Introduction to Digital Painting
A course by Jean FraisseGuiding artists in AI-driven value creation
A course by Jean Fraisse, Guiding artists in AI-driven value creation
Learn digital painting from scratch by learning how to capture lighting, color, and volume with brushes in Photoshop
Observing the world around you through an artist’s perspective begins with practice. Rediscover your surroundings by delving into volume, depth, and color to create harmonious digital paintings with Jean Fraisse–illustrator, concept artist, and art director.
Create an original digital painting in Photoshop with Jean’s step-by-step process and expert insights. See how to sharpen your perception of tonal values, understand lighting, and learn to apply different techniques to create a digital painting filled with realism.
This is Jean Fraisse’s sixth course at Domestika. If you are interested in further exploring color theory in digital illustration, see Color Theory: How to Apply It to Your Images. If you’d like to learn how to start illustrating on Photoshop, see Drawing 101: Introduction to Digital Illustration. You can find all his courses here.
What will you learn in this online course?
23 lessons & 21 downloads
How to Simulate Volume with Values?
11 minutes, 32 seconds
A Reminder of How to Draw
12 minutes, 3 seconds
How to Get Better at Values 1
19 minutes, 16 seconds
How to Paint Volume
13 minutes, 1 second
The Making of a Black and White Study: Analyzing the Model
15 minutes, 4 seconds
The Making of a Black and White Study: Painting Values 1
16 minutes, 39 seconds
What's included in this course?
Meet Jean Fraisse and hear about his professional achievements. He shares his journey to becoming a better artist over time and how it relates to mindset. Explore his favorite artists and learn why they are an important source of inspiration for Jean.
Understand what digital painting is used for, and how it differs from drawing. Learn how to represent volume by applying values to 3 basic shapes and seeing how to use contrast for visual depth. Go over some drawing basics with Jean before discovering his method for sharpening value perception. Get familiar with the basic principles of light and how it affects our perception.
Now it’s time to start painting! Explore the different kinds of brushes available in Photoshop and paint a gradient to see them in use. Then, create your own brushes and paint a sphere with them. See how to paint volume by exploring lighting position and value distribution before creating your own lighting scheme. Learn how to analyze your work with a simplified black and white version of your image and start painting the values of each zone.
Delve into color theory and learn how to create harmony in your paintings. Explore the three layers of color and see how they diffuse with light. Learn how to apply local colors using different kinds of brushes to simulate textures and patterns. Then, follow Jean’s step-by-step demonstration on painting the light variety of your objects. Finish off your painting with illumination adjustments, color correction, and edge control.
Recommended software & tools for this course
What is this course's project?
Develop two digital paintings using different kinds of brushes to create the illusion of depth and volume.
Projects by course students
Who is this online course for?
This course is for anyone who wants to explore the versatility of color, lighting, and shadows using digital paintbrushes.
Requirements and materials
Basic Photoshop skills are useful but not essential to take this course.
You will need a computer with Adobe Photoshop or similar software.
Reviews
- 2 months ago
i have taken multiple courses and i found this course to be extremely useful. Not only for digital paibting but the concepts taught can be applied to traditioal art as well and as some one who does both i found this very helpful. and also worth nothing the pdf notes in summery of each unit given is very helpful. i have printed mine out for reference and its very helpful to kep with me while i work i would recommend this course to everyone this is one of the most comprehensive courses here.
- 4 months ago
Excelente explicação, muito detalhada e esclarecedora.
- 7 months ago
Maravilloso :)
- 7 months ago
Un gran curso para aprender a utilizar por fin mi tableta WACOM!
- 7 months ago
Ottimo corso
Influenced by renowned figures like Gary Vaynerchuk and Tim Ferris, Jean has developed a robust understanding of the value system essential for thriving in the digital age. His expertise extends beyond art creation to encompass strategic business thinking, leadership, and market analysis. Jean's insights are drawn from foundational texts and YouTube channels, providing clarity and a methodical approach to both art and entrepreneurship. He is committed to helping fellow artists understand their role in the evolving art market and equipping them with the skills to adapt and succeed in today's rapidly changing environment.
Content
- U1
Introduction
- About Me
- Influences
- U2
How to Create the Illusion of Volume and Reality
- What Does Painting Mean?
- How to Simulate Volume with Values?
- A Reminder of How to Draw
- How to Get Better at Values 1
- How to Get Better at Values 2
- A Basic Understanding of Light
- U3
How to Paint
- Brushwork and Edge Control
- How to Create and Use Brushes 1
- How to Create and Use Brushes 2
- How to Paint Volume
- Creating a Lighting Scheme
- The Making of a Black and White Study: Analyzing the Model
- The Making of a Black and White Study: Painting Values 1
- The Making of a Black and White Study: Painting Values 2
- U4
Colors and Materials
- The Basics of Color Theory
- The 3 Layers of Color
- How to Apply Local Colors
- Applying Primary Contrasts for Matte and Specular Objects 1
- Applying Primary Contrasts for Matte and Specular Objects 2
- Finishing a Painting with Bounce Lighting and Brushwork 1
- Finishing a Painting with Bounce Lighting and Brushwork 2
- FP
Final project
- Introduction to Digital Painting
What to expect from a Domestika course
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Learn valuable methods and techniques explained by top experts in the creative sector.
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FAQs
Yes, this course is designed for intermediate artists who already have basic drawing or painting experience and want to deepen their understanding of color, lighting, and digital techniques.
You’ll need a computer or tablet with digital painting software such as Photoshop or Procreate, and a pressure-sensitive stylus. No specific traditional materials are required.
You’ll learn how to master color harmony, paint realistic lighting and volume, create compelling compositions, and apply traditional techniques in a digital workflow, enhancing both realism and expressiveness in your artwork.
Lessons cover color theory, value structure, digital brushwork, lighting setups, creating depth, simulating textures, understanding human proportions, and translating 3D forms into 2D paintings.
Some prior experience in drawing or traditional painting is recommended, but you don’t need to be an expert in digital painting to start this course.
Yes, the course teaches impressionistic and realistic lighting techniques, including direct and indirect lighting, value mapping, and using contrast to create a 3D illusion.
You’ll explore the color wheel, learn to balance contrast and harmony, and practice using both muted and saturated palettes for atmospheric and narrative effects.