21-Draw-Illustrators-Guidebook-vol-2-ebook-(2021)

After you have a good idea of where light is coming
from, start by adding shadows. There are a couple
of ways I usually go about this. If there is a faint light
source and my character is mostly in shadow, I fill a
layer set to Multiply and erase out the highlights. In
this case, I want my character to be well lit so I paint
in the shadows on a layer set to multiply.
In this situation my light source is warm so I use a
cool purple for my shadow color. You may need to
adjust the color you choose if it looks too dark since
multiply makes colors appear darker. While I add the
shadows, I think about my light source and which
areas are not exposed to the light. Before adding
intense highlights, I add a warm glow light using an
Overlay layer in a light pink/orange color. Overlay
tends to be intense so you may want to lower the
layer opacity.
ATMOSPHERE
If I have a light-colored background, I add a Soft
Light layer and use a soft brush in a light color to
soften the edges of my character. This can help your
character appear within the background setting
better, creating a sense of atmosphere. Lastly, I add
an intense rim of light to the edges of my character
using a Color Dodge layer.
YOUR TURN: LIGHTING
Find or take a photo for a reference for your lighting
effects. Identify your light source and create a similar
lighting situation using layer blending modes.
RIM LIGHT WITH COLOR DODGE
TIPS FOR LIGHTING:
• If you are having trouble finding your
light source use a reference photo.
Observe where the light is brightest and the
shadows are cast.
• Remember to add shadows and highlights
to any background images. Use the same
techniques used for your character.
DUPLICATED RIM LIGHT GLOW
DIGITAL DRAWING
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