Description
Amy Shulke – Colored Pencil Plus
Colored pencils are practically perfect.
When it comes to art mediums, there isn’t anything else which approaches the easy-to-use appeal of colored pencils. And since you’ve been writing and coloring since kindergarten, there’s a very low intimidation factor to colored pencil.
But the universal appeal also has it’s downside.
Colored pencils are trendy right now which means there is a lot of bad information and terrible technique on the internet. Self-professed experts are recommending expensive pencil sets without an artist’s understanding of pigments & binders, good technique, or the needs of beginners. When you do find a reliable pencil authority, the information is usually slanted towards experienced users and advanced techniques.
Join Amy Shulke, a professional illustrator and colored pencil specialist for an in-depth look at her favorite colored pencil techniques.
Colored Pencil Plus is a unique approach to coloring with colored pencils. Amy teaches students basic techniques and color theory in an easy to understand, easy to apply method which moves beyond craft-level coloring.
Instead of focusing on “how” to color a selected stamp image, Amy shows you the “why” behind color selection, shade, layering, and depth. This provides students with the necessary knowledge and instincts to color an endless variety of images for the rest of your life.
Colored Pencil Plus is the first step towards coloring independently, in your own unique style, and with more accurate realism.
In this twelve week beginner level course, Amy covers basic colored pencil techniques and general know-how, giving students a good understanding of both how colored pencils work and how to work colored pencils.
This course is ideal for:
beginners who have colored for a few weeks, months, or years without developing real skills
intermediate colorers who feel as if they’ve missed key information about basic technique
lost colorers who feel overwhelmed by art supplies, terminology, and techniques
frustrated colorers who struggle when coloring unfamiliar images
crafters wishing to push beyond craft level coloring, to boost depth, realism, and artistry in their projects
Twelve Week Course includes:
12 weeks of coloring lessons- 30 to 60 minutes of clear technique instruction
guided coloring video for every project
mid-week supplementals to spark further thought
16 PNG digital stamps (also PDF and JPG alternate formats)
bonus supplementals and consumer information
multiple instructional handouts, designed to complement each week’s video lesson
exclusive Colored Pencil Plus Forums for instructor guidance, help, Q&A
Curriculum Overview:
colored pencil pigments- understanding the unique traits of colored pencils
pencil care and maintenance
colored pencil substrates- papers, boards, and alternative surfaces
basic pencil strokes
how to blend colored pencils without the use of solvents or oil
troubleshooting and correcting mistakes
introduction to coloring for depth
introduction to coloring for shape
introduction to coloring for balance
using colored pencil as the focus of mixed media projects
increasing your unique artistry
Always open enrollment.
We’re here when you’re ready to learn. No enrollment windows, no wait lists.
Your Instructor
Amy Shulke
Amy Shulke
Amy is a professional freelance technical illustrator with 25 years of experience in graphic arts. Amy began using colored pencils in 1985 and she started with DeSign markers in 1989. Colored pencils with a base of either marker or watercolor is her preferred process for portraiture and scientific illustration. She has a special passion for teaching crafters and shy artists to stretch their boundaries by adding established fine art techniques to their coloring projects.
Join Amy for fun and highly informative lessons which will not only change the way you color but the way you see color in the world around you.
Course Curriculum
Welcome Day
General Information & Supply Shopping List
Pencil Sharpener
FAQ
Colored Pencil Plus Forums – Please Read
Survey- You and your goals
Read: Measuring Growth
Baby Pictures: Pansy Trio
Read & Print: Workbook Pages
Eager to get started?
A Note on Video Downloads
Colored Pencils- The ing Line
Video: You Are Free (8:06)
Quick Note: Tooth
Video: Colored Pencil Production
Read & Print: Basic Info
Assignment: Opacity Chart
Recommended Publications
Lab #1- Get a Grip!
