Improve Your Digital Painting Skills FAST! - The Gauntlet Method - Digital Painting "Hard Mode"??

I get asked these two questions quite a bit: "How do you improve quickly at digital art?" and "How can I make my digital paintings look more like traditional paintings"?
What if I told you that with a single workflow, you can do both?
Introducing THE GAUNTLET METHOD! Not for the feint of heart, I guarantee your digital art skills (and your overall art skills in general) will improve after doing this a few times. Let's take a look!
00:00 - Start
01:10 - Gauntlet Method - The Rules and Overview
12:29 - Timelapse Demonstration
Here's a link to my "Platinum Brush Pack", which includes the Paintstorm Studio brushes used in this episode! - www.artstation.com/marketplac...
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[@amira_the_drake4293]

I went along with you in the first couple minutes, I had my toned background ready, I was all set on never undoing, and right as I clicked the "new layer" button to wait on your next instructions you said "and youre only allowed to use one layer"... I am on the floor crying

[@loyc4967]

Rule 4: Do it in MS Paint.

[@SonnyBurnett2012]

Rule 5: dont sample from photo. Use your eyes

[@wmoros4902]

I can confirm, this revolutionized my process, speed, my art in general and really helped me nail fundamentals. Amazing video it has helped me over the last few months and works wonders!

[@ArtOfWesGardner]

Thank you tons for the kind words, I'm super glad it has been helpful!

[@julienlesne8242]

This « method » is as old as digital painting itself, it’s just mimicking traditional painting. It is very effective indeed as it forces you to really think of each brushstrokes and fix your mistakes.

[@steelcoyote2868]

Yeah this whole video is just….do it as if it was traditional painting.

[@hoofarted]

As an oil painter that was gifted a tablet and am determined to learn to use it so I can paint while traveling or for lazy days I think ill give this a shot and see where it goes. Its so weird to try and transfer the techniques with brushes digitally but having one layer on a blank canvas is what I'm used to but finding good programs that can emulate paint right feels overwhelming to me

[@lilnae_fathead3311]

I just now started drawing digitally and hated it because of layers I thought I had to use layers to make my art look good, but you just opened my eyes thank you so much.

[@dragao9]

lol! same here!!

[@ninja_tony]

Using less layers in general also saves a TON of time and makes your workflow way more efficient in general. So many artists waste a ton of time on tens or even hundreds of layers, messing with blending modes, etc. when they could get better results, quicker, with less layers (or a single layer).

[@MintyCow101]

dark souls of digital painting? fuck yea! i love dark souls because i feel like the game helps teach patience and strategy, and boosts your determination as you play. NO matter the challenge you get back up and try again. love it

[@Genghiscunt]

I can't believe how underrated you are the way you teach is better than other channels. Especially since its free and not a patron pls keep uploading it may seem small but it really helps for broke and learning artist like me

[@jeffreypostma6832]

I am really looking for a way to get more spontaneous and organic in my illustration and have been trying out this method a bit in the last time, but without really getting into it very deep. I used to work in a common way by creating a sketch, refining it, add layers for colors, lights etc. But by doing all this digitally it can feel inconsequential and less engaging. As any choice can be reversed youare always thinking without taking decisions. It also makes it hard for me to be more spontaneous with the colors, and I am just not really enjoying the process of creating the piece. I really want to be more bold in my colors and especially in my mark making, so this is why I started working in this way. I try to start by putting a color on the canvas, but with a large rough brush to get variety in the tone and color. Then I really try to put more colors on the canvas and smudge them, paint details over it and refine it to a point. I tend to try to avoid the eraser too. I have not gotten to a concrete result yet, but I find the process quite liberating, and it is easier to get into a flow state.

[@CyberneticPhoenix]

I usually work with not many layers because of the same reason, I like the more traditional feel... But not UNDOS?! The mad lad! I will definitely try it out :D

[@ArtOfWesGardner]

Hahah, it's a blast! Well, after the insane learning curve, that is! LOL

[@popularreaa]

this method really helped me!! it's amazing.

