5
Colour adjustments and details
I feel like the colour scheme needs to be brightened
up, so I add some yellow hues to the image using
gradients on separate layers, set to various layer modes
such as Screen and Overlay. I also make the character’s
trousers a deeper blue, and add some belts and decorative
details to her general clothing. At this point, I have all the
details in place, and am ready to start painting.
7
Painting the hair
When painting in more detail, hair presents a
unique challenge. I want it to look detailed without
literally painting every strand. I do this by making sure
each clump of hair has a gradient of colour that makes it
stand out from the other hair around it. I also paint in the
shadows cast by the clumps, which adds depth and makes
the hair look more realistic.
6
Painting more detail
My goal now is to start working out the shading and
lighting. I use a chunky, textured brush for this, which is
great for defining edges and bringing some contrast to the
shading. The colours that I want to use are already on the
canvas, so I use Alt+Click as a shortcut to access the
Eyedropper and start working out the details. I start with
the face and work my way around the image, bit by bit.8
Adding depth and shading
Now that the details have been worked out, I feel the shading style has too
many hard edges. I’m ready to add some softer, more delicate shading. I use a Soft
brush, as well as the Gradient tool, to smooth out the shading and apply softer,
more neutral tones for the shadows. The purple from the previous step still shows
through, but it’s less harsh now.gradient tool
Combined with layer
modes like Overlay,
Screen and Soft light,
the Gradient tool can
help bring depth to a
colour scheme by
lightening or darkening
specific areas,
intensifying colours, and
developing colour
transitions. With this
tool, I can create subtle
variations in colour, so
that the eye is led around
the image. Be sure to
choose the Foreground
to Transparent optionAugust 2017 63
In depth Paint a dynamic figure