There are familiar places in the forests and mountains of California that I love revisiting for a reset and recover. I fell in love with the High Sierra mountains and Tioga Pass during my first visit many years ago. It’s a place that slows me down and pushes me to work harder at the same time. Recently, I made a marker painting from a lakeside drawing I did there. Along with the painting, I also want to talk about swatch making, different papers for marker painting, and other accompanying tools that I use with markers on this Outside the Lines art supply review.
Late afternoon at Tenaya Lake is one of my favourite places on Tioga Pass. Here time really slows down for me. I have a favorite secluded spot behind a gigantic glacier erratic. I tuck in behind that boulder with my camera and my sketchbook. While I wait for the sky color to change for photography as the sun sets, I try to make sense of the vast landscape in front of me on an 8″x5″ sheet of paper.
Flipping through my sketchbook for a different project, I came across this drawing. In January, my husband got me a set of Copic markers for my birthday. I got excited about painting this with my new markers.
Note: You can use these tips for any alcohol markers, not just Copic. I shy away from using generic paints. Paint can be toxic if not properly bound, and I simply don’t trust the quality control of the pigments and carriers of generic brands.
I always swatch new colors. Instead of guessing or trying out the shades all over again, I know exactly what colors I need to start a painting when I have my swatch cards at hand.
I used a 3/4″ circle cutter to cut out the circles and painted the colors on them. Afterwards, I affixed them on cardstock with glue sticks. I could have painted on the paper directly, but I wanted have a little fun with the swatches. The process of making swatches is very therapeutic for me.
A few other tools I use along with the markers –
- 02 and 005 micron pens – For black outlines and shading.
- HB pencil – For the initial sketchbook drawing. Creates soft lines on paper that are easy to erase.
- 2H pencil – For copying the drawing over to the paper for painting. Creates light markings that are barely visible under the painting.
Pro-tip – A wide brush-pen or a flat-nib fude pen filled with permanent ink is nice to have when you have a large area to fill and a micron pen is too small.
Paper plays a big part in painting –
Smooth marker paper blends colors best — the longer the alcohol stays wet, the smoother the blend. Paper tone matters too: white produces bright, luminous colors while cream produces warmer, more subdued tones.
Examples from the photos:
- Top left (white) — Most luminous and best blending. Detail lines didn’t show well.
- Bottom left (cream) — Slightly muted colors, good blending. Detail lines remained visible.
- Top right (high-texture watercolor, cream) — Absorbed paint quickly, leaving lines. No blending, but great for bold color-block styles.
Pro tip – Alcohol markers bleed through most paper, so place an extra sheet underneath to protect your surface.
Feel free to click on the image to pin it to your Pinterest board for future use.
Now that I have my swatches and a feel for the markers on paper, I am ready to paint.
Pro-tip – Before you start, take a little time to think about the mood and style of your painting, then choose the paper accordingly. Use the swatch card to pull out some of the main colors. Keep a scrap paper handy to test color combinations. These habits will make a big difference.
I wanted to have a warm and cozy feeling for this Girl and Her Cat painting, so I used the warmer-toned paper. Just as expected, details, textures, and shadows remained visible on this paper.
For this landscape painting, I wanted the colors to be very vibrant to depict the late afternoon sunlight on the rocks. I used the white paper for this one.
I started the painting by drawing the lines and shading marks with micron pens, similar to the drawing in my sketchbook. Pro-tip – To prevent smudging, give the micron pen lines a few minutes to dry before painting on them.
I started with the lightest yellow and earth tone, then layered the other colors slowly on top. On this paper, layers of colors blended into each other, giving me a watercolor effect.
Painting this was a beautiful way to rekindle the memory of our last visit there.
I just started a new drawing for my next marker painting. I drew them a little closer than usual so the faces are more visible this time. These two are playing outside again, and this time they have friends. I love drawing stories about these two.
Last weekend, I drew this little flower in one of my handmade books. The colors blended seamlessly, and I was also able to add additional detail strokes. The paper kept the colors vibrant and bright. I am really happy with this new smooth, thick paper I am using for my 100% handmade journals. You can purchase them here in my shop. They are wonderful for both writing and drawing.
I am very thankful for living close to these beautiful places that inspires me to draw and paint. This gives you a little insight into my painting process. I hope you can incorporate a few of these techniques in your own painting habits. Most importantly though, just play with paint and paper.
