In this video I'll demonstrate painting in a vibrant, cartoon-influenced style. The process isn't particularly complicated, but it showcases some time-saving steps I've learned over the years. If any of these techniques are new to you, make sure to watch the videos I've linked to the right.
RELATED TECHNIQUES SHOWN IN THIS VIDEO
In the first half of this demonstration I painted the major masses of the missile platform. Working in this manner, from simple to complex, is a common story on Ctrl+Paint. There's no point in adding the detailed missiles if the underlying form isn't correct first. But at this point in the demonstration, I'm comfortable with the foundation and it's time to add the detailed missiles.
The technique central to painting these missiles is called "smart objects", and is a bit unexpected for those with traditional art roots.
RELATED TECHNIQUES SHOWN IN THIS VIDEO
In this process demonstration I'll show you an approach to painting industrial subject-matter. This missile platform poses a particular challenge: there are a lot of missiles. Though you might be tempted to paint one complete missile and then make copies, I demonstrate a better alternative. Like all of the "Let's Paint" videos, I don't go into much depth on the individual techniques shown in this video. Instead, I've linked other videos which elaborate on these unfamiliar concepts. Have fun!
Note: I'm not advocating war with this demonstration. Missiles are a sad reality of modern life, but more importantly -- are prominently featured in contemporary video games.
In the first half I demonstrated painting the basic forms of the tire. Today we'll finish up by painting the surface details using some uniquely digital techniques. If you see anything new or unfamiliar to you, make sure to watch the videos linked to the right to learn more!
Similar to the spatula that kicked off the series, this process is all about working in passes. To approach this seemingly complicated shape, I first envision it as a simpler one.
This painting demonstration is another entry in the "Let's Paint" collection. Instead of showing you every single brush stroke that I make, it aims to give a process overview. As I work, you'll see me pointing out specific techniques - each of which has a related video linked to the right of this description.
RELATED TECHNIQUES SHOWN IN THIS VIDEO
Visual Simplification - Video
Transforming the ellipses - Video
Lock Transparent Pixels - Video
Dynamic Brush Strokes - Premium Series
Today I'll paint a spatula. Exciting, right? It is because of the free series that it kicks off: the "let's paint" demonstrations. Each of these demonstrations shows me painting a single object from start to finish. As I work, I'll be mentioning the specific techniques I'm using - and each of these techniques is explained in videos linked at the bottom of the post.
Why is this exciting?
Because there are hundreds of free videos in the Ctrl+Paint library at this point, and it can seem overwhelming deciding which to watch next. It's not always obvious which techniques fit together and in what ways. The 'Let's Paint' videos give me an opportunity to show the techniques working together, and creating images start to finish. So in a sense, these videos work like a table of contents -- but visual.
To see more, visit the Let's Paint page here.
Now that we've created a polished sketch from photo reference, it's time to apply the same skills to imaginary subject-matter. Some of the skills translate directly, but you'll also need to comfortable with two things: the subject matter and linear perspective.
Continuing on our dragon drawing journey, part 2 polishes the rough Komodo Dragon sketch. In this segment we'll see how important the loose sketch phase was, and how it allows for confident details.
Mini-Series Videos
Part 2
Part 3
It's easy to see the sketches of a professional artist and think "no way I'll ever get there". The control, the detail.. it can seem like an impossible task. This three part series is an attempt to shed some light on the requisite steps that lead to polished digital sketches. In this first segment, we'll start by doing a photo-study.
Mini-Series Videos
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Now that the background elements are all in place, the image needs a bit more continuity. Color, value, and relative contrast are important when incorporating disparate parts into a single painting. From a technical standpoint, we're relying heavily on clipping masks and layer groups for this phase --- but to me, unity requires more than understanding Photoshop features. As always, make sure to watch the related techniques videos to learn more!
Mini-Series Videos
Related Techniques
As we continue working on the background, it's time to start adding textural details. This step is fast and efficient thanks to the "Smart Object" layout. As in the previous parts of this mini-series, make sure to look to the right to find links to related technique videos. In the next installment we'll finish the image by pulling all of the colors and values together.
Mini-Series Videos
Related Techniques
The next step in our background efficiency mini-series has us making detail elements. In the last video we created a few placeholders (as smart objects), which we'll turn into hand-painted ladders. Though I use a ladder in this example, keep in mind that the technique can be used for any repeated object in your scene. Telephone poles? Mailboxes? Consider using a smart object.
To fill your background with realistic details, why not save some time by repeating elements? Whether you want to reinforce a sense of scale, or your image calls for repeated objects - "Smart Objects" can save you a lot of time.
This is a 4 part mini-series, and the pace is a bit different than other videos on this site. Instead of explaining a single topic, this mini-series serves to showcase fundamental skills working in harmony. So as you watch, you might see some techniques you're not familiar with -- but don't worry! The links to the right will catch you up to speed on these previously explained concepts.
Mini-Series Videos
Techniques used in this video
It's common to find brush packs online. These *.ABR files are extremely powerful, but only if you know how to install them. This video will get you up and running!
Free transform, as we saw in the previous video, can be a very precise tool. In this video we'll be creating a room full of ornate windows - and use the power of smart objects and the free transform tool to save time. Though this workflow might seem like 'cheating', modern illustrators take advantage of a wide array of uniquely-digital tools.
Related Videos
Additional Recommendations
Free transform is often a beginner's first tool. As such, it's easy to overlook some of it's more advanced (and hidden) functionality. In this video we'll examine the practical uses of modifier keys while free transforming ellipses into position.
Clipping masks are great. I use them every day. In today's video, we'll see how to make them even better with a little help from layer groups. Do you have a cool use for this technique? Let's hear about it in the comments!
Related Videos
In today's video we'll complete the trim sheet mini-series by adding the final details. As you'll see in the video, this technique is more 'collage' than it is 'painting', though still requires a solid understanding of linear perspective. If you've never tried working in this way, here's your invitation! Give it a whirl!
Basic Rendering 3, available in the Ctrl+Paint store, continues where part 2 left off. We'll explore the process of adding realism to your imaginary forms, and steps to improve your grayscale rendering. The series focuses on fundamental skills and theory that apply to concept art, illustration, and painting in general.
One approach for detail is to use photographic overlays. Basic rendering 3 shies away from this method, focusing instead on hand-painting techniques. Though commercial work often involves photo-overlay as a time-saving technique, it's important to learn the manual method first.
Just watching isn't enough. To practice your new skills, this series includes a variety of study sheets and PSD files. These provided homework assignments aren't glamorous, but they're important for mastering the basics.
