Computer Drawing in Progress

I for some reason always start with the nose of the animal I am drawing. I think it sort of acts like a reference for the rest of the drawing. Once I have the nose finished I do a rough sketch to give myself an idea as to where the rest of the bits need to go. Usually the outlines end up being erased during the process of finishing the picture, but it is nice to have a general guideline. Once the sketch is done I concentrate on the eyes. They are the focal point of the drawing, and also show the emotion more than anything else.

The process I use on the computer is essentially the same as if I was painting. I add color gradually by using pale versions of the color I want to finally achieve. This way if I feel it may be a bit too red, I can add a layer that has more yellow or whatever color it needs. Also, by not just filling in the color with the shade I want to end up with the final product looks more translucent instead of flat. I start by sort of blocking out the areas of certain colors and then building up from there. The left side of this drawing here has just been started on. I have about 2 coats of color in the lightest area. As an example in case you have used the program, I typically start out with the color at 91% transparency and a soft edge of 81.

Here is a close up of the eye. Due to having been stretched a bit during enlarging the detail isn't as crisp as when I just zoom in while drawing. Still, it gives a bit of an idea what the detail is like.

Then, I have the finished product. If you have not seen the complete 8x10 drawing of Snoopy, click on this picture and be taken directly there. The frame around this drawing is one of the little added extras that iPhoto does have that I'm happy for. I add it on after the drawing is finished which means if you order an 8x10, the final product will be larger than an 8x10 because of how large the frame is. It isn't something that has to be added on, but once I tried it I liked using it since it seems to sort of add a finishing touch to the picture.