Secret Ruins - Digital Painting Process and Commentary

[@Taelorwright]

the chill lord of the rings music fits so good

[@gradyfrederickart]

Thanks man :)

[@el_gobino]

i honestly love how brushy and painterly it looks,keep up the the good work

[@gradyfrederickart]

Thanks very much :D

[@Qqzzaaau123]

I just discovered your channel the other day, I’ve been watching your videos a lot and your process really inspires me. I love your style and watching you work helps me think in a different way about my own art.

[@gradyfrederickart]

Awesome! Thank you so much :D

[@bodawei425]

So true!

[@johncox5939]

The dark & light procedure I found to be really interesting!

[@gradyfrederickart]

Cool! Yea it really makes things feel more simple

[@kristovart]

Masterfully done, Grady! Thank you for the serene 20 minutes!

[@gradyfrederickart]

Thanks so much :)

[@ArtGirl_ofArts]

Just came across this, tank Q so much for this session, it’s nice to see inside the artist’s mind for the process behind the piece!🧡

[@chinaSazn]

i was paying attention hard, then i blinked and suddenly the painting was done.

[@mpwlsn]

Man, I really love these videos Grady. It's so helpful to hear you explain your thought process. Your advice is very consistent and concise, yet I feel like I learn something new each time. Hope you continue to make videos like this! Thanks so much :)

[@gradyfrederickart]

Thanks so much for this :) Also thanks for being a subscriber, it means alot

[@GrasslandsStudio]

So happy I found this! I’ve always struggled with environments and I would love to be able to make them but I find it so hard to move on from the blocking phase. Always kind of got stuck once I hit that muddy phase that you said “looks really bad but you need to just keep going and give it time”. This really helps!

[@OX_Tools]

Incredible work. Very kind of you to share your process so thoughtfully.

[@gradyfrederickart]

Thanks for watching :)

[@FlickHerBeats]

Came for the art...stayed for the dog 😁

[@gradyfrederickart]

He's a good boy!

[@tinnos]

Is it possible to make a living only with 2D art? I’m genuinely interested in your answer. I’m tired of wasting my life behind a dead end slave employee job, but at the same time I don’t think that 3D is my cup of tea.

[@jhovanielperez4763]

We have a similar issue

[@gradyfrederickart]

It is possible, yes. There are so many opportunities now with remote work becoming the norm. For illustration work like Magic: The Gathering I literally have never used and 3D for the 20+ cards I have done, and for concept art I would say 95% of my work is strictly 2D. For concept art though, certain projects lend themselves to 3D more, so I can't make a generalization and say you'd never need to use it. So overall I would say Illustration is your best bet if you just want to create cool images, but if you are interested in design/problem solving then concept art is certainly viable as well. Just know that it is no small undertaking. It is extremely competitive and the most committed and prolific artists are usually the ones to find success. Just put your stuff out there and never stop learning. It is a long process and it takes alot of patience. It is worth it in my opinion, though :)

[@tinnos]

@@gradyfrederickart Thank you, genuinely for your answer. I really appreciate and will take notes!

[@joespadaford8736]

I think it’s good to learn 3D. I have used it concept art for 24 years. It’s a tool. Once you find a way you like to use it it becomes a superpower. There can be pitfalls though. People over model or some rely to heavily on kitbash assets that they loose creativity. If you don’t really dig 3d consider trying Adobe medium in vr. It makes art creation like playing video game

[@tinnos]

@@gradyfrederickart First, thanks once again for your detaield answer. Second, I forgot to answer if you have a specific online course that you suggest for total beginners who want to become 2D illustrators like you, similar to your style. Thank you, because one of the first issue to solve is orienting myself amidst the tousands of courses and mini-courses out there. Many suggest CGA courses, which seem amazing, although pretty pricey.

[@RegiuxRoda]

This must be one of your best videos for me this far! Keep up man, you´re the best, I´ve been following your work for a while and I must say you inspire me to keep going, thanks Grady!

