The conclusion of every learning process often brings the most valuable insights. In this last module on character-Painting in Photoshop, I want to give you some outstanding book recommendations, share general tips for drawing, and provide you with some interesting resources. It is important that you master the basics and beyond that, gather inspiration and information to deepen your knowledge in digital painting.
Most important insights
- Consistency in practice is crucial for your progress.
- There are many resources and books that can help you improve.
- Live drawing has a significant learning effect.
- Use online resources to expand your sources of inspiration.
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Book Recommendations
There is a wide variety of books that can help you with drawing and digital painting. My first book is "Künstleranatomie: menschliche Körper zeichnen" by Sandor Doroto. In this book, you will discover how muscles, bones, and tendons work in different positions. You can quickly look up how the arm looks in a specific pose, which helps you improve your own drawings.
Another important book is "Color and Light: A Guide for the Realist Painter" by James Gurney. Although it focuses more on traditional painting, the emphasis on color and light translates excellently to digital painting. You'll find valuable chapters on cast shadows and reflections.
The next book I recommend is "Figure Drawing for All It's Worth" by Andrew Loomis. This work teaches fundamental figure drawing and places special emphasis on dynamics and poses. This book provides you with the necessary tools to create realistic figures.
Additionally, there is the series "Digital Painting Techniques" from 3D Total, which offers tutorials on digital painting. I have already read several of these books and can assure you that they are extremely helpful.
One of my favorites is "Sketching from the Imagination", a collection of drawing styles where 40 illustrators showcase their style. It is a true source of inspiration and a good way to learn about different techniques and approaches.
Don't forget "Art Fundamentals", also from 3D Total, which covers all the essential basics like composition, color theory, and anatomy.
Step 2: The Path of Consistent Practice
Drawing is a craft that requires constant practice. I always emphasize that you can never practice enough. My own drawing life has been shaped by still lifes for many years. This form of drawing teaches a lot about proportions and three-dimensional shapes. Live drawing has a particularly high learning effect since you have the objects in front of you and are not just drawing from photos.
If you have difficulties with proportions or shapes, do not hesitate to draw a lot. Drawing from real objects teaches you much more than just tracing or using photos. Direct drawing enhances your observation skills and helps you develop a better sense of shapes.
Creating your own ideas can often be challenging. Therefore, I recommend using tools that can assist you in generating ideas. Using random character generators, you can develop interesting approaches for your Character design.
Step 3: Utilizing Digital Resources
There are many excellent tutorials available online that can help you with digital painting. One recommendation is Matcore and his website control.com. There you will find weekly videos about various techniques that are useful for beginners and not just.
A valuable place for inspiration is behance.net. Here you can find a vast selection of illustrations and projects. Another favorite is the Blizzard Entertainment website, where you can discover many cool character designs and tutorials.
Another illustrator who can help you learn is Jason Seiler. His cartoons are inspiring and educational. Use these sources to further develop your skills in drawing and painting.
Equally interesting can be the Dungeon Fantasy Generator, which helps you generate creative characters when you're stuck.
Summary – Master Character Painting in Photoshop – Final Tips and Resources
In this guide, you have received valuable book recommendations and tips for drawing. You should always remember that regular practice and the use of resources are crucial for your growth as an artist. Working with real objects and continuously seeking inspiration are important parts of your creative process.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find good drawing books?Pay attention to recommendations from other artists and online reviews to find relevant books.
Can I also find interesting tutorials online?Yes, platforms like YouTube and specialized websites offer a variety of helpful tutorials.
How often should I draw to make progress?It is recommended to draw regularly, ideally daily, to continuously improve your skills.
Where can I find inspiration for my drawings?You can find inspiration in illustration communities, social media, or by viewing the works of other artists.
How important is live drawing compared to digital or photo references?Live drawing offers a higher learning effect as it helps you better understand proportions and three-dimensional shapes.
