Emerald and Ebony: My Drawing Process

by Embercat

4.2K2228

Intro: Emerald and Ebony: My Drawing Process

Hello, and welcome to my second Instructable! I will be showing you how I drew this picture, which I have entitled Emerald and Ebony. This mostly just shows my drawing process, though I hope it can help teach people, as well. 

I used GIMP, or rather, GIMP Paint Studio. GIMP can be downloaded for free from here. The GIMP Paint Studio plugin can be downloaded here. The same principles I use can be applied to other programs--the reason I use GIMP is because it's free. :) 

STEP 1: Sketching It Out

The first thing I did was open up GIMP and create a new image. I set the size to 1600 x 1200 pixels, and the resolution to 300 ppi. I then created a new layer and labeled it "Sketch." 

I checked "Opacity" and "Size" under "Pressure" in the Paintbrush settings, and, using the default Round brush, I started sketching out my picture. The sketch doesn't have to be perfect, but I played around for a while until I was happy with it. 

Once I finished the sketch, I selected the background layer and added a simple green gradient. 

STEP 2: Outlining

The next thing I did was outline my drawing. I lowered the opacity on the Sketch layer to 40%, then created a new layer for the outline. Look through the images for further instruction. :)

STEP 3: Coloring, Part 1--Face

I made a new layer for the color and put it under the lineart layer. I used the soft brush labeled "A-12C round brush" in GPS. After putting down some colors, I used the Smudge tool to blend them together. I debated about making the witch's skin entirely green, but in the end I settled for green around the eyes and cheeks. 

STEP 4: Coloring, Part 2--Hair

I used the same techniques for the hair. Rather than shades of gray, I used shades of grayish-green that gave the hair a green tint to it. 

STEP 5: Coloring, Part 3--Hat

Once again, I created a new layer for the hat and drew it out. I put this layer under the hair and over the skin. 

STEP 6: Coloring, Part 4--Cat

I forgot to take screenshots when I was doing the clothing, but I pretty much just used the same principles. I made a new layer, added color, and blended. So, here are some screenshots of the cat. Rather than using the soft brush that I used for the rest of the picture, I used the Oil paint brush, since I like the texture better for fur. 

STEP 7: Final Product!

After adding a few final touches, the last thing I did was to save it as a JPG and add Auto Contrast in Picasa. I hope you enjoyed seeing my drawing process! Thank you for viewing! 

If you would like to see more of my work, go to catscribe.weebly.com.

28 Comments

germap 8 years ago

Very impressive work! Thanks for sharing the process. Favorited!

HollyMann 11 years ago

You're amazing! Creating that with Gimp is incredible...nothing wrong with Gimp..just assumed Photoshop!!! Good job!

Embercat 11 years ago

Thanks so much! :D Heh, I wish it were Photoshop! Until I save up some more money, though, Gimp it is.

John Induna AD 11 years ago

I know "Free" software is tough to beat but Sketchbook Pro is free to try and cheap to buy. I'm having fun with it.
If you as me, You ought to have a copy coming soon anyway.

Embercat 11 years ago

Thanks for letting me know! I've only tried Sketchbook once (I downloaded the free trial), but I didn't have the patience to spend time figuring it out. If I happen to win a copy, though, I'll definitely put more effort into it! :)

John Induna AD 11 years ago

Congratulations, Hope you will be using SketchBook Pro now.

LBridgeINK 11 years ago

Congratulations ! awesome piece

HollyMann 11 years ago

Congratulations on winning!!!!!!!! that's awesome!

azharz 11 years ago

Wow! What a kitty and a witch.

azharz 11 years ago

You're welcome

atomic22 11 years ago

Very nice ible and pic.
Are you using a WACOM tablet or just the mouse?

Embercat 11 years ago

Thank you! I have a small Intuos 3 Wacom tablet. There are some people who can draw well with a mouse... I am definitely not one of them! :)

Embercat 11 years ago

Thank you! I love drawing, so I plan on keeping it up for many years to come. :)

ravenking 11 years ago

I like your witch and kitty! :)
More Comments