Color Exploration

These are illustrations I have created based upon the instructions provided, surrounding one of my original characters whom I named Kafka (Not the most original name, but I felt it just suited her). Kafka is a retired war general who is in search for a unique identity to possess, one that cannot be put in a box by other people. As for why I created this one, I would say I created this to test how much I can guide the viewer to look where I want them to look, plus I wanted my O.C to be a big part of it, as an aspiring character designer. This includes both concept art and illustrations.

The only thing I used for these works are

-The free drawing software, Krita.
- One by Wacom graphic tablet.
- The default brushes of the software.

Final illustration, with key themes of
-Happy
-Dull
-Mysterious/Dark, respectively.

The initial step was drawing the idea as a sketch. I first decided on two things; the flowers will be held by the character and the character will look at it while resting her back on a bunch of huge rocks. I began with sketching the flowers roughly, followed by the arm holding it. With respect to the arm, I drew the characters face. Then I completed rest of the body so as to maintain the proportions. Since in my head I clearly could see the major focus of the hand position and the face position, rest were done to support the main focus, the flower on her hands and her face.

Next was to decide on the colors I had to choose. I understand that contrast is the key to creating beautiful illustrations. So, I begin by remembering how contrasts are created. One is through colors, the strongest contrast is created when two colors opposite to each other, while understanding that they need not be accurately opposite to each other to have contrast, but comparatively, it will be weaker. Hence, I decided to go with a saturated blue for the background and an ochre color for the flowers, and to harmonise them I went with a teal as the base for the grass. The rest of the attire however were just pre decided colors of Kafka's fit.

Second is by value which meant it was to add shadows. In this step I used a multiply layer to create a very dark shadow on the upper side of the picture. Then I ensured the silhouette of the shadow conforms to the shapes of the objects.

I decided to make each objects look how they are supposed to look like by applying different brushes and brushstrokes of different lengths. I used references for how grass and rocks look. I also soften the earlier shadow as well.

Finally, I add a light from above, hence, lighting up the grass and the lower body of Kafka. Then I also add some shadows on the dress as I assume would be due to the diffuse lighting already present in the area.