Icicles
Hey lovely people! Since winter’s around the corner, I thought it would be fun to cozy up with a chilly little project: painting some realistic icicles! ❄️ This one’s pretty beginner-friendly and super satisfying, just a few easy steps and you’ll end up with something that looks really polished. Plus, it’s a great confidence booster if you’re still getting comfy with realism.
Brushes used:
- Studio Pen
- Basic Flo Brush
- Standard Blender
- Soft Brush
- Lighten Line Brush
- Heavy Metal
- Spires
Canvas Size:
- 2000 x 3000 pixels
Key Skills Learned:
- Sketching loosely for a clean foundation
We start off by sketching wobbly, imperfect icicles, nothing too precise! Just enough to guide our painting later on. - Building base shapes with solid layer structure
Each icicle gets its own layer so we can paint and adjust them independently. Super handy for control and flexibility. - Working with alpha lock and clipping masks
We use alpha lock for easy shading inside shapes, and clipping masks to gently build up textures and light effects without messing anything up. - Using blending and smudging for soft transitions
The smudge tool helps us soften things where needed and keeps everything looking smooth and icy, perfect for capturing that frozen feel. - Adding finishing touches with texture and bloom
Textures like Heavy Metal and Spires add subtle detail, and the bloom effect at the end really brings that icy glow to life.
Paper Cutout Mandala
Okay, so today we’re mixing two things I love — a paper cutout look and a mandala vibe. And oh my gosh, this project is SO fun. It’s one of those where you just go with the flow, let your shapes happen, and end up with something super delicate and beautiful. You’re not aiming for perfection here, we’re layering, carving, erasing, and creating something totally unique and totally you. Just trust the process, okay? It’s gonna be magical.
Brushes used:
- Monoline
- Studio Pen
Canvas Size:
- 2500 x 2500 pixels
Key Skills Learned:
- Setting up radial symmetry for perfect mandala balance
We use Procreate’s radial symmetry guide to get those lovely balanced shapes without stressing, it’s like drawing one petal and getting eight for free! - Adding soft, layered shadows for a paper cutout feel
By duplicating layers, using alpha lock, Gaussian blur, and multiply mode, we make those layers pop with depth. Hello, dreamy shadow magic. - Carving details with the eraser like real paper art
The eraser isn’t just for fixing, we use it like a blade to “cut” our shapes and make things look super delicate and detailed, just like real cut paper. - Keeping things tidy with grouped layers
We keep things organized by grouping each shape layer with its shadow, so your canvas doesn’t turn into chaos while you’re layering away. - Letting go and designing from instinct
Honestly? The best part is just trusting your gut. No need to copy anything exactly, your mandala will be unique, and that’s exactly the point.
Cute Witch
It’s spooky season, so what better time to draw a super cute little witch? This tutorial is all about keeping things simple and fun, with soft textures, bold outlines, and lots of charm. We go from a basic sketch all the way to a textured, shaded final piece, complete with a stack of magical books and a sweet little cat friend. No need to stress, just follow along, layer by layer, and I promise it’ll all come together beautifully.
Brushes used:
- Basic Sketcher
- Fine Charcoal Pencil
- Studio Pen
- Fuzzy Charcoal
Canvas Size:
- 3500 x 3500 pixels
Key Skills Learned:
- Building up a sketch with simple shapes
We start with loose circles, sausages, and rectangles, keeping it light and easy before tightening up the details. - Adding personality with textured line art
Using the fine charcoal pencil, we keep things loose and varied, a little messiness is totally okay and adds character. - Organizing your layers for easier coloring
You’ll see how I break everything down, clothing, hair, cat, books, into separate layers so it’s all nice and clean. - Using layer masks to add subtle texture
We give those flat colors some lovely texture with layer masks and the fuzzy charcoal brush, super simple, but makes a big difference. - Soft shading to bring everything together
From rosy cheeks to a glowing moon and sparkly stars, we add soft shadows and gentle highlights to make everything feel warm and cozy.
