Part 5: Angles
This is the fifth lesson in the Learn to Sketch series! In this fifth lesson we’ll focus on angles and exercise sketching subjects from different angles. You can easily practice this by sketching household objects. We’ll practice seeing the basic shapes as 3d shapes in different angles.
I’ve added the two exercise files I used during the demonstration. I’d highly recommend sketching from life for this exercise though. But of course you can get started with the exercise files. You could also make your own reference images by photographing object around your house. (the photos I used are from Shutterstock and can be used for practice purposes only).
Skills Learned:
- Sketching Basic Shapes in Different Angles: Enhancing the ability to recognize and draw basic shapes like cylinders and circles from various perspectives
- Understanding Perspective and Foreshortening: Learning to depict objects accurately as they appear smaller in the distance and adjust for foreshortening, where an object’s length seems shorter due to its angle
- Drawing Over Photos: A method to train the eye for 3D shapes and perspectives by sketching over images, using dashed lines to visualize the basic shape in three dimensions
- Creating a Feedback Loop: Utilizing a technique of drawing over sketches with a separate layer to identify and learn from inaccuracies in sketches
Part 4: Add Interest
This is the fourth lesson in the Learn to Sketch series! In this fourth lesson we’ll focus on adding interest to your sketches and drawings. We’ll do this by adding variety to line weight and adding irregularities. We’ll practice this by sketching fruit and vegetables.
Skills Learned:
- Variation in Line Weight: Understanding how varying the thickness of your lines based on lighting and shadow adds depth and interest to your sketches
- Adding Irregularities: Learning to incorporate wobbly lines and slight imperfections to give your sketches character and a more organic feel
- Sketching Fruits and Vegetables: Focusing on these subjects as they are forgiving and excellent for practicing shapes, angles, and volume without the pressure of precise replication
- Measuring and Angles: Enhancing your ability to measure distances, compare sizes, and utilize negative space effectively to create more accurate sketches
- Layering and Refining Sketches: Starting with basic shapes and angles for easy measurement, then refining these into more complex and detailed sketches with emphasis on texture and light
Painting Fur
This is Flo’s Fundamentals! In this series I show how you can paint different fundamental subjects. Pieces of the puzzle you can use in your digital paintings. In this third class we’ll be diving into the subject of fur!
In the first part of the video, I’ll talk about the theory. What are the characteristics of fur and what do different types of fur have in common? How does fur flow and what colors should you use when painting it. I’ll also explain how less detail can be more and tell you on what areas you should focus.
In the second part of the video, I’ll be doing a demonstration and show you how I approach painting fur. I’ll be demonstrating four different types of fur. I’ve attached the study files, you can use these to both check my work up close and to make your own study. I would also recommend checking out my Pinterest Board with fur reference images. Try making studies from different reference images to improve your fur painting skills! And if you ever struggle or have questions, please feel free to reach out. I’m here to help!
Skills Learned:
- Observation of Fur: Understanding the flow, color variety, and types of fur, emphasizing the importance of studying fur’s natural patterns and tones
- Layering Approach: Building fur in layers, from the base to individual hair strands, using various brushes for texture and detail
- Selective Detailing: Learning when to add intricate details and when to keep areas blurred for a realistic focus effect
Part 3: Line Weight
This is the third lesson in the Learn to Sketch series! In this third lesson we’ll focus on line weight. How can you add variety to the line weight in your sketches and drawings and where should the light and heavy lines be? We’ll practice adding line weight variation by sketching organic shapes like branches and rocks.
Skills Learned:
- Understanding Line Weight: Learning the significance of line weight in sketches. It’s all about the boldness or thinness of your lines, which can add depth and interest to your drawings
- Practicing with Organic Shapes: Through exercises with rocks and branches, you’ll started to see how varying line weight can bring these natural forms to life
- Incorporating Light and Shadow: We’ll explore how line weight can be used to depict lighting conditions, with thinner lines where the light hits and thicker, bolder lines in shadowed areas
- Considering Distance and Gravity: The tutorial teaches you to use thinner lines for distant objects and thicker lines for closer ones, and how gravity affects the perceived weight of objects through line weight
- Adding Texture and Detail: By sketching rocks and branches, you’ll learn to add texture and detail to your sketches, making them more realistic and visually appealing
Part 2: Measuring
This is the second lesson in the Learn to Sketch series! In this second lesson we’ll focus on measuring. What and how can you measure? We’ll look at some images and think about how to measure and compare lengths, angles and more. I’ll tell you how I look at things and turn them into sketches.
