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FX Concept Painting Elemental Studies

Instructor: David Shovlin, Jason Keyser
Included with VFX-A All Access

Create concept art for various elemental effects, including a fiery explosion, goo splat, lighting zap, and more!

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In All Access

5 Hours

This course includes nearly 5 hours of FX training.

Skill Level

Beginner Level One course for new and aspiring VFX artists. 

Software

Adobe Photoshop

Instant Access

This course is immediately available to All Access members. 

Course Breakdown

Lesson overview.

Wispy Cloud

1 Lesson

Learn how to paint a magical wisp from the nether realm, with a punchy inner light, and ambient cast light hitting the outer edges!

Painting & Commentary

How do you define an effect with a visible, glowing core? Jason talks over David’s concept, giving insight on how to balance competing foreground and background elements.

These videos are most valuable when you follow along, practicing your painting skills in Photoshop. If you're feeling adventurous, try switching it up! Maybe your painting has a different color palette, and/or unique shapes.

Lightning Zap

2 Lessons

Not every effect concept can fit in a single image! Find out about breaking down an in-between concept, and experimenting with different ideas throughout the concept painting process.

Wispy Cloud

1 Lesson

Learn how to paint a magical wisp from the nether realm, with a punchy inner light, and ambient cast light hitting the outer edges!

Zap FX Thumbnails 

Sketch electric thumbnails for bubble, ground, and impact-type effects!

Follow along by practicing your painting skills in Photoshop.

Zap FX Painting

Watch along with Jason, as he talks over David's concept painting, focusing on the process of working through an idea and the importance of perseverance.

Wispy Cloud Painting

Define an effect with a visible glowing core. Get insight on how to balance competing foreground and background elements.

Fire Explosion

4 Lessons

Start with thumbnails, then paint your own explosion effect!

Follow along in Adobe Photoshop as David Shovlin walks through the concept painting process for a fiery explosion.

Fire Explosion Thumbnails

Everything has to start somewhere, and concept art starts with thumbnails! Follow along with David Shovlin as he explains this process and works through a variety of fiery explosions.

Explosion FX Painting (Version 1)

Walk through creating a concept painting based on a thumbnail.

See how glow effect layers and Blend Modes can help make your fire paintings pop!

Explosion FX Painting (Version 2)

Walk through another fire explision concept painting variant, this time as Jason Keyser talks about focusing on keeping design principles in mind while painting.

Fire Explosion Paintover

Watch a VFX Apprentice student get paintover feedback on their explosion. Follow along and look for ways to improve your own concept paintings!

Goo Splat

2 Lessons

How does light work through liquids? Use water as a basis for a toxic, gooey splatter effect, and learn about lighting translucent materials.

Water & Fire FX

1 Lesson

Watch the breakdown process of VFX Apprentice mascots Sparker and Aquanna in this splash art by Riot Games illustrator Jeremy Anninos.

Goo FX Thumbnails

Water splashes can be used as the base for other liquid effects! Follow along as learn about the shape of viscous liquids.

 

Goo Splat Painting

Learn about painting goo and see how you can balance positive and negative shapes, reflection, bounce, and scatter lighting.

Water and Fire FX Painting

From thumbnails to finished product, follow along through the process painting a splash art of the watery Aquanna and fiery Sparker.

Sparker & Aquanna Illustration

8 Lesson

Watch the breakdown process video for VFXA’s Sparker and Aquanna splash art, painted by Riot Games illustrator Jeremy Anninos!

Painting & Commentary

From thumbnails to finished product, follow Jeremy as he explains his process painting a splash art of the watery Aquanna and fiery Sparker.

Check out more of Jeremy's tutorials on his Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/anninosart

Student Gallery

More Student Work

What members say about VFX Apprentice

Ron Anati

VFX-A All Access Member

Been in love with game VFX since I can remember. I joined VFX Apprentice after a LONG time thinking about it, and loving every moment of it, studying whenever I can.

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VFX-A All Access Member

Joining VFX Apprentice was, for sure, the best decision I've made in my early VFX career. The courses are great and the mentors and students are always trying to help. I just love being here!

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12 months billed once

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Billed monthly

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  • New Lessons Monthly
  • Weekly Live Sessions
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