I am new to Clip Studio Paint and I was so overwhelmed by Studio Mode, it took me a while to learn it. I find that Simple Mode makes it easier to learn the interface.

 

So, if you are new to CSP and new to digital art, here are some tips on how to paint a strawberry on simple mode.

 

The image below is what simple mode looks like and the functions of the different icons. When you click on the three dots on top, it opens down to those functions.

So, when you open the simple mode, it will ask you what canvas size you want to open. You can choose your preference. In my case, I selected A4 size.

 

To start drawing a strawberry, I start with a basic sketch of a shape of a strawberry. I selected the brush icon and from there, selected pencil to draw the sketch. After sketching it. I created a new layer and now, I select a gouache brush to paint it.

After painting it the base red colour, I added another layer on top and clip it to the base.

 

On this clipping mask, I start adding dark shades of red using the gouache dry brush for the shadows. I also added a lighter colours for the highlights.

 

After that, I added yet another layer and clipped it to the base layer too. Then I used a darker red to add indentations for the seeds.

 

After adding that, it is time to add the seeds, so I select an orange colour and yes, I added yet another layer and clipped it to the base.

 

The reasons why I created so many layers is so that if I made a mistake, it will not affect the base layer or the other work I had done. I could just erase the mistake without worrying about erasing the other layers. This is especially useful if you are new to digital art. Trust me, I made more mistakes than I cared to reveal. ;)

 

 

So for the seeds, I decided not to clip it to the base layer so that some of it could protrude from the base to give it a sort of 3D feel.

 

Next, we create yet another layer. This time, we add more shadows and highlights to the strawberry. If you find it hard to ascertain where to paint the shadows and highlights, I suggest that you refer to reference photos of strawberries.

 

I usually will start with a lighter red (never use white as it will be too jarring and fake). I go with almost a pink and then used a dry gouache brush to paint the highlights around the seeds near the top on both left and right sides. I also painted small highlights at the tips and just the left curve of the seeds down the middle and bottom left.

 

After the highlights, I get a darker red tone and added in the shadows to the indentations around the seeds. This is to create depth and give it the 3D effect.

 

The paint may look too stiff so you can use the gouache blender brush to blend in at the edges so that it is not too sharp. I am going for a gouache painting effect so I prefer it to be slightly grainy and soft.

 

After the highlights and shadows, it should look like the image below.

Next, I added yet another layer to create the leaves. Let’s select a shade of base green shade for the leaves first.

I paint the basic shape of the leaves and coloured it in.

After that, yes, let’s add another layer and clip it to the base layer. Just like the strawberry, I colour in the darker shades first and then add in the highlights. After that, I use a darker green to draw the lines of the leaves. Again, I used the dry gouache brush for the texture effect.

 

If you are wondering how the clipping mask works, it just makes sure whatever you paint will not go out of the base shape. No more colouring out of lines!

 

Once you are done adding the shadows and highlights to the leaves, you are done!

 

Congratulations, you have painted a strawberry in a gouache style using simple mode.

 

 

Ps: For a cool 3D effect, just add grey shadows (using the spray paint brush) underneath the strawberry and it will look like it is floating.

 

I hope you find these tips useful and happy painting! ✨❤️