Prismacolor Markers Rendering Techniques
- A line drawing in pencil provides a guide for where to place color.Patrick Ryan/Lifesize/Getty Images
Step 1: Draw an image lightly in pencil on watercolor or sketching paper. This provides a framework for where the color will be placed. Do not outline the drawing in black marker or pen, as the color will bleed when other colors are added. - The first layer of color is light, followed by layers of darker colors.Ciaran Griffin/Lifesize/Getty Images
Step 2: Color a smooth, flat layer of the lightest base color available using the medium-size pen tip applied in smooth, circular motions. Let this layer dry before adding more pigmentation. - Step 3: Layer shadows over the light base coat with the same color marker. The second layer will show up darker. Allow layers to dry before adding more pigmentation in darker shades of the base color for increased depth.
- Step 4: Blend colors with a Prismacolor clear blending marker, or use a light-colored marker such as pale gray. Dip the light gray marker nib into diluting spirits before applying it to paper. The blending marker does not need to be dipped in the spirits.
- Step 5: Highlight areas of the drawing with white and black Prismacolor pencils to draw out depth and highlights. Additional highlights that pop are applied with white gouache and a fine-tip paintbrush.
