drawing Drawing Tutorial

How to draw fur-Equilibrium style

This tutorial will show you my technique to draw more realistic fur using the RMD Java tool.

Tutorial category: drawing
Tutorial type: Step-by-step
Submitted by: Equilibrium
Tools used: RMD java-tool

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Step 1

1. I start by adding some extra layers and I draw my rough sketch/outlines on layer 4.

Step 2

Next I go to layer 2. and add the basic colors using the pencil tool on medium opacity and medium color.

Step 3

Now I go to layer 3. and start adding softer shades and colors using the airbrush tool on medium/low opacity and color. I usually stay within one or two color palettes,in this drawing I used the colors within the orange and red-orange color palette. Use a wide range of shades to create depth. Usong reference photos for fur drawing practice is highly recommended. Study the photowhile you're drawing and try to notice all the details and do you're best in adding them toyour drawing.

Step 4

Now I lower the opacity on my sketch/outline layer to
about 40 %.

Step 5

Next I add a new layer. On this layer I draw the eyes as realisticly I can. This helps me to
view the drawing as more "complete" and helps me stay motivated for all the fur drawing
that comes next. When drawing fine details,thin hair,eyes etc. I use the airbrush tool brush
size 1.

Step 6

Add another layer. For the fur drawing part I only use the airbrush tool.
First I soften the drawing by adding different shades of color using the airbrush-tool on
low opacity/color.

Step 7

Now I start on the detailed fur drawing. What I actually do is draw maaaaany thin lines/hairs using brushsize 1 on medium/high opacity and color. I try to use as many colortones as possible to create the feeling of depth and fullness to the fur. And this is what I keep doing; drawing thousands of little tiny hairs in different shades.

Step 8

...

Step 9

At this point I went back to layer 1. and added some more background color to be able to
create more contrast between the fur and the background.

Step 10

Use airbrush tool on minimum opacity and minimum color to soften hard lines.Just a touch.

Step 11

Soften edges with light airbrushing and draw thin,tiny hairs. Use a light color against dark
backgrounds and dark color against light bg.

Step 12

So basically you can go on like this forever or until you're happy with your drawing.
What's important when you're drawing furry animals is to soften the edges,draw lots of
tiny,thin hairs and try to make the eyes look as real as you can :)
Change between softening and drawing hairs frequently while drawing.
Experiment and have fun!!! I really hope that this will be helpful for all of you who want's to
draw more realistic fur!!