[@ArtOfWesGardner]

I'm so glad it was helpful for you, keep rocking!

[@andreasschwarzer]

Man, when I started drawing and painting again 2 or 3 years ago, after not doing it for almost 30years,I exclusively started to work on iPad. I never went to that layer/undo stuff. Still have a hard time to getting used to those tools. Funny the way that works, if you didn’t had the options back then.

[@ArtOfWesGardner]

Limitation is the greatest form of creativity! My favorite thing about this method is how "transferable" it is, as it works with EVERY type of visual art, whether traditional or digital.

[@EyekooDrawsStuff]

Haha, I dig this. Been working this way the last couple of days as I prep a short class on values and shapes. I've been having such a blast doing simple apple and skull studies (greyscale and color) with a single layer and single brush. Didn't consciously set out not to use the Undo, but think i've been going that way anyway to build things up in a painterly way. Great approach, man. Definitely agree that it is a solid way to tackle improvement.

[@Fred-og6nj]

You were right Wesley, this is what I had in mind when I wrote my last comment. Thank you for the help, love the video as always. Keep it up!

[@ArtOfWesGardner]

Thank you Fred, I appreciate you!

[@cepwin]

I'm starting to get into digital painting and after watching this video I went through your skillshare class. This lesson/techniques/challenge makes the most sense to me. I am going to give it a try as I was impressed how you built the painting up. I've seen other artists on KZbin also start with something that at first doesn't look like much but, as you did, end up with a terrific result. (In particular Steve Elliot... I don't think he does much, if any, "undo" or layers,) The other two methods (1% and merge multiply) didn't seem as relevant give very painterly apps like art rage and Rebelle 5 (the one I'm mostly using.)

[@tonyhawk1948]

Thia reminded me of the time in college when an architect asked us to do a 11"x17" drawin with fineliners on the first try and to everyone's surprise, we all did pretty good. I'll definitely try this method

[@ArtOfWesGardner]

It's amazing what your skills allow you to do, we just tend to get in our own heads too much (at least I know I do LOL). Pen and ink is another terrifying endeavor that already makes me tired, and I haven't even tried it yet hahaha!

[@JG-mr9qv]

I appreciate your set o rules since truly in a traditional painting scenario, there are no undo button and no individual layers! Good job Wesley!

[@ArtOfWesGardner]

Thank you for the kind words, JG! Sometimes no undo button can be pretty liberating!

[@ckmoore]

Not that different than I normally work lol. I do occassionally use the undo, but I much prefer a traditional method - and I think painting on one layer and painting over mistakes (not undoing them) makes it look more painterly. It does for me anyway, lol. Oh - I don't use the liquify tool though. I'd rather keep undo and leave out liquify lol.

[@ArtOfWesGardner]

It's a fantastic way to work, for sure! I love it more and more, the more I do it

[@jan9154]

I love to draw this way. Its challenging and fun way. Also doing one layer method even I usually end up messing up hard. But its the fun of process that fulfills! :)

[@matthewdavis9437]

You can always paint over it. So it's not truly a mess up. That's the benefit of digital mediums. It's still better than physical in some ways, even with many limitations artificially set.

[@MetalMan2k]

Some of my best art, I always wondered how I was able to make it. Now I know that it's a method I have done, and that you have done and named. I am going to use your Guantlet Method more often thanks! My profile picture was made using the Guantlet Method. It started as a blob of digital paint.

[@ArtOfWesGardner]

Well done, my friend! Yeah, it's a super fulfilling (and fun!) way to work, makes it hard to go back to 10+ layer pieces for clients, ha!

[@XFlashSofts]

I think this method helped me so much on finishing my work. I think everyone should try it.

[@ArtOfWesGardner]

Thank you so much for the kind words, Abul! I appreciate you!