[@gradyfrederickart]

Wow, thanks so much :D It means alot

[@yveltalsea]

I genuinely can't get over how wonderful and melancholy this piece feels. You literally breathed life into the reference image. I love all the choices you made and all the inspiration you took from other references. The flowers ended up super dreamy.

[@gradyfrederickart]

Thanks so much for this :)

[@KrakenCMT]

Instant fan! This is my favorite kind of art. Feels more alive than most polished hyperreal art.

[@gradyfrederickart]

Thank you so much :)

[@hlinc2]

Such a great channel. Love the art style, and always picking up something from your process and approach to creative work. Looking forward to the next video.

[@gradyfrederickart]

Thank you so much 😀

[@sachintendulkar3556]

beautiful artwork man an you cute dog was in the video, the power of Angus (Edit)_

[@gradyfrederickart]

Thank you so much 😀 Anghus is a good boy

[@JermLikes2Draw]

Just wandered to encounter your channel. Very inspiring! I really want to focus on studying environments while on school break so ty for these tips!

[@infragames_studio]

Amazing art as always, and very inspiring, thanks a lot for sharing your talent !

[@gradyfrederickart]

Thanks for watching and subscribing. It means alot :D

[@cynicallyneutral]

absolutely gorgeous! the music really suits the piece, im in love with ruins and your art style is really painterly and soft and calm and just overall nice to look at, looking forward to see more painting videos from you 😊

[@braulio8983]

Thank you so much for your content bro, for mi is very relaxing enjoy your videos in a Sunday night and listen the music in the background and watch your process, greetings from Mexico

[@Kharazm4th]

Thanks man for sharing your knowledge

[@edmondl7336]

love the tidbits of wisdom as always, thanks for the video man

[@gradyfrederickart]

Thankyou :)

[@Overcraft17]

Wut, another amazing vidéo :D Thanks a lot Grady, I got to my level thanks to your tutorials and video, I always love what you do, and how you do it! Letting us see your process is always so cool ! Thank

[@gradyfrederickart]

Thanks so much for this :)

[@prix_Ilustração]

Hi, I just found your channel and your work is amazing, I'm beginning in concept art background and environment. But loving it already. Thanks for sharing your work and experience 😊

[@troy1870]

Love everything you do

[@gradyfrederickart]

Thanks!

[@pixelvader2451]

I loved the end result and the style. Good work!

[@justStevenYaffe]

I love hearing Joe Pera teach me about digital art.

[@airrunkle]

Loved this study, bought a print of it on your artstation

[@UrusaiJoe]

Just discovered your channel, and has already become one of my favorite. Wonderful work

[@leiaislandsaladant1844]

Thank you for sharing your process. The atmosphere and colors on your finished piece are gorgeous. I definitely want to try the gradient map method on my next piece

[@gradyfrederickart]

Thank you so much!

[@Simon-et4hu]

I love ruins! Thanks for sharing your process. I find it hard to stick to a reference (when studying) and always want to switch after like 45 minutes because I think I did a poor job of choosing. I know it has more to do with perceived loss of opportunity and all that good stuff. But modifying slightly while still being true to the ref is really cool! Also getting some other ones for just color and all is a great tool. I saw that in some of your other videos too. I will surely give that a try like today :D Also Angus is adorable! He probably is also an artist I am sure.

[@GuillaumeGdr]

Very inspiring approach of studies

[@gradyfrederickart]

Thanks a lot!

[@akshayp9588]

this was amazing! i'm currently struggling with a piece and in general too.. this was really refreshing to watch and i learned so many things. moreover i realized i just need to relax and not complicate it too much 😅 great work!! thanks for sharing your process

[@LuizAlleman]

If there's anything I've learned in all my years of art studies and tutorial watching it's that there is no "right way" to go about your art.

[@jacktuffery9930]

Lofi middle Earth track, dog and art. Great intro 👍

[@gradyfrederickart]

Thank you 🙌

[@LykkeNygaardJ]

This was the first video of yours that I watched and it instantly made me subscribe! I love your art style and the chill vibe of this video. So interesting and informative to listen to your reasons for your design choices.

