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.
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
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
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
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 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
Course Curriculum
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StartSupply List
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StartVideo: You don't need it all today (5:46)
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StartImportant Message about Substitutions
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StartVideo: Why Prismacolor? (11:55)
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StartPrismacolor Sets
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StartThe Markers (let's not panic) (13:48)
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StartRead: PDFs, printers, tracing the images
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StartVideo: My Favorite Pencil Sharpeners (24:30)
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StartDemo: How to use the KUM Long Point Sharpener (7:36)
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StartVideo: Types of Erasers (15:35)
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StartVideo: Strathmore 300 Bristol Smooth
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StartA quick note on "Tooth"
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.