ArtDexo2000

Swamp Environment Concepts

Added 2025-03-18 22:48:49 +0000 UTC

Off to a good start with the swamp!
Let me detail my process a little bit:

1. Gather reference images, photos of real swamps, as well as illustrations, concept art, and screenshots from video games involving swamps.

2. Go through what I've collected, and pick out some of my favorites, which I feel best match the "vibe" of my series. Pay attention to the different swamp features in each.

3. Draw five boxes for five different scenes

4. Start sketching each scene with very general blob-like shapes to lay out the space and lead the viewer's eye. Try to get a good variety, with open spaces, tight spaces, different paths and landmarks, views from lower points and views from higher points, etc. Refine the blob shapes and add more and more detail until I'm happy with it.

5. Pick out the colors I'm going to use. I wanted to give the swamp a pretty murky feel, so I chose some yellowish greens and reddish browns. Use darker and lighter colors to create contrast and draw attention to certain areas of each scene.

6. Add some shadows and highlights with a soft brush to give each scene some dimension and really make things pop visually.

6.Draw a few props in the negative space, as a way to say "Here are the different pieces that make a swamp environment, take them and arrange them any way you'd like!"

When I begin, I don't completely know what I'm doing, and it's a little intimidating. But as I continue drawing, it comes to me more and more easily, and I begin feeling more and more comfortable, and even excited about drawing environments. It's very rewarding! It's like I have a brand new area to explore!