[@ivanborisenko563]

Hope someday i can reach your level of art. Thx a lot grady for this painting process and tutorial , thats motivated and inspired me.

[@gradyfrederickart]

Thank you so much 😀

[@AndyWalsh]

Great stuff, keep these dark, moody ruin pieces coming.

[@gradyfrederickart]

Thanks man!

[@lookandthinkagain]

Great video mate. Cool painting too always enjoy your content.

[@yazi4043]

The brushes make the painting look amazing, I wish I knew what kind of brushes you use

[@natalie_popova]

this was awesome, thank you! inspiring

[@Madasuto]

wow i love it

[@artofataylor]

Your channel is a gold mine

[@justform.e]

just found you...awesome work and i love your way to talk...thank you for sharing

[@gradyfrederickart]

Thank you so much!

[@Michaeljorge-c3q]

i dig it bro

[@gailw211]

Hi Grady, first of all thanks for your videos. You probably couldn't notice this comment but still I choose to share my real thoughts about this channel. Me as a rookie game artist have watched all of your videos carefully, thinking about how am I gonna sharp my skills through your vids. It's probably one of my best surprise this year to find an artist who is willing to teach things with all detailed art skills, painting process and his own thoughts about how to be a better professional concept artist. (I paid a lot to learn game art 2 years ago then I found I learned much more from you XD) Ngl I was at an emotional low point few months ago , starting to doubt my abilities of being an artist, questioning myself should I stick on the game industry or just go back to be an architect again. It's your words remind me of my passion for painting. Just keep practicing before thinking about money or finish smt really cool stuff. Once again thank you ,wish you all the best!

[@gradyfrederickart]

Thanks so much for this, it really made my day :D I am so so glad anytime I hear from passionate people like yourself who are resolved to keep pushing forward with their art :) The path is full of doubt and sometimes it can feel hopeless no matter what level you are at, but there are always breakthroughs around the corner if you keep moving forward. Thanks again, and I really wish you the best.

[@samuellascari8056]

Subscribed. Loved everything about your vid, vibe, doggo and of course the layered step by step approach to your work

[@gradyfrederickart]

Thank you very much!

[@typhonx3776]

Everything about this video is beautiful

[@gradyfrederickart]

Thankyou :D

[@Nikawar]

Dude, your art is awesome. I got a dose of motivation

[@gradyfrederickart]

Thanks very much!

[@chicafuera]

thank you 🥰

[@gradyfrederickart]

Thanks for watching :)

[@charlesdube6118]

I like the vibes and the art. Subscribed and looking forward to more content.

[@gradyfrederickart]

Thanks so much for subbing :)

[@nikolailockertsen]

Another kick ass video!!! 🤩

[@gradyfrederickart]

Thankyou man, you are the best :D

[@palixosaurus]

very good as usual... and i am trying to make some brushes as you have for my illustrations, like the flat one, very usefull

[@gradyfrederickart]

Thank you so much 😀

[@HalfWarrior]

Thanks Grady; awesome art and awesome dog!

[@gradyfrederickart]

Thankyou as always for being here :D

[@stigballestad33]

i really like how you paint, i hope you keep doing this youtube thing ! :)

[@gradyfrederickart]

Thank you so much 😀 I will try my best!

[@cgslav]

Love your artworks!

[@gradyfrederickart]

Thank you very much!

[@nisargart302]

You are just amazing Just keep doing and keep inspiring us than you 🙏

[@gradyfrederickart]

Thanks so much :)

[@duuplo]

Great work!

[@gradyfrederickart]

Thanks!

[@mattymystic2761]

big Anghus in the mix

[@ArseniKatsela]

It's a great piece :) I'm a concept artist and KZbinr too! Nice to meet you Grady!

[@gradyfrederickart]

Super cool! Thanks for this, I'll check your stuff out :)

[@davvworldsart]

i've been drawing/painting so much lately I've pretty much abandoned everything else. But I knew I had to make time for this video, and damn Im so glad I did. This is my favorite video by you, so far. You're def one of my favorite dudes/artists. This image and this music and your useful tips, just 10/10. I needed this video today, my dude.

