Cat in Shadows
To make this image, I created the cat in SketchClub using gradient-filled shapes, and a pen to draw features and outlines, as well as a soft brush to paint highlights and shadows. Then I used iColorama to add dramatic effects.
I assembled a reference image in iColorama by blending the head of a cat from one photo onto the body of a cat from another photo. Then I used the Elasticam app to exaggerate the shape of the head and alter the shape of the body. Then I imported the result into SketchClub, where I used it as a reference “photo.” I reduced the opacity of the reference layer so I could still see it as I painted, but it would not be so dark that I couldn’t see what I was I was painting. I kept this layer as the top layer throughout the rest of the painting process, turning visibility on and off to check my work as I went along. When I no longer need the reference, I will turn off visibility for the reference layer, so that nothing of it remains in the final image. On a new layer below the reference layer, I started by painting a brown shape for the head of the cat, using the Vector tool. I set the Gradient switch in the Vector tool so that the shapes will be filled with a Gradient rather than a solid color.
On a new layer above the previous layer, I created a shape for the body of the cat.
On a new layer above the previous layer, I created a shape for one leg of the cat.
On a new layer above the previous layer, I created a shape for the other leg of the cat.
On a new layer above the previous layer, I created a shape for the back feet of the cat.
Next I went to the bottom-most layer and used Color-Fill to fill the layer with a dark brown color. I tried several different colors and shades by moving around on the color wheel, before dismissing the layer palette. When using Color Fill, you can see your background color change while the other layers are displayed, which helps you select a color that works well with the other colors in your image.
On a new layer above the other cat shape layers, I created a roundish shape for the rear thigh muscle of the cat.
On a new layer above the previous layer, I used a brush to paint dark markings on the cat.
On a new layer above the previous layer, I created reddish shapes for the insides of the cat’s ears.
On a new layer above the previous layer, I used the Vector tool to create shapes for the cat’s eyes. I used a brush to paint catchlights onto the eyes.
On a new layer above the previous layer, I used the pen tool to draw lines defining the facial features as well as the front toes.
On a new layer above the previous layer, I used a pen to draw whiskers.
On a new layer below the whisker layer, I used the Vector tool to create a shape for the muzzle of the cat’s face.
On a new layer above the previous layer, I created a darker shape for the cat’s forehead.
On a new layer above the previous layer, I used a pen to draw outlines.
On a new layer above the previous layer, I used a lighter pen to draw more outlines.
On a new layer above the previous layer, I used a soft round brush to paint shadows and some highlights onto the cat. I adjusted the layer opacity to get the intensity I wanted.
On a new layer above the previous layer, I continued using a soft round brush to paint highlights onto the cat, again adjusting the layer opacity.
On a new layer above the background color layer, I used the Vector tool to make a shape for the cast shadow of the cat. I used the Blur tool at it highest size and strength to blur the shadow shape.
On a new layer above the previous layer, I used a soft round brush to paint shadows around the edges of the cat.
On a new layer below the previous layer, I used a pen-hatching brush to paint some texture onto the background. I adjusted the layer opacity to get the intensity I wanted.
On a new layer below the cast-shadow-on-the-floor layer, I used the Vector tool to make a shape to define the floor.
On a new layer above all the other layers, I used a soft round brush to paint sunbeams coming from the upper right. I adjusted the layer opacity to get the intensity I wanted. I exported the image to my camera roll.
I opened the image in iColorama and applied Adjust/Tonelab preset 4 at low opacity.
I used Brush/Paint at low opacity with a soft round brush to paint gray shadows towards the bottom of the wall where it meets the floor.
I used Brush/Paint at low to medium opacity with a smaller and darker soft round brush to paint deeper shadows further into the corner where the wall meets the floor.
I used Brush/Paint to paint a darker line where the wall meets the floor.
I used Adjust/Exposure and an inverted brush mask to add shadows on the cat to help define its shape.
I used Adjust/Glow Preset 1 at low opacity and Adjust/High preset 1 for a more dramatic look.
I cropped a bit off the bottom using Form/Crop, then used Preset/Border preset 7 at medium opacity and medium to high radius for a Border effect. I used Effect/Sharpen to sharpen the image.
