We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.
Course image
Scott Harris

What is Character Art School: Complete Coloring and Painting Course?

Read more

What is Character Art School: Complete Coloring and Painting Course?

Character Art School is a 6 week learn-anywhere video course where you learn to become adept at coloring and painting professional characters. I’ve hand-crafted the Character Art School: Complete Coloring and Painting course to be the only course you need, to learn all the core fundamentals and advanced techniques to coloring and painting characters well. If you’re an absolute beginner or you’re already at an intermediate level, the course will advance your current ability to a professional level. The course is a comprehensive 5 module guided video course, where the only limit to your progression is your determination and engagement in the rewarding assignments.

Whether you want to color and paint character concept art for films and games, illustrations, comics, manga, Disney style or other styles, this is the course you need to get you there.

I’ll teach you to color and paint with confidence and without fear. I’ll teach you to color and paint well. You will know all the core theory, workflows and practical application for professional level Character Coloring and Painting.

Finally, Learn Character Coloring and Painting Well

Whether you’re a complete beginner, or intermediate at character coloring and painting, you’ll learn things you never knew you never knew. Seriously. Inspired by masters and built on the theory of giants, Character Drawing Academy is one of, if not the most comprehensive character coloring and painting course out there. I’m so convinced of this, I’ll give you a no-questions asked refund if you’re not satisfied.

Clear, Easy to Understand Lessons

Crystal clear in fact. Learning character coloring and painting effectively means having information presented in a logical and coherent way. The Character Coloring and Painting Course is modular by design, easy to grasp, and allows you to learn in a well paced, structured way. Engage in the course chronologically, then revise each module at your leisure. Grasp concepts faster than you ever have before – there’s no fluff here. You'll also find that Coloring and Painting is grounded in very solid and complete theory. Learn rapidly.

Assignments that are Rewarding

Bridging the gap between theory and practice, each module’s assignments have been designed to both reinforce theory, and feel rewarding. I’ve taken the core of Color and Light theory, and purpose built each assignment to help you rapidly progress, and you’ll see the difference in your own work almost immediately. Art is about doing, so let’s get started.

What's Your Style?

Whether you want to learn to color and paint characters for games, comics, cartoons, manga, animation and more, this course has you covered. I'm not teaching you a 'method' or a 'way' to color and paint, I'm teaching you to be a fundamentally good character colorist and painter.

Enroll now

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • How to paint characters from beginner to advanced
  • How to color characters using multiple techniques
  • How to color comic book characters
  • How to color manga
  • How to color anime
  • How to paint digitally and use that theory with traditional tools

Syllabus

Introduction
Coloring and Painting Tools
Updates, Resources and Community
In this module, we learn complete fundamental color and light theory that will equip you in rapidly learning to color and paint well.
Read more
Light, Color and the Eye
The Scale of Light
Perception of Forms
Planes
Light and Reflection
The Form Lighting Principle
Understanding Color
Color Shifting
Color Schemes
Dynamic Lighting
Atmospheric Perspective
Edge Differentiation
Observation
Module 1 Assignments
Module 1 Resources
Learn how to utilize major features of popular art software to color and paint characters in any style, efficiently.
General Tools Overview
Canvas Size and Resolution Guide
Installing Brushes
Keyboard Shortcuts Guide
Brush Flow and Opacity
Blending and Color Picking
Digital Color Picker
Layers and Layer Modes
Understanding Selections
Understanding Adjustments
User Interface Layouts
Software Adaptation
Module 2 Resources
Learn a comprehensive universal workflow to professionally and dynamically color and paint characters, step by step.
Workflow Overview
Digital Canvas Pre-production
Illustration Preparation
Stage 1: Local Color
Stage 2: Variations
Stage 3: Forms
Stage 4: Light 1
Stage 5: Light 2
Stage 6: Highlights 1
Stage 7: Highlights 2
Stage 8: Highlights 3
Stage 9: Dynamic Lighting
Stage 10: Contrast
Stage 11: Cast
Post-Production Adjustments
Skin Enhancement
The Secret Hair Painting Technique
Adjusting Line Color
Over-Painting
Post Production Effects 1
Post Production Effects 2
Full Workflow Time-lapse Overview
Conclusion
Module 3 Assignments
Module 3 Resources
Utilize everything you've learned to dynamically scale and adapt your coloring and painting skills from flat coloring styles, to advanced high-end painting styles.
Introduction to Character Coloring and Painting Styles
Achieving Flat Coloring and Gradient Style Coloring
Achieving Animation and Anime Cell-Shaded Style Coloring
Achieving Digital Water-Color and Rough Style Coloring
Achieving Chunky, brush-stroked Style Painting
Achieving Smooth Painterly Style Painting
Achieving Comic Book Style Colouring
Module 4 Assignments
Full, comprehensive commentary and demonstrations of final production character artwork coloring and painting.
Intro to Full Demos
DEMO 1: Carmi Timelapse with Commentary
DEMO 1: Carmi Full Painting Demo
DEMO 2: ChronoViper Timelapse with Commentary
DEMO 2: ChronoViper Full Coloring Demo
DEMO 3: Hiding Something Timelapse with Commentary
DEMO 3: Hiding Something Full Painting Demo
DEMO 4: Your Call Timelapse with Commentary
DEMO 4: Your Call Full Painting Demo
Concluding the Course
Conclusion to the Course
Gain additional insights and learning, as well as resource for painting and coloring.
DEMO: Beach Girl Full Painting Demo
DEMO: Asuka Full Painting Demo
DEMO: Emerald Portrait Painting Demo
Photoshop Keyboard Shortcut Guide
Paint Tool Sai Brush Settings
Clip Studio Paint Brushpack Download
Krita Brushpack Download
Your Call High Resolution File