[@gradyfrederickart]

Thanks so much for this :) It really made my day

[@ivankoconut]

I just discovered your channel today and I got the tons of inspiration from you. Keep up the good work and you will be big soon brotha.

[@gradyfrederickart]

Thanks so much :D Thankyou for subscribing dude!

[@NamHoang-gx9io]

🙏

[@superpyrrhocorax]

really helpful as usual! ty so much!!

[@gradyfrederickart]

Thanks for being a subscriber :D

[@vimmermand12]

Awesome video!!

[@gradyfrederickart]

Thanks!

[@cg_knight3683]

Thank you for this helpful video!

[@gradyfrederickart]

Thankyou too for watching :)

[@nigelhill74]

My wife is wondering where the original reference image is from? Great painting!!!

[@NDahlq91]

Awesome stuff and cute dog!

[@gradyfrederickart]

Thankyou :D

[@C-sé.speakin]

I love your edge work so much! I envy you deeply (In a good way).

[@gradyfrederickart]

Thank you so much 😀

[@Vads0]

this is amazing

[@gradyfrederickart]

Thankyou!

[@valeriejvc9079]

😮 amazing work!

[@gradyfrederickart]

Thank you! 😁

[@ardenpoklar8198]

stunning man... loved the vid

[@gradyfrederickart]

Thanks!

[@NMOBrien]

Nice study.

[@gradyfrederickart]

Thank you

[@godnex211ify]

nice.

[@martinrivero1862]

This channel is awesome

[@gradyfrederickart]

Thanks!

[@JakubJagoda_Art]

Great video and an awesome image! Keep it up man

[@gradyfrederickart]

Thanks so much dude :)

[@ELPHENlX]

Perfect bro it’s so cool !

[@gradyfrederickart]

Thanks 🔥 Thanks for being a subscriber too :D

[@thomasinwood9957]

Love your videos!

[@gradyfrederickart]

Thanks for being a sub :)

[@jonorgames6596]

Great work. Did you consider adding some subtle bloom effect to the top tower?

[@maxorful]

Hey Grady! everytime i saw one of your paintings here or in artstation i adore them, the brushwork you handle its beautyful! have you ever though or have a mentorship kind of project? im really really interested in, keep it up the amazing good work, so inspiring!

[@gradyfrederickart]

Thank you so much 😀 Patreon in May :)

[@AK-is4vl]

Thank you so much for sharing your process and knowledge with us!! I've learnt so much thanks to your videos 😭 I also really like how you always choose music that fits the atmosphere of the painting! I wanted to ask if you could maybe share the brushes you use in PS? I mostly draw with just the basic round brush but these seem super fun. Hope it's an okay question! Have a good day :D

[@gradyfrederickart]

Thanks! I'll be sharing my brushes and tools in the future once I get them organized

[@JoonBoxStudio]

Are you planning to release your brushes in the future? I mean, the way you put your strokes in your brushes are amazing and really decisive, which is great reference for me to make my brushstrokes more firm and decisive too! What brushes are your photoshops are from? Is there anyway for us to get them?

[@gradyfrederickart]

I will be starting a Patreon soon where I will share my brushes :)

[@JoonBoxStudio]

@@gradyfrederickart Sweetness! Let me know when it is up! :)

[@simonhogg5476]

Really nice breakdown with some great insights that are not just based on technical skills but more the painter's mindset! A quick query on your process, if you were working towards a more refined piece, rather than this more expressive study, would you start upping the detail at your value block out stage or would you wait until you introduce colour and then start refining?

[@gradyfrederickart]

Thanks! This question is a bit tricky as for me it depends on the method I choose, and that depends on the subject. Usually if I am more comfortable with a subject(castles, trees, mountains) I can start painting in color and refining things once I am happy with the composition and the color palette. If I am more unsure/less familiar with a subject(modern cities, vehicles, hard surface) I will make sure to resolve more in the drawing phase so there is less room for error later. Hope this makes sense :)

[@idiotadan9868]

a very good job, I hope one day to be able to do something like that, you inspire me to grow as an artist thanks 🫂, keep making videos please, and I wish I could have those photoshop brushes 💀

[@gradyfrederickart]

Thank you so much 😀 I'll make them available eventually, but no promises at the moment as there are so many from many different sources

[@hazepages]

Incredible work and video. Thank you for sharing your process! May I ask what tool were you using on 15:14?

