Beginner tutorial

how to use layers to COLOR

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victorbijl

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In this mini tutorial, Luna will show you a very easy way to use layers to shadow and highlighting! Let's go!!

01. Introduction

Hi!

I'm Luna!

Today I am going to show you how to use layers in CLIP STUDIO PAINT for Shadows and highlights!

First, we will talk about the sketching set-up.

Then, I will show you how you can easily add natural looking shadow and

highlights!

02. Using layers to sketch your idea!

Especially when you aren't great at inking, this technique will still give you crisp lines.

Step 1. SKETCH

Sketch out your idea. Don't worry too much about detail and just let the idea flow from

your fingers. Only think about proportions and where you want things to be.

Step 2. CLEAN UP

After you have arranged your lines, let the eraser do most of the work. Erase any lines that stick out from the main lines and clean it up.

Step 3. RETRACE LINES

Done erasing?

What you should do next is to retrace your lines with a thicker, solid line. I personally like how it leaves that rough texture of the pencil. You might need to erase some more to

make your lines look nice, but with the right amount of patience, it's no bother.

Step 4. ADD LINE THICKNESS

Now think about where your light is coming from. My light source shines from

the top right corner, so my lines should be thicker in the area where the light doesn't

touch. Thicken your lines on the opposite side of where the light is coming from.

03. Using layers to add colors (Beginner - Intermediate)

Let's talk about coloring!

These are beginner's steps, but important steps to learn first.

LAYER 1 BASE COLORS

The first step is to color the base colors. These colors can be

very simple, because we are going to add detail afterwards.

LAYER 2 MULTIPLY

Shadows are very easily made in CSP. Add a new layer

and set it to MULTIPLY. Then clip it to your color-layer.

Now choose the base color of the part of your character that

you want to add shadow to. Now color over your art and

you will see a darker color appearing. Neat, huh?

LAYER 3 ADD(GLOW)

For the highlight, add a new layer and set it to ADD(GLOW)

Now, choose the base-color again and color over your art.

See how the highlight creates itself, while being related to the color

it is painted on?

04. Merging lines and color part 1

Let's continue with the steps. One thing you should absolutely start doing is adding a dark but warm

color over your lines. How? SIMPLE!

1. Add a new layer on top of your lines.

2. Clip it.

3. Choose a dark but warm color and fill the layer.

Look at the example to see what I mean.

A dark red, a dark purple, a dark orange;

Choose a color that matches your idea!

When your lines have been colored, it's time to group our layers with (CTRL-G) and name it. Then, copy the folder and merge the layer.

Choose the Pen-tool with (P). Colorpick the color near the line and start tracing it until the lines have an equal thickness. It will take some time, but as you can

see, it is absolutely worth it! When you finish this process, it is time for the next step!

05. Merging lines and color part 2 (Making an outdoor scene)

Let's draw a scene outdoors. Sketch a simple scene. I decided to add some robots that have been defeated.

I added some simple colors to identify each part. (Image 1 and 2)

I then went into a little more color detail to seperate the parts of the robot. Using the sky color on a multiply layer, I colored in the shadow, using the girl as my light-guide. (Image 3 and 4)