Amazing Spider-Man #615
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Labels: Color / Color Studies / Covers / Digital Color / Inked / Painted / Penciled / Photoshop / Spider-Man / Step by Step
Here's the cover to Amazing Spider-Man #615. This one is actually painted in watercolor over inks, so what you're looking at is the original (with some minor Photoshop tweaks).
I scanned the inks just prior to painting, just in case I messed things up.
I penciled the cover on my own paper (as opposed to Marvel board) since I knew I was going to paint over it. I employed the same stock I use for gouache and acrylic, Strathmore 500 Series, 3-ply, vellum surface.
And finally, it all started with a quick digital color study sent to my editor for approval. I did a number of quick comps like this, which I'll eventually share. I did the cover for #616 as well, which I'll post next week.
elegant composition and a beautiful painting, great job
ReplyDeleteAwesome! I always enjoy seeing works like this.
ReplyDeleteNow, for the stupid question: I know india ink is supposed to be waterproof, but have you ever run into the problem of the water color wetting the ink too much where it might run?
That is so awesome Paolo. Well done!
ReplyDeleteThanks, guys!
ReplyDeleteDrew, the ink bleeding hasn't been a problem for me. I use Pelikan Drawing Ink A which does a great job. The only real problem I encountered is that what looks like solid black on white paper loses some of its punch when viewed in the context of color. Because of that, I had to go back in a re-ink some lines while adjusting others in Photoshop.
It's interesting how watercolor has made such a resurgence in comics over the last few years. It's always been a good medium for inked line art and with the addition of Photshop tweeking it seems like a great marriage for comic art.
ReplyDeletethat's beautiful. I've never seen Sandman look so good. Okay, enough goofing off. Gotta try and look busy at my desk. Happy Friday everyone.
ReplyDeleteThis is awesome. Great composition, color and drawing. My favorite thing of yours I've seen.
ReplyDeleteDrama, colors, a classic. I take my hat off.
ReplyDeletePuuuurdy. So, 'Pelikan Drawing Ink' eh? Good stuff? I've been looking for a better, blacker, non picky-uppy-when you erase-y ink. Recommended?
ReplyDeleteYes, Michael, it just makes sense as a medium for coloring comics. I've been coloring commissions that way for a while, but I had always wanted to paint a cover that way. Still too much work for interior pages, though.
ReplyDeleteJoe! Yes, Pelikan Drawing Ink A (not "eh") is the best. It was recommended to me by Cliff Chiang and I've been using it ever since. I've been meaning to do a post on it for a while. If you find a big bottle of it, buy it. They seem to be in the process of trying to keep their product from being used by tatoo artists. Weird.
Thanks, guys!
Stunning!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Nick.
ReplyDeleteWow. Just wow.
ReplyDeleteThe way you use space and movement truly overwhelms Spidey in the composition.
Love his fist getting swallowed. And, as evidenced in your Punisher as well, you draw a great thug mug.
Thanks, Michael, and welcome to the blog. I certainly enjoy a good thug mug. Then again, I like the pretty ones too.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the tip on the ink, Paolo. Good to share!
ReplyDeleteMy pleasure, Christina. I'm working on a longer post on inking, but it may be a long while before it's ready to post.
ReplyDeleteIn terms of your pretty mugs, I re-endorse the French lady you drew outside of the cafe in the Young Allies special. She set Toro's pants on fire.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Michael. She's one of my favorites. I'm actually getting to draw some lovely ladies right now in Amazing Spider-Man. I'll share as soon as I can (which may be a while).
ReplyDeletei really like step-by-steps so thank u!
ReplyDeleteYou're quite welcome, Andrea. Thanks for stopping by.
ReplyDelete