Coloring Blog by Päivi

An exciting background with lines

Monday 11/28/16 time 3:36 PM

In this example the background has been hatched with alcohol pens. This requires only three different colors. Colors blend nicely on paper and new shades will form.

This technique was originated by accident, when I planned to color the background in turquoise, but the ink was just about to end.

Then I just drew lines as long as that ink lasted, and the rest of the background I hatched with other colors.

This style is especially suitable for a big, blank background, and the result is very impressive. You can create different kind of moods and depth perceptions, depending on the direction of the lines.

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Pens: Touchfive markers
Book: Mental Images vol 1

How to use alcohol markers to make your coloring look like a painting

Monday 11/28/16 time 3:31 PM

Using alcohol markers you can quickly and easily make your coloring look like a painting. Use neighboring tones and spread the colors in layers.

There are only two different shades in the cherry blossom petals here - pink and lilac. Here is how it is done:

1. Color the parts of the flower closest to its center with a darker tone. Then color the small areas at end of the petals with a lighter tone.

2. Color the petals entirely with the lighter tone.

3. Make a couple of layers of different sizes close to the flower's center. Finalize with a touch of the darker tone.

Be sure to let the previous phase to dry before continuing.

The background of the flying fish image was colored with neighboring tones. Coloring strokes were made parallel to the droplets. Shades were colored overlapping, so that the tones mingle softly.

Pens: Touchfive, Promarker and Finecolour markers
Book: Mental Images vol 1

Vivid background with circle technique

Monday 11/28/16 time 2:48 PM

Coloring a large area with alcohol marker might get very boring and irritating. Here is a technique to make it fun!

I did a background full of green circles, using just one color. Let the circles dry before drawing the next one. Thus, where the circles overlap, beautiful and soft darker shades will show.

The end result is nice and vibrant, and best of all, the coloring is relaxing when you do not have to worry about the color drying out.

The cherry blossom picture I made with same technique but I used three different colors.

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Pens: Touchfive and Finecolour alcohol markers
Book: Mental Images vol 1