Beaumont Page Experiment 03 (Patreon)

Following my last two posts on the subject: [1] [2] 

This time, I used a completely different rendering technique: relying on flat local colours without much variety (like the single blue of Elayne’s cloak, absent of visible paint strokes).

The Intent

Interestingly, the shading is quite minimal… As our main shadow masses are exclusive to the darkest of areas, like the inside of Amaranth’s cloak. Instead of focusing on rendering, we’re simply interested in the very basics of light & dark; is an object being lit or is it in shadow? Basic cel-shading.

However, there’s a bit of airbrushing (notice the subtle gradient around Elayne’s eyes) to suggest a bit of ambient occlusion. I generally abstain from shading with an airbrush since the results often look artificial and formless, but I didn’t want this experiment to employ a completely flat, graphic style. That said, I do want to benefit from the simplicity of flat local colours, since it’s quicker than rendering by “painting.”

Though… I feel it lacks the handmade quality from my previous attempts. Instead, I’d have to rely more on the linework to communicate an organic feeling (and form). Inking is one of my weakness, and tighter lines are a recipe for wrist pain… 

So, I’d have to think twice about that.

Additional Thoughts

Although I’ve drawn a few landscapes in the last 5-6 years, it is still unfamiliar territory to me. As a result, it is weakness of mine – especially regarding colour & light. Perhaps some of my work soon will focus on studying these subjects so that I can improve.

Don’t forget to eat & sleep.