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
Thank you Mary! You have been an inspiration to me for years! I started out with Prismacolor colored pencils, but have moved onto acrylic paint on canvas – Painting Intimate Moments of Motherhood – and loving the lessons I’ve learned from you over the years
Sincerely, Katie m. Berggren
http://www.kmberggren.com
I enjoyed reading your blog very much.
Can’t really relate to the copic markers topic since we don’t get them here in Manila. But I would just like to let you know I’ve been a great admirer of your work. Keep it up.
Hi Mary,
Thank you for sharing your experience with Copics. I’m now convinced I need to give them a try!
I love getting great advice from a “master”!
Well, now I have discovered a few new ‘toys’ to play with! Thank you for this informative article. Off to order new supplies
I loved reading about the copic markers and how you paint your art. I will be attending the CHA show in January and will make it a point to visit their booth and get a demo of the markers. They sound fabulous as are your results.
yay!!! i adore copic markers…i am so very passionate about them…i am so happy you have discovered them and are falling in love as i have!
my favorite is when one of my students has that ‘ah ha’ moment when they truly love what they can do with these incredible markers!
chelle
Thank you for sharing, Mary. I’ve been a fan of yours for a very long time. You set a fine example for other artists and illustrators. I’m going to try the Copic line;they’ve been added to my wish list.
Blessings…
After reading all of this, I ordered a Copic Multiliner .05…. I can’t wait to get home and start drawing! It is PERFECT!
Clock watching on a long Friday afternoon…
I keep hearing about the wonders of Copic markers, and would like to compliment their company for getting the word out about their product. I’m going to get in line behind all of the more experienced artists and try my hand at them eventually.
What a joy to see your creative process after so many years of adoring your work and magazine!
~Hugs
DesertNana
I just *LOVE* my Copics! We sell them, teach with and about them and then I go home and color more with them! See you in April!
Thanks for sharing your new technics involved in making your great artwork. Your the BEST!
April
Hello! I really love this post…and I love all of that beautiful calendar artwork! So happy and wonderful. Thank you so much for sharing it with us.
Love,
Amy
Thanks so much for bringing back the brighter, lighter and inspiring side of your creativeness in the new calendar… I have missed it the last couple of years! Isn’t learning something new awesome and I have no idea what Copic markers and paper are but I’m off to search it out!!! God Bless you Mrs. Mary!!!!
Hello Mary,
Own A Srapbook store in Prescott Arizona, were introduced to Copic Markers and like so many of your readers have written…..We are hooked also. Thank you for sharing techniques we all love someone whom is so willing to “share their
knowledge”. Now…no more screaming or throwing
(wink)!
Happy Fall
Darlene James
As always, your work is just darling! I too wish I was half as talented but, hopefully, my talents are some place else. Do you have an update about the magazine? I was sooo sad when I received the news. Hopefully, any day now?! I am also one who brings out ALL the old copies of your beautiful issues. (I have collected them all.) Again, hopefully any day now. Thank you!
I love the new Happiness Calendar Pics! I just realized one of the many things I miss about your magazine is the new drawing each month. I’m thankful that I kept all my issues of Home Companion.
It’s a good day when I have mail from Mary. I love your work….a real “feel good” thing and I have a “Mary” corner with all your magazines, books and a shelf reserved for your tins, which I change with the seasons and the holidays. It’s a good thing!!!
Mary,
I have admired your work for years. That you for sharing this information with us. I like to doodle… a lot, and I have some Prism markers but would like to try the Copic.
Oh how wonderful they are! I love your artwork. I have painted several pieces of furniture in your honor. When people see it they say it reminds them of you and I point them to the stack of Mary Books I have. A friend and I did a whole room that we even named Mary’s room. Thank you for making vintage clutter ok for us. We love it and appreciate your wonderful art so much!
Debbie
I am adding this about the Copic markers to my paper on you today! The new look is amazing and I love this post!
Oh, Mary! I love the “Happiness” picture! She looks like my oldest daughter–who just rearranged her room yesterday, and would be only TOO happy to see the little people emerging from a cranny carrying CAKE! We have lately been poring over the old Oct./Nov. issues of MEHC. WE MISS YOU!
My middle daughter wants to know “HOW does she draw faces so WELL?”
You inspire us all around here. Thanks!
It’s great to see your Copic marker drawings Mary. I took a class on how to use them earlier this year and I think that really help me. The 300+ colors give you endless possibilities and the fact that they are refillable makes up for the higher price.
xo
jeanne
Well on my previous comment I said I have followed for year..no, I have followed for many years. I love have, should have been I love her I have to… I need to review my comments better before hitting that button.
