Create realistic textures using ink
TLDRIn this video, artist Devon L Kurtz demonstrates the process of creating an ink drawing from start to finish. Kurtz begins by discussing his digital sketch process in Photoshop and then moves on to transferring the sketch onto watercolor paper using a light pad. He emphasizes the importance of using the right materials, such as Arches hot press watercolor paper and various pens for line art. Throughout the video, Kurtz shares his techniques for creating textures and depth with ink washes, including dry brush ink for fur-like textures and controlled tones for more defined areas. He also covers how to add details with Micron pens and how to use reference materials to enhance the realism of the drawing. The artist highlights the value of practice and experimentation to achieve a natural and random effect in the artwork. Finally, Kurtz discusses the symbolic representation of magical elements in his work and adds the finishing touches with white ink to create a sense of magic and depth in the piece.
Takeaways
- π¨ Devon L Kurtz demonstrates creating an ink drawing from start to finish, discussing materials and techniques used in the process.
- βοΈ Kurtz sketches digitally in Photoshop, finding it easier to iterate ideas before transferring to traditional media.
- π Arches hot press watercolor paper is preferred for its 300 GSM thickness, which can handle water without buckling.
- βοΈ A variety of pens are used for line art, including Zebra brush pens for thicker lines and Micron fineliners for fine details.
- π Kurtz emphasizes the importance of varying line thickness to create focal points and a dynamic range in the artwork.
- π Yasu tomo black Sumi ink is used for ink washes, with shades mixed in watercolor trays for portability and ease of use.
- π Ink wash techniques involve using less water than expected for smooth, flat areas, and pulling pigment for natural fades.
- πΎ A dry brush ink technique is employed for textures, such as fur, using frayed bristles and controlling the amount of ink for varied effects.
- 𧡠Micron pens are used for detailed work, allowing for more control over the texture and definition of elements like fur and hair.
- ποΈ Kurtz uses a wet on wet technique for cheeks, layering light and dark washes to create a warm, skin-like effect.
- β¨ Final touches include adding white ink highlights for a magical, dimensional effect, which Kurtz considers a signature element in her artwork.
Q & A
What is the title of the video Devon L Kurtz is presenting?
-The title of the video is 'Create realistic textures using ink'.
What is the first step Devon takes in creating an ink drawing?
-The first step is creating the line art on watercolor paper over a printed sketch that is taped to a light pad.
Which software does Devon use for digital sketching?
-Devon uses Photoshop for digital sketching.
What type of watercolor paper does Devon prefer for his ink drawings?
-Devon prefers Arches hot press watercolor paper with a 300 GSM weight.
What pens does Devon use to create line art with varying thicknesses?
-Devon uses Zebra brush pens with a super fine tip for thicker lines and Micron fineliners in various sizes (0.005, 0.01, 0.03, and 0.05) for thinner lines.
How does Devon approach creating focal points in his line art?
-Devon concentrates thicker lines around the areas he wants to be the focal points, such as the faces and the point where the faces are meeting.
What is the technique Devon uses to create smooth and controlled lines?
-Devon uses his whole arm to pull the pen across the page in a controlled way, rather than drawing from the wrist.
What type of ink does Devon use for the ink washes?
-Devon uses Yasu tomo black Sumi ink for the ink washes.
How does Devon create different shades for his ink washes?
-Devon creates different shades by mixing the black ink with varying amounts of water in watercolor trays.
What is the 'dry brush ink technique' that Devon uses?
-The 'dry brush ink technique' involves using a brush with pure ink without adding water, and then lightly brushing across the paper to create texture.
How does Devon ensure the ink washes achieve the desired effect?
-Devon uses a test sheet to experiment with the ink washes and observe how they dry, making adjustments as necessary.
What final touches does Devon add to his ink drawings to enhance the details and realism?
-Devon adds final touches using Micron pens for fine detailing, and white ink for specular highlights, which helps the piece come together and feel detailed and lush.
Outlines
π¨ Ink Drawing Process Introduction
Devon L Kurtz introduces himself and outlines the process of creating an ink drawing from start to finish. He discusses his materials, including a digital sketch printed on paper, a light pad for tracing, and Arches hot press watercolor paper. Devon also mentions his preference for 300 GSM paper for its absorbency and durability. He uses Zebra brush pens for thicker lines and Micron fineliners for finer details, emphasizing the importance of varying line thickness for visual interest. The focus is on creating bold shapes around the focal points of the drawing, such as the characters' faces.
ποΈ Line Art Techniques and Materials
Devon explains his technique for creating line art, emphasizing the use of his whole arm for smooth and controlled lines. He talks about the benefits of using a lightbox for tracing and periodically checking the line art without the sketch for accuracy. The artist also discusses his process for creating thin, wispy lines for hair and eyebrows using fineliner pens. He then transitions to discussing ink washes, introducing the use of Yasu Tomo black Sumi ink and how he mixes various shades on a portable watercolor tray setup.
