Markers are great for art rendering. However, if you are not equipped with how to use them, your drawing might acquire streaks, which are marker lines that overlap and become dry. Your drawing will look grainy or uneven with streaks.
Some artists embrace the streaks as they said they are normal. Well, do you want to embrace these streaks? I don’t think so. The good news is that there are ways on how to color with markers without streaks.
In this article, we will share some techniques on how to avoid streaks using the markers. You may continue reading below.
7 Ways on How to Avoid Streaks Using Your Markers
Markers can be of three types such as the water-based, solvent-based, and alcohol-based markers. These markers have a tiny tip on one side and a large brush or chisel on the other side.
Are you ready now for your first stroke? Well, before you do that, you may take note of the following points on how to avoid streaks to come up with appealing drawings. Here are some of them:
1. Use the Best Paper
Paper is significant in coloring or rendering your art drawing. Choosing the best paper for markers can prevent streaks.
The ideal paper for markers is those papers that will not absorb the ink or colors quickly. It is because it will dry fast and acquire streaks easily.
You may consider the bristol board that consists of multi-ply sheets. The smooth or vellum bristol board paper is non-absorbent and not much tooth, which is best for marker drawings.
Also, choose paper with a matte coat that slows down the absorption of ink into the pad. Uncoated papers will absorb the ink fast. The glossy paper also prevents the ink from absorbing too fast.
Take into account also the paper that prevents bleeding. With this, you can make blending easily, thus, avoiding streaks.
2. Use Circular Motion Marker Stroke
For a beginner, using a circular motion stroke is preferable to prevent streaks. Consider making the circles small and keep on making circle strokes until you build up solid paint.
Try to overlap the edges in conformity and have at least 2 or 3 coats. Keep in mind that the color will be darker if you have many overlaps. Consider choosing lighter shades if you intend to make many overlaps to achieve that dark color you desire.
Keep practicing the circular motion stroke. It will indeed render color without streaks.
3. Keep on Coloring
Always make a stroke of your marker while the ink is still wet. Color continuously until you have built the shades of color that you want.
Also, do not lift your pen till you colored the area of your drawing completely. By coloring continuously, you slow down the appearance of streaks.
4. Color Fast
Once you start to color any area of your drawing with a marker, do not slow down. You must color quickly to avoid drying the ink quickly and prevent streaks. If you lift your pen for so long and do not make a stroke, you will get streaks.
5. Apply the Flicking Pattern Technique
A flicking pattern technique begins with an area that you want to color darker. That is often outside the shape.
Make a stroke to the area that you want to be in a lighter shade that is inside the shape. Then, blend a slightly lighter shade into the dark area. You can see that they are overlapping.
The blending of both shades will avoid streaks leading to softness and dept in your drawing. The flicking pattern is mostly used by professionals.
6. Select a Marker that Does not Dry Fast
It is essential too that your marker does not dry quickly. Before you buy a pen, try it first and know how fast the ink dries and blends. Also, determine how the ink will appear when it overlaps or blends.
The water-based makers gradually dry while the alcohol-based markers are quick to dry. Meanwhile, how you color is significant too, whether you are a fast or slow worker, which matters too.
If you prefer quality markers you may begin using first the quality Copic markers, which are mostly used by artists. You may also use soft tip fine markers.
7. Make fluent Strokes
Have smooth and fluent marker strokes. Don’t let the ink dry, and apply another stroke while it is still wet.
Also, bring out the contours of the drawing with the fine end and then make bigger strokes at the broader end later on.
Conclusion
An art drawing that is rendered by marker without streaks will indeed look stunning and beautiful. The markers are among the best drawing instruments used by most artists because of their shades and bright colors.
However, coloring with markers is not streak-free. You can follow the ways and techniques on how to color with markers without streaks mentioned above, and all will go well with your drawing. We hope that you find this helpful. To an amazing art drawing!
We are open to any suggestions or ideas about this topic. Please jot them down in the comment box below. They will be indeed helpful to our readers.