[@LazarusWrites]

I’m so thankful that I innately already followed 2 out of 3 things of this gauntlet method. It mostly felt more natural to just be on one layer too and i hated the tech jank. Just wanted to paint.

[@paulj505]

I might try this. Although my current work flow, is already not using many of digital art conveniences. I am using different layers, but in terms of like character art, without complicated background, I am using one layer for sketch, another for colored, simple background, other for b&w painting of character, with basic shading, then I'm using one layer above, with some proper blending mode, to give the b&w painting, color. And then I am merging that layer with b&w one, and I am then, in "traditional" way, correcting shading, adding more color and generally polishing picture. So at the beginning of character art, I'm starting with 4 layers, then I am going down to 3 (background, sketch and character painting), then quickly to 2, removing sketch that I no longer need, and only occasionally adding layer to add some element, without risking of destroying the character painting. With pieces, that have more complicated background, I am just painting that background, on one layer and with color. It's an improvement for me, as before, I was separating everything with layers. But once again, I'll try this method, maybe it will improve my work flow more. To be more quick.

[@valasafantastic1055]

GI’ve improved so much with a similar method. Limited layers. Background, sketch (erasing and adjusting sketch until correct), and main subject. With also tops and texture layers (such as a canvas texture photos on top set to overlay on 33% opacity) I also will paint prices of the art on their own layers if I really want to adjust them. (Such as a man and a woman on their own layers the horse on its own layer, etc. I will often merge down once the size, sketch and position are more finalized lately and just paint. I use eraser and liquify rather than undo and when working in ‘digital oils style’ I strictly limit eraser to a minimum and prefer painting over to erasing. Being able to perfect the sketch is extremely useful to me personally going more gauntlet style once the sketch/layout is done. I change techniques with the style however as this technique is best with traditional and particularly digital oils style art I find!

[@mac0285]

Great tips and painting example! On a side note, I recommend getting an anti-reflective coating next time you buy new lenses for your glasses, since the reflections can be a bit distracting and hide your eyes.

[@brittanieboulton188]

Omg. I feel like my skill level isn't even good enough to start doing this yet.. painting from a reference without tracing I am terrible.. you are absolutely amazing. WISH i was this good right now!

[@ArtOfWesGardner]

Thank you tons, Brittanie, I appreciate you! You got this, I believe in you!

[@brittanieboulton188]

@@ArtOfWesGardner haha thanks! I ended up buying an IPad pro because my small galaxy tab 7a was extremely limiting. Excited to keep practicing and hopefully achieving things like this without tracing!

[@OrganHats]

i used to do this in photoshop as a kid bc i couldnt be fucked learning how to use photoshop's toolset. Round brush 80% opacity - square if i was feeling fancy

[@Yarkspiri]

Lol I did this a while ago and man did it help. I might go ahead and try it again because it was a fun exercise, if difficult.

[@ArtOfWesGardner]

Thank you, Yasmeen! It's funny, because I started noticing that the more I work with this method, the more I WANT to work in this method, so it's a win-win!

I've using this method for a goodtime even before i discovered this video (inspired by artists i noticed they only use max 2 layers), and nowdays i feel using lot of layers is insane 🤭😭😱.

[@JacksonOverlandFrost]

Just bought ur brushes. Im rying right now the portrait of Lisa and Dracula from Castlevania. Im making a different version for me and my partner haha. Thanks!

[@ArtOfWesGardner]

Thank you tons, that piece sounds amazing, I LOVE me some Castlevania!

[@rasmachris94]

Unironically my best work to date has been from this process. I didnt realise i was doing this i just wanted to paint without the additional fluff of layers fx and wanted a more painterly look.

[@ArtOfWesGardner]

Yesssss! It's so much fun to just not worry about "the other stuff" and just let the paint do the talking!

[@guillaumecharles1509]

Thank you !