The Monday & Friday Plan
Technique Video: Get a Grip! (14:01)
Read & Print: Magic & Masking
Assignment: Pencil Control- Periwinkle
Project Printables: Periwinkle
Video Demo 1: Periwinkle (Prep Work) (12:45)
Video Demo 2: Periwinkle (Green) (45:56)
Video Demo 3; Periwinkle (Violet) (51:22)
Video Demo 4: Periwinkle (Clean Up) (4:51)
Products Mentioned
Think #1- Sharp Minds
Read & Print: Get to the Point
Learning Aid: CMY Color Wheel
Lab #2- Under Pressure
Technique Video: Out of the Box- Under Pressure (13:37)
Experiment: Pressure Levels
Read & Print: Under Pressure
Assignment: Stroke Consistency- Poppy
Project Printables: Poppy
Video Demo 1: Poppy (Green) (22:47)
Video Demo 2: Poppy (Reds) (33:51)
Video Demo 3: Poppy (Details) (12:01)
Think #2- Reality Bites
Read & Print: Our Own Worst Critics
From the Blog: Myths & Creativity
Useful Tools: Pencil Extenders
Video: Sharpening with the KUM Longpoint (3:38)
Lab #3- Glinda & Grover
Video: Near & Far (8:23)
Read & Print: Push it!
Assignment: Near & Far- Frangipani
Project Printables: Frangipani
Video Demo 1: Frangipani (leaf base) (28:01)
Video Demo 2: Frangipani (Leaf Details) (14:50)
Video Demo 3: Frangipani (Petals) (37:41)
Video Demo 4: Frangipani (Shade) (24:17)
WARNING: Water Ahead!
Think #3: Shaken, Not Stirred
Read & Print: Blending Schmending!
WARNING! Water Ahead
Lab #4- The Single Life
Technique Video: Meltdown (water media tips) (17:15)
Video Demo: 8 Paints (19:47)
Experiment: The Single Life (gradient) (10:55)
Read & Print: The Single Life
Assignment: The Single Life- Crocus
Project Printables: Crocus
Video Demo: Crocus 1 (watercolor) (29:48)
Video Demo: Crocus 2A (leaves and petals) (20:22)
Video Demo: Crocus 2B (petals continued) (27:00)
Video Demo: Crocus 2 (pencil leaves and petals) (47:23)
Video Demo: Crocus 3 (final touches) (14:34)
Think #4: Sealed with a Kiss
Read & Print: Ghostbusting
Lab #5: Rainbows
Video: Rainbow Runs (16:00)
Read & Print: Color Runs
Assignment: Hibiscus Color to Color Gradiations
Project Printables: Hibiscus
Video Demo: Hibiscus 1 (watercolor) (18:01)
Video Demo: Hibiscus 2 (leaves) (13:07)
Video Demo: Hibiscus 3 (petals) (25:33)
Video Demo: Hibiscus 4 (details) (24:05)
Think #5: The Winnowing
Read & Print: The Winnowing
Lab #6: Freedom & RSVPs
Read & Print: Layering & Reservations
Assignment: Succulent (Free Layering)
Project Printables: Succulent
Video Demo: Succulent 1 (watercolor) (20:33)
Video Demo: Succulent 2 (center petals, pencil) (21:15)
Video Demo: Succulent 3 (middle petals) (21:42)
Video Demo: Succulent 4 (outer petals) (23:36)
Video Demo: Succulent 5 (last petals) (14:44)
Video Demo: Succulent 6 (details) (14:59)
Think #6: Oopses and Mistakes
Read & Print: Big Mistakes
Lab #7: Extrovert Color
MUST WATCH VIDEO: Stop (12:41)
Video: Pseudo Blacks (5:15)
Read & Print: Extroverted Color
Assignment: Fuchsia (Using Bold Color)
Project Printables: Fuchsia
Video Demo: Fuchsia 1 (watercolor) (23:49)
Video Demo: Fuchsia 2 (leaves) (21:13)
Video Demo: Fuchsia 3 (stems & pods) (16:46)
Video Demo: Fuchsia 4 (blossom) (18:59)
Video Demo: Fuchsia 5 (details) (12:24)
Products Mentioned
Think #7: The Shunning
Read & Print: Shunning Black Pencils
Lab #8: The Shy Ones
Technique Video: Two Dogs (6:30)
Read & Print: The Shy Ones
Assignment: Lotus
Project Printables: Lotus
Video Demo: Lotus 1 (watercolor) (22:09)
Video Demo: Lotus 2 (stem and yellow) (10:41)
Video Demo: Lotus 3 (petals part one) (20:54)
Video Demo: Lotus 4 (petals part two plus details) (19:27)
Video Demo: Lotus 5 (background enhancement) (6:52)
Think #8: Tooth Fairy
Read & Print: The Last Hope?
