Candlelight

How to Create Realistic Soft Glows & Realistic Flames and Flares

Join Amy Shulke, a professional illustrator and marker enthusiast for a beautiful glowing candle lesson- Vanilla Arts style!

Marker Painting is a completely different approach to coloring with markers. Amy teaches students basic techniques and color theory based on the way artists use paint. Instead of focusing on "how" to color a selected stamp image, Amy shows you the "why" behind color selection, shade, layering, and depth. This provides students with the necessary knowledge to color any stamp image in their collection and every stamp they might purchase in the future.


This class contains challenges for confident colorers

Skill Level: intermediate to advanced


In a 15 minute technique lesson, Amy shows you her method for creating beautiful and smooth ink backgrounds that save you time and create a quiet atmosphere to highlight your stamped images.

A bonus 5 minute video shows you an old-school method for mounting your projects to a drawing board, clipboard, or desktop without damaging the paper's surface.

Then in a four part series of fully narrated coloring demonstration videos, students will practice coloring a glowing candle with amazing depth. Total demonstration time is 58 minutes. This lesson is applicable to a wide variety of stamps which contain candles, lanterns, flashlights, lightbulbs, and even the moon.

Techniques used:

  • Flicking
  • Overflicking
  • Push & Pull
  • Use of photo references for accuracy
  • Kick-out shadows
  • Detail work technical pens or pencils
  • Underpainting to create marker colors which Copic doesn't make
  • Non-traditional blending combinations
  • Soft highlighting, sharp highlighting
  • Color bounce and unification



Course includes:

  • 15 minute video- a deep-dive look at smooth & vibrant ink backgrounds
  • 5 minute video- safe project mounting technique
  • 13 minute video- Candlelight background process
  • 36 minutes of video- color along style instructional video using Copic markers
  • 19 minute video- color along style instructional video using artist grade colored pencils
  • Candlelight digital stamp in three handy formats (PNG, JPG, or quick print PDF)
  • recipe guide
  • printable full color sample, underpainting guide, detailed color map, and photo reference

Required Supplies: full supply list included in class package

  • High-quality water-friendly marker cardstock (Cryogen Curious Metallic, White recommended)
  • Copic Markers
  • Technical pen (Staedtler Triplus Fineliner recommended)
  • Artist quality colored pencils (Prismacolor Premier recommended)

Your Instructor


Amy Shulke
Amy Shulke

Amy is a professional freelance technical illustrator with 25 years of experience in graphic arts. Amy began using colored pencils in 1985 and she started with DeSign markers in 1989. Colored pencils with a base of either marker or watercolor is her preferred process for portraiture and scientific illustration. She has a special passion for teaching crafters and shy artists to stretch their boundaries by adding established fine art techniques to their coloring projects.

Join Amy for fun and highly informative lessons which will not only change the way you color but the way you see color in the world around you.


Course Curriculum


  General Supply Info
Available in days
days after you enroll
  Candlelight- the printables
Available in days
days after you enroll
  Candlelight- extra resources
Available in days
days after you enroll

"It's the OMG moments. That's why Amy's classes rock. She explains things that you've maybe noticed before but never thought much about. I love it!"

"At 62 years of age I have no illusions about becoming a great artist but. I am so appreciative of the change in my perception since taking classes with Amy at Vanilla Arts Co. Now I see the play of colors, the motion and the grace... It's a great way to view the world around me."

"I just love the things I'm learning and can't wait to start the next project. Your images are challenging for me and I like that. I'll never look at another image and how to color it the same again!"

Frequently Asked Questions


When does the course start and finish?
Immediately! As soon as you're through the registration and payment processes, the class material will be automatically opened for you.
How much of the course will I have access to? Do you stagger the release of information?
This course is 100% FULL ACCESS from the moment you join. Work at your own pace and do as much (or as little) as you want.
How long do I have access to the course?
Lifetime access! You have unlimited access to the content for as long as you like - across any and all devices you own.
What skill level does this class require?
This class is for intermediate to advanced colorers who are able to focus on adding realism rather than those still practicing beginner skills. You need confident blending skills and the ability to color softly and smoothly with colored pencil. No drawing skills required. Want more info? Email [email protected]
Is the digital stamp included or do I have to purchase it elsewhere?
The digital stamp is included in the class materials. No new purchase necessary.
What if I'm missing markers or supplies from the required list?
I'm very liberal about supply substitutions. BUT please understand that not all markers and pencils behave the same way, even if the colors are very similar. Every substitution you make will change the look of your finished project and the more substitutions you make, the harder your project will be to complete. If you are missing a color and want advice on alternatives, email [email protected].
What if I use a different brand of marker?
I'll be honest, I use Copic because of their brush nib. I've yet to find another maker brand with nibs as springy and juicy. I would suggest that my techniques are unlikely to work well without a brush nib... but if you've got brush nib markers and are willing to match my colors to your brand, GO FOR IT. I will warn you that I won't be much help troubleshooting any blending problems you encounter because I won't be able to test your blends myself.
What if I am unhappy with the course?
If you are unsatisfied with your purchase, contact me in the first 14 days for a full refund minus processing fees. Due to the digital nature of this course, absolutely no refunds are possible beyond the 14 day mark. NO EXCEPTIONS. Note: A refund withdraws you completely from the course. You will lose access to the course panel, course materials, and any associated forum or group.

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