Make Every Painting Better with These 3 Things

[@ebenschumacherart3694]

A powerful reminder even as someone working professionally as an artist-art can sometimes become rote and mechanical, and stopping to think about these things will not only make the process more enjoyable, but it will make the quality of work better.

[@fowlerillus]

Thanks Eben! Glad this was helpful. Means a lot coming from an artist of your skill.

[@TheVeyZ]

Over detailing is my problem. It's like an OCD that if i dont detail everything the painting feels incomplete and gives the impression that im lazy. It's a personal issue im working on. Thank you for the lovely video, and the painting was wonderful to watch 😊

[@fowlerillus]

I really identify with that - it is one of the hardest lessons I've learned and something I still wrestle with. It's hard to call a painting finished when it feels like there are areas that you didn't maximize and detail but this really does set you free and keeps you from feeling stuck in a corner. I'm so glad you enjoyed the painting - thanks :)

[@Real_MisterSir]

There is a true art in figuring out how little effort you can spend, to achieve the overall feeling of the final result you desire. It also happens to be a great methodology for building very strong foundations for your artworks, because if you can get a good looking work with minimal effort, that means you have dialed in what's most essential, and any extra detail on top of this will be much more likely to add value, rather than subtract from it by neglecting fundamentals in your piece :)

[@fowlerillus]

Very very well put. Thanks for this @@Real_MisterSir

[@HenriqueLoesch]

I get your feeling, sometimes it's nice to put as much details and polish as you can in a piece, not to serve a story but as study or a test, see how far you can push your render. But I mostly agree that usually making things simple is an amazing skill to have, seeing a super realistic and detailed painting is awesome, but seeing that same subject being made with 2 brush strokes is mesmerizing. There's this artists called Oreki Genya, the way she's able to portrait so much detail, so much life and flow with just 2 or 3 brush strokes is unbelievable, you can see her decades or experience in that single line.

[@Lhitri]

Apart from your art being awesome, you’re also so kind, helpful and humble, I feel like . I have only seen four of your videos but It’s insane how informative they are. I can’t believe I haven’t found out about this channel sooner. Thank you.

[@fowlerillus]

Wow, thank you! That’s so great to hear. I’m so glad you’re enjoying the channel

[@inezbudzynska2333]

Inspiring and deeply relaxing as always - no better way to start off the New Year. Thank you!

[@fowlerillus]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@ramonponce870]

So inspiring and instructional. Thank you for sharing amazing talent. I can watch you draw all day... sometimes I do.

[@fowlerillus]

Thank you so much 😀

[@Herritt01001]

Needed to hear this, sometimes you know what you have to do but it gets burried in you own thoughts, this video is a good reminder for me.

[@fowlerillus]

I'm so glad that this was helpful :) Exactly what I had hoped for this

[@Houdini_Bob]

nice composition Hardy. for me the focal point is the car. I had a 1972 Bug when I was in high school (1975-76) so it grabbed my minds eye and wouldn't let go. I am sure it has long been smashed into nothingness or a pile of rusted metal, but I still see the green 72 beetle

[@fowlerillus]

Oh man, me too! My mom had a bright yellow VW bug and it was my favorite :) Everyone wanted a ride in that car - I miss it :) Thanks for the comment, I'm so glad the car spoke to you too.

[@CyberValeth]

This final point is something I think WLOP does exceptionally well. It is usually the face that all the painstaking detail and airbrushing comes in to make it beautiful. The rest are the broad strokes, and hard edges for metal to make it look beautiful. Details in one area, vibrant sharp metallic tones where the metal and jewelry in others that's just enough to grab the eye. The face usually is a safe bet and place to draw attention.

[@fowlerillus]

I had somehow never heard of this artist. Stunning stuff and you nailed it - absolute mastery of this principle

[@barryryan5187]

i love that technique you are using with warp and dragging the shapes into place for the beetle car...

[@fowlerillus]

Awesome! I love that - such a nice way to get smooth curves on a car or ship. Glad that was helpful :)

[@SavMortem]

I love your work and your advice is always very impactful and actionable. I always feel like I'm taking an important lesson with me that I can start applying to all my work after watching your videos. Thank you!

