Create a Mixed Media Butterfly in Procreate Brushes Included

Creating mixed media art has been my go-to for many, many years. I like the surprises that come to me when I experiment with different mediums. Traditionally, I have worked with collage and acrylic paints, or perhaps gouache, to create interesting base images. I then sketch out a fun illustration that embraces the background look. Usually at this point, I use paint markers and pencil crayons or even pastels to add details to the foreground items. Finishing involves adding highlights and shadows with more paint markers. It is a rewarding but time-consuming process. And how does one translate this into a digital world?

This new class, Create a Mixed Media Butterfly in Procreate, will show you my digital mixed-media artwork methodology, and how to use mixed-media brushes to create a layered and detail-rich illustration. In the class, I take you from start to finish in creating a complete mixed media piece. And, I have techniques to save the pattern in other iterations.

The art we’ll be creating is completely editable. One of my goals is to show you how we’ll be able to create an alternate design with a very different background. I am providing you with a bunch of assets to help speed up the process for you. This includes brushes and a mixed media background you may choose to use, as well as a couple of butterfly brushes if you want to skip the sketching stage.

In this class I’ll walk you through:

• working with symmetry tools in Procreate

• my step-by-step method for working in digital mixed media

• tips for creating compositions for a layered mixed-media look

• my workflow for use of layers and blending modes

• adjusting colors and using functions such as warp

• adding texture using the noise function

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

Do you like mixed-media work? Are you unsure of how to accomplish this digitally? Well, this class should get you going. With the provided assets and the step-by-step instructions, you’ll be off to the races in no time!

The key concepts I will include:

• review of my mixed media brushes such as textural backgrounds and gouache paints

• a look at compositional strategies to lay out your work in an interesting way

• approaches you can take for creating different iterations of your design.

Learning mixed-media techniques will give you a challenging yet satisfying new set of skills. With mixed-media digital art there are so many ready paths of exploration. I can’t wait to see what you produce!

Intro to Create a Mixed Media Butterfly in Procreate

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

Lesson 1: Inspiration and Relevant Mixed Media Examples

In this lesson, I will give a ton of inspiration. Mixed media art can take so many forms, and I expose you to some of my favorites. I have a loaded Pinterest board for your use. Take a good luck at the ideas shared there for inspiration.

Lesson 2: Blocking in the Butterfly Basic Shapes

In this lesson, I will break down the complete process of setting the symmetry guide and even angling it. We will then proceed into blocking out the basic shapes. I share many tips and tricks along the way.

Lesson 3: Color Details on the Butterfly Wings

In this lesson, I will explain the settings and sizing of the brushes in relation to the look we are trying to achieve. We will use the sketch as the topmost layer set to darken mode to guide us. 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 have the main color details on the wings done, and you will know how to use some of the brushes in the accompanying download. I will show you how to use the eraser to ensure that all the releases between shapes are consistent.

Lesson 4: Textural Noise, Highlights and Shadows

Now that we have the main areas of color blocked in, it’s time to start adding some dimension. I will show you the method I use for making the wings lift off the page. We will also be adding a ton of texture. We will accomplish that by using a textural brush and then a technique using the “noise” filter. Once complete, we will start looking at methods to add other areas of interest.

Lesson 5: Adding Unique Mixed Media Elements

Adding some of the finishing touches is the focus of this lesson. I will be adding all the textures and mixed media accents into the butterfly and then further enhancing all the layers with a combination of the 6B Pencil as well as textures such as spatters.

Lesson 6: Exploring background Ideas

We will do some finishing on what we started in this lesson and then I will show you some ideas vastly different options for mixed media backgrounds. I show you two different approaches so you can decide on what feels more natural for you. I will show you and debrief in the conclusion

Lesson 7: Final Design, Conclusion and Wrap Up

We will conclude everything in this lesson. I show you a couple of quick mock-ups with the art and I break down all the additional details I added off-camera.

Concepts covered:

Concepts covered include but are not limited to Procreate design, Procreate noise settings, layering, transparency, Procreate brush stamps, Procreate canvas settings, brush adjustments, clipping masks and blending modes, Procreate snapping and guides, Procreate symmetry, mixed media in Procreate, adding a mixed media artwork for a background, sizing of documents and brushes, 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…

• 57 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, a mixed media background and a color palette

Project Description

To create this piece, you may use the supplied butterfly stamps or use your own sketch. Block in the main areas of color first. Use the sketch layer as a guide. Once complete, add any little details to make it look more interesting, employing some of the suggestions I make in the lessons.

Now it’s time for the mixed media finishes. Use textures and details to add interest to the butterfly. When you feel the butterfly is somewhat complete, add shadows and highlights.

Now comes the fun: adding mixed media to the butterfly and to the background. Make the whole piece as rich as possible. Enjoy the process! You will learn so much by experimenting, so don’t rush. I would even suggest duplicating your artwork to try two vastly different backgrounds as I demonstrated in the lessons.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long do I have access to the course materials?

You can view and review the lecture materials indefinitely, like an on-demand channel.

Can I take my courses with me wherever I go?

Definitely! If you have an internet connection, courses on Udemy are available on any device at any time. If you don’t have an internet connection, some instructors also let their students download course lectures. That’s up to the instructor though, so make sure you get on their good side!