"Downfall" Hi-Res Image and Process Guide
Added 2020-07-13 12:00:00 +0000 UTCDownfall. A scene from A Plague of Dragons and our Classic Fantasy Illustration for June.
Traditional Drawing with Digital Color.
For the size: I worked a little bit differently on this one. The original drawing for was quite small, (only 4"x6" inches!) and then the entire file was blown up to 24"x30" inches by scanning the image in at a super high resolution.) I almost never work like this as I really like to paint over much larger drawings. However, in this case everything I needed was captured in the small drawing and it felt redundant to just try and trace it all over again.
In the following Process Guide you can get a good sense of the progression for the image. My method here is the same as if I were working in watercolor or oil. I work over a tight drawing, moving incrementally from highly transparent layering to highly opaque layers. This allows me to preserve my lines for the majority of the image, right up until the point when I am comfortable obliterating them in favor of raw paint in the correct color and value.
The image was a ton of fun to paint. It was a nice blend of elements that I really enjoy painting. Castles, knights, tranquil landscapes, and of course, dragons!
The next full illustration in line is either going to be the Dragon Dance or the Last Castles from last month's Classic Fantasy Illustration vote. Not sure which of these I will tackle first, as they will both be very tranquil, peaceful escapist images (ahhhhh art therapy!) and I expect them both to be a lot of fun to paint. Hoping to stream whichever one we go with. Stay tuned! -jg
Comments
I apply a texture at the beginning, usually a watercolor blossom or canvas or something I've scanned in. I then paint over that with brushes that have a similar texture built into them. (Using both the "Texture" setting in the brush settings and often the "Dual Brush" setting as well.) Also thanks Mike!! Welcome aboard! :D
Justin Gerard
2020-07-22 18:12:14 +0000 UTCLove this...the subject, design, colours and the drama the vignette adds. Why must you be so good!! I'm new here, so apologies if this gets asked a lot. Is the texture coming purely from the brushes, or do you apply a Style or texture overlay to give the finished image that canvas feel? Any tips for that?
Mike Nash
2020-07-22 01:21:56 +0000 UTCHey thanks Rok!! Glad it was helpful! Hoping to do more of these chill landscape night streams in the future. :D
Justin Gerard
2020-07-14 16:49:47 +0000 UTCI just finished watching your night stream VOD -Since it's 5 in the morning here i can't join :) Loved the talk at the end of the stream where you explain your process. I am amazed how you manage to get stuff done consistently and in high quality. Also new brush is awesome and this is my new wallpaper picture <3
Rok Lazo
2020-07-14 16:42:25 +0000 UTC
