I enjoy working with markers on both casual drawings and commissions. The more I work with them, the more I learn about how markers behave on different types of paper. I've also realized the shortcomings of working with them. As an artist with a love for deep, flat black ink, I find that most black markers don't deliver the depth that I want. My simple solution is to use a black colored pencil over areas of black marker. This is the only way to create the satisfying, deep flat black that I fell in love with while working with India ink.
Markers are an excellent base layer for colored pencils. The smooth coverage provided by markers make the colors of pencils pop. When layering colored pencils over a marker foundation, it can also help smooth out the uneven lines that sometimes occur with overlapping marker strokes. This blending technique creates a more polished and professional finish.
When choosing colored pencils for this technique, I highly recommend using oily colored pencils like Prismacolor. These pencils are rich in pigment and provide a smooth, buttery application that deepens color. In contrast: cheaper, waxy colored pencils tend to be less pigmented so the effect they create over marker isn't nearly as vibrant.
White oily colored pencils can be very useful for creating highlights over marker drawings. I've used white waxy colored pencils as a makeshift blender, but they sometimes impart a milky haze to the blended colors. I don't always like the look of this, since it creates an effect similar to that of "wax bloom". Wax bloom occurs when using waxy colored pencils. The wax in the pencils slowly rises to the surface of artwork, leaving a milky white layer over the pigments. This can damage the depth of colors over time, so sealing artwork with a fixative can help prevent this.
As I continue to experiment with markers and colored pencils, I find that the strengths and shortcomings of both mediums complement each other well. Using black colored pencils over black marker gives me the rich, deep black that many markers alone can't provide. White oily colored pencils are perfect for creating highlights, while waxy white pencils can act as blenders though they may add a milky haze. During my time as an art student, I didn't fully appreciate the difference between oily and waxy colored pencils, often settling for cheaper brands like Crayola. However, stepping into the professional art world has made me realize the quality that more expensive brands like Prismacolor offer.
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