What’s the best way to use alcohol markers?

The great thing about alcohol markers is that they’re highly versatile – so they can be used in many ways.

Here are some top tips on how to use alcohol based markers:

• Use uncoated, smooth paper (without tooth) as marker tips don’t usually fare well on rough surfaces. They may fray the nibs and make it harder to draw smooth lines.
  
  
• Always place the paper you’re working with on top of something porous – alcohol marker ink will come through to the other side. But this is normal as the ink needs to soak through the paper’s fibers in order to create smooth, vivid colors. If there’s no porous material underneath, the colors won’t absorb very well and begin to bleed. Placing paper underneath will pull the bleed downwards rather than outwards and it will also help protect your work surface.
  
  
• Most people work from light to dark when creating realistic images and blend any harsh lines with the lightest color. You can work from dark to light if you want a different, abstract effect.
  
  
• Ensure the area you’re trying to blend is damp with ink if you’re looking to blend two inks together. This makes blending much more smooth and realistic.

Because they dry consistently and blend beautifully, alcohol markers can be used to create a variety of artwork.

Follow @adaxiarts to draw with simple strokes every day and get connected with people via drawing.