This class, Paint a Peony in Gouache using Affinity Designer, will help to reinforce what you have learned in Affinity Designer and add a whole new set of skills, this time using the Pixel Persona. We will draw the flower petals individually using the Vector Persona, then we will switch to paint the individual petals using pixel brushes. In this case, we will use the pixel brushes supplied with the software, specifically the Gouache Brushes.

This class is packed with so many important workflows which you will learn. Essentially, what we will be creating is a stencil, or set of stencils to work with. To ease the transition from vector to raster, we will start with a sketch. After drawing each petal, I will show you how to individually paint within them. I explain the use of the Gouache Brushes and show you all about looking for the “values” in the inspiration photo. The initial painting will be done completely in grayscale to further emphasize what to look for. I will show you a blending mode technique that allows you to colorize the grayscale after the fact. Once you understand the whole idea of looking at and creating the values, I will switch into showing you how to directly paint with color. You can use either method to do your painting on each of the petals.

Slowly but surely, we will start to refine the painting. There are many little things that come up, but I show you all my methods so that you can really understand what the goals are and what you must do to perfect the illustration. I show you how to adjust the vectors too, and this can be done at any stage. They always remain fully editable! We create a ragged edge at the tips of all the petals. Once the petals are done, we will switch into working on the leaves. I show you some cool techniques for creating depth and highlights that make the leaves look dimensional. Again, we can edit the vector shapes at any time.

At the end, we will also work on a background. I show you some simple techniques using photos you can access directly from within the program. Blending modes figure prominently in this section of the class.

In this class I’ll walk you through:

• creating a reference sketch
• drawing the individual vector shapes for the petals
• using vectors as “stencils” to paint within
• using the Pixel Persona and the Gouache Brushes

Working with repeat patterns in vector documents is another important skill to learn, and my guidance will help you through the questions you may have. This class will benefit anyone looking to add illustration in a vector program to their skillset.