Live Lessons: "Frog" - Colored Pencils and Markers

Colored pencil and marker drawing of a frog
JOIN THE VIRTUAL INSTRUCTOR
Get ALL of our courses, ebooks, live lessons, critiques, lesson plans and more today.
This lesson series features:
9 Hours of Instruction
9 Videos

About This Lesson Series...

Create a realistic drawing of a frog with markers and colored pencils. We develop an underpainting with alcohol-based markers before layering colored pencils over the top. Learn why this combination of media leads to a realistic drawing and see how it's done.

Lesson 1

In lesson one, we sketch out the contours with pencil.

Lessons 2-4

In lessons two through four, we add our marker underpainting.

Lessons 5-8

In lessons five through eight, we layer colored pencil applications to build up depth in color.

Lesson 9

In lesson nine, we add the cast shadow underneath the frog and complete the drawing.

Resources for this Lesson...

References

Photo Reference

Finished Result

Here's what you'll need...

  • Marker paper
  • Graphite pencil
  • Kneaded eraser
  • Alcohol-based markers
  • Colored pencils

Colored Pencils Used:

  • Chartreuse
  • Limepeel
  • Dark Umber
  • Indigo Blue
  • White
  • 90% Warm Grey
  • Goldenrod
  • Apple Green
  • Kelp Green
  • Green Ochre
  • Goldenrod
  • 50% Cool Grey
  • 70% Cool Grey
  • Colorless Blender

Lesson Discussion

  1. Some of the members watching the live lessons bring up the different markers and paper. I will use the recommended markers/pencils on the Canson marker paper – experimenting with Strathmore 400 Marker paper. It’s a heavier paper, smooth and the results ?? I will advise. Your having fun, so this venture should be fun for me.

  2. Matt,

    You mentioned that white gouache would be used towards the end of the project. Can Brush & Pencil’s Touch-up Texture Titanium White be used, instead of the gouache?

    Thanks!

  3. Matt,
    I started with Indigo blue for the eyes and overpowered so much that none of colors I applied stood a chance… Is there a way to alter it or redo the eye? like applying gulch /opaque pain? I wish i can show you my frogs eyes for you to understad it better.

  4. Hi Matt,

    I tried downloading Video #9, but Vimeo is acting strange. When I click on the download arrow, the download box pops up, but it just sits there, not giving me the option to pick the resolution link of my choice. I removed my history files and cookies, etc, but still no go. Suggestions, or is it just Vimeo? I’m using the Chrome browser, that has never had an issue before today.

    Thank you!

    • Hi Robin
      I’m having the same problem – except that mine starts with Lesson 1! I can’t download any of the lessons.
      Like you, I use Chrome and have never had any problems before. As Matt says, hopefully Vimeo will resolve this very soon.

  5. Hi Matt,
    What brand of Alcohol Markers are the best? I want to some off Amazon but don’t know which brand. Also, what if you don’t have this specific colors of the color pencils can you use shades that are close?
    Thank you,
    Athena

  6. I have a set of Touchnew markers ( Amazon) that I purchased about three months ago. When I started doing this project, I found that several of the markers had dried out. Is there any way to moisten them up again?

  7. Hello Matt,

    Artscrochet here. While enjoying this lesson series I was reminded of an incident in Guatemala.

    I was dressing my son, two years old and every time I tried one of his shoes, it would not go on. As it as common to find rocks stuffed everywhere I thought he had stuffed some in his shoe. To my surprise a bullfrog the size of my fist popped out of his shoe as I tapped it on the floor.

    It hippity hopped right oUt of his room on time to get ready the evening bullfrog course, or nighttime lullaby.

    I am thoroughly enjoying this series.. See you on Wednesday!

    Teri

    • LOL, Teri!! What a surprise for everyone involved! I’m just starting this series and noticed your recent comment. Did you finish this series? It will be my first experience with alcohol markers.

      Brenda

Add to the discussion...