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A. First I did a rough sketch using gray and brown pencils on paper. I don't use an eraser much at this stage — working quickly, I simply draw over lines I don't want. I'm more concerned with establishing gesture, facial expression, and overall design.
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B. After importing the sketch into Procreate, I begin the painting process on a separate layer, using one or two colors. With a limited palette I can explore a wide range of lights and darks without being too concerned with color at this point. The original pencil sketch is still visible behind the painting layer.
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C. Focusing on the witch puts me in the mood of the entire piece. I also block in the largest areas and shapes, like the background and the trees. I'm not thinking about the small details just yet — rather I try to compose the entire piece so that all the large shapes start to work well together.
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D. I add another layer of trees and mists, and adjust the color of the background to a neutral gray, so that the witch is prominent. I decide to keep the colors to a minimum; mostly neutrals of gray and brown. I lightly brush in the ground with ochre — a new color, which adds a touch of warmth.
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E. At this point I'm happy with the witch. Now I go back to the ghost, making it taller than before. I also start to block in the pumpkins. As everything is on its own layer, I can freely move any object across the canvas to determine a good place for it.
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F. As the pumpkins come to life, I balance their orangey glow with a deeper ochre for the ground, and smudge in a little blue at the tops of the trees. The bat, fireflies and lamp were added at the end.