Color Focus: Yellows

• Categories: Color Combinations, Color Focus, Ideas and inspiration, Popcorn
• Comments: 12
• Posted by: Taylor Usry on 4th Oct 2012 at 9:00am

We are bringing you a new feature on the Spectrum Noir blog!  Each week for the next twelve weeks, we will feature one set of our markers, and share a project made with only markers in that set.

Once we have featured each color family, we will move on to the larger twenty-four marker sets to round out the collections.

From our FAQ page:

Standard set of 72 pens is divided up into 12 sets of 6 pens.
Each package contains pre-matched color tone families with several blending possibilities.  The individual packaging allows a colorist to build their collection to fit their coloring needs and budget.

When a colorist collects all 12 of the standard packages of 6 pens, they will have a total of 72 pens.  There will be several colors in every color family, which is generally sufficient for most crafters. (No duplicate colors).

We will start today with the Yellows.

The set of yellow markers contains several colors from the CT (citrus) range, one from the GB (gold brown) range, and one from the OR (orange) range.

Together these markers work to create a lovely complement of yellow hues.

To create this project, I began by stamping my Popcorn the Bear image in a light brown ink.

Focusing on the bear first, I colored the entire surface with CT1.  Next I used CT2 to add shading, working from left to right.

I did the same thing with my CT3, I just did not go as far towards the right as with my CT2.  I did not worry about the distinct difference in the colors at this point, as I knew I would be smoothing them out in the next step.

To blend my yellows together, I went back with my CT1 (working in the opposite direction this time, from right to left) and added another layer of color right up to the edge of the CT2.  While that was still wet, I used my CT2 marker (starting from the left, or darker side) to flick the color outwards.

This provided me with both a smooth blend and a good contrast in the shading.

I colored his satchel next; I first colored the entire thing (blanket included) with CT3.  I added CT4 in the areas of the satchel that would be darker, as well as the strap.

Using GB5, I again darkened the shaded areas; I also added color to the top flap of the satchel.  I repeated the process with OR1 (and used both GB5 and OR1 to color the edges of the blanket as well).

I used CT4 to blend them all together (not pictured above, but it can be seen below in the final project photo).

I used CT1 and CT2 to color the pencils and ruler inside the satchel; CT2 and CT3 were used for the apple on the right side of the image.

I left my completed card rather simple – just a bit of yellow checked fabric tape and some flax twine.

I hope you are feeling inspired to use your yellows to create a fun project!  The six markers available in this set are really quite fun to work with.