Aaron Blaise: Some of My Art Books

A Few of My Favorite Art Books!

Click Here to View More Art & Animation Lessons ON SALE!

This week I released a new video where I took you through some of MY FAVORITE Art Books from my shelf. These are just a select few of the hundreds of books in my collection.
If you all like it be sure to let me know and I will share more.

NOTE: I have linked to the books below. Many of them are out of print but as of this email most can be gotten as a second-hand copy from Amazon.

The Books I mention in this Video Are:

Drawing & Painting Lessons ON SALE!

 


We offer 3 Great Ways to Learn! First, you can purchase any ART LESSONS a la carte. Or you can become a Monthly Streaming Member and get immediate access to over 450 hours of art lessons that you can stream on your computer, phone, tablet or SmartTV. Finally, you can become an ANNUAL MEMBER and get hundreds of hours of video lessons to keep and download.

Lesson Previews:

The videos below are selected lessons from various courses.
These represent just a small portion of the 600+ hours of animation lessons, art tutorials and more available with our membership plans.


Get Immediate Access to All this Great Content + More!

“I was trained by Aaron Blaise. Aaron is Awesome!”

– Byron Howard (Director: “Zootopia”, “Tangled”, “Bolt”)

Aaron Blaise: My 6 Tips For Digital Painting!

6 Tips For Digital Painting

Click Here to View More Art & Animation Lessons ON SALE!

Hi everyone, my name is Aaron Blaise, and I’m here to talk about my process for digital painting. Over the years, I’ve developed a method that works well for me, and I want to share it with you. In this article, I’ll take you through the six steps I follow for every digital painting I create. Let’s get started!

Step One: Rough Sketch

The first step in my process is creating a rough sketch. I like to keep things loose and quick at this stage. My goal is to capture the basic shapes and forms of the subject, without getting too bogged down in the details. I use a digital tablet and stylus to create my sketches, but you can use whatever method works best for you.

Step Two: Refined Drawings

Once I’m happy with the rough sketch, I move on to the refined drawing. This is where I start to refine the details and add more complexity to the image. I spend more time on this stage, and I try to make sure everything is in proportion and that the anatomy and perspective are accurate. This stage is all about laying a solid foundation for the rest of the painting.

I might also using shading to start to think about the lighting and shadows, which will be important in the later stages of the painting.

Step Three: Local Color

After the refined sketch, I move on to the local color stage. This is where I lay down the base colors for the subject. I try to match the colors as closely as possible to the subject I’m painting. I use a separate layer for this, so I can easily make changes if needed.

I use this stage to establish the character’s color palette and to make sure that everything is consistent and harmonious.

Step Four: Shadows

Now it’s time to add some depth and dimension to the painting by adding shadows. This is where digital painting really shines, because you can change the blend mode of your layer to multiply, which creates a shadowy feel over the base colors. I like to keep my shadows warm, to avoid a grayed-out look. I think about where the light source is coming from and where shadows would naturally fall on the subject. I add shadows on a separate layer, so I can easily adjust them later if needed.

Step Five: Light & Highlights

Once the shadows are in place, it’s time to add light. I create a new layer on top of the shadows layer and set the blend mode to overlay. This creates a lighting effect that brightens up the areas that are hit by light. I keep the lighting warm to match the shadows, and I think about where the light would naturally fall on the subject. This step really makes the painting come alive and pop.

This is where I tend to start to play around with the color temperature to create a more dynamic lighting effect. Oftentimes, I also use this stage to add some reflected light to the character’s eyes or other surfaces, which can help to sell the realism of the piece.

Step Six: Refining Details

The final step in my process is refining the details. This is where I add all the finishing touches, like texture, highlights, and color adjustments. I create a new layer on top of all the other layers and start adding in the small details that bring the painting to life. I pay attention to the subtle details that make the subject look more realistic, like fur texture and reflections in the eyes. This step really allows me to make the painting my own and add my personal style to the piece.

And there you have it! These are the six steps I follow for every digital painting I create. I hope you found this helpful and that it inspires you to try out digital painting for yourself. Remember, the most important thing is to have fun and experiment with different techniques. Happy painting!

More Drawing & Painting Lessons ON SALE!

 


We offer 3 Great Ways to Learn! First, you can purchase any ART LESSONS a la carte. Or you can become a Monthly Streaming Member and get immediate access to over 450 hours of art lessons that you can stream on your computer, phone, tablet or SmartTV. Finally, you can become an ANNUAL MEMBER and get hundreds of hours of video lessons to keep and download.

Lesson Previews:

The videos below are selected lessons from various courses.
These represent just a small portion of the 600+ hours of animation lessons, art tutorials and more available with our membership plans.


Get Immediate Access to All this Great Content + More!

“I was trained by Aaron Blaise. Aaron is Awesome!”

– Byron Howard (Director: “Zootopia”, “Tangled”, “Bolt”)

Photoshop Creativity Summit April 17th-20th

FREE ONLINE EVENT

I am EXTREMELY pleased to announce that I am participating in a FREE Live workshop event! You can join myself and 18 Other Artists on April 17th – 20th!