Video: Textured Fixative In Action
Lab #9: White Knight
Video: Is it really? (11:28)
Read & Print: White Knights?
Assignment: Magnolia
Project Printables: Magnolia
Video Demo: Magnolia 1 (watercolor) (33:10)
Video Demo: Magnolia 2 (leaf, stem, stamen) (22:09)
Video Demo: Magnolia 3 (shadow, petals) (18:09)
Video Demo: Magnolia (petals and final push) (19:17)
Think #9: Bright Spots
Read & Print: Bright Spots
Touch Up Texture + Titanium White- in use
Lab #10: Freckles on a Flea
Video: Freckles on a Flea (11:24)
Read & Print: Freckles on a Flea
Assignment: Thistle
Project Printables: Thistle
Product Mentioned
Video Demo: Thistle 1 (watercolor) (17:09)
Video Demo: Thistle 2 (stem, leaves) (20:10)
Video Demo: Thistle 3 (pod) (20:00)
Video Demo: Thistle 4 (fringe, shadow) (14:05)
Think #10: Looking into the Future
Read & Print: The Future
Lab #11: An Artist’s Process
Warning: Curves Ahead
Read & Print: an Artist’s Process
Assignment: Freesia
Project Printables: Freesia
Video Demo Introduction: An Artist’s Process (19:10)
Video Demo: Freesia 1 (watercolor background) (19:58)
Video Demo: Freesia 2 (watercolor- violet) (14:48)
Video Demo: Freesia 3 (watercolor- Quin. Rose) (22:54)
Video Demo: Freesia 4 (green pencil) (15:55)
Video Demo: Freesia 5 (violet flowers 1) (20:02)
Video Demo: Freesia 6 (Violet Pencil 2) (17:55)
Video Demo: Freesia 7 (Pink Pencil 1) (18:47)
Video Demo: Freesia 8 (Pink Pencil 2) (20:35)
Video Demo: Freesia 9 (Pink Petals 3) (18:49)
Video Demo: Freesia 10 (Pink Petals 4) (19:10)
Think #11: the Clone Wars
Read & Print: Get your own style!
Lab #12: Putting it All Together
Video: Ducks in a Row (15:18)
Read & Print: Ducks in a Row
Assignment: Red Striped Rose
Project Printables: Red Striped Rose
Video Demo: Rose 1 (watercolor background) (12:25)
Video Demo: Rose 2 (watercolor petals 1) (19:29)
Video Demo: Rose 3 (watercolor petals 2) (9:49)
Video Demo: Rose 4 (green pencil 1) (11:34)
Video Demo: Rose 5 (green pencils 2) (13:44)
Video Demo: Rose 6 (pencil petals 1) (21:04)
Video Demo: Rose 7 (pencil petals 2) (19:31)
Video Demo: Rose 8 (pencil petals 3) (16:04)
Video Demo: Rose 9 (pencil petals 4) (18:59)
Video Demo: Rose 10 (pencil petals 5) (17:18)
Video Demo: Rose 11 (pencil petals 6 plus details) (18:15)
Final Exam
Read & Print: Final Exam?
Assignment: Pansy Trio (the encore)
Please Don’t Go…
Bonus Materials- Build your independent skills with these digital stamps
Digital Stamps- Bonus Images
“It’s the OMG moments. That’s why Amy’s classes rock. She explains things that you’ve maybe noticed before but never thought much about. I love it!”
“At 62 years of age I have no illusions about becoming a great artist but. I am so appreciative of the change in my perception since taking classes with Amy at Vanilla Arts Co. Now I see the play of colors, the motion and the grace… It’s a great way to view the world around me.”
