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I created this image in SketchClub using only gradient-filled shapes and a pen. Then I used iColorama to really make it pop.
I opened SketchClub, and on a blank layer I started by using the Pen tool to make a quick sketch. I am going for fun here, so it doesn’t have to be realistic, and it doesn’t have to represent a beautifully proportioned person. I will just use this as a guide, and I will turn off this layer later, so a rough scribble is just fine. To use this layer as a guide, I will keep it at the top of the layer stack until I don’t need it anymore, so that new layers don’t obscure it.
On a new layer below the sketch layer, I made some quick rounded skin-toned shapes for the body, using the Vector tool. The shapes you see here are a bit rough because later in the process I went back to this layer and used the Vector tool to add bits where I later decided I wanted to extend the shape of a limb, and I also later used the Vector tool in erase mode to cut away bits that were extending beyond where I wanted them, based on the layers I will make for her clothes etc. This just goes to show that you don’t have to get everything right the first time around; you can always go back to earlier layers and edit them as needed.
On a new layer above the skin tone layer but below the sketch layer, I used the Vector tool to create dark reddish brown shapes for her pants.
On a new layer above the pants layer but below the sketch layer, I used the Vector tool to create a shape for her blouse.
On a new layer just above the pants layer, I used the Vector tool to create shapes for shadows on her pants. I selected a reddish brown color that was darker than the pants. I adjusted the layer opacity to get the degree of darkness I wanted.
I used the Vector tool to create small round shapes for detailing on her blouse. It can be hard to create small shapes with the Vector tool; I’m not going for perfect shapes since I want this image to have a hand-made look, but you can try reducing the setting of the Simplify slider for the Vector tool. In general, I frequently adjust that slider and try again if I’m not getting shapes I like. For the color of these round shapes, I used the eye dropper to match the color of her pants.
On a new layer just above the blouse layer, I used the Vector tool to create a shape for the shadow on her blouse. I chose a color that was a darker shade of the blouse color.
On a new layer above the other layers, I used the Vector tool to create a shape for a lamp shade.
On a new layer below the lamp shade layer, I used the Vector tool to create a shape for the lamp post.
On a new layer below the other layers, I used the Vector tool to create shapes for the vertical parts of the couch. I made the lower shape a bit darker than the upper shape since it would be in more shadow.
On a new layer below the previous layer, I used the Vector tool to create a shape for the horizontal part of the couch. I used a lighter color than I used for the vertical surfaces of the couch, since it would have more light hitting it. Because I wanted the lamppost to be behind the couch, I dragged the lamppost layer to be below the lowest couch layer.
On a new layer below the layers for the figures and clothes, but above all the couch layers, I used the Vector tool to create a shape for the shadows cast by her body, falling on the couch and on the floor.
I went to the bottom-most layer, and I used Color Fill to fill it with a light reddish color.
On a new layer just below the lamp shade layer, I used the Vector tool to create a shape for the light cast by the lamp. I changed the layer mode for this layer to Soft Light and I adjusted the layer opacity to my liking.
On a new layer below all the couch layers, I used the Vector tool to create a shape for the couch shadow.
On a new layer above the background color layer and below the other layers, I used the Vector tool to create shapes to form a window frame on the wall.
On a new layer below the window frame layer, I used the Vector tool to create a shape indicating the light outside the window.
On a new layer just above the previous layer but below the window frame layer, I used the Vector tool to create a shape for pale green foliage seen through the window. I used pale green, since the foliage would be drenched in sunlight.
On a new layer just below the window frame layer, I used the Vector tool to create a shape for the shadow cast by the window frame. Then I used the Blur tool to blur the shape.
On a new layer just below the sketch layer, I used the Vector tool to create small shapes for her hair. I chose a reddish color in keeping with the other colors in the image.
On a new layer just below the previous layer, I used the Vector tool to create a lighter-colored shape for the overall shape of her hair.
I turned off visibility of the sketch layer.
On a new layer below the hair layers, I used a pen to draw her facial features. I used a very small soft round brush to paint color onto her cheeks.
On a new layer above the figure layer, I used the Vector tool to create shapes for her shoes, and I used a pen to draw laces on her shoes.
On a new layer just above the background color layer, I used the Vector tool to create a shape for a shadow on the wall behind her head, in the upper left corner of the canvas.
On a new layer above all the other layers, I used a pen to draw different colored outlines of some of the image elements. I also used a small soft round brush to paint a soft yellow glow along the lower edge of the lamp shade, matching the color with the color of the light cast by the lamp.
On a new layer above all the other layers, I used a soft round brush to paint soft yellow sunbeams coming from the window. I saved the image to my camera roll.
I opened the image in iColorama. I used Adjust/EQ preset 2 at low opacity and a preset under Adjust/Tonelab at low opacity, for tonal separation, which enhances the shadows and highlights. I also used Effect/Glow preset 1 at low opacity, for a touch of smoothness and to further enhance the highlights and shadows. I used Adjust/Levels to add a touch more contrast.
I used Effect/Raise at low size and Effect/ Sharpen preset 3 at low opacity, for emphasis and sharpness.
I used a preset under Effect/Blur to make a slightly blurred version.
Going back to the unblurred image, I used Style/Tensor preset 6, using the blurred image as secondary photo. I experimented with all the sliders settings. I like the effects I can sometimes get from using Tensor with either the same image or a slightly different version of the same image. It can sometimes introduce strange artifacts like banding, so I use it in moderation or I edit the result so as to minimize those artifacts. With this image, I like the softness and glow that I got from using Tensor.
I used the first preset under Style/Water. Because of the paper texture, I was able to reduce the small amount of banding that resulted from the Tensor step, while preserving the softness and glow.
I used Texture/Vintage in Raise mode, and used the Photo button to use one of my own textures. I tried several different texture images to find an effect I liked.
This is the texture I used. I made it in Metabrush. You can see the method I used to make it here.
I used Brush/Paint with a white brush. I used the default brush, and used a small size. I painted around the edges of the image, then I reduced the opacity by using the opacity slider. This gives the suggestion of a border effect. Then I used Effect/Sharpen at low opacity to add a bit more sharpness to the image to emphasize the texture.
I used Texture/Metal in Raise mode to add another texture onto the image. I finished by using Effect/Sharpen at low opacity to add a bit more sharpness to the image to emphasize the texture.
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