Skills Learned:
- Measuring Techniques: Learn to accurately measure dimensions in your sketches, such as lengths and angles, without relying on tools
- Comparison Skills: Develop an eye for comparing different elements in a drawing, like the angles of shapes and distances between objects
- Understanding Negative Space: Gain insights into identifying and utilizing the negative space in your sketches
- Building Observation Skills: Improve your observational skills, crucial for sketching from life or reference images effectively
Painting Clouds
This is the start of Flo’s Fundamentals! In this series I’ll be showing different fundamental subjects. Pieces of the puzzle you can use in your digital paintings. In this first class we’ll be covering clouds!
In the first part of the video, I’ll talk about the theory. How can we observe clouds? What are characteristics of clouds and what do we need to keep in mind when painting them?
In the second part of the video, I’ll be doing a demonstration and show you how I approach painting clouds. I’ve attached the reference image I have used for this demonstration. I have found it on Pinterest. You can browse Pinterest to find loads of lovely photos of clouds. You can find my board full of clouds here: https://nl.pinterest.com/artwithflo/clouds/
Skills Learned:
- Observing Cloud Characteristics: Understanding edges, transitions, and the importance of crisp versus smooth gradients
- Lighting and Volume: Learning how to depict lighting based on the cloud’s 3D shape and the direction of light
- Color Variation: Moving beyond the typical whites and grays, incorporating varied colors to reflect different weather conditions and times of the day
- Layering and Blending: Techniques for creating a base layer, adding lighter parts, refining shapes, and blending for realism
Part 1: Sketching Essentials
This is the first lesson in the Learn to Sketch series! In this first lesson we’ll start with the basics – Geometric Shapes! We’ll also discuss why you would want to sketch and how to improve your sketching skills.
Skills Learned:
- Basic Shape Recognition: Understand how to break down complex objects into simple shapes like circles, squares, and triangles
- Observational Skills: Develop your ability to observe and replicate shapes in everyday objects, enhancing your sketching accuracy
- Sketching Techniques: Learn various sketching methods, from quick thumbnail sketches to detailed studies, improving your overall technique
- Understanding Volume and Depth: Gain insight into creating volume in your sketches by studying cylinders and other 3D shapes
- Daily Sketching Practice: Embrace the habit of daily sketching to steadily improve your drawing and observational skills
Owl
In this intermediate to advanced tutorial we will bring a charming owl to life, perfect for capturing the essence of autumn with its warm tones. This tutorial is more than just a guide to painting an owl; it’s a journey through the ups and downs of the creative process. Remember that art is not just about the final piece; it’s about the journey of creation, the joy of experimenting, and the satisfaction of overcoming challenges. Happy painting!
Brushes used:
- Chalk Pencil
- Soft Brush
- Basic Flo Brush
- Darken Line Brush
- Lighten Line Brush
- Multiply Brush
- Overlay Brush
- Grungy Stone
- Cracking Up
Canvas Size:
- 3000 x 2000 pixels
Skills Learned:
- Strategic Layering: Master layering, starting from a blurry background to the detailed foreground
- Effective Sketching: Develop your sketching skills with the Chalk Pencil, focusing on basic structures and proportions
- Color Blending and Variation: Enhance your understanding of color by creating a dynamic base and adding nuanced variations
- Detailing Techniques: Develop your ability to add intricate details and textures, especially to the owl’s features
- Resilience in Art: Learn the importance of perseverance through artistic challenges
Macaw
I’m thrilled to paint a stunning parrot together in Procreate! Whether you’re a seasoned artist or just starting out, this tutorial is designed to be fun, engaging, and rewarding. And don’t worry if this tutorial looks challenging, I will be guiding you through all the steps, from sketch to finished painting.
This Procreate tutorial isn’t just about learning to paint a parrot; it’s about immersing yourself in the joy of digital painting, exploring colors, and unleashing your creativity. I can’t wait to see the beautiful, colorful parrots you create. Let’s make some art and have a blast doing it!
Brushes used:
- Sketch it
- Soft Brush
- Basic Flo
- Darken Line
- Lighten Line
- Overlay Brush
- Multiply Brush
- All-Around Hair
Canvas Size:
- 4000 x 3000 pixels
Skills Learned:
- Efficient Sketching: We’ll start with a basic outline, capturing the essence of our parrot, and then refine it for more detail
- Color Blocking Mastery: Learn to lay down those vibrant base colors, the perfect base for our painting
- Detailed Feather Work: I’ll show you how to use various brushes to create realistic and dynamic feathers
- Play of Light and Shadow: Together, we’ll add depth and life to our parrot through lighting and shading
- Blending for Realism: Discover the art of blending colors smoothly to achieve a natural, soft look