simplifying the minor details.
This concept will help you move beyond tedious coloring, relaxing into an artistic style that’s more intuitive and less exacting.
Iced Coffee is an intermediate 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 Challenge
We do not recommend this course for first time Vanilla students.
Techniques Used:
- Distress Ink background process
- Reading complex photo references
- Transparent glass technique
- Push & Pull
- 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
- Iced Coffee 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 Cardstock used for this project)
- Distress Classic Ink (not oxide): Worn Lipstick and Mustard Seed
- 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 were used 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)
These workshops are recommended companion classes for Iced Coffee
(this class is an intermediate challenge skill class)
(*click image for more information + enroll)
(this class is an advance skills class)
(*click image for more information + enroll)
(this class is an advance skills class)
(*click image for more information + enroll)
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.
"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!"