The event is called the “Photoshop Creativity Summit”

Plus, If you CLICK HERE you can sign up for a special VIP Ticket that lets
you KEEP Lifetime Access to ALL the Videos, Notes & Tons of BONUS LESSONS!

The VIP Ticket includes an EXTRA Video from me where I show you how I used “photo-bashing” and textures images to create the minotaur drawing below:

19 Experts & Artists Teaching 36 Photoshop Classes
Over 4 Days – FOR FREE
!

Aaron Blaise Sketchbook Tour

Sketchbook Tour Video

Click Here to View More Art & Animation Lessons ON SALE!

Today I had an awesome time on my LIVE STREAM sitting down and sharing some of my sketchbooks. The books in this videos span about 30 years of images. I hope you ENJOY!

Art & Animation Lessons ON SALE!

 


We offer 3 Great Ways to Learn! First, you can purchase any ART LESSONS a la carte. Or you can become a Monthly Streaming Member and get immediate access to over 450 hours of art lessons that you can stream on your computer, phone, tablet or SmartTV. Finally, you can become an ANNUAL MEMBER and get hundreds of hours of video lessons to keep and download.

Lesson Previews:

The videos below are selected lessons from various courses.
These represent just a small portion of the 600+ hours of animation lessons, art tutorials and more available with our membership plans.


Get Immediate Access to All this Great Content + More!

“I was trained by Aaron Blaise. Aaron is Awesome!”

– Byron Howard (Director: “Zootopia”, “Tangled”, “Bolt”)

NEW: Tips with Tim Hodge Video

FREE Lesson: Tips with Tim Hodge on Storyboarding
+ Spring Sale

Click Here to View More Great Lessons from Tim for 40% OFF

The video above is part of an ongoing series by Tim Hodge. These are quick tips for storyboarding as well as general film making tips. If you are interested in more storyboarding lessons be sure to check out his “Storyboarding for TV Animation” course where he goes much more in-depth on these topics as well many more.

Also, be sure to check out “The Art of the Storyboard with Lyndon Ruddy” for even more great tutorials on how to storyboard.

Spring Sale: 40% OFF (or More)!


We have over 600 hours of Art & Animation & Story lessons. For a Limited Time these lessons are 40% Off.!


We offer 3 Great Ways to Learn! First, you can purchase any ART LESSONS a la carte. Or you can become a Monthly Streaming Member and get immediate access to over 450 hours of art lessons that you can stream on your computer, phone, tablet or SmartTV. Finally, you can become an ANNUAL MEMBER and get hundreds of hours of video lessons to keep and download.

Lesson Previews:

The videos below are selected lessons from various courses.
These represent just a small portion of the 650+ hours of animation lessons, art tutorials and more available with our membership plans.


Get Immediate Access to All this Great Content + More!

“I was trained by Aaron Blaise. Aaron is Awesome!”

– Byron Howard (Director: “Zootopia”, “Tangled”, “Bolt”)

AI Animation – Aaron Blaise REACTS!

A.I. Animation Video

Click Here to View More Animation & Storyboarding Lessons for 40% OFF

Watch as director & animator, Aaron Blaise watches the new AI Animation video from the  @CorridorCrew  and shares his thoughts on this exciting new process!

Watch the Corridor Crew’s original Making Of Video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_9LX9HSQkWo

Check out their finished short animation, “Anime Rock Paper Scissors” here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GVT3WUa-48Y

Also watch this video where my good friends The Bancroft Brothers Shared Their Thoughts!

Art & Animation 30% OFF Sale!

 


We offer 3 Great Ways to Learn! First, you can purchase any ART LESSONS a la carte. Or you can become a Monthly Streaming Member and get immediate access to over 450 hours of art lessons that you can stream on your computer, phone, tablet or SmartTV. Finally, you can become an ANNUAL MEMBER and get hundreds of hours of video lessons to keep and download.

Lesson Previews:

The videos below are selected lessons from various courses.
These represent just a small portion of the 600+ hours of animation lessons, art tutorials and more available with our membership plans.


Get Immediate Access to All this Great Content + More!

“I was trained by Aaron Blaise. Aaron is Awesome!”

– Byron Howard (Director: “Zootopia”, “Tangled”, “Bolt”)

My Studio Tour

Studio Tour with Aaron Blaise
+ $10 Class Sale

Ends November: 14th

🎁 Limited Time! Use Code: ANIMATION-SAVE at checkout and get any Single Animation Class  for $10
Click Here to View More Animation & Art Lessons for 40% OFF

Watch The video above to see a studio tour by animator & director, Aaron Blaise. Watch as he shows you his recent art as well as some gems from his time at Walt Disney Feature Animation.

Also, look below for more of his classes on sale.

Get ANY Single Animation Course for $10!*

We have over 600 hours of Animation & Art lessons.

