Daily Sketch #16

Another sketch, going to be a worklog/tutorial.

Trying to paint a panther this time, in a natural environment (jungle, ish). As this is just a basic sketch the only elements I’ve included by now is general shapes and colors for the panther and the environment. I will make this a worklog, or some sort of tutorial where I will explain the steps I take to complete the sketch from idea/concept to final image.

Click on the images for a larger version.

1. Create the background

The first step I take when I want to create an image, whether it’s from my mind or from reference, is to create a background. I never ever work with a white canvas as white has a tendency to “tear” into your eyes and make you squinch. Find a color your eyes like and use that, even if it’s just a character concept.

If you’re using photo reference for a concept, your main object is usually interfering with the background. This is where your imagination and reasonable mind comes in play. The background on the image I decided on wasn’t too hard to figure out, I just needed to remove the panther, in my mind, and paint what I think this jungle scenery would look like without the panther. When I had the basic colors and shapes plotted in I placed the panther in there, just a black shape to start with.

2. Shape and color

Basic shape of the panther, foreground and background of the environment blocked in. At this stage I have used very few colors, just getting the idea on the canvas more or less, so I see if the composition works. I’ve used a reference image, and I am trying to get the basic colors and composition out of that.

3. Blocking in more colors

I’ve added more detail, basically just more colors (light tones and shadow tones) to bring out the values of the panther. Some more colors blocked in to show the muddy ground (perhaps I’ll change that, a tree of some sort, I don’t feel confident with muddy texture, too much detail), as well as trees, leaves and blurry bits in the background.

4. More details (colors)

I’ve added more details to the panther, several tones of black (grey, 90%, 80%, 70%) to make the panther pop out. I’ve also added some minor, but important, details like whiskers, paws, and a reflectation in the eyes, as well as some tree-shapes in the blurred background. This is the final image, I’m fairly satisfied with it, I don’t like the idea of overworked art so I am not going to clutter it up more than this. Don’t be afraid to go loose and easy, if you feel comfortable and satisfied with your final image you should keep that, don’t overwork it.

5. Final touches

All done, hope you like it.