Tonal sketching imitates a natural play of color, using light tone markers to provide an outline later defined using the finer edged sketch or ciao markers. Beginning with a base outline in a light color matching the undertone of the subject, medium-dark colors are layered to create visual depth. Light and dark colors produce highlights mimicking the natural play of shadows on the subject. As a finishing touch, fine lines are accentuated with the brush end of the Copic marker.
Color blending is one of the primary assets of Copic markers. The transparency of the color allows for not only shading but the creation of custom colors. To aid in selecting the proper colors to establish seamless color blending, Copic categorizes colors in blending families that are used together or with other blending groups. For example, the light blue of BG10 coordinates with other shades in the BG, or blue-green, family, including BG11, BG13, BG15 and BG18 that are progressively darker hues. To blend related color, use the lightest color first before gently applying the darker tone. Along the line where the colors meet, the lighter color blends away any streaks.
Copic markers of different color families are blended with a light-handed feathering technique to achieve smooth transition between colors. Feathering adds color to the work surface without saturating the area. Beginning with one marker, the first color is applied and feathered along the edges where the second color will be added. The second color is feathered from the opposite direction to the edge of the first. To create a faded effect as one color transitions into the next, the marker tip is lifted as the stroke is completed.
Using black markers to fill solid areas leaves the image seeming one-dimensional and ruins fine lines. To avoid mishaps with black coloring, use gray Copic markers to imitate the subtle gradients of black for a more realistic appearance. Available in 44 shades ranging from light to dark, six to seven shades of gray are combined to create a base with an additional eight to nine grays used for shading. Warm shades provide a brown undertone for creating natural subjects, such as trees or soil. Cool shades of gray have a bluish tone ideal for creating metal objects. For a lustrous appearance, add opaque white to the corners of a metal subject.