Until next time,
-Soma
I am linking up with the linky parties on my Links page. Please pay a visit to some of them. Hosts of linky parties – please grab a photo of you choice for your party. Thank you for hosting!
45 thoughts on “Painting Yosemite with Copic Markers”
Heidrun ⛱ May 28, 2026 at 01:14
Thank you for sharing. I enjoyed reading very much.
Greetings by Heidrun ❤️
Peabea May 26, 2026 at 22:10
Oh to just set and sketch would have to be brilliant, and yours are so pretty, and the paintings. Love the flower. The swatch is great. I’ll have to ask my sister who paints if she has done that before. She hasn’t been painting for very long.
Michelle Banks May 23, 2026 at 14:54
I love your artwork and what a magical place to get inspiration from……Michelle
Linda May 22, 2026 at 12:42
Beautiful area, brings back memories from when I visited. Lovely work and thanks for showing your process.
Maria May 22, 2026 at 11:40
Your drawings are magnificent!
steph@crazylittlelovebirds May 21, 2026 at 21:19
Soma, this Yosemite piece is so peaceful and beautifully done. I love the way you walk through your process — it feels gentle and grounding, like stepping into the scene with you. Your attention to detail and color is always such a joy to see. Thank you for sharing with us at The Crazy Little Lovebirds link party. I hope you will join us tomorrow at the next one. :)
Debra @ Life Captured May 20, 2026 at 11:29
Oh, my goodness. You are very talented! I like coloring. In fact, at my local library there is Adult Coloring group. I was able to go to a few of them. They are mostly in the mornings. Now that I’m not doing mid day drives, I plan on going to more!
Your camera pictures and hand drawn pictures are equally captivating. Thank you for sharing. Have a fun week.
All the best.
Debra @ Life Captured
Chrissy Townsend May 19, 2026 at 20:58
Breathtaking!!! You are so talented!!!! I love love this. I hope one day I can see Yosemite in person.
Pat May 19, 2026 at 08:08
Beautiful renditions of a an absolutely beautiful national park!
Jayne @ Sticky Mud and Belly Laughs May 17, 2026 at 05:04
The copic markers look great, Soma, and I love your swatches. It’s such an interesting process seeing how you build everything up.
And wow! Tenaya Lake looks phenomenal. I’d happily sit there for hours just taking it all in. I can see why you love it there so much.
Your interpretation of the landscape is amazing, too, but honestly, I wouldn’t expect anything different from you. xx
CosyWithCoffee May 16, 2026 at 15:22
I love seeing all your art work and tools as your work is in progress. I have finally invested and now have an ipad and Procreate – it’s a start! Thanks for sharing and for taking part in #WeeklyWonders.
Amy Johnson May 16, 2026 at 04:04
Absolutely gorgeous! You are so talented!
Eileen May 16, 2026 at 01:54
Hello, Soma
Your art work is beautiful. Thanks for the tips, I wish I was as creative.
The views of the mountains and lake are gorgeous, a peaceful scene to sketch and paint.
Girl and her cat is lovely too!
Thank you for linking up and sharing your post. Take care, enjoy your day and have a great weekend.
Nancy Andres May 15, 2026 at 13:35
Wonderful rendition of Yosemite with copic Markers. Thanks for sharing at The Crazy Little Lovebirds Link Party #140. Please look for me there too (Posts 19, 20, and 21). Happy weekend and be well.
Michelle May 14, 2026 at 15:17
I admire your talent and the process you use. You captured the landscape perfectly. Thank you for linking up!
Sandee @ Comedy Plus May 13, 2026 at 06:45
So beautiful. I’m not far from there. I need to visit. Beautiful artwork.
Thank you for joining the Wordless Wednesday Blog Hop.
Have a fabulous Wordless Wednesday and rest of the week. ♥
Linda May 12, 2026 at 18:25
Beautiful artwork! Lovely paintings.
Ruth May 11, 2026 at 19:14
Hi Soma, I really enjoyed reading about your tips and the tools you use to create your stunning works of art. I found it fascinating how each pen, brush, paper, and pencil creates a different effect. It really makes you realise how much the materials shape the final piece. Thank you for sharing.
