Marker Rendering

Lesson 26: Marker Rendering Basics

This tutorial demonstrates the essentials of rendering objects using ball point pen and greyscale Prismacolor markers on marker paper. We start with rendering simple geometric shapes, before progressing to rendering a car in side view. We progress from simple light-and-shadow, to understanding how to render reflective metal objects. Greyscale marker renderings are a great way to begin developing your automotive rendering skills, before progressing to digital sketch tools like Photoshop, Sketchbook Pro and Procreate. I've used primarily digital sketch tools for over 20 years, but I began by learning basic marker rendering techniques. Markers give immediate, tactile feel and feedback unlike digital tools. Markers also force discipline and commitment, since there's no undo button! Colors used include Warm Grey 30%, 50%, 70% and 90%, Cool Grey 30%, 50%, and 70%, and Black. I also used white pastel chalk for highlights.

Assignment: 10 side view renderings, using greyscale markers and ball point pen. Try to develop a variety of original, futuristic silhouettes for each drawing.

Lesson 27: Soldier Sketches Using Ball Point Pen & Markers

Soldier sketches, also known as thumbnail sketches are one of the creative methods I use most to get loose, warm up and develop new interesting concepts. In this video, you'll see how I use the fat tip of a medium grey marker to quickly lay down expressive, random strokes to discover new shapes and forms, then add a little bit more definition using a ball point pen. I often do several pages of these sketches to start the day.

Assignment: 10-20 pages of side view soldier sketches, using a medium grey marker and ball point pen. Try to develop a variety of original, futuristic designs for each drawing.

Lesson 28: Sports CUV: Marker Rendering

This tutorial demonstrates rendering a futuristic sports crossover in a side view, using ball point pen and Prismacolor markers on marker paper. Using warm and cool grey tones to represent earth and sky help to bring the car to life. This futuristic CUV is based on one of my earlier solder sketches, which I decided to bring to life. Starting with the lightest markers, I gradually work my way to the darker shades in the shadows and deep sky tones. You can see where I've placed the horizon line in the body side reflections, using warm greys below the horizon to reflect the ground and the cool greys to reflect the sky.

Assignment: 10 additional side view renderings, using greyscale markers and ball point pen. Try to develop a variety of original, futuristic silhouettes for each drawing.

Lesson 29: Sports CUV: Marker Rendering

This tutorial demonstrates rendering a futuristic sports crossover in a front 3/4 view, using ball point pen and Prismacolor markers on marker paper. Using warm and cool grey tones to represent earth and sky help to bring the car to life. This futuristic CUV is based on one of my earlier solder sketches. Starting with the lightest markers, I gradually work my way to the darker shades in the shadows and deep sky tones. You can see where I've placed the horizon line in the body side reflections, using warm greys below the horizon to reflect the ground and the cool greys to reflect the sky.

Assignment: 10 marker renderings of Crossovers in various perspectives, using greyscale markers and ball point pen. Try to develop a variety of original, futuristic designs for each drawing.

Lesson 29: Sports CUV: Marker Rendering

This tutorial demonstrates rendering a futuristic sports car in a rear 3/4 view, using ball point pen and Prismacolor markers on marker paper. Using warm and cool grey tones to represent earth and sky help to bring the car to life. Compared to my previous CUV demo in which I rendered a fairly edgy design, I wanted this sports coupe to have softer, more sensual forms. You'll see how I place the lighter and darker tones to give the impression of softer surfaces.

Assignment: 10 marker renderings of sports cars in various perspectives, using greyscale markers and ball point pen. Try to develop a variety of original, futuristic designs for each drawing.

Bonus Demo: Corvette EV Side View

Quick sketch exploration in ball point pen and greyscale markers...Low poly, battery electric Corvette proposal, inspired by 80s dark synthwave music. Heat sink textures play into the graphic motif, and draw heat away form the high output battery pack. The car retains balanced, mid-engined profile but returns to the light and agile proportion of the C4.

Marker Rendering