[1] Preparing layers for fine details

I created a “Details 2” layer above the “Details” layer, on which I drew the rougher details, and applied [Clip at Layer Below] so applied colors don’t extend beyond the base color layer.

 

As I firmly decided on the position of the broader details, I no longer needed the sketch layer.

By clicking the eye icon on the left side of the [Layer] palette, I can hide unnecessary layers like that.

 

[2] Drawing fine details of the steak

I started drawing the parts that needed the most attention, and balanced the overall details.

In this illustration, the part that needs to be drawn with the most precision is of course the main object: the steak.

 

As I did for the broader details, the tool I used to draw the fine details was the [Brush] tool → [Watercolor] → [Running color edge watercolor].

In this case, blurred brush strokes can provide broader information and a better feeling of detail.

 

There are no strict rules for how to draw these parts, but since I like to start painting with dark colors, I tend to draw shapes by drawing in the darker parts first.

 

After that, I applied the brighter colors, while keeping an eye on the balance, returning to the darker colors, and repeating this adjustment process.

 

On the steak, I drew all the necessary parts from the foremost parts, all the way to the back.

 

Likewise, elements other than the steak were drawn as detailed as possible, while observing the qualities carefully.

 

[3] Focus and blur

Drawing an object is not just about drawing in details. I also decided in advance which elements I wanted to blur to make them appear out of focus, and I drew them accordingly.

 

In this illustration, it is the broccoli in front and the dish in the back.

 

Like this, I drew the fine details for the piece as a whole.

 

In the next step of the process, sharp white reflections and highlights will be added.