Enhance your sketch in the digital studio

combining layers

Here is what I do with my sketches in the digital studio.  So really simple, all I do is combine a colorful texture with my sketchbook drawing.  With a little playing around, it is easy to get a nice, ambient color effect that enhances the presentation of a sketch.

1.  Choose an underlay image.  For this sketch, I use a photo of a rock. It is sharp, gritty with intense colors.

3. The drawing needs to be semi-transparent in order for the color texture to show through.  Adjust it to roughly 50% opacity.

2.  Composite or overlay (layer) the drawing on top of your color texture.

4. Rebuild the contrast by adding shadows and highlights

Final step:  I adjust the color to give the presentation a little more snap.

I guess what I like is the energy, motion, and spirit of the sketch image.  I like it when the mark making does not get bogged down. It is cool to see that fresh, lively quaiity in the drawing.  I like the feel of light rushing in, sort of popping and flairing,  I'm not saying this is the greatest example ever, but here and there, the drama in this one works for me - even though the subject matter is a dead and decaying tadpole at the edge of the river.  A little morbid, I know, but finding a "crashsite" like this one at the bottom of the river - well - that absolutely makes my day.   

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