4
BACKGROUND CONSIDERATIONS
After finishing the character line work, it’s on to the
background. I introduce a grid for a strong perspective
and add more layers behind the figure, to ensure the
background is clear enough to make her stand out. I’m
portraying her standing in a subway, bruised and bloody
but victorious. Her enemies’ bodies are just out of shot.6
LIGHTING THE SCENE
Next I roughly colour the background. Adding a
new layer below the background line, I use the Gradient
tool to quickly introduce a dark to light gradation. Then I
paint a light source – not the main one, just a secondary
source – which gives a certain mood to the character and
will help explain the ambient colour in the finished piece.5
APPLYING COLOUR
Now for some colour foundation. I add a new layer
again below the line art and the background layer, ready
for some rough colours. I start with Harley. Using the hard
Round brush, I place some colour, working out where the
light comes from and how much brightness I’ll need. This
will help when I render (add final detail to) the character.3
CLEANING THINGS UP
I add a new layer on top of the overlapping line art,
and then place the original rough sketch above that layer,
which makes it easier to edit if there are any mistakes in
the process. Next I start to clean up the lines, by tracing
exactly along my original drawing of Harley Quinn.SHORTCUTS
Liquify
Cmd+Shift+X (Mac)
Ctrl+Shift+X (PC)
Make quick adjustments
to elements of your
image with this
cool filter.WORKSHOP
BRUSHES
PHOTOSHOP
CUSTOM BRUSHES:CANVAS 001
Good for developing
a painterly look, and
for smooth blending.CANVAS 0
I use this when I feel
the artwork needs a
canvas effect.CANVAS
I use this to make the
background appear
like canvas.CANVAS 2
I use this brush on
the background to
enhance the effect of
the Canvas brush.HAIR BRUSH
I paint delicate,
smooth hair with
this brush.Workshops