Cat in a Garden
In this cozy little tutorial, we’re painting a chubby, super relaxed cat soaking up sunshine in a plant-filled garden. The whole process is meant to feel light and playful, no pressure to get everything perfect. We start with a super simple sketch and build things up layer by layer, adding color, texture, and just enough detail to bring it all to life. Think loose lines, happy accidents, and lots of plants. If you’ve been wanting to try a more painterly style without overthinking every brushstroke, this one’s for you.
Brushes used:
- Basic Sketcher
- Flotastic Brush
- Flat Painter
- Base Painter
- Foliage
- Syrup
- Dynamic Color
- Flotastic Inker
- Upward Plant
- Studio Pen
Canvas Size:
- 2300 x 3000 pixels
Key Skills Learned:
- Sketching loose but confident shapes
We keep it super simple with basic circles and ovals to build the cat and garden scene — no need for fancy anatomy here. - Layering up soft painterly textures
Using a mix of brushes, we build color in a way that feels relaxed and organic, perfect for capturing a sun-drenched garden vibe. - Playing with shadow and light for warmth
We use multiply layers and soft dabs of color to suggest where the sun hits and where the shadows fall, without overcomplicating it. - Painting leafy plants with depth and variety
From big leafy shapes to tiny floating leaves, you’ll learn how to build lush, natural-looking greenery in a fun and flexible way. - Finishing with sketchy line art for extra charm
At the end, we add just a few loose lines to pull it all together, enough to suggest detail, but still keep that playful feel.
Toadstools
Okay Flocreators, autumn is here, and that means it’s the perfect time for a cozy little realism project. In this one, we’re painting a group of toadstools, just following the process and seeing where it goes. I walk you through everything: starting with a loose sketch, laying down messy colors, adding texture and light, and just slowly building it all up. You’ll see how I make decisions on the fly, test things out, and trust the process even when it looks weird halfway through (because it always does). It’s not about making an exact copy, it’s about creating something that feels right. So grab your iPad, settle in, and let’s enjoy the magic of painting something just for the fun of it.
Brushes used:
- Basic Sketcher
- Flotastic
- Base Painter
- Standard Blender
- Flo Lighta
- Flo Darka
- Lighten Line
- Darken Line
- Overlay Brush
- Twisted Tree
- Heavy Metal
- Soft Brush
Canvas Size:
- 3000 x 2000 pixels
Key Skills Learned:
- Sketching loosely while observing proportions
We start by blocking in the overall shape of the toadstool group, focusing on alignment and spacing without worrying about details too early. - Building up color in an intuitive, painterly way
Laying in messy browns and greens, testing out what works, and trusting that it’ll come together as you go. It’s all part of the fun. - Creating depth with light and shadow
By layering tones and playing with alpha lock, the forms begin to pop and feel more 3D—especially once those warm and cool tones start mixing in. - Adding detail with a soft touch
We refine textures like the little skirts, stems, and spots using a mix of smudge and line brushes, always keeping things a little bit loose. - Using texture and layer masks to ground the piece
Textures from brushes like Twisted Tree help blend the toadstools into the scene, and masks make it easy to stay in control as you experiment.
Glowing Flower
In this fun and easy tutorial, we’re taking a simple flower photo and turning it into a dreamy, glowing illustration—step by step. I’m working on a nice square canvas, and I’ve got a handy little brush pack ready (linked for you, of course). We’ll be layering petals, playing with color, and using some of Procreate’s glow effects to really make this flower shine. Super relaxing, super satisfying. You can follow along with my photo or bring in your own favorite bloom!