[@Dubeau2008]

I was doing the image in the background layer and already doing just one layer. Because of the color mixing, one layer is better. Yah, I am gonna try with a blank canvas. When I started drawing, I was doing it, but I lost that train of though when I switch to digital. I think I lost some desire because I was trying too hard making the image perfect like the photo, instead of putting more inspiration and composition into it. The undo thing, I was doing it a lot. I will stop. Thanks for the video

[@anastasiaseagull]

Who needs layers anyway? :D I love painting in one layer and it really made me quite confident in painting anything over although I still use undo occasionally when I’m trying out textures I haven’t used. But overall, I can tell this works! I use Procreate and you can get pretty painterly effects there ( especially with smudge tool ). I switched to one-layer method very early in my artistic journey and it made me progress faster so that’s actually an awesome way for beginners to paint even though it might seem scary and messy and oh boy how much I painted over just to get the look I wanted… Also, starting with loose blocky shapes and refining them later is great - I used to get into details right at the start of painting and I wish someone told me to start simple… Amazing tips in this video! Listen to Wes, people

[@ArtOfWesGardner]

Thank you so much, Anastasia! I absolutely agree with you, starting and staying on one layer can actually be a little LESS stressful than trying to learn all the ins-and-outs of layer management (which feels like a completely separate skillset LOL), and Procreate has amazing brushes and smudge tools to make it a real joy to work single-layer. Thanks for the awesome reply, and keep up the amazing work!

[@nguyentai464]

So beautiful

[@ArtOfWesGardner]

Thank you, Nguyen, I appreciate you!

[@speakersr-lyefaudio6830]

Ive been primarily practicing this method without thinking about it. I started with traditional and only really use control z. No layers, no blending modes

[@colinreid325]

I am amazed at how different the Windows version of Artrage is to the poorly supported Android version, yet the oil brush on it so realistic.

[@butterdrawz9645]

Absolutely incredible! I definitely gotta try this interesting method! What art programs did you use in the video?

[@daverzzo]

He ido doing this piece, first with Artrage Vitae, using Pureref for reference, and finallly he moves to PaintStorm Studio. Pureref is a free program, PaintStorm is cheap (about 20 bucks) and is one purchase only, and Artrage is available on Microsoft Store (One purchase only, dont remember the price but is under 100 bucks). Regards!

[@ArtOfWesGardner]

Daverzzo nailed it! We started in ArtRage Vitae, then hopped over to Paintstorm Studio. PureRef was used so I could have the reference image on top of my program (by using the 'Always On Top' setting in PureRef, so clicking on my art program wouldn't minimize PureRef), a super fun method!

[@ArtOfWesGardner]

Nailed it! Thank you, Daverzzo!

[@RealJohnnyAngel]

I started doing this a while ago, before i found this video. unless i'm working professionally. 1 layer, no undo. i try to use erasers.

[@MrGhostTheBigRoast]

i guess ive been doing the gauntlet method the for years when i had to work with one step of undo and 3 layers because thats all my stupid laptop could comfortably handle. even though i have better gear now, i can not use mltiple layers because the colors do not always interact between layers. so even if i make a new layer for some element, once i am comfortable with the shape and the base colors i merge it to finish it up.

[@timeaashraf6388]

I love this challenge, do you have a recommendation as a starter project? I really love traditional painting and I have no clue how to use the different brushes in a digital environment...

[@ArtOfWesGardner]

Thank you for the kind words! I think the best way to start this challenge and approach it is with a very basic subject, such as a stock photo of an apple, or maybe a simple flower in a vase, something that wont overburden your senses in the "design" of it, if that makes sense. This will allow you to really dig in and use your mental energy on learning the brushes, the interactions, and how digital painting can actually mimic traditional in certain approaches (like underpainting, "glazing" colors by lowering a brush's opacity setting to be more transparent, etc). Enjoy!

