Ways to Use References in Digital Painting

Benefits of Referencing

Working with a reference is a concept that every artist embraces.  At some level, an artist is continually using a reference based off memories of objects or places seen in his or her life.  The purpose of referencing is to teach our brain exactly how things are made.  Typically, if I were to ask a child to draw a kangaroo, they might outline the basic form, color it brown, and give it boxing gloves for fun.  If I asked an adult, with minimal experience around kangaroos and sketching them, they might come up with something more hairy (to add realism, so they think) but maintaining the basic shape.  What these people don't understand are the fine details that make up a kangaroo, such as the color variations in fur from head to tail, exact body proportions, and muscle and bone structure.  By gathering images of kangaroos in such an experiment, there will most likely be a heavy increase in an artists drawing capabilities.  View the examples below to see a trial like the kangaroo experiment in action!

Different ways of Referencing

Example 1 - Realistic Kangaroo

I went ahead and drew what I thought a kangaroo looked like without referencing anything.  Only the basic shape and idea of the animal is visible in this drawing: The long crescent-shaped tail, brown color, small arms, and large feet.  Honestly this works well for a cartoon version of a kangaroo, but perhaps your skill is less than this or you want to create a more realistic looking image.

Step One: Gather Your Materials

Start by gathering materials from photos you've taken, magazines, videos, or from search engines.  After doing a quick Google Image Search, the results brought me to some great photos of kangaroo shapes, feet, fur texture, and proportions.

Step Two: Make a sketch!

Next either draw the basic form of the kangaroo.  Place the image and create a layer on top.  Quickly sketch an outline and use arrows or gestural marks to get an understanding of how lines work to build a kangaroo.  Tracing and modifying is a good way to learn how to draw and helps to get a great base.  

Step Three: Modify the Lines

Now, use these lines to modify and transform this realistic tracing into your desired shape, whether that be complex or simplified. 

Step Four: Select Real Colors

A basic way to create a convincing animal is by using the actual color palette used in the photo.  Although cartoon kangaroos are seen as orange or brown, their fur includes a variety of yellows and grays which combined make a beautiful coat.  Colors are more complex when taken pixel by pixel.  

Step Five: Mimic Texture

Lastly, references can be used to pick up small details, including textures, that takes more than memory to recreate.  Some techniques for creating realistic textures include: using the pattern tool, downloading brushes, overlaying pre-made textures or pattern, or creating your own using the pre-existing tools.  I'm going to use my favorite, the smudge tool, to move the paint in the directions I want to in order to create moving fur.

Adding some final touches such as lighting and removing outlines can make all the difference!  Good luck on your next project.

BEFORE AND AFTER

MORE EXAMPLES COMING SOON!