The Point

Colored Pencil techniques for a Lifetime of coloring

 















Join Amy Shulke, professional illustrator and art instructor for an innovative approach to colored pencil technique.

Maybe you're a coloring beginner-- but odds are, you've followed a ton of free videos and you've read more than a few blogs and tutorials.


If card coloring classes worked, you'd be using colored pencils like a pro already.


It's time to put away the project-based approach to learning colored pencils. It's needlessly complicated and the results are rigged to keep you coming back for more classes.


Learn how to color like an artist -- with confidence and independent spirit



The Point is a 12 Week Colored Pencil Study


We're stripping away the distractions which come with coloring cute commercial stamps.

With the focus on developing useful colored pencil techniques rather than copy-catting a class sample, you'll master basic pencil skills faster.

AND because good pencil technique is universal, you can apply these skills to anything and everything you want to color in the future -- NO LIMITS!


Wouldn't it be nice to finally feel comfortable with a colored pencil in your hand?


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.


MORE INFO + PURCHASE HERE

 

PLEASE NOTE: THE POINT IS CURRENTLY IN BETA DEVELOPMENT PHASE.

The first students through this course help me change and improve how the lessons are presented.

This allows me the flexibility to double-back and hit concepts a second time to make sure I'm delivering lessons in the clearest, most understandable way possible.

The supply list and assignments may change based upon observations and student input.

 

The Point is for colored pencil beginners and anyone who is frustrated with with their basic pencil skills


Learn to:

Smoothly layer colored pencils without the need for useless blending stumps, stinky solvents, or wrist-killing blender pencils.

Select quality pencils and paper to match your unique needs

Control your pencil pressure for professional results

Apply pigments efficiently

Make minor corrections (and how to stop before your fixes make it worse)

Use logic + references to develop shade, shadow, and highlights

Basic color theory for realistic color sculpting

Choose unique layering combinations based on taste, realism, or the colors you have available

Simple paper tinting methods


MORE INFO + PURCHASE HERE

 

The Point is a 12 week course

New videos, tips, and techniques release gradually every week: low-pressure, high-retention.

Feedback and community support in a private course forum.


$295 for lifetime access - that's $18 per lesson!


Once enrolled, you have forever access and can work the lessons any time.

Forum and feedback slow down during late winter hiatus.



 
 

Practice Images: Sugar Cookie, Macaron, Layer Cake, Fruit Tart


Your Purchase Includes

  • 1 PDF easy-print image per month for 3 months plus bonus image
  • Assorted PDF charts and learning aids
  • PNG versions of the 4 practice images (cookie, macaron, cake, tart)
  • 40 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.


At least one segment is opened per week for a total of 14 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 Point's exclusive community forum access for discussion, assistance, and feedback. See FAQs below for more forum info.

Available IMMEDIATELY upon Enrollment:

  • Detailed supply list for smart shopping
  • 100 minutes of video instruction
  • Comprehensive product use demos and tips
  • Forum onboarding instructions & guided tour

48 Hours Later:

  • 26 minutes of video instruction
  • Organization tips & preparing an efficient work area
  • Color swatching assignment for dividing and labelling pencils


Followed by:

  • 40 minutes of video instruction
  • Easy-print PDF digital stamp plus instructions
  • Your first coloring assigment

Subsequent Weekly Releases Include:

  • PNG digital stamp images
  • 3 more easy-print PDF coloring images
  • New learning aids every week
  • Weekly video lessons
  • Bonus video lessons on key concepts, mindset, and techniques
  • Forum prompts and discussion



MORE INFO + PURCHASE HERE

THE POINT IS A MIXED MEDIA CLASS.

All Vanilla Arts classes, courses, and workshops use Marker + Colored Pencil techniques.

The Point focuses on colored pencil techniques but you will be shown how to begin with a simple base-coat of marker and add small details with acrylic pens.

As much as I love colored pencils, they are time consuming. Mixed media helps deliver amazing results with less time and effort.

If you are looking for 100% pure colored pencil instruction, I am the WRONG instructor for you.

 

Required Supplies

PLEASE NOTE: THE POINT IS CURRENTLY IN BETA DEVELOPMENT PHASE. SUPPLY LIST WILL CHANGE BASED UPON EARLY STUDENT INPUT.


