Bold & Lush Tropical Scene in Procreate with Leaf Brushes

On a grey and sunless day, it’s fun to create art that is absolutely the opposite. I chose to create this Bold and Lush Tropical Scene on such a day. The vibrant and bold colors of this scene put me into a happy mood. Winters in Canada are so grey and there are no leafy plants to be seen anywhere here in Manitoba, so I went crazy with leaves on this one –– leaves of every size and color! I provide you with a few brushes to experiment with, but I also show you how to make brushes from scratch. To add a layer of challenge I also wanted to create a bunch of different finishes to the leaves. I will show you plenty of ideas throughout!

In this class I’ll walk you through:

• my step-by-step method for adding depth to a scene

• tips for creating compositions that can work for many different purposes

• my workflow for use of clipping masks and blending modes

• adjusting the layout for the biggest impact

• methods for keeping the art fully editable for later adjustments and recoloring

Whether you are a novice or an experienced Procreate user, you will find plenty of pointers. I think the fun part of this project was the freedom of creating with a bold color palette and a bunch of different shapes and sizes.

The key concepts I will include:

• review of layering of colors, textures and dimensions

• considerations for lighting and creating depth

• a look at great reference to get your creative juices flowing

• ideas to make your piece original to your style

Whenever I watch a class myself, I find the teacher explains different methods that I hadn’t considered. I hope you can take the information I give you to put your own spin on the outcome. Learning to follow steps is just one piece of the puzzle. The next piece is figuring out how to make it your own.

Intro to Create a Bold and Lush Tropical Scene in Procreate

This short intro will give you an overview of the class.

Lesson 1: Overview, lnspiration and Examples

In this lesson, I will give an overview of the project as we take a visit to one of my Pinterest Boards. I discuss the inspiration for this project and what our goals are.

Lesson 2: Composition and Creating Brushes

In this lesson, I will break down my complete process of choosing and stamping brushes for establishing our main motifs as well as showing you how to do create the brushes from a photograph.

Lesson 3: Using Brush Stamps to Compose

In this lesson, I will explain the settings and sizing of the brushes in relation to the look we are trying to achieve. I will show you some of the key techniques I use and explain every step of the way. By the end of the lesson, you will a layout with plenty of interest, and you will know how to use brushes and stamps over again to be efficient. I will show you how to use blending modes to great effect!

Lesson 4: Adding Accents to the Leaves

This is the lesson in which I demonstrate how to add dimension to your leaves. I show you a few methods so you can decide what method is suited to your workflow. I even show you how to add contrasting colors. I will be finalizing most of the leaves by adding details like veins, a crease in the centre, and textures. I explain why you might choose to use Alpha Lock rather than a clipping mask in some cases.

Lesson 5: Texture Details for Interest

In this lesson, we continue with detailing the leaves. This lesson is mostly about texture, but I also show you how to make unusual additions that will make the composition even more interesting.

Lesson 6: Last Looks, Ideas for Lighting and More

I will show you all my finished documents and explain some of the finishing touches I added. I have some ideas for lighting and additional advice for you as you get to the finishing stages. I also added lettering for the fun of it!

Lesson 7: Conclusion, Mockups and Closing Thoughts

We will conclude everything in this lesson. I show you a couple of quick mock-ups with the pattern and we end with a chat about next steps.

Concepts covered:

Concepts covered include but are not limited to Procreate design, clipping masks and alpha lock, layering, transparency, Procreate brush stamps, Procreate canvas settings, brush settings, Procreate snapping and guides, Procreate floral and leaf brush creation, the Brush Studio in Procreate, adjusting Procreate brushes, sizing of documents and brushes, compositions with brush stamps, adding texture with brushes, procreate brushes for adding other interesting details, workflow best practices, painting best practice, Procreate composites, techniques with paints and blending, and much more.

You will get…

• 58 minutes of direction from an instructor who has been in graphic design business and education for over 40 years

• knowledge of multiple ways to solve each design challenge

• an outline, a brush set and color palettes

Project Description

Download and install the Procreate brushes provided to get started on your tropical paradise. I suggest you make a few brushes to add to the free brushes. Source some photos on royalty free sites if possible or be sure to change the leaves as you re-draw them. Work through each of the lessons, applying the concepts as I teach them. Start by initially positioning stamps in the middle so they are not cropped. Feel free to duplicate some as you position them and try to dance the colors from one side to the other. Experiment with changing settings on the brushes provided. Try unique approaches like layering and adding details. Once you have the layout somewhat complete, add a ton of texture! Experiment with the pixel and pressure shaders provided. Consider working with a limited palette.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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