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Looking a little closer, more definition is created and the rock surface is scribbled back and forth to suggest a rough surface. I usually work very loosely and with a very light touch attempting to blend the colors into each other but also allowing the strokes to show. This is one way to dispel the look that the image was created digitally.

I then sample the shadow color and scribble it across the surface to further define the texture.

Like with the leaves, I sample and scribble until the desired shape starts to come forth.

Here, I add specific details to the rock to define cracks and a rough surface along the right side. To do this I scribbled the highlight color across the shaded area working back and forth to suggest light catching the rough surface.

This is repeated for the rock on the right. It’s usually a good idea to vary the colors and textures to create variety and interest.

Stepping back a bit, I examine the value of the rock to the surroundings to see if I should add more highlights and whatnot.

I decide to move on to the grass. There are already some dark areas indicated but there isn’t anything suggesting shadows from the rocks.

Sampling some of the shadow color, I darken some areas to set the rocks into their surroundings.

Using a very small brush and sharp upward strokes I start laying in the foundations of the under-grasses.

Like the painters on public television will tell you - work dark against light and light against dark.

Here, I alternate back and for making upward stokes over other areas to create depth.

Generally to fill areas quickly I will scribble back and forth to indicate an under texture and then work more detailed strokes over the top of that.

Here, longer grasses are added and I’ve sampled some colors from the rocks and shrub to give a bit of variety and to tie the painting together.

This is the finished scene so far with grasses added between the rocks and at the back using long quick upward strokes. I usually “ride” the Crtl+Z (or Command Z) while doing this to quickly undo any blade of grass that may stray oddly.

To finish off I added a tree behind the shrub and a friendly little lizard. He’s outside the scope of this tutorial but may be in a future one. His colors are sampled from the Inverse color of the rocks, making them a direct compliment to the other colors.

The entire piece took only two hours, lizard and all. Experiment and try different things and always observe your surroundings. This is the adventure of the artist.

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