I have to say a word about the set. It’s really useful, and very cost-effective. Each of the paints are useful on their own. I would highly recommend getting it.
Conclusion
If you love Daniel Smith paints, I’d look into this one. It’s a good, neutral yellow to have.
Despite me not liking the set AS A SET, I would recommend getting it. That is because the individual paints are great in their own right.
I hope you enjoyed this one, and I’ll talk to you again real soon!
A while ago I worked on this painting of a pastry called Rozalach (which is insanely delicious!!).
I also recorded the entire painting process.
As I was watching the footage, I realised it would be great material to talk about DRAWING in the context of painting.
In other words, this is great content to explain how to draw for a painting.
so without further ado, here’s the video (and if you prefer to read – scroll on! 😉)
Drawing for a painting is different
Drawing for a painting is different from drawing when pencil is the final purpose in mind.
It requires to be as detailed as necessary, but not more than that.
With this process, I starting by marking the edges of the pile of Rozalach pastries.
You can see what these look like in the reference pic on the top left corner.
Once I finished indicating the edges, I was able to fill up the space with quick sketches, representing the shapes of the tasty doughy rolls.
This is the hardest part. Once you get those guidelines in, it’s only a matter of filling in the gaps with the finer details.
Here you see me filling in those details. The main things I’m looking for are strong changes in values (meaning darks and lights).
When drawing for a painting, this is extremely important.
Here is the final drawing!
This is a good indication of how a typical drawing that’s ready to paint will look.
Some prefer to be more detailed, while others prefer less details.
I will tell you what – I recommend experimenting with both. Trying different levels of detail has its utility.
More detailed – may allow for more realistic results.
Less detailed – allows you to practice using the brush more, and “drawing” with the paint (rather than just “coloring” the areas between the lines).
And now is my favourite part – The drawing is ready to be painted! At this stage I can already imagine the colors I’ll be using, and the transparency of watercolor (which I love).
Painting
List of colors:
New Gamboge
Quinacridone Burnt Orange
Pyrrol Scarlet
French Ultramarine
Here is the very first wash.
My main concern is achieving an even result that’s “flowing” properly, and a variety of interesting colors.
Sometimes I go really wild with my colors (especially with portraits), but this time I decided not too.
I was afraid the colors will make it harder to communicate what I painted (a pastry that not everyone will be instantly familiar with).
And so I decided to go with an interesting range of yellows, oranges, reds and some blues.
Notice how I also made sure to connect the Rozalachs with the background. The purpose is to ensure they don’t appear to be “cut off” from the background. We want them to look like an integral part of the setting.
I find this extremely important at times, especially with painting people as a part of a scene.
After that, I move onto the second wash, where we’ll put in the darker shades.
This immediately breaks the painting down into more discernible shapes that actually have a meaning.
In most paintings, I find this to be the most difficult stage. That’s because you really need to start paying attention to the drawing.
There’s one cool effect I think I was able to get at this stage.
The pastries are covered in sugar powder. To indicate that powder’s texture I made use of the paper’s texture (I’m using a cold-press paper for this one).
Notice the areas just under the Rozalachs in particular. I used dry brush strokes that will preserve the paper’s texture and create a powder-like effect.
In this video I show you how to draw a battle scene between Shay Patrick Cormac and Adewale – two characters from the Assassin’s Creed Rogue video game.
This is less of a drawing lesson, and more of a speed-drawing demonstration of my complete drawing process.
You’ll see everything from drawing, to painting (watercolors AND colored pencils) and inking.
So without further ado, here it is!
A few notes:
1. I like to paint before I ink.
This is something I talked about before.
This type of process allows the colors to really shine, and then also allows you to be minimal with your pen and ink.
2. I mix watercolors with colored pencils.
I like the look I achieve by applying watercolors and then completing the look using colored pencils.
This is a common practice, and is my favorite way to go. The watercolors easily cover large surfaces and give the base tone. Then, the colored pencils add the texture and more accurate shading.
However, you are invited to try a different way, and let me know if it works better for you (=
Anyway, this is it. Let me know if you have any questions!
And if you want to become a king at drawing, inking, painting, sketching and whatnot, be sure to subscribe here. You’ll also receive my book as a gift! (=