[@timeaashraf6388]

@@ArtOfWesGardner I personally prefer to paint portrait or real like pictures, e.g pets... but I will try for sure

[@SuperSparkLight]

I thought everyone does it like this xD apparently I didn’t I selected hardcore. Joking aside I started to draw physically and I wanted to imitate that. All of the rules make sense. No tracing No layers in real life (except for some medium) No undo (art is about imperfections)

[@milenalaborde11]

Hi! I love the video! What music/song do you use over your timelapse? (Esp. Around 20:07 ) It sounded really cool

[@ArtOfWesGardner]

Thank you so much! Usually these fantasy-inspired soundtracks are from World of Warcraft, or Guild Wars 2! This one was either the World of Warcraft: Legion soundtrack, or the World of Warcraft: Shadowlands soundtrack. Hope this helps!

[@atticus_ink9487]

I recently got your 2022 brushes and absolutely love them! I also watched your Skillshare class and definitely love this method (although the Multiply method provided me with some great textures to work with).

[@ArtOfWesGardner]

Thank you, Atticus! Yeah, the Multiply Method is a fantastic one that gives a TON of control, I may do a video on that one down the line for the KZbin channel!

[@dreadwinter]

So this is the secret to your rather impressive progress over the past year or two? Ive been meaning to do similar exercises for a while now, maybe its time to actually do them.

[@ArtOfWesGardner]

Haha, thank you Donnie! I appreciate you! Yeah, absolutely give this method a shot, it's sort of like a boot camp for "learning how to see", if that makes sense! You'll realize what's the most important stuff to look at during a study, and just ditch the rest, allowing your natural abilities to come to the forefront. I'd love to see what you make with it!

[@ontune1715]

I always use one layer, usually I use more than one when I want to test something out. This challenge is great especially with no undo. As you have mentioned it gets you into the traditional mindset where you have to make quick decisions and planning on every stroke. A lot of digital only artists nowadays kind of lack this mindset and sometimes they let the software dictate their decisions which can result to a stale looking artwork. I do think that digital only artists can benefit alot if they try traditional mediums. Ive been trying to keep a balance on both digital and traditional watercolor. A question, do you have any topics or tutorials that cover composition? I strongly believe that composition is the most important fundamental to learn even before rendering. Great videos as always, Mr. Wes

[@ArtOfWesGardner]

Thank you so much, OldTune! I totally agree with you, a ton of artist have a "traditional vs. digital" mindset during learning, when I think it should be more like "traditional AND digital" mindset. For composition, I'd love to cover the topic, but I don't think I'm personally quite at the skill level with my compositional skills to be able to cover the topic with the gravitas it deserves! I'll keep practicing, and any fun tips and tricks I'll be sure to share in video form during the journey!

[@peterfurlong5]

Great video! Does anyone know if there is a way to arrange the colors in a color set automatically in Rebelle 7?

[@ArtOfWesGardner]

The only thing I know of is getting your Color Set imported, then in the "hamberger menu" (the three stacked lines in the upper right of the Color window), you can select "Color Set", then "Order By". It lets you order them by 'default' (the order you added them when you created the color set), 'Hue' (temperature, basically sorting your cools and warms in batches), and 'Lightness' (value, from lightest to darkest based on luminosity). Hope that helps!

[@MinouLyra]

Nice video and drawing! I'm still at a beginner or intermediate level I'd say and I was stuck on an illustration, maybe this method will help me

[@ArtOfWesGardner]

It's a super fun method once it finally starts to click, it'll kick your skill into overdrive! Thank you for the kind words!

[@carles_carbonell]

Damn this seems pretty hardcore to me. I'm used to paint directly in canvas, even without drawing, only the reference (if there's any) in another window. Many times i use only one layer if i use only oil brushes (in Rebelle); more layers if i use mixed media. But man, no undo it's pretty hardcore. I always make a 'test' stroke then undo. Test strokes must be allowed in this method; when i painted with real media, i always did test strokes on external surface.

