About this Class
Creating mixed media art has been my go-to for many, many years. I like the surprises that come to me when I experiment with different mediums. Traditionally, I have worked with collage and acrylic paints, or perhaps gouache, to create interesting base images. I then sketch out a fun illustration that embraces the background look. Usually at this point, I use paint markers and pencil crayons or even pastels to add details to the foreground items. Finishing involves adding highlights and shadows with more paint markers. It is a rewarding but time-consuming process. And how does one translate this into a digital world?
This new class, Create a Mixed Media Butterfly in Procreate, will show you my digital mixed-media artwork methodology, and how to use mixed-media brushes to create a layered and detail-rich illustration. In the class, I take you from start to finish in creating a complete mixed media piece. And, I have techniques to save the pattern in other iterations.
The art we’ll be creating is completely editable. One of my goals is to show you how we’ll be able to create an alternate design with a very different background. I am providing you with a bunch of assets to help speed up the process for you, including rough butterfly sketches you are welcome to use. I have also included brushes and mixed media backgrounds you may choose to use. Revisit textures you have from other classes and see how you can put your own spin on this art.
In this class I’ll walk you through:
- working with symmetry tools in Procreate
- my step-by-step method for working in digital mixed media
- tips for creating compositions for a layered mixed-media look
- my workflow for use of layers and blending modes
- adjusting colors and using functions such as warp
- adding texture using the noise function
- methods for keeping the art fully editable for later adjustments and recoloring
Do you like mixed-media work? Are you unsure of how to accomplish this digitally? Well, this class should get you going. With the provided assets and the step-by-step instructions, you’ll be off to the races in no time!
The key concepts I will include:
- review of my mixed media brushes such as textural backgrounds and gouache paints
- a look at compositional strategies to lay out your work in an interesting way
- approaches you can take for creating different iterations of your design.
Learning mixed-media techniques will give you a challenging yet satisfying new set of skills. With mixed-media digital art there are so many ready paths of exploration. I can’t wait to see what you produce!
Concepts covered:
Concepts covered include but are not limited to Procreate design, Procreate noise settings, layering, transparency, Procreate brush stamps, Procreate canvas settings, brush adjustments, clipping masks and blending modes, Procreate snapping and guides, Procreate symmetry, mixed media in Procreate, adding a mixed media artwork for a background, sizing of documents and brushes, adding texture with brushes, procreate brushes for adding other interesting details, workflow best practices, painting best practice, Procreate composites, techniques with paints and blending, and much more.
You will get the bonus of…
- 57 minutes of direction from an instructor who has been in graphic design business and education for over 40 years
- knowledge of multiple ways to solve each design challenge
- an outline, a brush set, a mixed media background and a color palette
Project Description
To create this piece, you may use the supplied butterfly stamps or use your own sketch. Block in the main areas of color first. Use the sketch layer as a guide - place it on the top of your stack of layers and set it to darken. Once complete, add any little details to make it look more interesting, employing some of the suggestions I make in the lessons. Now it’s time for the mixed media finishes. Use textures and details to add interest to the butterfly. When you feel the butterfly is somewhat complete, add shadows and highlights. Now comes the fun: adding mixed media to the butterfly and to the background. Make the whole piece as rich as possible. Enjoy the process! You will learn so much by experimenting, so don’t rush. I would even suggest duplicating your artwork to try two vastly different backgrounds as I demonstrated in the lessons.
The Curriculum
- Intro to Create a Mixed Media Butterfly in Procreate (1:50)
- Lesson 1 Inspiration and Relevant Mixed Media Examples (5:39)
- Lesson 2 Blocking in the Butterfly Basic Shapes (8:01)
- Lesson 3 Color Details on the Butterfly Wings (8:39)
- Lesson 4 Textural Noise, Highlights and Shadows (9:18)
- Lesson 5 Adding Unique Mixed Media Elements (8:00)
- Lesson 6 Exploring Background ldeas (10:03)
- Lesson 7 Final Design, Conclusion and Wrap Up (4:47)