Mary,
I have followed your work for year! I miss the magazine so much I have your blog on the sidebar of mine just to get a fix. I have not bought any copic’s yet, but a friend of many years sells them and has taken some classes using them. I am very tempted to visit her site and get some post haste. If you need to stock up on refills she has group buys! I love have to leave the site, stampinscrapin.com. Tell her Brenda sent you. “The one she calls Lucy”
OOoh I do so love stories about’the making of..’ Thank you for sharing! (both the pictures AND the story) I too have learned something new with this post and will need to test drive copic markers. I love your work, from the quotes you pick to embellish to the zillion lil’ details you grace them with. Like books, your art is a present you can open again and again.
I love the sneak peek at the 2011 calendar and I can’t wait to get the new 2010 calendar! I have had 2 different ME wall calendars and the desk calendar every year now for about 12 years and I keep them all! Won’t they be an awesome treasure one day. I know I already treasure them! Thank you for sharing your awesome talent with us the way you do!
Cathy ♥
What is copic markers, why are they different from others?
Vicky
My son just informed me the other day that he thinks he was born in the wrong time period, and the only way to fix it, is to invent time travel. Funny thing. I wasn’t surprised by any of the conversation. When he does nail the whole time travel thing. I’ll let ya know. ;o) (p.s. I’ve seen the copic markers, but haven’t used them, must try.)
These are so beautiful, Mary! I’ve always loved your work–so fun to see that you’re still evolving and learning, too! I have 2 Copic markers–that’s it! Face & cheek colors…I want more so bad! Someday, when we strike it rich (ha!) that’s one of the top items on my wish list!
Awesome!! Thanks for sharing!!! Lovely work!!
Mary I’ve been hooked on Copic markers for the past year and I love them. Your work has always been amazing to me and anything that can help you continue with that is a great thing!
I can’t help but smile when ever I look at something you’ve created. Thank you
Mary-
You are the best! I love everything about you! PB
Card makers have been using Copics for a couple of years now, which has spurred a huge interest in them. I don’t know if Nancy told you, but Marianne Walker, Copic Product Specialist, has an excellent blog, http://www.ilikemarkers.blogspot.com.
Congrats on the new blog and so great to see your new artwork…I LOVE the one with the little people and the cake coming out of the cupboard…too, too lovely!! Thanks
Your drawings bring a needed magic into our lives. I so miss your magazine and hope you are at work getting it up and running again. Thanks for the news about these markers which I will try. Can you please tell us about what kind of paper you do your drawings on – aside from the special Copic paper.
Any technique you use is wonderful…I’ve been collecting your calendars for years…and love every bit of every one!
Mary, your artwork really makes my heart smile and feel good!!! I purchased an original piece of your art a few years back and can’t wait for the opportunity to purchase another online!! I can’t wait for the new calendar too!!
Thanks for sharing your talent with us! Cindy
I so love your work and it always make me feel good to see your drawings. How I wish that I had your talent.
Oh I think I just found my Happy new place!!! It feels sooo good to be here!!!
xoxo Laura
Oh I can’t wait to get my new calendar. I keep them all and they are my favorite Christmas presents every year.
Oh my goodness! I love the new prints especially the Happiness print. I would buy a whole set of those markers if I thought I could have half the inspiration that you must have to keep turning out pieces of art like this.
I love the purple allium ball flowers in your Happiness/window picture! Your eye for the delightful is unparalleled! Thank you for sharing some of your future work with us
Absolutely gorgeous Mary! Can’t wait!
I haven’t used the prismacolor pencils yet; but I have used the prismacolor blender pencil. I love it! Thank you for sharing your process with us! Have a great day!
Mary, I love the new artwork! My heart still leaps every time I see a new one!
So interesting to see the “behind the scenes!”
Mary,
I love it, never have we needed a calendar with
such a caring message like this one, as now!
I have always loved everything you do, but I especially like the the sweet little girl walking in the rain with the critters watching her, I live in the Pacific Northwest and we must keep that cheerfulness to help conceal our webbed feet!
Debbie~
Mary…I just love your work so much! I could have a house full of it! I’m glad you’re learning new things..it’ll all take on an even more beautiful look. Come say hi
Loved this post regarding the Copics. I, too, use the Sketch Copics and the Prismacolor pencils and love them both! You do such beautiful, meaningful work. Thanks for sharing with us!