[@fowlerillus]

Thank you! I'm so glad that it has been helpful

[@MikeSiegert]

Honestly that first part about wanting people to like your art was explained so nice. I have had such a difficult time explaining the conflict between enjoying my art and thinking I’m going to be selfish for wanting others to like it too. You nailed it. Thank you

[@fowlerillus]

I'm so glad to hear that. I think it's easy and fashionable to judge doing things for validation but honestly, we all need validation and that's just part of being human :)

[@KhalidAskar]

Was drawing a scene in this children’s book I’m working on and omg watching your art is therapy. The part where the car comes to life … wow… so many questions , a part of me wants to put down the pen feeling like I’ll never get to this, but there’s a bigger part of me that’s more inspired to try and get better . This was awesome friend.

[@fowlerillus]

Thanks! I appreciate it. Happy to answer questions if there is anything that could be helpful

[@Jasmine-cn4wc]

well-articulated and visually pleasing. a fantastic guide for artists seeking to navigate the balance between personal expression and audience connection. thoroughly enjoyed the video, thank you!💖

[@fowlerillus]

Thank you! I'm so glad you enjoyed it :)

[@michael_Song]

It's such a beautiful process. You gave me great inspiration again. Thank you very much.

[@fowlerillus]

I'm so glad! Thanks.

[@Cederlof_Ink]

I JUST started digital art, got a ipad and pencil for Christmas and man its all a bit overhwelminh haha! I love your painting, seeing the process helps me try and wrap my brain around it!

[@fowlerillus]

Welcome to digital art! That's awesome. I'm really glad this was helpful. Good luck getting started and reach out if we can help.

[@Cederlof_Ink]

@fowlerillus hey thanks! Yeah I'll definitely be checking out videos and tutorials, there's so much stuff to learn 😵‍💫

[@Bornstella]

Always find it interesting when artists don't use a dark photoshop theme

[@fowlerillus]

I need to try dark theme - probably easier on the eyes in the long run and makes your colors pop

[@cory99998]

Fantastic, thanks Hardy! Makes me excited to keep making art

[@fowlerillus]

That's awesome to hear. Thanks!

[@lulu_749]

Stunning painting. I can already tell how these characters would move. Real skill!

[@fowlerillus]

Thank you! I'm glad you liked it.

[@NastyKnox]

Im so impressed by the way you did that car. I would never imagine to approach it that way

[@fowlerillus]

Thanks! Yes, making those shapes for easy selections really saved some time. The roundness of the VW bug definitely helped that too :)

[@shamon_in_tent]

| I'm transforming myself from the Architecture world to concept world building + I think something I'm carrying over is that, as architects, we're not telling people how to use the space - we're not deciding how they feel in it, so we don't try to - because we can't. So my intent seems to be to design a stage for the viewer to participate with, rather than specifically thinking I have any idea how an infinitely unique person may project themselves and how they'll resonate with the work. |

[@fowlerillus]

That is such a cool way to frame this - thinking of your art as a container for people to project themselves into. Thank you - I'll remember this perspective.

[@theboizee6606]

this is crazy, because ever since I've drawn from a kid i've never once made a piece to please someone else. looking at it from a different perspective suddenly opens up a world I never knew existed

[@fowlerillus]

That’s so cool. Glad this gave a new perspective

[@sintemoraltema6126]

Yeah! man, I smile while watching🙂

[@fowlerillus]

Thanks! Glad you liked it

[@xtanpx]

Recently came across your channel and I am enjoying each of your videos! Thankyou!! 😊

[@fowlerillus]

Thank you! I'm so glad to hear that :) Welcome.

[@Nozal]

You should make a video about repainting your first drawings and compare them, sort of like reviving old forgotten art

[@fowlerillus]

That sounds awesome. Will definitely do that. Thanks

[@RgSkyhawk]

I really like listening to your voice and your thoughts. thank you

[@fowlerillus]

You are so welcome - I appreciate that!

[@M32_722]

Dude your insane. Than you so much for this vital free lesson. I am definitely considering taking a class

[@fowlerillus]

Oh thanks! I'm glad you liked it. If you have any questions about class, reach out any time at [e-mail]

[@Strudelbrain]

Wow, the "invite your viewer in" is enlightening, thank you!

[@fowlerillus]

I'm so glad that was helpful. That was a big lightbulb moment for me.

[@Norman_Peterson]

Thanks for your videos Hardy. Best wishes and I wish you and your entire family a splendid and lucky 2024

[@fowlerillus]

Thank you! Happy 2024

[@billys3400]

Sara, 8 years old, kneeling, crying over Jasper, a childhood friend, now a decapitated, dead robot. In the background, some drones are approaching, one issuing an order that she move away from the robot or they will open fire. 5 years earlier, Jasper was a postal robot, delivering mail, much to the delight of a then 3 year old Sara, who would always smile and wave to him through her bedroom window. I like your art.