ποΈ Applying Ink Washes and Textures
The paragraph focuses on the application of ink washes to the skull, using a leopard skull cast as a reference for accuracy. Devon provides tips for ink washes, such as using less water than expected and testing different techniques on a test sheet. He demonstrates methods for creating smooth, flat areas and fading effects by manipulating the ink while it's partially dry. The goal is to achieve a varied, rippling texture on the skull, which is enhanced by using different techniques to represent shadows and forms.
𧡠Texture Creation with Dry Brush Ink
Devon describes using a dry brush ink technique to create the texture of fur on the hood of the character. He uses a destroyed brush with frayed bristles to achieve a natural texture. The artist emphasizes the importance of practice and experimentation with different brushes to create various textures. He also discusses the use of Micron pens to add finer details and define fur clumps, aiming for a realistic and tactile appearance.
π§Ά Shading and Detailing the Braid and Shawl
The artist discusses creating the appearance of a flat shawl using a dry brush ink technique with more ink for darker and shinier braids. He focuses on making the hair look real by following the direction of the braids and adding volume. Devon also adds medium dark gray washes to the braid to create depth and uses Micron pens for more control and detail. The goal is to maintain a natural look while ensuring the hair and shawl do not distract from the character's face.
ποΈβπ¨οΈ Facial Features and Skin Rendering
Devon focuses on rendering the eyebrows and other facial features to resemble short hairs rather than flat shapes. He uses ink washes to create a soft appearance and emphasizes the importance of swatching ink shades to account for how they dry lighter. The artist also uses a wet-on-wet technique for the cheeks, blending lighter and darker shades for a warm, skin-like effect. He advises using references and simplifying complex tones for an illustrative rather than realistic approach.
π Final Touches and Specular Highlights
The artist adds final details to the face using ink washes and pens, focusing on creating a three-dimensional appearance. He uses dry brushing to add dimension around facial features and tones the bottom of the character's outfit for a neutral background. Devon also discusses creating magical, grass-like textures on the skeleton creature using a dry brush with ink, aiming for a unified yet textured look. He emphasizes the importance of practice and testing on a test sheet before applying techniques to the final piece.
β¨ Adding Specular Highlights and Magic
As a final step, Devon adds white ink highlights using a Uniball Signo pen to represent magic surrounding the creature. He emphasizes a random but unified distribution of these highlights, which adds a sense of calm and brings the piece together. The artist also discusses the use of highlights in various areas of the artwork to create a dimensional and detailed effect, suggesting that even a few well-placed highlights can significantly enhance the artwork.
Mindmap
Keywords
π‘Ink Drawing
π‘Line Art
π‘Watercolor Paper
π‘Zebra Brush Pens
π‘Micron Fineliners
π‘Ink Washes
π‘Dry Brush Ink Technique
π‘Focal Point
π‘Specular Highlights
π‘Kindred Creatures
π‘Texture
Highlights
Devon L Kurtz demonstrates the process of creating an ink drawing from start to finish.
Digital sketching in Photoshop is preferred for ease of iterating through ideas.
Use of a light pad for tracing the digital sketch onto watercolor paper.
Arches hot press watercolor paper is recommended for its 300 GSM thickness to prevent buckling.
Zebra brush pens and Micron fineliners are used for creating a variety of line widths.
Focusing on the girl's face and the skull creature as the focal points of the drawing.
Technique of using the whole arm for smooth and controlled line art.
Yasu tomo black Sumi ink is used for ink washes, mixed in watercolor trays for portability.
Creating medium Gray's and controlled tones for ink washes with an eyedropper.
Using a skull cast as a reference to accurately depict forms.
Ink washes require less water than expected for smooth and flat areas.
Technique of pulling pigment away from freshly laid ink for natural fades.
Dry brush ink technique for creating textures that resemble fur without using water.
Using a destroyed brush for unique frayed bristle effects.
Micron pens are utilized for detailed rendering and defining fur clumps.
The hood's texture is created with a dry brush ink technique, emphasizing the direction of fur.
Ink washes dry lighter, so it's important to consider the final desired shade when applying.
Wet on wet technique for cheeks involves layering a lighter wash followed by a darker one in wet areas.
Adding dimension to the face with dry brushing and ink washes for a three-dimensional feel.
Final touches include rendering details, adding freckles with a medium gray shade, and using white ink for specular highlights.
The significance of random yet unified highlights to give a natural appearance.
Adding white dots with a white ink pen to represent magic in the artwork.
Emphasizing the importance of taking breaks and revisiting the artwork for final adjustments.