Tree Frog

Rebel Blending and Color Sculpting + Developing vibrant backgrounds

Join Amy Shulke, a professional illustrator and marker enthusiast for a fun and informative coloring 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 futu


Tree Frog requires confident Copic and colored pencil skills.

Skill Level: intermediate and advanced skills (not for beginners)


In a 10 minute Technique Deep Dive lesson, Amy shows you how to repair the halos that happen with Distress Ink backgrounds.

Then in a six part series of fully narrated coloring demonstration videos, students will practice coloring the Tree Frog image. Instruction includes the background, base markering, and the entire process of detailing the frog with colored pencils. 110 minutes of total project demonstration time.

Techniques used:

  • Flicking
  • Overflicking
  • Swish & Flick
  • Push & Pull
  • Underpainting
  • Color Chasing
  • Detail work with colored pencils

Course includes:

  • 10 minute Technique Deep Dive video- fixing background halos that happen all too frequently during the masking process
  • 30 minutes of demonstration video- the background inking process
  • 40 minutes of demonstration video- color-along style instruction using Copic Markers
  • 40 minutes of demonstration video- color along style instructional using technical pens and Prismacolor Colored Pencils
  • 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: printable supply list included in class package

  • high-quality Copic friendly marker cardstock (Cryogen 89lb Coverstock in Curious Metallic White is highly recommended. DO NOT USE X-PRESS IT IF USING THE DISTRESS INK BACKGROUND TECHNIQUE)
  • Distress Ink Pads + Mini Blending Tools (Oxide ink version is NOT recommended) - Peacock Feathers, Salty Ocean, Seedless Preserves
  • black technical pen - either Copic Multiliner 0.3 or Staedtler Triplus 0.3
  • Copic Markers- 0, C5, B34, BV31, R14, R17, R20, RV13, V12, V15, Y35, Y38, YG13, YG17, YG21
  • optional Copic Markers (chosen to match my background results, yours may differ, selection process explained in deep dive lesson) - BG07, B34
  • artist quality colored pencils (Prismacolor Premier recommended)- 901 Indigo Blue, 926 Carmine Red, 929 Pink, 931 Dark Blue, 938 White, 1002 Yellowed Orange, 1079 Blue Violet Lake
  • optional Prismacolor pencils (chosen to match my background results, yours may differ, selection process explained in deep dive lesson) - 1100 China Blue, 1027 Peacock Blue, 905 Aquamarine

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
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  The Printables
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  Extra Resources
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"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!"

"I warn people when they sign up for your classes-- it's not just Copic, it's sooooooooo much more."

"Thank you, Amy for your generous nature. There are many gifted people in the world but you share your gifts so freely. Your classes are wonderful and I sincerely hope that the new online project allows more and more students to fall in love with your classes."

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 take as much time as you want to complete the lesson.
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 is a challenge level project aimed at intermediate to advanced students. This is absolutely not a suitable class for first timers or beginners. Basic blending skills will not be covered and several of the blends used are very unsusal. You must be very competent at blending and other basic Copic skills. You also need to be comfortable using colored pencils at several pressure levels. For more information 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 me at [email protected] for further info.
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 some of my techniques are unlikely to work well without a brush nib... but if you've got other markers and are willing to match my colors to your brand, GO FOR IT. Sorry, but I won't be much help troubleshooting any 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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