Flame

Here is a step by step process of the illustration which was also featured in the Imagine FX Magazine.

1. Setting a Reduced Color Palette

Since this artwork has a very reduced color palette, I pick two main colors for the characters and animals, and two for the background. From these base colors, I start mixing different shades without veering too far from them. The warm / cool color contrasts create a nice lively combination.

2. Establishing the Poses and Dynamic

At this stage, I work on establishing the poses and dynamic of the characters, where they look, what their expressions are, and how they interact. I also start getting an idea of the surrounding environment.

3. Fine-Tuning the Details

Here I start fine-tuning the details, in this case by working on the line art. Some artists begin with line art, but I prefer to establish the colors and overall idea first. Since the full image often develops during the process, I sometimes add the line art later.

4. Almost Final

This is basically a continuation of the previous step with even more detail. Towards the end, I gradually reduce the line art so the painting itself can emerge over it. As an overlay, I add scanned watercolor paper to give the artwork a more traditional feel.

Flame was also licensed by Letistitch and adapted into a cross-stitch design.

Flame Cross Stitch finished

Flame Cross Stitch Kit

Flame Cross Stitch detail