Posted on

Shading Objects and Creating Depth with Copic Workshops

The Copic Papercraft Team get’s asked frequently, “What is that Vintage Values and Mono Tones class all about? I really don’t do vintage images and don’t want to color things mono tone so why would I take the class?”

Well here is the answer!

When the Copic team designed the Vintage Values and Mono Tones class we were listening to YOU! We take the public’s input very seriously when we design our classes and one of the most frequent requests is for information on creating consistent light source and shadows on objects. Once an artist discovers the magic of Copic and figures out the basics of blending the colors they are ready to tackle shading and shadowing, but where to start?

Enter Vintage Values and Mono Tones!

Blov Vintage

This class is all about using shading to create that three dimensional look we are all trying to achieve. We start class with a quick discussion of why tackle mono tone images, how it will help, and how to begin looking for that illusive light source.

We practice creating a consistent light source on a variety of images, creating a cheat sheet we can come back to later.

We move on to color 4 images from start to finish, creating rich depth and contrast with a limited color palette to really hit home the concept of consistent, strong light on an object.

blog 4

This past year and a half this class has been the unsung hero of our teaching schedule. We have more light bulbs going off and more “ahh ha” moments in this class then in any other we teach. They value the information received in workshop weekends, and they leave feeling much more confident with creating shape and depth on a wide variety of images.

A side bonus of the class is our exploration of the incredible range of Earth Tones! Who knew that the Copic Earth Tones had such breadth of color…well we did and we are crazy excited to be spreading a new love and appreciation for this large color family!

E

We still have several locations this year where the Vintage Values and Mono Tones class will be visiting and there will even be some lucky locations in 2017 that still have the opportunity to catch this information packed class. Check out the remaining 2016 schedule HERE and come join us!

Posted on

Manga Comics Anyone? Yes You!

So if you are a Copic fan you might know what Manga is:

MANGA
(ˈmaNGɡə/)
noun
 a style of Japanese comic books and graphic novels, typically aimed at adults as well as children.
Not necessarily your style? I beg to differ! Imagination International, Inc. has an amazing Manga program called iiiAcademy and it is for EVERYONE. The iiiAcademy is in comic book style and they even teach you how to read them!
how_to_read_v2
Then each “comic” or episode tackles another Manga issue, and here is the best part, the lessons are completely applicable to anyone learning to work with Copic markers, inks, and other products carried by III.
How about a lesson on which paper to use?
m1_e3_desktop_5&6_v2
Or possibly how to refill your markers?
 m1_e9_desktop_3&4
Of course there are several lessons about how to color with Copic markers. I was particularly excited to see a few drawing lessons as well!
 m1_e5_desktop_p1&2
There are even a few free line images you can print and color to try your new skills on. And as a bonus there are short Japanese lessons you can download with each episode as well. You don’t need to read Japanese do not worry! This is really just a fun addition.
Screen Shot 2016-06-28 at 7.38.15 PM
This is another piece of Imagination International, Inc. just screaming to be explored. My daughter and I are both excited to do more learning and playing with Copic!
So I have not tried anything of my own creation yet but figured I might as well color one of the downloadable line art images!
blog iii Academy 2 Blog iii academy

 Come check out iiiAcademy, I know you will LOVE it!

iiia_transparent2

 

Posted on

And the Winner is!

Well we had a bucket full of wonderful Copic friends send me an e-mail with answers to the 6 questions I asked!

Blog hop win2

My beautiful daughter Sara did the honors, I shook and held the bucket above my head (she is just about as tall as me, Yikes) and look who she pulled out…

blog hop win1

Barbara Nies!

You are the lucky winner of a Copic Coloring Workshop! (sorry for the misspelling on the paper :-o) I have passed your name and e-mail onto Nancy so she knows who our winner is. Either she or myself will contact you with details on how to register for your free Copic Coloring Workshop.

Congratulations!!

Posted on 7 Comments

Copic Blog Hop

Welcome to a Start of Summer Copic Blog Hop!

As summer get’s into full swing our Copic teaching team will take a short break from teaching to focus on refueling their creative juices and preparing classes for the Fall season and brand new classes for 2017.

