It’s so exciting to learn something new, especially about things you thought you already knew backwards and forwards. I met Nancy Wethington at a For Keepsakes event where I gave a little talk after dinner. She asked if we ever used Copic markers and I told her they were my newest obsession since they came in such wonderful colors. I used them in the same way I had always used markers— to color in big areas of flat color, so that I could then go in and get more detail with colored pencils. Nancy said there were ways to use Copic markers that might make that not so necessary and that she was certified to teach us all about it! She came to our studio the other day and spilled all the secrets and it was really fun! We practiced on special Copic paper that is made especially for the markers and the colors really looked bright and clear and seemed to blend seamlessly on it.
I particularly liked the way I was able to do skin color with them— sometimes when I go over marker with pencil on faces it gets kind of muddy-looking if I’m not careful. And they are fantastic for sky and water and large areas of green grass and trees, which are a SERIOUS pain in the neck to do with pencil. If you take the time to use the Sketch markers correctly on large areas—in a slow, circular motion— you will end up with virtually no marker lines, which in my business are worse than visible panty lines and must be avoided at all costs. I’m sure many of you have read somewhere how I usually do my drawings, but for those of you who don’t know— first I draw them in pencil. This is my favorite part but also the most frustrating, since it NEVER goes the way I want it to at first. I have learned not to scream and throw things anymore, though, because now I know to wait and see what happens— the drawing eventually turns into what it wants to look like. When the pencil drawing is finished down to the last detail, I outline everything in a very thin permanent marker, my favorite being the Copic Multiliner in 0.05. Then I color it in with markers, lately doing it in the new way described above, and then I go over the whole thing with colored pencils. I use Berol Prismacolors almost exclusively, and lately I have started using their watercolor pencils to shade faces because then I can blend the colors evenly with the Copic colorless blender. I know this sounds like a big, fat ad for Copic, and they did send me a set of their Sketch markers to try, but I really do love them. And I LOVE learning a new way to do things. I’ve been doing this so long it’s nice to break out of the rut after all this time.
These are some drawings I’m working on for the 2011 calendar, called “All The Happiness You Can Handle”. I’m using all my new marker-knowledge on them, although I still use the pencils to get small details. Coloring the details is so relaxing to me— I’ve always loved that part because that’s when I see the drawing start to really come alive. But now even coloring in the big areas is fun because I learned such new, easy techniques from Nancy. Turns out you actually CAN teach an old dog new tricks! Now I just need to find someone who will spill their secrets about how to time travel so I never have to see the inside of an airport or plane again and then my life will be fairly perfect.
Here’s a picture of our 2010 calendar “Take Good Care”, available now at our website and wherever calendars are sold. Sure, it’s done the old-fashioned way, but it’s still good!
~Mary
I agree do what you love. There is a signature (not ME) about your stuff that the trained eye can pick up anywhere. I love the books. From there I craft your designs in fabric, felt, as gifts, for the Christmas tree and that let’s me think of something creative bouncing off your lovely drawings. Down here in Miami, Fl Michael’s is where I see much of ME stuff and TJmaxx or Ross. Walmart used to carry the fabric, the rest I get online and MEstore. So while I love the small gift store idea, I’m afraid may not see your adorable stuff. Draw Your “Thang” girl.
Thank you for all of your calendars. I think I have every one you have done and look forward to the new one each year. I like to doodle and draw and am going to go get and try the copic markers. As always – Thank you for how you enrich my life. (Even the parents of my students know I love your artwork.)
Dear Mary,
It’s always make me happy to see your woderful works.
I am a fan of your work and just love to hear your favorite art supplies and technique. It’s a ture sign of an artist who is not affraid to share.
I love Caran D’ache pencils and neocolors ever since I first encountered them in the first grade 40 years ago.
I thank you for the generosity of your spirit and the joy your work brings to my home.
With love,
Amie
The colors are so pretty. Have you ever tried the colored pencils or markers on a gourd? I’d love to know how they work (before I invest in them)
I was a charter subscriber to two wonderful magazines, MEHC and Cottage Living. I loved them both! I think Cottage Living folded its tents first. When I first was notified by a little postcard that it was ceasing publication, I said aloud, “NO!!!” I LOVED that magazine; it truly spoke to me in every way. I still miss it. When I was offered Southern Living in its stead, it was simply a poor substitute. Ditto when MEHC was axed, and I got the truly awful Martha Stewart mag. Very sad the effects of our economy on these publications. I remember thinking, well, there’s still Country Home — and then that, too, folded!! Truly sad. I suppose the only positive side of it is the money I’ve saved no longer buying magazines! (There is still one hold-out, Country Living. So far….) It was a delight to have MEHC and Cottage Living arrive in my mailbox, and I mourn them as I do a dear friend. Fortunately, I have my saved back issues of these periodical gems. Thank you, Mary, for your delightful art! Keep scribbling!
Have loved your artwork since, well – forever and Copics for the last 3 years. The Best Markers I’ve EVER used!!
Mary – I am desperately looking for your 2010 family planner calendar – is there not one out there this year? The one where you can list names on the left hand side…. . I just love your work!
Hi Mary,
I’ve been following your art for a long time. Thanks for sharing your techniques.
I’m one of those grandmothers who retired from another field and went back to college to study fine arts(to my childrens amazement). My youngest just went off to college last semester and I’m planning my art studio in my spare time.
Not sure what is on the horizon for magazines in general.
So glad you’re staying in touch with the blog!
Thanks again for the tips,
LeAnn
Mary, I admire your work so much. Every detail has some of your soul on it. I love it… but the biggest prize you could give me was this caledar that matches perfectly with my “caring for everything” heart. I hope u continue with these “caring” products.
From Mexico Fernanda
So how can learn to use these markers? Is there a book? A class she gives? Would love to learn. You are an inspiration, I love you!
Rita
http://www.lullabybabe.com
Ouuu I always look forward to buying a new calender…..
I am so excited to get a sneek peek!
Thank you bunches,
Hugz,
Dolly
P.S. come visit my cherry sweet blog!
OOOOWEEE! I know what is going on my Christmas wish list! Thank you Mary!
Amber
I ordered 2 sets of the multi-liners (.03-1.0 –7 pens). Brought back memories of the first set of Rapidograph pens I owned… and these are so much better! Love them! Drawings scan beautifully!
Wondering if Mary has to turn the phone off when she’s drawing… I was concentrating so hard on my work, about jumped out of my skin when the phone rang… yup, it showed up in the drawing! hahaa!
So glad to have discovered Copic… and I haven’t even explored the world of COLOR they have to offer!
Oh thank you for the info on the Copic Markers. I’m excited to go out and buy them to try for myself. I have followed your artwork for years Mary. Your quotes and calendars have always been my favorite. They keep me smiling just because!
Curious… does Mary ever respond to comments?
HI MARY, THIS IS GRANDMA LULU AND I AM YOUR BIGGEST FAN!! I MISS YOUR MAG. SOOO MUCH!! IS THERE ANY HOPE? I’LL BE WATCHING. P.S. I HAVE A MARY ROOM!LOVE LULU
The work that you do is wonderful.
Oh Mary, you continue to be my muse.