In this tutorial I`ll show you the basic steps for grayscale painting.

 

First- its very important to rename the layers ,when we work,because we dont want to mess up something.I`m starting with the sketch.I suggest you to use a hard brush ,to have a clear lines.

As you seen I also have another layer ,which has to stay under everything,because it`s in a light gray and it will help for more easily showing the highlights ,when applying them and also for more easily blending the shadows.

Now apply the base colors to the drawing, under the "sketch" layer, so the lines to show on top of the colors, allowing the lines to be visible as we work. The base colors are mid tones ,which will have highlights and lowlights for creating dimension.It`s important to use at least three tones of easch color that you pick up. For coloring you could use some soft brush ,but with a good density.

When the base colors are done you could use a tip for more easily applying the highlits and the darker colors ,without messing up the process till now. So go to that layer on wich you are going to work ( I have two for coloring - skin and hair) .Now from the layers bar options choose "Lock transparent pixels" and now you can applying colors only on the colored part,without moving outside (it doesn`t coloring outside ),so you can paint more quickly.Now we can add in more detail without disturbing other aspects of the painting.

When shading dont be affraid of the amplitude of the colors. Sometimes its interesting to experiment ,so be brave.Even ,start with a big size of the brush and after use smaller for depth and for the details.Don`t blend the colors too much .If you have some ugly line between two nuances merge them with soft brush with lower oppacity ( like Smooth Watercolor for example). Always think where should be the shadows and the highlights.It has to be logical and also you could always have your fictional angle from which light falls.

An advice from me - I suggest you to use the most darker black only for some small areas,when coloring a face - like in the eyes ,the eyelashes and for a little bit shades in the eyebrows and in the hair.

Another advice -when applying the highlights ,if your painting is a more realistic use an oil brush for the lighter places.