Year: 2016

As a high school art student I LOVED fantasy art, the magic of mythical creatures as well as the intricate detail and vivid, rich colors. Imagination International, Inc. is now housing an amazing drawing program for young and old featuring some breathtaking creatures.

Artist Terryl Whitlatch created a world of amazing creatures and is sharing them with all of us.  Not only is she sharing them she is teaching us how to create them ourselves.

On the III website you can go right into Creatures of Amalthea and learn how Terryl creates her creatures, from her story lines and animal inspiration to building her creatures from the bones up. She takes into consideration the smallest details of the how and why of each animal and how they will need to be structured to not only survive but thrive in their own habitats.

I decided to give it a try and picked out one of the 12 animals, the Esquilina, then stepped through the detailed, step by step drawing steps and then tackled coloring my Esquilina in a lengthy list of Copic markers.  I want to share the progression but I am not giving all the steps or the instructions because I want you to check it out in person! HERE

Worried that you “can not draw”? First off I am not buying it, anyone can learn to draw with the right instructions, BUT Terryl even has line art of all of the Amalthea creatures, so you can print them off on your favorite Copic paper and use the steps to color them up.

Now my daughter is chomping at the bit to try one on her own too! In addition to extensive lessons on the creation process, drawing and coloring each of the 12 creatures featured. Imagination International, Inc. has created programs to go along with these lessons to be used with students in a school setting, after school programming and even week long camps.

Honestly I was thrilled to share the program having been an art educator myself and LOVED creating my Esquilina.

Thank you so much for stopping by to take a look!

Have a Happy Colorful Day!

Did you know that there is a new Copic case out there? It will carry all your Copic sketch, Ciao or Various Inks in style!

The case is a heavy plastic and aluminum exterior with a sturdy handle and 2 latches that can be locked if desired.

The interior is lined with a thin foam layer throughout and squeezes down on the plastic storage cases that fit the Sketch, Ciao, and Various Ink. They squeeze down enough that even with one smaller plastic container in the center of my carrying case I can close and latch the lid, shake the case and the Copics stay put.

The case fits the 72 marker holders perfectly! Here is a shot with 5 plastic 72 sketch marker holders. This will hold 360 sketch markers and look, I have room to spare! Most days I would not be carrying all my markers, but I can and have space for my small sketch book, a bag of Multiliners and packet of images if I want. I could even tuck an ABS-1 Air Brush in that space hmm…

Lastly it also has a shoulder strap that attaches to metal rings on the sides of the carrying case, so if you really load up you can carry the weight a little easier.

• The cases come in 4 colors
• 13.5 x 18 x 7″

For those looking for a different option for carrying all of their markers this could be a good fit. You can find them at Imagination International, Inc. and slowly now at other Copic retailers.

Have a Happy Colorful Week!