Raging Seas - Process

I begin with a basic value thumbnail, focusing on composition and checking that the distance, lighting, and focus is engaging. This is one of the most important parts of the painting. I next sketch some details over the top in black, just for my own reference. I checked these layers on and off, relying on them mainly at the beginning, but still using them near the end.

I next place down some colours and background. Everything builds off this for me, all the colours and tones are based on this layer.

After about an hour, we have the basic forms, rain, and water solid and in place. Everything is rather blocky and undetailed at this stage.

I blend tones together, add some painted texture for the scales, and work for another hour. I play with colours and brushstrokes, making sure the painting looks better from one minutes to the next.

Again, playing with colour, adding the horns and details on the serpent, and fixing the perspective of the head.

Adding fins, repainting over the water to blend it in a bit more, and just work work work.

And the final: more rain, adding some yellow light, adjusting the contrast layers (thanks to my thumbnail, the tones were pretty good already). And it's done.


Here's the final: [link]
Here is my Facebook: [link]