What is this tutorial about?

In this tutorial we will learn how to represent light to create convincing portraits and also how to use 3D models to create quick light references in case we don't have another or want to experiment.

all about referrals

When choosing a reference to make a portrait we should look for, especially if we are learning, the following characteristics:

 

1. Clear distinction between light and shadow. We look for contrast.

2. Factions marked/recognizable.

3. The light source must be easily identifiable, having more than 2 light sources can be very confusing.

 

This drawing will help us to see it better.

 

Blue shows the darkest shade, where the light barely reaches

The orange tone shows the medium tone, we see that half of the face is covered by a slightly lighter shadow,

Finally the part that has no color is the light tone where the light hits directly

 

That is why we can say that this reference is appropriate: the features are distinguished, we can find the three tones, and we can see that there are two sources of light, a main and intense one on the right side and another much dimmer on the left side.

Using the 3d Models to create lighting guides

Let's suppose for a moment that we don't have a proper light reference, or we want to experiment, in this case the 3D models can help us to create a quick guide, in the previous case we have 2 light sources, now let's recreate it inside Clip Studio Paint

Within the menu, object tools, we can:

 

assign>Parallel Light 1 and play with the settings,

 

In this particular case I created 2 parallel lights on my model, to adjust it as best as possible to the reference image, creating a strong light from the right, and a soft one from the left, it is also possible to change the color of the lighting, in case we have a more specific idea

We can change the direction of the light to create different effects on the viewer, if the light is from above it gives a focus effect, if it comes from below it can look sinister, we can also change the intensity and color of the light.

 

Next, a yellow light located in the upper part combined with a subtle ambient light gives a solemn effect.

The most important thing is to try and keep trying, here is a small light cheat sheet that I made to test several concepts at the same time, it is really useful to have 3D models.

 

Take advantage of them!

Now to the Portrait

Once the points have been clarified, with the light that we are going to define we can continue with our portrait, the main thing is to locate the main forms, to be able to continue working from now on

It looks a bit strange, but it is important to trust the process, the most important thing is to place the factions as best as possible in order to continue advancing.

 

The process that you will see below is relatively simple, the normal mode, and textured brushes essentially summarize the process. Also the profuse use of the liquify tool that allowed me to adjust the features to give a good finish.

 

To keep in mind: it is important to see the head as planes, so as not to lose the three-dimensionality

Final comments

Light is what allows us to see three-dimensionality, the intensity with which light reflects off surfaces, the way it bounces, really tells us about the shape and texture of objects.

 

Pro tip: Human faces are essentially the same shape so the light patterns are often the same.

 

It is also good to analyze the points where the light hits with greater intensity, they are usually the most outstanding of the face or the closest to the light source.

I hope you have enjoyed the tutorial and it will be useful in the near future for your next works, if you wish you can follow me on my social networks