[@fowlerillus]

Amazing. Jaw dropped reading this. You have really added some cool back story here - thanks for getting swept up in these characters. Seriously, thank you. This is awesome and validating that this image clicked with another artist's imagination so personally.

[@mohammadalaaelghamry8010]

Great video, thank you.

[@fowlerillus]

I appreciate that! Thanks

[@glennfreo6651]

happy new year 2024 DPS!

[@fowlerillus]

Same to you! Looking forward a great year :)

[@rafaelbruno2128]

Beautiful video, Hardy. And inspiring artwork. Thank you

[@fowlerillus]

Thank you! I'm so glad that you liked it :)

[@washinours]

a thing I'm trying to do, because I'm deeeep into the overdetailling thing and gotta snap out of it, is that there's free softwares allowing you to extend your pc screen to your phone (don't remember ithe name and just changed workstation, I gotta dig around) - I sometime project the navigator on it and take a quick glance, see if I'm loosing the shapes or not. Hope that helps!

[@fowlerillus]

That is really cool! I never would have thought of that. That's so funny because I always notice things I wish I had done differently once I see my work on my phone is a social post or something - this would be a great way to monitor that as you work. Thank you!

[@rahotep789]

Damn this is amazing work. I wish i had a better understandig of your masking technique. It seems to serve you so well building up your pieces.

[@fowlerillus]

Thanks! Glad you like it. This was a pretty lucky one since the car was basically made of circles - getting those selections can really make life easier for sure. If you're on discord feel free to reach out if you ever need a walk through of any of this - happy to chat with a fellow artist

[@HuebertEllowit-LOL]

This video is beautiful.

[@fowlerillus]

Thank you! I'm so glad you liked it

[@nunuallen4327]

Awesome.

[@fowlerillus]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@giulyanoviniciussanssilva2947]

You're your first audience, man, you don't hear a lot of tips, luckily you were one of the ones I heard. But of course it doesn't mean you're going to give anything away, it means you want to be impressed with yourself and knowing that if you thought it was done well, others will be next.

[@fowlerillus]

Right on, paint stuff you will love and the rest follows

[@user-fc5gh8zq4n]

that was something beautiful! thank you for your expiriense

[@fowlerillus]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks

[@featherlight2652]

Gosh I love these videos. Something about them really gets me. It’s crazy how you can get such clean shapes and lines while not going crazy over details! I’m interested in joining your discord- but I’m a bit off put by needing to put a full name on display. Is it something that’s required?

[@fowlerillus]

Thanks! Glad you like the video. I don't think full names are required for discord - is something prompting you for that? You should just be able to join with our link and use your normal discord handle. Try this discord.gg/mH35E3fYJt but let me know if you have any issues. I think you'll enjoy the community - super chill and inspiring.

[@cranberrycanvas]

Can you explain why you start a lot of your drawings rendering them in red and grey? Any reason for red specifically? Super curious. Also your videos are amazing asmr and have some great advice!

[@fowlerillus]

Thanks! I'm so glad you're enjoying them. The red is pretty arbitrary - I don't really remember when or why I started doing that but I just like the way it pops against the dark cyan that I usually use as a base silhouette color. It almost always ends up getting converted to another color, so it really doesn't especially matter - just a preference that I enjoy.

[@JaDeeeee3097]

Really awesome videos Hardy. I enjoy then and learn a lot from watching your precious work. This really makes me consider to check out your DPS! In your opinion, is it possible to take your courses when working in a diffrent field? Do you think it is workload wise doable? Kind regards

[@fowlerillus]

I'm glad you liked it, thanks! I'm happy to chat about that if you ever want to jump on a quick discord call but the short answer is yes, it's definitely doable. In fact, just about all of the artists who I work with are doing something else simultaneously and we have deliberately built everything to accommodate busy lives. If you have any other questions, please reach out on discord of [e-mail] works too. Cheers!

[@naisuuart]

overdetailing is my greatest downfall and i try so hard not to but i dnt even knw hoe to stop, and the ting is whenever i conder a painting "done" i end up not liking it at all and now im thinking that may be the reason. ty for the tips i will try to incorporate them in my next piece or ill try atleast.

[@fowlerillus]

100% same here. I’m glad this was helpful. Good luck and happy painting

[@amandachasis4672]

Might be a long shot but does anyone know what songs plays in the background? I really love it.

