Lets Paint a Tire Pt.1

Similar to the spatula that kicked off the series, this process is all about working in passes. To approach this seemingly complicated shape, I first envisio...

Similar to the spatula that kicked off the series, this process is all about working in passes. To approach this seemingly complicated shape, I first envision it as a simpler one.  

This painting demonstration is another entry in the "Let's Paint" collection.  Instead of showing you every single brush stroke that I make, it aims to give a process overview.  As I work, you'll see me pointing out specific techniques - each of which has a related video linked to the right of this description.  

RELATED TECHNIQUES SHOWN IN THIS VIDEO 

Visual Simplification - Video

Transforming the ellipses - Video 

Lock Transparent Pixels - Video

Dynamic Brush Strokes - Premium Series

Let's Paint A Spatula

Today I'll paint a spatula. Exciting, right? It is because of the free series that it kicks off: the "let's paint" demonstrations. Each of these demonstrat...

Today I'll paint a spatula.  Exciting, right? It is because of the free series that it kicks off: the "let's paint" demonstrations.  Each of these demonstrations shows me painting a single object from start to finish.  As I work, I'll be mentioning the specific techniques I'm using  - and each of these techniques is explained in videos linked at the bottom of the post.  

Why is this exciting?

Because there are hundreds of free videos in the Ctrl+Paint library at this point, and it can seem overwhelming deciding which to watch next.  It's not always obvious which techniques fit together and in what ways.  The 'Let's Paint' videos give me an opportunity to show the techniques working together, and creating images start to finish.  So in a sense, these videos work like a table of contents -- but visual.  

To see more, visit the Let's Paint page here.  

RELATED TECHNIQUES SHOWN IN THIS VIDEO 

• Making 'temp layers' - Video
  

• Using the pen tool - blog post
  

• Lock Transparent Pixels / Clipping Masks - Video
  

• Add 2D graphics in perspective using the warp tool - Video
  

• Clone your detail elements - Video

How to improve your digital sketches pt 3

Now that we've created a polished sketch from photo reference, it's time to apply the same skills to imaginary subject-matter. Some of the skills translate d...

Now that we've created a polished sketch from photo reference, it's time to apply the same skills to imaginary subject-matter.  Some of the skills translate directly, but you'll also need to comfortable with two things: the subject matter and linear perspective.  

Mini-Series Videos

1. Part 1

2. Part 2

3. Part 3

Related Videos

1. Perspective Sketching 1

2. Perspective Sketching 2

How to improve your digital sketches pt 2

Continuing on our dragon drawing journey, part 2 polishes the rough Komodo Dragon sketch. In this segment we'll see how important the loose sketch phase was,...

Continuing on our dragon drawing journey, part 2 polishes the rough Komodo Dragon sketch.  In  this segment we'll see how important the loose sketch phase was, and how it allows for confident details.

Mini-Series Videos

1. Part 1

2. Part 2

3. Part 3

How to improve your digital sketches pt 1

It's easy to see the sketches of a professional artist and think "no way I'll ever get there". The control, the detail.. it can seem like an impossible task....

It's easy to see the sketches of a professional artist and think "no way I'll ever get there".  The control, the detail.. it can seem like an impossible task.  This three part series is an attempt to shed some light on the requisite steps that lead to polished digital sketches.  In this first segment, we'll start by doing a photo-study. 

Mini-Series Videos

1. Part 1

2. Part 2

3. Part 3

Background Efficiency Pt.4

Now that the background elements are all in place, the image needs a bit more continuity.  Color, value, and relative contrast are important when incorporating disparate parts into a single painting.  From a technical standpoint, we're relying heavily on clipping masks and layer groups for this phase --- but to me, unity requires more than understanding Photoshop features.  As always, make sure to watch the related techniques videos to learn more!   

Mini-Series Videos

1. Part 1
2. Part 2
3. Part 3

Related Techniques

1. Visual Simplification
2. Principles of Design: Unity
3. Unify Your Color Palette
4. Brush Tool Efficiency

Background Efficiency Pt.3

As we continue working on the background, it's time to start adding textural details.  This step is fast and efficient thanks to the "Smart Object" layout.  As in the previous parts of this mini-series, make sure to look to the right to find links to related technique videos.  In the next installment we'll finish the image by pulling all of the colors and values together.  

Mini-Series Videos

1. Part 1
2. Part 2 
3. Part 4

Related Techniques

1. Creating a texture library
2. The Histogram
3. Clipping Masks

Background Efficiency Pt.2

The next step in our background efficiency mini-series has us making detail elements.  In the last video we created a few placeholders (as smart objects), which we'll turn into hand-painted ladders.  Though I use a ladder in this example, keep in mind that the technique can be used for any repeated object in your scene.  Telephone poles?  Mailboxes?  Consider using a smart object.

Mini-Series Videos 

1. Part 1
2. Part 2
3. Part 3
4. Part 4

Techniques used in this video

1. Scale and Proportion

2. Clipping Masks

Background Efficiency pt.1

To fill your background with realistic details, why not save some time by repeating elements?  Whether you want to reinforce a sense of scale, or your image calls for repeated objects - "Smart Objects" can save you a lot of time.  

This is a 4 part mini-series, and the pace is a bit different than other videos on this site.  Instead of explaining a single topic, this mini-series serves to showcase fundamental skills working in harmony.  So as you watch, you might see some techniques you're not familiar with -- but don't worry!  The links to the right will catch you up to speed on these previously explained concepts.