[@adriennepriceart]

Interesting work and methods of painting. I use Procreate for my paintings and I've been transitioning to one layer for that "painterly" look. I will try to unlearn using the Undo feature. Thanks for the tips and the time you took!

[@ArtOfWesGardner]

Thank you tons, Adrienne! Procreate's a great one to work with in this method, especially because it has that built-in timelapse feature!

[@LostSignal89]

Would you recommend this gauntlet for novice artists?

[@ArtOfWesGardner]

Yes! I feel like it's a great method to use at all levels, as you'll continue seeing what "comes easier" the more experienced you get, and you'll be able to focus on the tricky stuff while letting your strong points carry the composition!

[@noanshere]

Are you using Rebelle 5? How'd you get that custom ui, curious

[@ArtOfWesGardner]

So this one was actually ArtRage Vitae, they're very similar programs that I use interchangeably when I need that "realistic painting" fix on my PC!

[@noanshere]

@@ArtOfWesGardner Ohhh I see, thank you! If it's okay can I get your opinion between the two software? In terms of painting and output

[@FreyaVal]

i think that paintstorm studio isn't stabile on M1. mine crashed after a minute or two.

[@jorgetrevilla797]

there’s a program called HEAVYPAINT that has this philosophy - worth checking out

[@ArtOfWesGardner]

I have some art buds that SWEAR by Heavypaint, I need to give it a shot!!

[@markanthonyart]

What about using eraser brush ?

[@ArtOfWesGardner]

I mean, there's no hard-and-fast law saying you can't, but I think it's more interesting to "paint over" the mistake instead of erasing! That way you're always in "creating" mental mode, and not in "destroying" mode!

[@markanthonyart]

@@ArtOfWesGardner I guess it could be like painting pure white haha but I what you mean. Being able to paint your way through problems

[@NeilOttoTep]

So the gauntlet method is basicly my everyday method :P I'll do you one better - No stamp/textured brushes, only hard round and soft round ;)

[@wilsione]

Atleast layer the shadow and line sketch..right?

[@ArtOfWesGardner]

Nope, everything on one layer! Part of the thrill of working this way is really learning to understand where the sketch and shadow opaqueness fits on the overall "needs" of the painting. You can always "resketch" overtop your paint for a pretty cool effect, for instance

[@roshan4ever]

So basically Alla Prima Painting!

[@ArtOfWesGardner]

Absolutely! It's so much fun, and super refreshing instead of dealing with layers and blending modes and whatnot LOL

[@PortlyPete]

add another point to the method - no colour picking

[@ArtOfWesGardner]

For sure! Another great one is to take a piece that's in color, and mentally convert it to greyscale (only focusing on the values, while retaining the edge relationships). This method can have all kinds of cool things attached to it!

[@unklejon4690]

Okay… and I would make my life harder, why? I bought into digital art for the benefits. Now we go all Bob Ross “ we don’t have problems we have happy little accidents”. Wes you’re an amazing guru but I think you might wanna cut back on the power drinks. Lol

[@javozmeade4988]

Not to be negative but this is kinda sad about digital artist the "gauntlet " method is the natural method traditional artist have been doing for thousands of years. You're just simply painting traditionally digitally. This is a digital artist problem clearly. This method is only new to digital artist.

[@ArtOfWesGardner]

Really it's just applying the traditional mindset to digital art, so it's not necessarily a "problem", it's thinking of workflows that may seem counter-intuitive to the tool being used. This type of thinking is helpful because it can "shake the cobwebs out" if you're having a creative issue, no matter the medium! It's like finding ways to bring in a "digital workflow" to your traditional work, too: it shakes things up, and that's always a good thing!

[@muteyourbrains4516]

Well... honestly I do 2 out of 3 steps of gauntlet method during my everyday sketching (Ctrl+Z my favourite shortcut...so I need to add this point)...Am I getting better? Obviously yes. Is it really so obvious - no. That's life (-: