Art markers are designed for use by illustrators and graphic artists in situations where immediate impact outweighs the need for total archival quality.

Markers were not designed for the lasting needs of fine artists. The dyes used are brilliant but can fade rapidly upon exposure to sunlight. This makes them ideal for their intended use, creating art for immediate reproduction.

Markers are fiber-tipped pens that work by capillary action as the dye is "sucked" from the fiber holding tank inside the barrel of the pen. With widths from very fine to very broad, the typical "permanent" marker has a chiseled broad nib on one end and a fine or very fine nib on the other end.

Using the term "Permanent markers" is deceptive. It only means the dyes are waterproof but they may fade in time. Lightfast and pigmented markers are available in limited color ranges. Check the label for lightfast rating.

Markers are great for quick color studies to test your ideas before you flesh them out in a more permanent medium like watercolor, acrylic, or oil paints.

For basic sketching I would recommend Sharpies and design markers in black, and two distinct grays in the 20% to 70% gray range. For color work there are prepackaged set available for general drawing, landscapes, portraits, etc.

This 5 ½" x 8 ½" marker sketch (left) was made en plein air just prior to painting a watercolor of the same scene. It simplifies the value patterns and focuses on the main elements in the scene.