But as we hit pause on teaching, we are ramping up for the fall season of Copic Workshops, More Whimsical Faces and Hair, Vintage Values and Mono Tones, and Dress For Success: Clothing and Accessories! All three of the workshops will be taught at all 9 of the following locations this fall.

Registration is NOW open for these three locations:

Chicago, IL August 19th-20th

Dallas, TX  August 26th-27th

Edmonton, AB August 26th-27th

The rest of the fall classes will be opening soon so make sure to register to get e-mail notifications so you will be the first to know when classes are open in your area.

https://imaginationinternationalinc.com

(Sign up at the bottom of the page)

Upcoming Copic Workshops will be held in:

Charlotte, NC September 9th-10th

Las Vegas, NV September 23rd-24th

Sacramento, CA September 23-24th

Boston, MA October 14th-15th

Hanover, MD October 14th-15th

Portland, OR October 14th-15th

To celebrate all this Copic coloring goodness we are hopping through our Copic instructors and friends AND have a prize worthy of hopping!

A FREE WORKSHOP CLASS FOR THE 2017 SEASON

One lucky winner will win a pass to attend a single Copic Coloring Workshop class in the US or Canada in the 2017 season. ***(We will not be offering an alternative prize for those living outside the US or Canada. You are welcome to participate, but be aware that the prize will be for a class in the US or Canada in the 2017 year)***

So how do you win?

You will need to answer the 6 questions at the bottom of this post! There is a question related to each of our bloggers today so you will have to check them all out! Then send a quick e-mail to ME with your answers. Go to the upper right corner of my blog and hit the little envelope icon, this will get an e-mail directly to me.

Include your name, and e-mail address with your 6 answers so I can make sure to get the prize to the right person!

Those who have all 6 questions answered correctly will be entered into the drawing to win the Copic Coloring Workshop. E-mails must be received no later then Midnight Eastern time, Saturday, June 25.

How about a little Copic Love for this blog hop? This is what I have been working on recently, lots of color studies for the photo tutorials over at Copic In the Craft room! Did you know that I create a new video and photo tutorial that are available free to everyone at the Copic In The Craft Room Facebook page? Here are some quick peeks into some of the art I have created for the photo color comparisons.

blue allGall

E

Every week I have compares all the natural blending groups in one Copic color family. I have a few more weeks left and I will have them all covered.

On the video front we have really focused in on simple shading with natural blending groups and even one marker shading. Here is a pile of a few of those as well.

blog hop

All right enough already, you ready to win a class? Here are the 6 questions:

  1. What is Debbie’s Olson’s favorite thing to sketch and color?
  2. What is Michele Boyer’s favorite use for her colorless blender?
  3. What technique does Lori Craig share on her blog today?
  4. What is one of Cindy Lawerence’s favorite ways to fill her backgrounds with Copic color?
  5. What is Sharon Harnist’s favorite Copic color?
  6. Besides my blog where do I (Michelle Houghton) post LOTS of Copic information?

To find all the answers hop to all the other blogs and e-mail your answers to me by hitting the little envelope in the upper right corner of my blog.

Debbie Olson at: http://debbiedesigns.typepad.com

Michelle Boyer at: http://papercuts.blogs.splitcoaststampers.com/2016/06/20/welcome-to-a-start-of-summer-copic-blog-hop/

Lori Craig at: http://loricraig.blogs.splitcoaststampers.com

Cindy Lawerence at: http://onehappystamper.typepad.com

Sharon Harnist at: http://www.paperfections.com

Michelle Houghton at – hey you are already here!

Good Luck and Have a Happy Colorful Day!

Posted on

Copic T-Shirt Winners

Happy Monday friends!

I had 5 of you come through and check in on my post last Monday about our wonderful Copic Workshops. All of you will be getting a t-shirt! 4 of you were on other lists but I will send you all instructions so you make sure to know how to get your Copic t-shirts. If you do not hear from me and do not get contacted let me know and we will get it all sorted out.

Congrats Tammy, Sheri, Lisa, Claire and Michelle and thanks for stopping by!