How to Blend Alcohol Markers Like You Know What You're Doing (Even If You Don't)

Alcohol markers have a reputation. People see them and think: expensive, tricky, only for experienced artists. I get it. For years I felt the same way.

Here's what I've learned from teaching thousands of students: alcohol markers aren't scary. They're actually more forgiving than most people expect, especially when you pair them with coloured pencils. And that blend? It's genuinely fun to work with.

I just finished filming a new course called Sweet Summer, and it's all about this exact pairing. Four summer drawings that teach you how to layer alcohol markers and coloured pencils together without overthinking it. After seven years of teaching art to people coming back after years away, I know exactly where the confusion points are. And I built this course to skip right over them.

What You Actually Need to Know About Alcohol Markers

First, forget the mystique. Alcohol markers work because they dry fast and blend beautifully if you know one simple rule: apply them to smooth paper, and layer colour while the ink is still wet.

That's it.

The tricky part isn't the markers themselves. It's knowing which paper to use (smooth Bristol board, not textured sketchbook paper), and understanding that blending is just putting one colour next to another before the first one dries. Layer marker on top, then add coloured pencil for control and depth. That's the whole technique.

I spent months designing Sweet Summer around this. Each drawing teaches you to blend in a different way, using real subjects you'll actually enjoy drawing: an ice cream cone, a beach scene, a tropical cocktail, a retro campervan on a road trip. Nothing that feels like homework. Just summer things that give you practice with warm and cool colours, light and shadow, and the satisfying part where a flat drawing suddenly looks three-dimensional.

Why Short Courses Work Better Than Getting Overwhelmed

One of the biggest mistakes I see people make is buying every marker colour at once and trying to "get started" on their own. They freeze. Too many options, no idea where to begin, and suddenly markers feel like a barrier instead of a tool.

Sweet Summer does the opposite. Four core drawings. A tight focus. You move through each one and by the end, you're comfortable holding the markers and know how to blend with them. The course includes step-by-step drawing sheets if sketching from scratch feels hard, printable colouring sheets if you want to focus on colour instead, and videos that walk you through each stage.

I've been teaching art courses since 2019, and I know that the best learning happens when the course doesn't try to be everything. You pick one medium, one technique, one clear goal, and you actually finish it. Sweet Summer is exactly that.

About the Presale (Right Now)

The course presale opens today. For the next two weeks (through 8 September), you can grab Sweet Summer at a 2-week discount. The full public launch is 16 September. Both prices include lifetime access to all the videos, the printable sheets, and the ability to share your work in the Creative Community courses group.

No pressure to rush. But if you've been curious about alcohol markers and want a gentle, fun way to actually use them, today's a good day to join.

FAQ

Do I need to be experienced to take this course?

No. It's designed for people who are new to alcohol markers or want to learn how to blend them properly. If you've done my other courses, you're welcome here too, but this is its own thing.

What if I make a mistake?

Good news: these mediums are forgiving. Mistakes blend. Layers cover things up. There's really no way to ruin a drawing with alcohol markers and coloured pencils. Even wobbly lines look fine once you add colour.

Can I use a different set of markers?

Yes. The course uses a basic summer colour palette that you can create with most marker brands. Brands differ a bit in how they blend, but the technique is the same. Smooth paper matters more than the brand.

What's the difference between this and your other drawing courses?

Sweet Summer focuses specifically on blending two mediums together: markers and coloured pencils. It's shorter than my larger courses and has a seasonal, summery theme. It's great if you want to try markers without committing to a longer program.

Do the printable sheets mean I don't have to sketch?

They're there if you want them. Some people trace them and focus on blending. Some skip them and sketch freehand. It's totally up to you. I made them because some people find a blank page intimidating, and I'd rather you spend your time enjoying the colour work.