Digital art tutorial - How to paint rust step by step

In this digital art tutorial I'll be showing you how to paint rust using digital painting software and (preferably) a drawing tablet.

STEP 1 - Base tone and shapes

Start out by painting the base tones of the rust and defining some shapes. Use reference photos to figure out how rust looks. I used reds, oranges, browns and yellows as a base.

STEP 2 - Paint more detail

I used a basic round brush with slightly ragged edges to paint the rust (I haven't used any other brushes) and started to define the shapes in the rust some more. It all doesn't have to be really neat and tidy, keep it loose.

STEP 3 - Color variation and contrast

Add an overlay layer to add more color variation, I used oranges, yellows and reds for this. Next add a multiply layer and work on the little details and shadows. Decide where you want little holes to be for example.

STEP 4 - Details!

Work on more details while you keep looking at reference photos. Add little holes and surface texture.

STEP 5 - Optional Photo Texture

You want your rust to look really realistic in just a few minutes?

• You can add a photo texture of rust on a new layer.
• Use free transform >> warp and make the photo follow the shape of the ball.
• Set the layer to multiply or overlay or any mode that you like and gives the result you want.
• Next add a layer mask and fill it with black.
• Use a white brush on the mask to paint back the texture.

And that's it! You can add multiple textures and use multiple layer styles to get the result you are looking for.

Wanna paint rust too?! Be sure to show me your final result and tag me in your post.

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