Procreate

Digital Observant Drawing with Procreate

Role: Illustrator

Duration: 6 Weeks

Showcasing: Drawing with layers

Overview

Procreate proved to be an excellent tool for transforming raw traditional drawings using digital techniques similar to Photoshop. Its layering capabilities, easy editing, and quick access to textures made the learning process both efficient and enjoyable.

Process

The beginning of this piece involved carefully establishing the grid and laying down the initial greytone values to build the foundational structure. Once the underlying composition and tonal range were solidified, I then applied color on a separate layer, allowing for greater control and flexibility in enhancing the overall depth and mood of the artwork.

Landscape

This landscape, inspired by my vacation in Flagstaff, captures the distinct textures of rock, sky, and sunlight using Procreate’s versatile digital tools. The app’s ability to generate rich textures allowed me to stylistically convey the scene’s natural elements while evoking the emotions and atmosphere I experienced. Through layering and textured brushes, the drawing communicates both the ruggedness of the landscape and the warmth of the sunlight in a visually expressive way.

Motion

Capturing the essence of a character in motion is a challenge. The first drawing tackles the complexity of depicting a hockey player in action on the ice, emphasizing dynamic movement and energy. The second series explores various poses of my dog, which are somewhat easier to capture but still convey personality and fluidity.

Still image

This drawing was the easiest to create with the mindset of “this will remain consistent when you're back.” Despite this, it offered rich detail in texture and subtle nuances in color. The red line marks the eye level, illustrating the perspective relationship between the viewer and the scene’s elements. This helped ground the composition and maintain spatial accuracy throughout the drawing.