Mini-Series Videos 

1. Part 2
2. Part 3
3. Part 4

Techniques used in this video

1. Pen tool masking
2. Real-time design with smart objects
3. Why Work Digitally?
4. Edge Control 

5. Scale and Proportion

Installing Custom Brushes

It's common to find brush packs online.  These *.ABR files are extremely powerful, but only if you know how to install them.  This video will get you up and running!

Related Videos

1. Tool Presets
2. Custom Brushes Workflow Pt.1
3. Custom Brushes Workflow Pt. 2
4. Custom Brush Design

Quick Object Repetition

Free transform, as we saw in the previous video, can be a very precise tool. In this video we'll be creating a room full of ornate windows - and use the powe...

Free transform, as we saw in the previous video, can be a very precise tool.  In this video we'll be creating a room full of ornate windows - and use the power of smart objects and the free transform tool to save time.  Though this workflow might seem like 'cheating', modern illustrators take advantage of a wide array of uniquely-digital tools.   

Related Videos

1. Free Transform: Hidden Features

Additional Recommendations

1. Efficient Overlays Pt.1

2. Efficient Overlays Pt.2

3. Efficient Overlays Pt.3

4. Efficient Overlays Pt.4

Free Transform: Hidden Features

In this Photoshop digital painting tutorial we'll improve our ellipse control using some hidden commands. The free transform tool is a lot more powerful than...

Free transform is often a beginner's first tool.  As such, it's easy to overlook some of it's more advanced (and hidden) functionality.  In this video we'll examine the practical uses of modifier keys while free transforming ellipses into position. 

Alternative Masking Pt.3

Clipping masks are great. I use them every day. In today's video, we'll see how to make them even better with a little help from layer groups. Do you have a ...

Clipping masks are great.  I use them every day.  In today's video, we'll see how to make them even better with a little help from layer groups.  Do you have a cool use for this technique?  Let's hear about it in the comments!

Related Videos

1. Alternative Masking Pt.1

2. Alternative Masking Pt.2

Efficient Overlays Pt.4

In today's video we'll complete the trim sheet mini-series by adding the final details.   As you'll see in the video, this technique is more 'collage' than it is 'painting', though still requires a solid understanding of linear perspective.  If you've never tried working in this way, here's your invitation!  Give it a whirl!

Related Videos

• Part 1

• Part 2

• Part 3

Welcome to Efficiency Through Repetition

Basic Rendering 3: Realism

Want to improve the realism of your grayscale rendering in Photoshop? This premium series offers an in-depth look. Available now in the store: http://ctrlpai...

Basic Rendering 3, available in the Ctrl+Paint store, continues where part 2 left off.  We'll explore the process of adding realism to your imaginary forms, and steps to improve your grayscale rendering.  The series focuses on fundamental skills and theory that apply to concept art, illustration, and painting in general.  

Hand Painting 

One approach for detail is to use photographic overlays.  Basic rendering 3 shies away from this method, focusing instead on hand-painting techniques.  Though commercial work often involves photo-overlay as a time-saving technique, it's important to learn the manual method first.

Worksheets

Just watching isn't enough.  To practice your new skills, this series includes a variety of study sheets and PSD files.  These provided homework assignments aren't glamorous, but they're important for mastering the basics.  

Basic Rendering 4: Putting it all Together

This premium series completes the "Basic Rendering" collection. Here, I paint an entire grayscale illustration and explain my though process. Available now...

Basic Rendering 4 concludes the series by showcasing a real-world illustration process featuring the tools, technique, and theory from parts 1-3.  First we explore the importance of composition and ‘value pattern’.  This process informs the creation of our thumbnail sketch and digital rough, which is then enlarged and polished into a final illustration.  Most importantly, the series focuses on the design choices I make throughout the process (both successes and failures), which can be applied to any illustration.  

Efficient Overlays Pt.3

Ctrl+Paint Store: http://ctrlpaint.myshopify.com/ Full Free Video Library: http://www.ctrlpaint.com/library/ note: This video was originally created for Ctrl...

Before we jump into the final photo overlay phase, this video provides a word of caution: watch your overlaps.  A common issue with layers set to blending modes like 'overlay' and 'multiply' is that they pile up and get out of control.  In part 3 of this series we'll see how layer groups can help avoid this sloppy result without sacrificing any versatility.  

If you've watched the two previous parts, you might be confused.  Yes, I did add an additional video.  If all goes according to plan, this will now be a four part mini-series, and we'll complete the detailing phase next week.  Stay tuned!

Related Videos

• Part 1

• Part 2

Efficient Overlays Pt. 2

Today we'll continue work on the texture 'tile-set' for our concept painting example. Ctrl+Paint Store: http://ctrlpaint.myshopify.com/ Full Free Video Libra...

Today we'll continue work on the texture 'tile-set' for our concept painting example.   This part of the process allows you to get to the fun stuff next week.  If you're not sure how to make ''tiling textures", make sure to watch this older video . 

Related Videos

• Part 1

• Part 2

• Part 3

Efficient Overlays Pt.1

The warp tool is incredibly powerful. In previous videos we've used it to wrap decals around characters, and to create replaceable texture sheets using smart...

The warp tool is incredibly powerful. In previous videos we've used it to wrap decals around characters, and to create replaceable texture sheets using smart objects.  In this three-part series we'll explore creating a 'trim sheet', and see how it can speed up the concept art process.