Mike’s Canvas Army Bag

[Laurene]

The next step will take quite a bit of time, so I thought I’d post an update.

I created a new layer above the base layer and set it to multiply. Using the Graphite brush set to it’s smallest size, I begin to detail the chipmunk fur much as I would if using paper and pencil.

When I work on paper, I always keep my reference nearby and I orient it the same way as my drawing. This helps me see the direction of hair growth more easily. I can do the same thing digitally, by putting my reference on a separate layer and moving it near my drawing so I can easily refer to it as I draw. This layer will be deleted when I’m done.

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There are no shortcuts here. It takes times and a lot of layering to build up texture and value, but that’s what I enjoy about drawing. Just getting lost in the process and not noticing or caring about how much time I’m spending on it is wonderful. There are fur brushes you can use, but in my experience they can’t give the same subtle detail. These chipmunks are tiny, so luckily Procreate lets me zoom in to work on things like eyes and ears. I’ve only worked on the head so far.

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[Mike Sibley]

Oh boy! What an excellent Chipmunk!!! It's so alive already.

I honestly feel I could run my fingers over its head and experience those short hairs - smooth in one direction, a little spiky in the other. The eye is glossy and sparkling. And... well, I'm so looking forward to seeing this progress.

[Laurene]

Thank you Mike! This is the part I enjoy the most. Hope I can find time before the weekend to work on it.

I’m just finishing up the last garden repairs after the awful winter we had last year! I woke up to my first sunflower this morning though. That was a treat! Grown from seed, so I’ve been patiently waiting and hoping. It’s finally here and it’s almost September LOL!

[Laurene]

The first chipmunk is done, although I may go back to tweak some values later. He looks pasted on the bag because I haven’t added the shadows yet. I’ll do that after the second chipmunk is drawn.

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These were my steps. The last one is definitely the longest, but it’s worthwhile to take the time needed. It’s also the most fun, in my opinion!

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[Laurene]

The process for the second chipmunk is the same as the first, so I won’t go over it again. This is how the composition looks without the lights and shadows which will make it seem like everything belongs in the same world.

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The shadows are not necessarily complicated, but they require a little thought. They were all done using the Soft Airbrush, and at times softened using the smudge tool.

The light direction is meant to be at the upper right. There are several layers involved because the different elements in the composition overlap.

Firstly, there are shadows at the bag level. The base of the bag will be in shadow, and the bag itself will cast a shadow.

Secondly, the apples will cast shadows on the ground. I had already added shadows when drawing the apples, because they overlap with each other and the shadows help to separate them.

Thirdly there is a shadow behind the chipmunk on the ground. At this point, the shadows begin to overlap and blend together, so it’s a little tricky to keep it all straight.

Finally, there is a shadow below the chipmunk on the ground. There was a lot of fussing with all of this. I experimented with adding highlights too, but I found that the light was automatically created when the shadows appeared.

Well, this is my final drawing. I really enjoyed creating this little world!

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Thank you for following along, and a special thank you to Mike for allowing me to use your army bag reference. This exercise really got my creative juices flowing again!

[Laurene]

I feel that the chipmunks are still floating.. I’ll try again to anchor them a little better, but right now, I can’t think how to do it.

EDIT: I’m happier with the way the bottom chipmunk sits on the stone walkway after this edit.

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[PogArt-Ttoo]

I feel that the chipmunks are still floating.. I’ll try again to anchor them a little better, but right now, I can’t think how to do it.

EDIT: I’m happier with the way the bottom chipmunk sits on the stone walkway after this edit.
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Honesty to me it’s very likeable artwork Laurene, but it’s very nice that you heading for perfection, to correct even small details, to make the whole art just right
Lovely concept all together, and I like the bag a lot!
It’s amazing how you could make a beautiful story with so simplistic item in hand, sorry - on the screen

[Laurene]

Thank you my friend. It’s fun to just follow your imagination sometimes. Anyway, I had fun with it!

[Mike Sibley]

I love the way the stone walkway degrades with distance, in a way that goes unnoticed because it just feels natural.

I don't have a problem with the delightful Chipmunks, other than, in my opinion, they don't quite "belong". And I think that could be because they have a more restricted range of values - less contrast. The apples, the bag, even the scarf, have fairly rich darks - but the Chipmunks don't, Even their dark eyes appear to be paler...

You tried darkening the lower shadow and that seems to have worked well - partly because it's drawn attention to the paws that, having paused (pun intended ) have given a lovely hint of tension. I'm wondering if gently pumping up the contrast of the chipmunks would work as well... Just surmising...

[Laurene]

I see what you mean Mike. Thanks!

I knew there was something about them that wasn’t quite working, but I couldn’t put my finger on it. I’ll try boosting those darks and then re-post.