03
DRAW THE LINE ART
Once you are satisfied that the values create a harmonious composition with the sketch, merge the
layers of the sketch and the values together using Cmd/Ctrl+Opt/Alt+Shift+E (and delete the original layers,
leaving the background). Lower the Opacity of the image to 10-20% and use a small black standard Hard
brush with Opacity of 90% to ink the sketch. Study leopard anatomy beforehand using photos. Don’t fuss over
the details; the line art is simply meant to serve as a cleaner guide for the painting than the rough sketch.04
LAY DOWN BASE COLOURS
Before we begin painting, it’s important to
figure out what colours we want to use for the
painting. By researching and collecting photos of the
relevant subjects, we can learn how lights and
colours interact, as well as find inspiration for how to
light the composition and what colour palette to use.
Create a new layer on top of the composition and set
it to Multiply, then use the Paint Bucket tool to fill in a
base colour. Use a large standard Soft brush with low
opacity to loosely fill in the shapes, using lighter
colours for the leopard and the surrounding waves to
create contrast between sky and ocean.02
CREATE A VALUE STUDY
After quickly sketching out the concept,
create a new layer over the rough sketch and set it
to Multiply. Using a basic Soft Round brush, in
combination with monotone black and grey colours,
work out values on this layer to test the composition
and get a better idea of how to approach the lighting
in this painting. Using another new layer set to
Normal, and going between Soft Round and Hard
Round brushes, define the values more and add the
lighter details like moon and stars with lighter grey(^01) and white tones.
WORK OUT YOUR SKETCH
Quickly lay down the composition via a rough sketch. It’s a
good idea to sketch out several compositions (thumbnails) of the same
concept to see what works out the best. For inspiration, look at photos
of various aquatic life like corals and seashells. Once settled on the
strongest concept, make a new layer set to Normal and using a basic
Hard Round brush roughly sketch out the idea you settled on. The
details don’t have to be very refined; the concept will be polished and
built upon throughout the painting.
CREATE MAGICAL LIGHT
WORK IN
PROGRESS
Progress 2: Photo study
Progress 3: Additional effects
Progress 1: Base colours
By researching and
collecting photos of the
relevant subjects, we can learn
how lights and colours interact
TECHNIQUES PERFECT COLOURS AND LIGHTING