“I warn people when they sign up for your classes– it’s not just coloring, it’s sooooooooo much more.”
“Thank you, Amy for your generous nature. There are many gifted people in the world but you share your gifts so freely. Your classes are wonderful and I sincerely hope that the new online project allows more and more students to fall in love with your classes.”
Required Supplies:
Printable supply list included with class purchase.
This course includes exclusive Colored Pencil Plus Forums:
Use and participation of the forums is optional, however instructor feedback is exclusively provided in the forums. Students may submit completed assignments via the designated forum for assessment and assistance. Instructor to student and student to student interaction is encouraged to maximize the feedback and support you need to improve your coloring skills.
Always open enrollment.
We’re here when you’re ready to learn. No enrollment windows, no wait lists.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the course start and finish?
Begin any time you want. The first segment is available to you on the same day you enroll. The course is spread out over 12 weeks; lessons will be opened to you every three to four days. Set your own schedule and work at your own pace. Most students work each lesson as it is released to them but there is no time limit on assignments and no pressure to complete a lesson before the next lesson is made available.
How will I know when a lesson segment has been opened for me?
Lessons open every three to four days. An automated email goes out as each segment opens to you.
Can I opt for immediate access to all class segments?
Sorry, but no. This class is deliberately rationed over twelve weeks. In my experience, handing a student too much information all at once is detrimental to the learning process. The slow release of information allows you to fully digest the class materials and to practice the assigned image more than once. Be patient. Learning requires more than enthusiasm, it also requires time.
How long do I have access to the course?
Lifetime access! After each segment opens to you, you will have unlimited access to the content for as long as you like – across any and all devices you own.
What skill level does this class require?
This class is recommended for beginner and intermediate level colorers. No drawing skills required. Some coloring experience is helpful, not necessarily with colored pencils but with any medium including markers or even watercoloring with stamp inks. Want more info? Email [email protected]
Am I required to use the Colored Pencil Plus Forums?
You are required to use the Forums to submit your projects for feedback and critique . The CP Plus Forums definitely enhance the class experience because you are interacting with fellow students who are either working on the same project you are or have completed it already and can share some of their tips! You not only learn from your instructor you learn from one another.
What kind of images will we be coloring?
This class is 100% botanical images- flowers, succulents, and greenery. To preserve the surprise for the first group of students, I keep the images under wraps until the week prior to the lesson debut. All images are high quality digital stamps that you can use in a wide variety of applications from cards to framable art.
The supply list says that Prismacolor Premier Pencils are required. Can I use a different brand?
This class uses Prismacolor Premier because I think they are the smartest investment for beginning colorers who do not yet know if they want to stick with colored pencils long term. Yes, there are other artist grade pencils available but they are more expensive and have qualities not needed by the average colorer or cardmaker. If you substitute, I would prefer that you use a wax based pencil rather than an oil based pencil (meaning Luminance rather than Polychromos). The course will cite Prismacolor names, numbers, and characteristics – if you substitute you will need to find a reliable conversion chart. Please note that not all colors are the same across lines and your brand may not make a suitable Prismacolor match. Please do not attempt to use student grade pencils including Crayola, Prang, Rose Art, Artist’s Loft, Prima, Sargent, Staedtler, and Spectrum Noir. Also not recommended: Derwent Colorsoft, Derwent Studio, or Faber-Castell Soft Lead.
What if I have a different sized set of Prismacolor Premier Pencils?
We will use many but not all of the colors in the set of 72. If you have a smaller set, you may want to purchase missing colors open stock. Each week I will post a list of pencils to be used the following week which will give you time to purchase missing colors. If you have a larger set, congratulations, you’re all set!
What is the “watermedia” for and what colors do I need?
I use watermedia as the base for developing bold and vibrant color without the use of solvents or blender pencils. Please do not stress over the watermedia, it’s technically optional and won’t be incorporated until week #3 after I’ve had a chance to fully explain it.
What if I am unhappy with the course?
I would never want you to be unhappy! If you are unsatisfied with your purchase, contact me in the first 30 days and I will give you a full refund.
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