Step by step WIP .....

Many people have all sorts of opinions ( and strange theories !) about digital painting. To allay one urban myth, the software doesn't do it for you, the computer provides a very unique set of tools that not only replicates traditional painting it adds dimensions to go far beyond those mediums. It is very slowly breaking down barriers into art circles which tend to view it with disdain usually due to a confused logic regarding 'real' art and perceived cheating. I have had work refused in local art shows that allow photography to be exhibited - I scratch my head on that one ! (Every photographer I know enhances and manipulates everything through a variety of software)

My method is demonstrated above. I start with a rough pencil sketch of the subject which I scan in and fill with a skin tone (65% fill) and then paint over the top of it. I do it all on one layer unless I'm adding glasses which I'll draw on another layer. There is no 'magic' involved in fact it is pretty close to normal painting. I don't use a huge brush and block in areas, as some do, I slowly fill each area and use a limited skin tone palette. All up the face is around 3 hours work - perhaps longer - rarely in one sitting. I usually have about six commissions at any one time and I hop from one to another - you get tunnel vision looking at the same painting all the time and often coming back to it later you spot changes that are needed you couldn't see before.

I only use three brushes for 90% of painting. I used to use a massive array but got rid of them bit by bit. Altering the Brush presets gives you much more versatility. 

( Larger version of the WIP is HERE)

I use Photoshop, CS4, as my tool of choice and also use Artrage for preliminary work. If you moving down the digital path and want to start out without the expense, and complexity, of Photoshop I can thoroughly recommend it - Check it out HERE.

I have used Painter IX, which some people swear by, I've never warmed to it, the GUI is far too complex and it isn't as intuitive to use as good old PS. I'm also too old to learn a new set of keyboard shortcuts.

Oh, and naturally I use a Macintosh !! (I'll get a bite there from someone ........ )

The WIP above is a current commission which I will post when the whole theme is completed.

This digital malarkey !!!

People often ask - 'how do you do this digital painting stuff ?'. 

Well where do you start, I follow a conventional path, I sketch the face out on paper, with a 'real'  pencil, scan in and paint usually all on one layer. My weapon of choice is Photoshop CS3, there is other software, some much, much cheaper, but, they always seem to have 'bits' missing.

Once I'm in Photoshop, that's where I stay from 'first brush stroke to print'. 

The lovely young lady above was a recent commission if you look closely you can see the strokes - I mainly use the dark and light pastel brushes, particularly to finish off, it gives a more chalky/grainy effect, more realistic. A lot of digital paintings I see have that highly glazed look - like china dolls. I spend ages with a small chalky brush 'finishing' off - if anything I need someone else to walk in and say ' Oi, it's done - PRINT IT !!!'

The top picture is one I'm working on at the moment, for yet another 50th birthday, you can see I started from the jaw working my way up, big brushes to start with small, ones to finish.

I really love doing the faces, the little bodies and accessories are something the clients want and really irritate me. I often have three or four finished faces and avoid adding the rest until I feel like it. A body bottleneck. 

I've just got a commission for four faces, yep just the faces, and 'make 'em ugly' they say - now that's a real job.

Something completely different .....

Well away from my normal stuff - I was asked to paint a long dead favourite pet from an old faded photo.
Done using Artrage 2.0 software and finished in Photoshop CS3.
An Australian Cattle dog the Blue Heeler - they can be cranky individuals.
A pleasant change but I was tempted to give him big feet and a huge nose !!!