What are the best non-digital mediums to color?

[kokoroinc]

Hello all, I'm a former aspiring artist who has recently taken it up again after a ten year hiatus. I have a brother and a friend who are writers and want to help me make some sort of underground comics/manga influenced something. I'm not trying to get published, just progress with my art and create stories.

I have been experimenting with coloring some pen and ink drawings and how to color them. I have some decent color pencils that cover alright. Recently I've been experimenting with watercolor. I used to take watercolor courses back when in my former art days, and I have forgotten much. Watercolors seem to be difficult in complex pictures and difficult to keep the color tone and saturation exact.

Should I invest in some expensive, softer colored pencils or mess with markers? Should I just keep working on my skill with watercolors? Thanks for any help.

[kokoroinc]

I just watched the videos on coloring. I loved that use of colored pencil and ink after watercolor. Very helpful instructions. I took a page of notes on those videos.

[cn3wton]

Nothing is the best. Its all a personal preference. I bought a ton of copic sketch markers (140 something) and they are extremely expensive. I love them though. But some people don't. Pencils can also be expensive. Watercolor can also be expensive but you don't have to buy as many colors because you can create your own. I think your best option is just to try them out individually. Buy a starter pack of each at an art store and use them for simple 1 tone coloring. Pay attention more to how they look on the paper, how they feel, and try to put the two together in a gradient.

Just remember that each type has a specific kind of paper that they work best with. I suggest getting a multimedia pad, it wont provide the very best results, but it will work better for each medium.

[kokoroinc]

Thanks, I figured as much. I'm experimenting with mixing up watercolors and coloredpencils. Those are what I have the most experience with. I have some medium end coloredpencils. I'll wait to buy anything more expensive.