Brushes used:
- Studio Pen
- Light Brush
- Glitter Streak Brush
- Confetti Brush
- Light Pen
- Soft Brush
Canvas Size:
- 3500 x 3500 pixels
Key Skills Learned:
- Outlining petals with smooth strokes
Using the Studio Pen, we gently trace the shape of each petal keeping the lines clean and flowy. - Building depth with layered colors
We stack soft color layers underneath our line work to build the flower from the inside out, one petal group at a time. - Creating that signature glow
By duplicating our layers and playing with Bloom and Gaussian Blur, we give the petals that dreamy, magical glow effect. - Adding soft highlights with the light brush
We gently brush the tips of the petals with soft highlights in matching tones to boost contrast and softness at the same time. - Finishing with sparkles and glowy touches
We sprinkle in some subtle sparkles and light dots, and even add a soft glow underneath for that final pop of magic.
Evening Beach
Summer may be fading, but that doesn’t mean we can’t squeeze out one last warm, relaxing memory. This tutorial is all about embracing those final summer vibes with a peaceful beach scene full of soft gradients, layered cliffs, and gentle waves. It’s light, easygoing, and perfect for anyone looking to unwind with some simple, satisfying steps. Grab your pen and let’s send off the season with one last golden sunset.
Brushes used:
- Soft Brush
- Studio Pen
- Monoline
Canvas Size:
- 3000 x 2000 pixels
Key Skills Learned:
- Creating a soft gradient sky
You’ll use the Soft Brush with varying opacities to build a glowing sunset with smooth transitions and gentle lighting. - Layering rock and cliff shapes
With the Studio Pen, you build depth by stacking jagged landforms in the foreground and background. - Shaping stylized waterlines with foam
Using the Studio Pen and Liquify tool, you form dynamic, wavy shoreline shapes and accent them with dashes and highlights to suggest foam. - Using layer masks for soft light fades
Learn to add subtle lighting effects by combining solid shapes with layer masks and soft brush fades, adding realism without harsh edges. - Drawing and detailing palm trees with freehand selections
You craft palm fronds using the freehand selection tool with color fill, giving you a quick and controlled way to draw detailed tree leaves.
Cute Hamster
In this tutorial, we bring a fluffy little hamster to life: round, soft, and irresistibly cute. You’ll learn how to sketch, paint, texture, and shade in a loose, painterly style that’s both easy to follow and fun to adapt for other animals.
Brushes used:
- Basic Sketcher
- Soft Brush
- Studio Pen
- Base Painter
Canvas Size:
- 3500 x 3500 pixels
Key Skills Learned:
- Creating a loose, organic sketch: Building up rounded shapes, simple features, and a sense of cuteness through proportions.
- Building fur texture: Using tapered strokes and layering to create fluffiness while keeping edges painterly.
- Layer-based coloring and shading: Organizing ears, paws, and seed on separate layers for precise shading and color adjustments.
- Adding depth and personality: Using light direction, painterly color transitions, soft shadows, and highlights in the eyes to make the hamster feel alive.
Paper Boat
In this cozy realism project, we’re painting a little paper boat floating on the water. We start with a loose sketch, then slowly build up the water using layers of shapes, colors, and textures until it feels believable. No need for a pre-made palette, we’ll pick colors as we go and just have fun experimenting. But of course you can also download the color palette I created along the way.
Brushes used:
- Basic Sketcher
- Soft Brush
- Base Painter
- StandardBlender
- Flo Darka
- Flow Lighta
- Darken Line
- Lighten Line
- Overlay Brush
- Multiply Brush
- Studio Pen
- Soft Light Brush
Canvas Size:
- 2300 x 3000 pixels
Key Skills Learned:
- Building a base sketch: Start with loose lines to find the angles and shapes before refining.
- Layering water textures: Stack darker and lighter strokes to create ripples and depth.
- Blending and blurring for realism: Use smudge, Gaussian blur, and bloom to soften and add atmosphere.
- Crisp-edged object painting: Lock alpha and work with precise brushes for neat, clean boat edges.
- Creating reflections and ripples: Combine multiply layers and light strokes for believable water movement.