Copic Classes

This weekend I had the opportunity to take two classes in Richmond on how to use my Copic markers. I got my first 72 for Christmas, and have been adding to my collection for the last couple of months. There are 358 total (sigh) and maybe one day I will have them all! Anyway, they were fabulous classes (especially the Intermediate, as the Beginner was truly a beginner [think "What are the different types of copics?"] and the whole class is like "duh!") and I learned a LOT. The main goal was for me to become a more confident artist, and to learn that I don't need someone else to validate my work- I can be happy with it and like it for no other reason than I like it. We did learn some shading and blending techniques, as well as 9 hours worth of other stuff. 

I drew a tree.

I practiced "feathering" pink and yellow after the beginner class. 

Saturday we learned about shading skin tones. 

I have absolutely NO human stamps/images to practice with.

I did not draw this tree. I colored it, though.

This was my first experience shading with red. And the dog needed spots. 

More skin practice, along with hair. Oddly enough, after I finished I looked over at the lady to my left, and she had colored her girl's hair grey, too. 

Our "final project" we completed from 6-8 Saturday night. 

I didn't like the brightness of the leaves, but she told us what colors to use, so YG03 became my friend.

This evening, after getting home, I colored these violet tulips.

Here is a close-up. I think I'm getting better.

It started snowing on the drive home today, and we're finally getting our first snowstorm of the season. We're supposed to get 5-8 inches tonight... looks like we've already got around 6. 

And lastly, here is my cutie pie Alex wondering why there is no food in his bowl after running around outside tonight.