Copic Hex Art PreClass

Welcome to Hex Art class! I’m excited you’re ready to learn more about those Copic markers you love so much.

This class is long-requested; I taught it while I was still traveling and teaching across the US – many weren’t able to get into those classes, and I decided I would try the daunting job of putting together the 42 videos and getting it online!

Lessons are broken up into groups – with several of the techniques in each one. They all build on each other, so I recommend you follow along in order to begin from the beginning and grow from there.

All videos are in real-time….the final lesson includes a crazy sample piece in a 2 hour real-time video for those interested in watching that much!

Video 1: Pre-Class Welcome!

Just a welcome and quick idea where we’re headed! If you can’t see the video below, click HERE.

Before you start: helpful tips

I recommend that you gather a few items to have on hand in addition to markers (list is below):

1. Your color chart(s). They won’t be referenced during class but I always have mine nearby, and if you find a color used that you don’t have, your chart can help you out. Here are a few charts if you don’t have one yet:
   1. FREE Several charts from my friend Sharon’s blog (Go subscribe, she’s amazing!)
   2. Hex Chart, $5.99
2. Copic Ciao Labels if needed for the ends of your markers (print on label paper and punch out with a hole puncher)
3. A notebook to jot down questions, ideas, tips to try out later. Especially if you’re inspired with an idea for later – “Try the pine trees technique on next landscape.” So you won’t forget you wanted to go try it out on more than a hexagon!
4. A white gel pen – for me, sometimes a pen works better than colorless blender to cover up a tiny place I went out of the lines. You may also want it for some of the techniques. (My favorite is the first item listed below.)
5. Paper: use whatever paper you normally create your art on, with one caveat – you’ll want to send it through your printer. I use Neenah cardstock for mine – and a Copic sketchbook for the sample piece at the end. Your learning will have the most value if you complete the class using your normal paper. (You’ll need to print out 8 pages, download will be in the first lesson.)
6. An extra sheet of blank paper to place beneath your work. Copic marker IS supposed to bleed through – and I find having a scratch piece underneath will absorb the excess color. Using Copics on a slick table surface can cause ink to pool below your work and pull back up through the paper in an unwanted location.
7. A small binder might be helpful – you’ll print out an 8 page class handout, and you can either holepunch them or put them in plastic sleeves to keep your class materials together. If you took the Copic Jumpstart class – put both class materials together! (And print out extra blanks of some of the Jumpstart color charts in case you want to test something before trying it for class!)

Marker Maintenance

You may also want to be sure to re-ink your markers and do a little Copic maintenance before you dive in! Here’s a video from my YouTube channel that might be of help. Watch below or click HERE to see it on YT.

Marker Storage

If you’re struggling to find a place to put all your markers, I did a bit of a roundup of ideas from people across the web – smoe of these might help you out! Watch below or click HERE to see it on YouTube.

Sharing

Join the Student Facebook Group to ask questions and share your work during class – and learn from others and give them encouragement as well! This group is for students in all courses here at Art-Classes, so you’ll also get a peek through the window into other classes that might interest you.

Supplies

I get my Copics and refills at Blick now. Here’s the suggested list of color groups:

• Colorless blender
• B00 B000
• B24 B26 B95 B99
• BG07 BG13
• BV00 BV04 BV08
• C1 C3 C5
• E11 E29 E33
• E35 E57 E31
• G17 G28 G99
• R20 R22 R29
• R14 R37 R89
• RV02 RV04 RV056
• RV14 RV19
• V04 V09
• V12 V17
• W2 W4 W6 W8
• Y02 Y17 YR16
• YG03 YG17 YG95