The Photoshop and Painter Artist Tablet Book: Creative Techniques in Digital Painting Using Wacom and the iPad

8. A Sense of Atmosphere

Conch Shell Study

You can achieve atmosphere in a variety of ways, two of which are cross-hatching (overlapping strokes that work together to build value) and pointillism (small dabs of tone that blend in the eye of the viewer). In this technique, you will simulate the effect of air, which is heavy with moisture or particles of pollen, and how it can add depth to an image. You’ll use varied color to draw with cross-hatched strokes, which overlap but do not cover the sparkling light and texture. This will give the drawing an amorphous, dreamy quality. For this project, you’ll set up a still life and practice the process ...