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CloudClipper — PLEASE HELP ME
#coloring #dragon #helpmeplease #scales #help
Published: 2017-06-03 01:23:24 +0000 UTC; Views: 330; Favourites: 22; Downloads: 0
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So I'm fairly happy with how far along I have this dude and with lines and overall color scheme... but I cannot for the life of me figure out how to get nice color gradients going on the scales that mix together well.For example, I have been greatly inspired by this piece by
:thumb500128326: (if thumbnail doesn't work, here's link, because thumbs on dA hate me) beastofoblivion.deviantart.com…
Just... those scales, the colors, it's GORGEOUS. GO LOVE IT.
But despite searching around to find help and inspiration to give my drawing life... I'm not satisfied with anything I've tried. There's a good chance I'm just not figuring out a good technique for getting the colors put down? I don't know...
Any help would be GREATLY appreciated! Coloring is certainly not my strong point
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Comments: 5
Nice work! If you're working digitally, try using the lasso tool and gradient tool to layer different colors, then use layer effects (overlay, multiply, etc) to bring out highlights and shadows. Alternatively, you can use the airbrush to map out the base gradients. The piece you linked was done traditionally with markers - a long time was spent layering different colors over each other for that effect!
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I'll have to play with the lasso and gradient tools, I hadn't tried those two together on the scales! Was mostly doing airbrush (or similar) and just wasn't coming out right. Thank you so much for the help!
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I think mixing brighter colours with darker colours helps a lot. So for example if you have a navy blue colour, have a bright orange/red next to it. The best example I can find is something like this lava , you can see how in real life the hardened and cooling magma is now a pale/dark blue colour, and when it is right next to the bright orange lava, the colour works well together. I can see this sort of similar thing happening in the image that you linked, especially right on top of the dragons forehead.
I hope this helped. Btw, your detail on the scales is really nice ^^
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You know, I had been wanting to throw some brighter colors on there, but had only been trying putting the brighter oranges/reds/yellows on the already reddish parts. I'll certainly have to try them on the darker areas, it seems like a great idea! Thank you for the advice, and the compliment 
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You're welcome! I hope it helps, just keep experimenting!
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