Brush Alternative tool for applying acrylic paint: Empty Bingo Bottles with Dauber Tips

Found this stash of empty bingo bottles at the Art Center, so decided to fill them up with some acrylic paint and dilute them with some airbrush medium (1 part paint and 1 part airbrush medium) to make some paint markers for class use. To preserve the integrity of the acrylic emulsion decided to use only medium for increasing the flow properties of the paint. Diluting with water might result in spoiled paint if stored for long periods of time and a weak paint film.

Put them to the test with my 4 & 6 year old nephews.

Bingo dotters are often used with Pre-K groups since they are quick and easy to set up with minimal clean up, but the width of the marks will be as wide as the dauber applicator.

They are a pretty good choice for Urban/Graffiti style pieces, and to cover wide areas quickly.

If more control is desired, you will still need to resort to using traditional round brushes.

Just like commercial paint markers, I find it best to store these custom acrylic markers horizontally to facilitate remixing and prevent paint clogs.

Made this sample piece for class using a combination of dauber bottles and acrylic paint markers. Depending on the desired markes, they can prove an effective alternative to regular paint brushes.

Custom Marker Sketchbook for Classroom use

Made a few 6" X 9"  booklets using pages from a Canson XL Marker pad, folded them in halves, and stapled it with a cardstock cover to make some marker sketchbooks for upcoming track out classes at the Art Center.

Usually I dedicate the first few pages of a sketchbook for color reference charts. Prismacolor double ended markers lay down bright sample swatches that do not bleed through the 18 lb marker paper, but they are still visible through the translucent sheet which is suitable for tracing tasks. You can easily slip some line art underneath, and copy the image with a marker-proof pen like a Sakura Pigma Sensei drawing pen for coloring later.

The Chartpak AD markers look quite bold on this paper, but they give off a much stronger chemical solvent smell while being applied.

Sample cartoon portrait colored with the Chartpak AD markers. The sleek paper surface allows for quick and smooth uniform coverage.

Kid Made Modern Art Supplies found on clearance at Target

Found this Kid Made Modern set of 12 double ended permanent markers with a stand in the arts and crafts section of a local Target. Also noticed that they had marked down the crayon jewels by 50% off.  So it might be a good time to shop for some art treats for the kids.

Made this quick color reference chart to test both nibs of each marker, fine and chisel tip.

Their barrels are color coded and with a triangular shape that is easy to grip. The colors are labeled as permanent and might stain. This set would make a colorful and stylish addition to the desk of a budding artist or designer.

Pentel Color Pen Fine Point S-360 Gray Set

Thanks to George from My Supply Room got to try these vintage set of Gray Pentel Color Pen Fine Point Markers. While these markers were made in Japan in the past, it seems that the current version available in the market hails from Taiwan. They work well for writing and doodling for fun, so they would make a nice addition to kids' sketching kits. Yet from the product information and reviews, it seems like their water-based inks and bright colors might be prone to fading so use them accordingly. Besides online sources, they can often be found in wallet sets in the drafting section of office supplies stores.