Coloring with Markers

This tutorial explains how some of the images in Dragon Shadows were colored with markers. The way that I color with markers is to lay down flat colors and keep blending to a minimum. There are other methods out there that will give you a completely different look with the same exact materials.

Pencil & Eraser - A pencil and a soft eraser for making the drawing itself. Nothing special.

Black Liquid Gel Pen - I use a gel pen for my inkings because the liquid flow keeps an even line and they are cheaper then micron pens.

Watercolor Paper - I use watercolor paper because with the way that I color, I want the ink staying put and not blending or moving around on the surface. Watercolor paper sucks the ink right up!

Prismacolor Markers - A selection of neutral (not bright) prismacolor markers. These are pretty expensive (about $2-$3 a pop!). If you don't own any and want to get a select few to practive with, I'd recommend getting a set of greys (warm, french or cool). You'll be able to complete finished looking b&w images with these markers and you won't need to buy a different color for every part. The greys are also a great place to start expanding from if you want your collection to get bigger.

First sketch in your image with pencil. Keep your lines light so that when you ink it, you'll be able to erase all of your pencil marks without tearing up your paper.

Once your sketch is completed, ink with your pen. Line value (varying the width of your lines) will add depth to your image. Remember not to throw value everywhere... put it in stategic places!

Here is your basic prismacolor marker. Note that it has 2 tips. If you're just beginning, I know that you're going to be tempted to use the little tip for everything. DON'T! Using the little tip on medium or large areas will leave streaks and you will not have a nice flat color. You'll also wear out the little end's tip. Instead, use the large end. Practice using it to cover large areas, or using it on it's side to give you a thin to medium line. The big tip can color in most anything. I even use it on most small areas simply because I'm too lazy to uncap the little end!

I'm going to start by filling in the shadows in the coat and in the pants. There is no "trick" to doing this. You have to know where you want your shadows to go. If you're unsure, in pencil, lightly sketch in areas first and then follow with the marker. When using the marker, remember to keep the marker moving. Don't let an edge that you've put down dry for too long, otherwise your "flat" color area will have streaks.

I now move a couple of shades lighter and fill in the midtones. I leave any areas that I'll want lightly black. I can't take color away, but I can always add it.

The gold trim on the coat is a place where I'll want to use the small tip. using the large tip on such a small area would probably end up leaving a lot of ink outside of the lines.

Turn the marker to get into small areas. Remember to keep that marker moving if you want to avoid streaks!

The wings follow the same basic pattern as the rest of the image. I start with the shadows and work my way up.

The finished piece. I added in a border using a ruler and a pen. When you are finished with your work you do not need to spray it. The alcohaul-based markers will not lift off the watercolor paper :)