[@kueename]

where did you get your brushs from? also, can you show your setup for us in a future video?

[@Haruyuki_Art]

Great

[@gradyfrederickart]

🙏

[@lambkin222]

Great artistry! Do you use a tablet and stylus or mouse for your work? if tablet/pen, can you share what you use :D

[@Ekanta_Pana]

Why does his dog looks like him xDDDDDD, its soo cuteeeeee

[@gradyfrederickart]

Haha he's a good boy :D

[@yveltalsea]

Do you happen to remember what song is at 13:50 ? I checked the description but it's not one of the ones mentioned there. Amazing work with the piece btw.

[@CaptainNim]

Beautiful work! I really love the brushes you use as well, do you use specific ones, or are they available anywhere?

[@gradyfrederickart]

Thank you! I'll make them available eventually, but some are from other artists and I don't want to share anything without the proper permission. I know most don't really care but still haha

[@CaptainNim]

@@gradyfrederickart No I understand! I can appreciate that

[@jonathanliddell4220]

Great to see Grady, love the outcome of this one, especially your notes on handling the foreground noise. Was this part 2 to your Environment sketching? Best from Scotland! 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@gradyfrederickart]

Thanks! And no it is not, but Part 2 dropped a couple weeks ago here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bobLlamBm7eCiM0si=tYFILUBXk-mDa43e

[@gradyfrederickart]

Also, Scotland is the BEST

[@jonathanliddell4220]

@@gradyfrederickart Ah magic!

[@jonathanliddell4220]

@@gradyfrederickart Ha ha! We are indeed spoilt :D - we go castle hunting most weekends, popped up to Dunnottar not long ago and swung by Doune Castle just last weekend (Well worth a Google search!) Haste ye back!

[@drillhead4657]

Will you ever release some brushes?

[@daymoz1]

Thanks for sharing !! And Doggo is so cute

[@gradyfrederickart]

Thank you too!

[@bengibson8907]

These videos are pure gold. Have you considered creating a discord community?

[@gradyfrederickart]

Thank-you :D Coming in may!

[@guineapig1985]

How long did this piece take you in real time? I'm a traditional painter working to learn more about digital painting and I'm really enjoying learning from these kind of tutorials but my sense of time is getting a little warped I think.

[@lbossel4905]

i wanna start digital painting and have no idea where to start, i'd like to know what's your settup; PC/tablet, programm...

[@gradyfrederickart]

I use a PC with a RTX 3070, 32 GB Ram and an i7 processor, and I created this artwork in Photoshop CC 2022 with a CIntiq Pro 24. A cheaper alternative is to use a wacom tablet instead of a cintiq, or an Ipad with Procreate. Hope this helps :)

[@afriendlyfox]

I honestly feel like there's something I'm missing to understand how to turn what you called "the ugly phase" into the still unfinished, but already "brushy" looking draft of a painting. I can paint something in grayscale value comp, I can painstakingly try to figure out things in color from the very start, but I can't start with the colored comp and carry that out to the end. Any tips?

[@gradyfrederickart]

This is kind of a hard thing to articulate in a typed reply, but for me it is all about building up the shapes and colors through very broad and simple shapes. Over time, as the image comes together we can make decisions about which areas can stay as they are (loose and gestural) and which areas need more refinement. I think the "brushy looking draft of a painting" you are referring to will just come with experience. It comes down to the quality of your mark making, which will develop naturally through repetition and muscle memory. Veteran artist sketches will look beautiful and loose and natural, and those marks can't be forced, they simply come with years of diligent practice. My one tip would be to use the largest brush possible to create your brush strokes. This forces you to simplify and see the bigger picture. Small brush=small focus and often that leads to a stiff and disjointed image.

[@farshaadheydari5807]

Is there a version without commentary?