Question for Artists re: Colored Pens/Markers

[PrincessKitty1]

I have an idea for a series of combination drawings/collages I want to do of each of my pets. Although I have worked (hobby-wise) in stained glass and metalwork (jewelry), I haven't drawn since I was a teenager! Reading my Home Companion magazine (Mary Engelbreit), she mentioned she uses markers when she draws.

What brands of markers or colored pens/pencils/crayons do "real" (adult) artists use? I don't know where to start with the "coloring" part of this, so any advice would be welcome!

 

[ChristmasElf]

Go to an artists supply store and see the many choices they have. You will then have an idea of what you are looking for.

 

[PrincessKitty1]

Thanks, I will definitely go to a store and look around, was just hoping somebody could tell me what product they use.

 

[Sparx]

There are so many brands. It really comes down to a personal preferance. Do you have a Hobby Lobby near you? They have a whole section for drawing.

 

[Imzadi]

I also say visit a real art supply store. A good one will let you test out the pens, pencils & markers at the store. This is mainly to see if you will get the right EFFECT that you want before you buy.

Some pencils can be smudged & blended with the side of the finger, or by dabbing a little water on with a Q-tip. Others are really hard & stay very crisp, great for sketching.

Some pens have a real, old fashioned pen & ink look. I *think* pens tend to stay in place where markers have bigger nibs & may allow for better blending & softness due to some bleeding.

It also depends on what paper you will use the items on. The sides of pencils are great on textured paper as the colors only grab along the tops of the texture, whereas markers may bleed in & penetrate more, or get too fuzzy a bleed, depending on the paper, etc.