The art of painting comics

This is how sequential art is crafted "traditional way" at Haedre's HQ. Here are some pro-tricks through a documented progress report

This is an extract from the third chapter of my book "Devlok, the Techno-templar".
It's a surreal and sci-fi gritty descent in the depth of a universe built by artificial intelligences.
All the art is made with watercolour and various thinliners. Format is around 37x27cm / 14.5x10.6 in.

If you haven't read my previous similar posts, I must explain. The paper is 300g. Arches, hot pressed (so flat, without texture). It is at first watered and sticked on a light wood board. While drying, it tenses, which prevent warping.

Here's an extra peek, this is the very page of the rough story-board. I work the panels on illustrator and scan/stick a rapid sketch in so I can easily vary their sizes and see what's the best. I also add thought bubbles so I make sure they are correctly integrated and that the flow of lecture works.

So, let's start with a light penciling. In this panel, there aren't so much complicated composition or perspective. An athmospheric perspective will later bring depth.

Once I get a sufficiant idea of what is needed, I start inking.The more close the shapes are, the thicker the lines. Here I used various classics "Staedtler - Pigment Liner".

Then I erase the pencil.

You can see a bit better here how the paper is sticked (the brown kraft paper) to the boards. You can also see that I work on several "boards" at the same time.

Color is coming! Basically here I just add layers of a mix of Payne's Gray and Ultramarine where it should be darker. The closer the shapes are, the more I add a very slight indigo and violet to the mix. So for the background, the lighter mix stays almost untouched. I also made some of the debris flying out of the panel, to add more depth and sense of movement.

Here's an overview of the actual "work boards".

And here is the definitive panel. (Yet without thought bubbles)

I will post the real comic page tomorrow in my next post about "The Techno-templar", so be sure to check around here!

Thank you for having checked my post.

If you are interested in the physical book(s) take a look at my Bigcartel's page http://www.haedre.bigcartel.com

Don't forget to check my official website for more art! http://www.haedre.com

You can also support me through http://www.patreon.com/haedre

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