Using solely Photoshop and a photograph I took as reference, I made this digital painting of a chimpanzee. In 2014, I had the pleasure of going "chimping" (trekking to find chimpanzees in the wild). Located in Tanzania, Mahale Mountains National Park exceeded my expectations. After taking a bush plane that made three stops to refuel, it was then time for a two hour boat ride along Lake Tanganyika to get to the camp. My days were spent hiking in the high density forest searching for these beautiful creatures.
The process:Below is the photograph I was working from.
I began by color blocking the chimpanzee, slowly adding detail.
I then began adding texture to the trees on a separate background layer. I used a textured brush with more spacing to create the following effect.
I began adding more detail to the face...
And then I added texture to the chimpanzee. I finished the painting off by overlaying a canvas texture on the entire digital painting at 16% opacity.
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All images and designs on this post, unless noted otherwise, are the exclusive property of Elissa Title. The images, designs and ideas may not be reproduced, copied, transmitted or manipulated without the written permission of Elissa Title. The use of any images or other materials included herein, in whole or in part, for any purpose other than the private purpose of viewing them online, including, but not limited to, copying, reproduction, publication (including on Internet Web Site including third party web pages by any means, including "hotlinking", storage in a retrieval system (other than internet browser), manipulation (digital or otherwise), or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, is expressly prohibited without the written permission of Elissa Title. All artistic and moral rights of the author are hereby asserted.