If you are someone like me, a lover of two worlds; (that is the world of digital and traditional art) then you may have also at some point experienced a slight struggle to choose between the two mediums. For some time, this was my struggle; until I discovered that I really didn’t have to choose.

In this blog, we’ll explore a few different methods in, which you can use the Winsor & Newton promarkers to create mix media illustration.

The Winsor & Newton promarker is a twin-tipped graphic marker available in a huge range of colours that are all intermixable giving an impressive scope for colour blending. These markers are widely used by a variety of artist within multiple forms of illustration.

Furthermore, due to the permanent and quick drying ink in these alcohol-based markers, they are good on surfaces other than paper e.g. glass, plastic, and even wood.
Versatile!

(The best of pals!)

Let’s start off with my most favourite combo, I truly believe these two materials were made for each other! The promarkers create an excellent base for more detailed line work, which can be layered on top using a variety of coloured pencils. The two create an aesthetic combo, the promarker delivers a smooth, streak-free, flat-tone effect, and the pencils bring that lovely texture and detail.

Pro-tip: Plan your drawing out on some cheap printer paper. Get all those trial-and-error moments done with in the initial drawing, then trace the linework onto your final paper of choice. To lighten your linework further, roll some Blu Tack over the entire drawing. Or like me, you can plan your full drawing out digitally. You can then print and trace the linework or even work directly on top of the print itself.

In the following example, I start off with a digital line drawing. I proceed with blocking in my flat colours using the promarkers. The W &N promarkers have a great skin tone range, you can browse the skin tone sets here. At this point, I don’t have to consider the details too much, only the basics. After that, I bring out the coloured pencils. To effectively blend the coloured pencils, I use a very light hand, building the colour up layer by layer, patience is the key my friend.

Pro-tip: I leave the highlights until the end (my favourite part you see) This technique really enhances the final look of your work. I like to use a bright white for example in the eyes, lips, and hair. You can use a white gel pen or acrylic ink to achieve this.

This technique is very versatile, you can use watercolour paint over the promarker or you can use the promarker over the watercolour, both ways work well and create slightly different outcomes.

This technique is great for backgrounds, you can lay down some fabulous watercolour washes. This would also be more economically beneficial as you’d get through your markers pretty fast if you were to cover such large surfaces with them, with a watercolour wash, no problem! Then you would work over the top with your promakers. Remember to keep your watercolour painting light, we will be using the markers as shadow colour.

Pro-tip: Smooth hot-pressed watercolour paper takes marker really well, but it's thirsty and can lead to drying your markers out faster.

Because promarkers are alcohol– based they repel water; you won't have to worry about your marker illustration bleeding by using the water-based paint on top.  Watercolours can also be used to apply a ‘glaze’ over certain sections or all over in order to unify the colour pallet. This leads to colour depth and interesting tonal values.

Pro-tip: Working with water will buckle your paper, it’s best to secure it to a hard surface with masking tape before starting.

I love to work digitally; technology has progressed so far, these days you can get some extremely realistic looking digital brush sets, which mimic the real material. However, in my opinion, just like an e-reader cannot replace the feel, texture, smell and look of a physical book, the same applies to digital brushes & traditional mediums. And so, I like to create textures using my promarkers, these textures are then later used in my digital work.

Use this opportunity to relax and experiment with different marker colours and line techniques. There is no right or wrong way of doing things, happy accidents are very much welcome here. You are trying to create interesting textures on paper that you will later scan and use in your digital work.

Just to demonstrate how easy and effective this technique is, I simply coloured three large splodges using promarkers on paper. The image on the right is entirely composed of only these three textures. You can layer, add line work and change the colours of your scanned textures using your preferred editing program.

Pro-tip: I create, scan, and store many different textures in digital folders to be later used depending on the project. It’s good to be prepared, and have a wide variety of material to choose from.

Another interesting method of incorporating promarkers with digital work is to work directly over printed art. Try and experiment with this method by creating a digital drawing and intentionally leaving some areas free to be worked on by the markers.

Pro-tip: Try printing on different types of paper to achieve different outcomes. Printing on promarker paper will prevent marker bleed and colour absorption, resulting in vibrant colours as the paper is designed to keep the colour on the surface of the paper, this way you will also waste less ink. Whereas printing on watercolour paper will give your illustration a very pleasing textural look.
 
If this has inspired you to get creative with Winsor & Newton promarkers then you can start your journey by browsing the full range of promarkers and Paper at The Art Shop Skipton.

Promarkers are available in a wide range of individual colours as well as handy dandy starter packs.

If you have any questions relating to the materials mentioned in this blog, you can email us at [email protected] or contact the artist @ Kiroarts