#mmbc
Carol on the Lake May 11, 2026 at 05:07
Your Yosemite art is amazing! #MMBC
Lisa | Handmade in Israel May 11, 2026 at 00:31
So very interesting to see your painting process. You are so very talented!
Veronica Lee May 10, 2026 at 23:24
Your paintings are beautiful!
Love how you captured the late afternoon light at Tenaya Lake.
Happy Monday, Soma.
Sarah MumofThree World May 10, 2026 at 22:50
Beautiful paintings as ever and very interesting to read about preparing the swatches and the effect of different types of paper.
Photo Cache May 8, 2026 at 20:54
The views of Yosemite coming from Tioga Pass is beyond spectacular.
Debbie May 8, 2026 at 16:58
the process is fascinating!! i enjoyed reading your tips and the guidance you shared. i like the purple flower, you are so talented, really talented. i am crafty and enjoy so many different arts but i am not able to draw or paint without a guide!! your posts bring me much joy!!
Connie Griffin May 8, 2026 at 09:37
I have swatches of all my colors too, I found a downloadable chart with the numbers already on it so all I had to do was fill in the square.
You did a beautiful job drawing and coloring your scene. I love those secluded areas where you can just pray and find peace.
Enjoy creating with your new markers!
Nicole/DVArtist May 8, 2026 at 08:16
I have these pens. I sure can’t create with them as you do. This is really beautiful. The little girl and the cat is amazing. There is so much depth to this art piece. You are an amazing artist. Thank you for sharing with FFO and have a lovely weekend.
tomthebackroadstraveller May 8, 2026 at 06:22
…what an art inspiring lanscape!
Linda at Texas Quilt Gal May 8, 2026 at 06:20
I am fascinated with your processes. Even your swatch-making looks like fun! I particularly love the Girl and her Cat, but all of your artwork is just exquisite.
Christine May 8, 2026 at 06:16
Lovely art
Kim Carberry May 8, 2026 at 05:34
What beautiful work and that photo of Tenaya lake is amazing, the reflection is just stunning.
Erika N May 8, 2026 at 04:17
Years ago I visited Yosemite and the pass was still closed due to snow. Thanks for reminding me I need to go back and check it out. Well one of these days. Your drawing is really lovely. I love all the yellow. I haven’t used my Copics in quite some time. I think I need to rediscover them too. Have a wonderful weekend ahead and FRiday too-I’m getting ahead of myself. hugs-Erika
Gillena Cox. May 8, 2026 at 02:49
Amazing lines in your landscape, delightful on the eyes
Happy Friday
Thanks for linking to AFFF
much love
Cat May 8, 2026 at 00:59
What a beautiful picture! Can’t wait to see the new one finished.
Your True Self May 7, 2026 at 20:04
Hi, Soma – All is have to say is “Wow!” Also, this is a pretty in-depth art lesson. Thanks for sharing your techniques with the world – Angie, Your True Self Blog
Jim, Sydney, Australia May 7, 2026 at 18:43
great
Joanne May 7, 2026 at 16:33
That is beautiful!
an artist reflects` May 7, 2026 at 15:44
Lovely creations with the coptic markers and wonderful info about the process ~
Thank you ~ Hugs ^_^
an artist reflects
Dixie May 7, 2026 at 14:44
Beautiful results with the Copic markers, Soma.
Good tips and I like your circle swatches.
My, so beautiful by the lake!
Mary May 7, 2026 at 14:25
I love reading your posts with all of your details and experimenting. It never ceases to amaze and educate me.
Alan Bates May 7, 2026 at 13:58
That’s pretty cool. You remind me again that art is more than a great eye and vision. A person has to have the skills and knowledge to make their vision happen.
Janine @ Rainbow Hare May 7, 2026 at 13:09
It’s such a good idea to swatch your markers. I should do that with fabrics and threads :)
jeanie May 7, 2026 at 12:42
what a fun and interesting post, Soma, and I really liked the end results. I haven’t worked much in Copic markers so these re excellent hints to bear in mind. I like your swatches too!
Bill May 7, 2026 at 12:32
Nice work using them, My son has a set which he has used though now I dare say have most likely dried up as he does not get so much time as he works full time at a Railway Center restoring stuff there. Must see if my wife can use them
Peter B. May 7, 2026 at 12:08
I don’t think you can beat the natural beauty of the Sierras!
Debra She Who Seeks May 7, 2026 at 07:39
Wonderful work, as always!