For all segments:

  • Smooth coloring surface with no texture and room to move. Your desk or dining room table will be perfect IF you can keep them cleared and clean.
  • Strathmore 300 Bristol Board (yellow label), Smooth finish (not vellum)
  • Laser printer or Copic-safe ink jet model (you can trace but it's time intensive and frustratingly finicky)
  • 9 colors of alcohol marker (any brand, see link below for colors)
  • Prismacolor Premier Soft Core colored pencils (NO SUBSTITUTIONS), about 30 specific colors but we recommend a large boxed set (150 is best but 72 + Amy's key colors will work)


See master supply list here but wait for specfic instructions INSIDE the course before purchase.

* supply shopping lists above contain affiliate links to trusted retailers

MORE INFO + PURCHASE HERE

 

Classes you may want to take during or after The Point:

(click image to see class info page)


Flutterby - A MarkerBeginner's Introduction to Push & Pull for Depth



The Blend - The companion course to The Point. A similar focus on Copic Markers



Put your new Marker + Pencil skills to use with monthly intermediate level projects

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.


This course is closed for enrollment.

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 colored pencil or alcohol marker before but it's also great for those with some experience, and anyone who is unsure or unconfident about their colored pencil skills. There is no pre-requisite for this course.
Is this a monthly subscription or membership? Will you bill me on a regular basis?
This is absolutely NOT a monthly subscription. There will be no future billings.
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?
This course does not include personalized feedback. I visit the forum often and comment when possible on a few projects when I can but The Point was designed to be more self-sufficient than my previous 12 week intensive courses. I have several very kind and highly qualified forum administrators who comment in their own free time and I also encourage the community to offer support and opinion. We promptly answer all technical questions and calls for help. Help always takes top priority!
Forum Information
Our students-only discussion forum for The Point is housed here at Teachable and is directly accessible from your class menu. This is a safe and secure forum which does not monitor our content or sell your information. WE ARE NOT ON FACEBOOK. Please see the "Day 1: Forum Info" section inside the course for more details on how participate in the forum.
Can I participate in The Point without joining the forum?
You're automatically enrolled in the forum upon purchase but your level of participation is completely up to you. I will say, a 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 in the dedicated forum. My forum administrators are all very qualified to answer your questions and my assistant is happy to help with technology issues.
Can I use other brands of colored pencils?
I'll be honest, I use Prismacolors because of their amazing color selection and there are about 2 dozen colors Prismacolor makes that you won't find anywhere else. I care deeply about student success and I've never found another pencil brand which beats Prismacolor for ease of learning and price. Many of my pencil techniques are unlikely to work with a similar color from another pencil brand and we often use specific colors for their transparency rather than their actual color. My last point is that I'm a Prismacolor expert, not an every-brand expert. If you're paying for my expertise, why would you handcuff yourself to a pencil brand which doesn't work for my lessons? Final warning: I absolutely do not offer feedback on projects which do not use the required supplies.
Can I substitute other Prismacolor pencil 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 Prismacolor pencils to make good substitutions. Not all Prismacolors 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 pencils-- colors I use every day. We use colors favored by Prismacolor artists worldwide. Watch the video and see how I'm using the pencil before deciding whether to 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 14 day money back guarantee. Please contact us within 14 days at [email protected] to start the refund process minus a processing fee. 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 associated forum.
Can I download the videos to watch offline?
Sorry but no, you must be paid in full and logged into your account here at Teachable to view the videos and livestreams.

Course Curriculum


  COURSE MOVE: MUST READ!
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  Welcome
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  Supply Details
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  Forum, Feedback, and First Assignment
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  Organization & Exploration
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  Baby Photo
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  Grip & Pressure
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  Macaron 1: Paint by Number
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  Macaron 2: Pressure & Value
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  Macaron 3: Magic
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  Mac 4: Realism
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About The Blend, the course which serves as the model for The Point:

"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!"

Another happy Blend Student:

"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."

From a Vanilla Arts veteran:

"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."

The Point is a 12 week course

New videos, tips, and techniques release gradually every week: low-pressure, high-retention.

Feedback and community support in a private course forum.


$295 for lifetime access - that's $18 per lesson!


Once enrolled, you have forever access and can work the lessons any time.

Forum and feedback slow down during late winter hiatus.