👩🏻‍💻 Digital Sketchbook Tour in Procreate #3 - Art Side of Life with Iva (2024)

Hey everyone, it’s Iva here, back with another exciting episode of the Digital Sketchbook Tour series.

In this post, we’re diving deep into my recent explorations and creations in Procreate. Let’s get started!

1. Norwegian Charm and Colorful Kyoto

I revisited my Norway illustration, adding a character to overlook quaint houses, keeping the familiar color palette from my previous pieces. This sketch was inspired by the picturesque Lofoten Islands.

Moving to Japan, I crafted an illustration influenced by Kyoto. I experimented with integrating Mount Fuji in the background, despite its ambiguous visibility from the city. The architecture and natural textures in this piece were particularly enjoyable to draw.

2. Playful Experimentations

• Color Palette Exploration: I adjusted the sky colors in one of my previous illustrations. It’s always fun to tweak and see the changes.
• Ocean and Sunrise: This piece is an unfinished ocean illustration, where I focused on textures and colors resembling sunrise and sunset.
• Vineyards and Mountains: Recalling a piece from a previous video inspired by Azorean vineyards, I explored springtime in the mountains. The painterly style and color transitions, reminiscent of Ghibli movies, were key elements in this sketch.

3. Creative Variations and Challenges

• Geometric Shapes: I experimented with more geometric landscapes, but realized that creating precise shapes was time-consuming and less enjoyable for me.
• Candyland Trees: In a whimsical twist, I drew trees in unique, almost Candyland-like shapes. It was a fun challenge, although some designs were more appealing than others.

4. Embracing the Process

Sketching offers endless possibilities, but sometimes, you need to know when to pause. Especially in professional settings with deadlines, it’s crucial to manage time efficiently. However, in personal projects, it’s tempting to keep adding details indefinitely.

5. Diverse Inspirations

• Italian Scenes: An illustration inspired by Italy, rendered in a more painterly style, was a highlight. I experimented with different colors, opting not to include characters this time.
• Landscape Layouts: A landscape-oriented piece offered a fresh composition. It’s still a work in progress, and I’m eager to add more details.
• Fantasy Trees: The colors in this sketch veered towards a fantasy setting. It was a departure from my usual palette, proving to be an exciting experiment.

6. Sketchbooking and Outdoor Adventures

• Wintery Hues: Exploring non-traditional winter colors like pinks and oranges was a refreshing change. This piece was more about experimenting with brushes than creating a finished product.
• Outdoor Challenges: Painting outdoors brings its own set of challenges, as I discovered while working on a landscape with high contrast and darker colors. Bright sunlight altered my perception of colors, but it was still an enjoyable experience.

7. Reflection and Community Engagement

Finally, I’d love to hear from you all.

What styles resonate with you? Do you prefer a painterly approach or geometric simplicity? Share your current art explorations, be it digital or traditional. Your input is invaluable!

Thanks for joining me on this artistic journey. Keep sketching, exploring, and sharing your creations. Can’t wait to see what you all are working on. Until next time, happy drawing! 🎨✨

Hi, I am Iva (rhymes with “viva”). I am a full-time self-taught artist behind Art Side of Life® and a Top Teacher on Skillshare. I have 15 years of experience in the creative field as a concept designer, illustrator, art director, and now freelance artist, content creator, and art instructor. My goal is to help you get your creative groove on with Procreate and make awesome art through practical classes, tutorials, Procreate brushes, and guides on art tools, supplies and resources. About me »