This process I would want to share how I create a shot for background 2d animation. I will bring you to a swap that is filled with wild creatures. As a background artist, it is my job to make a shot really lifelike to the audience. Therefore I have to find the right mode.
This particular scene is a scene at location after a rain. I will try to find all types of references and book to identify the colour that is suitable.
After reading the description from the storyboard I will adjust my composition and reduce it from the storyboard into a layout.
this is the layout using the photoshop software. After creeating the outline I will start with using the basic colour on the wooden stilts. To get the colour of the wooden stilts, I will use the brown with a mixture of grey to get the feeling that it is old. This process does not have to be detailed, it is just more colour information.
Here I create a cloudy sky. I use 3 separate layers to make it easier for the movement of the clouds when the compositor animation comes into picture.
Once completed I will get the key colour of the situaton of the clouds and I will use the process for the middleground. The colour of the tree is important. I have to get the situation after a rain and for this effect I play with the colours seagreen, grey and navy blue. That is the same colour I use for the water. I use the brush for the water and I will do it horiontally to get the stroke texture of the water ripple.
Then I move to the wooden stilts. From the colour source that I created earlier, I mix a bit of the basic colour with navy blue as a shadow and I increase the contrast by adjusting the hue saturation by using brush opacity. I use low opacity and I will use the texturing process on each part of the wood.
After I am completed with the process, I will use a reflection on the surface of the water. I will then cut and paste the normal layer and the opacity I will reduce to get the perfect reflection on the water.
This is the final process where I will include some small plants to give the idea that there is a thriving ecosystem in this swamp area. The entire background I will use the colour on the crocodile that is in the storyboard. This is to ensure that I get the colour key that is suitable for the animator. This is all for the time being. Adios.
