Introducing the Enchanting World of Flames

Flames, with their elusive nature, offer a forgiving subject for artistic creation. The appearance of flames varies depending on the fuel and temperature involved. A candle flame, for instance, appears controlled and yellow, while a bonfire exudes a different energy. Illustrating flames also opens the door to various styles, from vibrant cartoonish cutouts to intricate naturalistic paintings. In this tutorial, I will share my approach to crafting semi-realistic flames, which I have been utilizing in my illustration work for the upcoming board game, Moogh. So, join me as we embark on this creative journey, fueled by my trusty MacBook, Wacom tablet, and Clip Studio Paint.

Video with the full tutorial

Setting the Foundation with Base Colors

To begin, I create a range of 3-5 colors, transitioning from red to yellow. Since I plan to overlay additional color layers later, I find it best to opt for more desaturated tones. Notably, the yellows tend to lean towards a whiter shade.

Establishing the Core Shapes

Now, let's bring the flames to life by outlining their core shapes. You can use a pen to sketch out lines and designate the layer as a reference layer. Afterwards, employ the fill tool on a separate layer. Personally, I enjoy using a special brush that responds to pen pressure, dynamically transitioning from thin to thick strokes. This uneven size jump adds a touch of excitement to sketching out dynamic shapes.

Here layer 8 (with outlines) is set to reference and then I fill on a separate layer

Adding Dimension through Blending

To capture the vibrant movement of flames, I employ the default finger blending brush. Additionally, I incorporate circular twirls into my brushstrokes. Once satisfied, I duplicate the layer and change the new layer's blend mode to color dodge, enhancing the intensity of the flames. To further amplify their ethereal quality, I apply a generous blur.

Final Flourishes

Flames can possess both a clean and smoky character. To infuse a touch of realism and contrast, I introduce black smoke with a color mixing brush. I then sprinkle in some small sparks using a simple scatter brush. However, it's crucial not to overlook the last step: imbuing the surroundings with colors and light. To create believability, the reflection of light upon the environment must be showcased.

As I mentioned, flames are a forgiving subject, so I encourage you to embark on your own creative journey. And don't forget to keep an eye out for Moogh the captivating board game that inspired these artistic endeavors.

Thank you –

Niklas Hook

 

Please like below !