[@fowlerillus]

Sure! It's "Jaybird" by Boone River which came from Epidemic Sound. Beautiful stuff.

[@amado7760]

I love your work and professionalism Hardy. Amazing and Inspirational !!! I would love to own a nice Hardy Fowler Hardcover Art Book. Signed. Please :)

[@fowlerillus]

Thank you! It would be so cool to make an art book one day. You’ll get the first signed copy if that day ever comes 😀

[@FaunoDufaux]

can someone sum up the 3 steps?

[@fowlerillus]

Happy to! 1) Prioritizing the feeling and story that each painting has and how your viewer will react to it 2) Making visual stories that aren't overly convoluted and 3) Not over-detailing - leaving things brushy in certain areas so that your viewer will engage their imagination to "complete" your painting. Cheers!

[@user-ec6vf7zq9j]

take away the robot friend, and you have Kippo wonder beast

[@fowlerillus]

I love Kipo and you are totally right. That wasn't intentional but I must have been channeling that subconsciously - I can totally hear the theme song now when I look at this :)

[@user-yb4eu9jx6v]

❤

[@fowlerillus]

😎

[@Trid3nt861]

"Theres complexity in simplicity" - *Anonymous*

[@fowlerillus]

I love it. :)

[@DroolingDrilling]

Did you upload and delist a long video of the artists process and the do’s and don’ts? I swear I saw it and then it disappeared off the feed.

[@fowlerillus]

Yes! Sorry about that - I messed up on the scheduled post date. It will be back later this year but if you want to watch it now, I'm happy to send you a private link. [e-mail] or reach out to me on Discord if you'd prefer.

[@DroolingDrilling]

@@fowlerillus okay cool, I sent an email now, I attached a screenshot showing your reply in my comments notifications section so you know it’s me. Hope to hear from you soon.

[@diabovici]

Can I ask, what tablet do you use?

[@fowlerillus]

Sure! I use a Wacom Intuos Pro. I love it!

[@pardismack]

Hey. are you using an old version of photoshop? newer versions seem to cost too much performance

[@fowlerillus]

I'm using CS 2021 so it is a few years old now. That's interesting to know - I might just stick with this old version :)

[@pardismack]

@@fowlerillus thank you for the reply. from my experience, CS 2022 takes so much RAM and huge cache files on the disk (I think it's a bug). That got fixed on later versions of CS 2023, but they soon started adding the AI features in 2023/2024 which comes also with performance costs. I think CS 2021 might be the best for people who are just looking for smooth painting experience.

[@artistvjh]

how do you get your opacity and flow to change so quickly

[@fowlerillus]

Keyboard shortcuts! The number keys adjust opacity by factors of ten. Same thing for flow but hold shift. Such a time saver!

[@user-vk2uw9gr8i]

Whats the musik at the end of the video?

[@fowlerillus]

Such a beauty. It's "Jaybird" by Boone River which I got from Epidemic Sound.

[@AnnoyingOnion]

genuine question, why skip some parts of the process in your timelapse?

[@fowlerillus]

Very fair question - it's all about keeping the videos relatively short. I try to keep them all around 12-20 minutes just so that they are breezy, enjoyable, bite-sized nuggets of information. I do expand them into full tutorials for courses and workshops though and I may do that for this one in the future.

[@user-si7lv4hj2h]

watch made in abyss! it's about cute kids who discover a huuuuge almost never ending hole with terrifying wildlife

[@fowlerillus]

Awesome! I'll check it out - thanks!

[@LeroyMustang]

Spend thousands running ads, that works…

[@fowlerillus]

Yes, I guess that would work! :)

[@billjohns1306]

Great work but I still can't work out how one can paint without any actual.... paint. Digital art is drawing.

[@fowlerillus]

Fair enough - definitions can certainly vary. Thanks for checking it out!

[@billjohns1306]

No worries! Don't get me wrong, I really enjoy your work, it's very impressive but it simply isn't painting. Painting requires paint by definition. Digital art doesn't utilize any pigments suspended in any mediums, which is definitively what 'paint' is. But it is a highly creative type of mark making, so is certainly in line with definitions of drawing...which is every bit as admirable.

[@lopadmay]

+1m layers and than you make art. Bruh ○_○

[@fowlerillus]

Yes I do like those safety nets :)

[@lopadmay]

@@fowlerillus 💩

[@lopadmay]

@@fowlerillus pinocchio's nets 🤥