Colored Pencils Plus: Markers and Colored Pencils

Course Curriculum

Lesson Description

This module is an engaging mixed-media lesson that teaches artists how to combine alcohol-based markers and colored pencils to create a vibrant still life of strawberries. This module demonstrates how markers can be used as a strong underpainting to quickly establish color and value, while colored pencils are applied on top to refine details, enhance texture, and add depth. The result is a richly layered piece that captures both the bold color and delicate surface quality of strawberries.

Understanding the Mixed-Media Process

The lesson begins by explaining the rationale behind this mixed-media approach. Alcohol-based markers provide smooth, saturated color foundations that cover large areas evenly and dry quickly. Colored pencils, with their ability to layer and blend subtly, are used afterward to refine texture, introduce fine detail, and enhance value transitions. Students learn how to select complementary colors for both markers and pencils to create a unified and harmonious final piece.

Blocking in Color with Markers

Students begin the artwork by sketching a light outline of the strawberries and their arrangement. Once the composition is established, alcohol-based markers are used to block in the main colors and values. At this stage, attention is given to identifying light sources, shadows, and the varied tones that make each strawberry appear three-dimensional. Bold marker application quickly establishes a colorful underpainting that sets the stage for more refined work.

Preparing for Colored Pencils

After the marker layer is complete and fully dry, the class transitions to colored pencil application. Students learn how to work sensitively over the marker base without damaging the paper’s surface. This section of the lesson includes advice on layering pressure, choosing pencil colors that enrich rather than dull the marker tones, and using pencils to blend and soften edges where desired.

Adding Texture and Detail

With the foundation in place, students use colored pencils to build texture and detail in the strawberries. The lesson highlights techniques for suggesting seeds, surface variation, subtle highlights, and soft gradients of color. Colored pencils allow for gradual refinement, making it possible to enhance areas of contrast and emphasize the natural texture of each strawberry’s skin.

Refining Values and Enhancing Depth

As the drawing nears completion, focus shifts to unifying values, strengthening shadows, and enhancing highlights. Students learn how to adjust contrasts to improve depth and guide the viewer’s eye. By the end of this module, artists will have a polished still life of strawberries and a practical understanding of how to combine alcohol-based markers with colored pencils for vibrant, detailed artwork.

Specific Lessons

Lesson 1 - Materials and Sketch

In this lesson, we explore the materials and surface that will be used and create the sketch of the strawberries with a pencil.

Lesson 2 - Markers - Part 1

In this lesson, we begin applications of alcohol-based markers which will serve as an underpainting for colored pencil applications.

Lesson 3 - Markers - Part 2

In this lesson, we complete applications of alcohol-based markers and finish our underpainting.

Lesson 4 - Colored Pencils - Part 1

In this lesson, we begin with colored pencil applications, adding details to the starwberries.

Lesson 5 - Colored Pencils - Part 2

In this lesson, we complete the drawing and add highlights with white gouache.

Lesson Materials

• Marker Paper
• HB Graphite Pencil
• Prismacolor Premiere Colored Pencils
• Alcohol-based Markers
• White Gouache

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Lesson Resources

References

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