Constructing The HULK! A step by step breakdown of my illustration process from concept to finished art. Let’s Go!…
Tools. Every artist has their favorite “weapons” of choice. Here are some of mine.
- Staedtler HB graphite leads w/ lead holder.
- Kneaded Eraser, to get rid of the excess pencil after the ink has dried.
- Ink Brushes / Raphael 8404 No. 2 Sable, Utrecht 228 No. 6 Sablette (synthetic), Winsor & Newton Cotman 668 Filbert (flat/round) and a Winsor & Newton Series 7 No. 2 (for white areas and effects).
- Black Ink / I use a mixture of three different types of ink to get a rich solid black look that I prefer. Speedball Super Black, Yasutomo Black Sumi Ink and Rapidograph Ultradraw Black India.
- Daler & Rowney Pro White / For white areas and effects.
Every good illustration starts with a solid concept. A quick (rough) transfer of ideas to paper. For the Hulk, it’s easy…Angry, Snarling, with clenched fists…
…Once I get the look I want, I begin to refine the drawing. I always try to have my subject matter “act” with a variety of expressions and/or emotions. Sometimes I’m successful. Other times, it’s a long, agonizing process. I think I got it with this one….
…Further refining, to bring the piece to a finished pencil stage…
…When the penciling is completed, it’s time for ink! I used a Raphael 8404 No. 2 Sable brush exclusively on this piece. The larger brushes were used to fill in the heavy black areas…
…Detail. Pulling my ink lines from a fine point, and applying pressure as I enter into the heavier black areas. The objective is to try and create a gradual variation of the line wieght, as it relates to a specific light source…
…When the first layer of ink is dry, I use a kneaded eraser to remove any excess, unwanted pencil and smudging. Then, I apply a light ink-wash to add depth and contour. I used a Utrecht 228 No. 6 Sablette brush for the ink-wash areas…
…DONE!
On to the next one.
Peace,
R