Suzanne Helmigh sketchesss awwriight

[helmighs]

Haven't been updating this sketchbook for a while now XD
So here comes a motherload.












Find a bigger version of that steps image here: http://suzanne-helmigh.deviantart.com/ar...-342931652

Here is the Borus portrait explained in steps.

1. Linesketch, try to find the essence of the character in this phase.

2. Add a layer underneath the lineart and start to bash in some starter colors.

3. Add a layer on top of the lineart and refine the features, paint away all the line art or erase the lineart.
When that is done, merge the layers of the character (not with the background!)

4. Mirror the image. This way you can spot mistakes easier.

5. Fill in the background and possible foreground. I also changed the colors here with color balance while having the character layer selected.

6. Work on the lighting and keep in mind that there is also bounce light. You can see the blue hues on the face.

7. Use your personal favorite paint technique to make colors blend, this can be done by a smooth or textured softbrush or with a etching pattern.
In this step I also added something called a Rembrandt triangle. It's the triangle highlight underneath the eye to show a more accurate depth.

8. I wasn't satisfied with the face angle. It's never to late to alter your painting for a better image, don't be afraid to start all over.
I used a photo of myself to reference the new angle of the face that was more interesting to me.

9. Refine the new look and work on some contrast.

10. This guy's skin isn't smooth, but aged, tired and damaged, working on those details really adds up to the realism.
I also enhanced the highlights to create more contrast.

Done. Go through every detail and make the areas of less interest less detailed. You can use the blur tool and sharpen tool to enhance those areas. Moving the channels in your image can give it a slight 3D effect.