PLUS, if you use code: “ANIMATION-SAVE” At checkout you can get any single animation tutorial for Just $10.

*$10 Course Promotion Ends November 14th, 2022.


We offer 3 Great Ways to Learn! First, you can purchase any ART LESSONS a la carte. Or you can become a Monthly Streaming Member and get immediate access to over 600 hours of art lessons that you can stream on your computer, phone, tablet or SmartTV. Finally, you can become an ANNUAL MEMBER and get hundreds of hours of video lessons to keep and download.

Lesson Previews:

The videos below are selected lessons from various courses.
These represent just a small portion of the 550+ hours of animation lessons, art tutorials and more available with our membership plans.


Get Immediate Access to All this Great Content + More!

“I was trained by Aaron Blaise. Aaron is Awesome!”

– Byron Howard (Director: “Zootopia”, “Tangled”, “Bolt”)

Artists and Ego

A Message from Ronnie
+ $5 Class Sale

Ends September:15th

🎁 Limited Time! Use Code: FIVE-SAVE at checkout and get any Single Class, Brush Set or Photo Pack for $5
Click Here to View More Animation & Art Lessons for 40% OFF

The video above is commentary by Ronnie Williford. These are insights he has observed as a professional artist and experienced teacher. If you are interested in more art lessons be sure to check out his “Taking Control of Color” course where he goes in-depth on a variety of color theory lessons.

Also, look below for more of his classes on sale.

Get ANY Single Course for $5!*

We have over 600 hours of Animation & Art lessons. For a Limited Time these lessons are 40% Off.
In addition, Ronnie’s Classes are 50% OFF for a limited time.

PLUS, if you use code: “FIVE-SAVE” At checkout you can get any single class, brush set, or reference photo pack for Just $5.

*$5 Course Promotion Ends September 15th, 2022.


We offer 3 Great Ways to Learn! First, you can purchase any ART LESSONS a la carte. Or you can become a Monthly Streaming Member and get immediate access to over 600 hours of art lessons that you can stream on your computer, phone, tablet or SmartTV. Finally, you can become an ANNUAL MEMBER and get hundreds of hours of video lessons to keep and download.

Lesson Previews:

The videos below are selected lessons from various courses.
These represent just a small portion of the 550+ hours of animation lessons, art tutorials and more available with our membership plans.


Get Immediate Access to All this Great Content + More!

“I was trained by Aaron Blaise. Aaron is Awesome!”

– Byron Howard (Director: “Zootopia”, “Tangled”, “Bolt”)

UPDATE: “Back to School” Student Discount Sale – ENDS October 10th!

I often travel the world giving demos & lectures and get the opportunity to work with aspiring artists, illustrators and animators from all walks of life. I am continually impressed by the talent out there as well as the questions that I get.

A HUGE part of our mission with this site is to continue to offer affordable art education. As a special “Thank You” to returning students and teachers I am offering a 60% Off Student & Teacher Only Promo Code for Annual Premium Membership & Monthly Streaming Membership Plans on the site.


Get the code by simply signing up for my newsletter with a valid “.EDU” email address below.


 

Don’t Have a “.edu” email? If you are a student or teacher CLICK HERE and upload proof of current educational status and we will email you a code after we have verified your deatails.

Continue reading UPDATE: “Back to School” Student Discount Sale – ENDS October 10th!

Storyboard Lessons & Animation Sale + Tips with Tim Hodge

FREE Lesson: Tips with Tim Hodge on Storyboarding
+ Story & Animation Sale

Click Here to View More Animation & Storyboarding Lessons for 40% OFF

The video above is playlist of 3 recent videos by Tim Hodge. These are quick tips for storyboarding as well as general film making tips. If you are interested in more storyboarding lessons be sure to check out his “Storyboarding for TV Animation” course where he goes much more in-depth on these topics as well many more.

Also, be sure to check out “The Art of the Storyboard with Lyndon Ruddy” for even more great tutorials on how to storyboard.

Story & Animation 40% OFF Sale!


We have over 100 hours of Animation & Story lessons. For a Limited Time these lessons are 40% Off.
In addition, to storyboard tutorials we also ave lessons off how to develop story ideas & even how to pitch them!

Plus, we also have a number of character design classes on sale too!

storyboarding lessons tutorial with Lyndon ruddy 180 rule


We offer 3 Great Ways to Learn! First, you can purchase any ART LESSONS a la carte. Or you can become a Monthly Streaming Member and get immediate access to over 450 hours of art lessons that you can stream on your computer, phone, tablet or SmartTV. Finally, you can become an ANNUAL MEMBER and get hundreds of hours of video lessons to keep and download.

Lesson Previews:

The videos below are selected lessons from various courses.
These represent just a small portion of the 550+ hours of animation lessons, art tutorials and more available with our membership plans.


Get Immediate Access to All this Great Content + More!

“I was trained by Aaron Blaise. Aaron is Awesome!”

– Byron Howard (Director: “Zootopia”, “Tangled”, “Bolt”)