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Explores painting theory and techniques used in industry
Develops strong foundation in painting fundamentals
Empowers learners to achieve high-end painting styles
Covers universal workflow for professional painting
Includes comprehensive commentary on final production artwork
May require additional software or tools not readily available

Save this course

Save Character Art School: Complete Coloring and Painting to your list so you can find it easily later:
Save

Reviews summary

Beginners' guide to digital character art

According to students, this course is a beginner-friendly introduction to digital character art that provides a solid foundation in the fundamentals. It includes engaging assignments, helpful resources, and positive reinforcement from the instructor, which are appreciated by students. Learners say they would recommend this course to others.
Course provides useful materials to support learning.
"The course includes a lot of helpful resources, such as brushes and reference materials."
"I found the resources to be very helpful in my learning process."
Suitable for individuals new to character art.
"This course is a great way to get started with digital character art."
"I'm a complete beginner and I'm really enjoying this course."
Instructor provides encouragement and support throughout the course.
"The instructor is very supportive and provides a lot of positive reinforcement."
"I really appreciated the instructor's positive feedback."
Assignments provide hands-on practice and reinforce learning.
"I really enjoyed the assignments, they helped me to practice the techniques I learned."
"The assignments were challenging but also very rewarding."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Character Art School: Complete Coloring and Painting with these activities:
Review Understanding of Light and Color
Revisiting the fundamentals of light and color theory will help you grasp the advanced techniques taught in this course.
Browse courses on Light
Show steps
  • Revisit basic principles such as the color wheel, color harmony, and color schemes.
  • Study the principles of light and how it interacts with different surfaces and objects.
  • Practice applying these principles in your own artwork.
Read 'The Art of Color' by Johannes Itten
This classic text provides a comprehensive foundation in color theory and will complement the concepts covered in the course.
Show steps
  • Read through the chapters on color fundamentals, color relationships, and color harmony.
  • Take notes on key concepts and apply them to your own artwork.
Gather Resources for Character Coloring
Building a collection of resources will provide you with valuable references and inspiration for future projects.
Show steps
  • Create a Pinterest board or other online collection for character coloring resources.
  • Bookmark websites and articles on character design and coloring techniques.
  • Follow artists and designers who specialize in character coloring on social media.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Complete Color Theory Exercises
Regular practice is crucial for improving your understanding and application of color theory.
Show steps
  • Use online or offline exercises to practice identifying and matching colors.
  • Experiment with different color combinations and harmonies.
  • Create color swatches and experiment with different blending techniques.
Practice Coloring a Simple Character
Putting your newfound knowledge into practice will help solidify your understanding and develop your skills.
Show steps
  • Choose a simple line drawing of a character.
  • Use flat colors to color the character, paying attention to the light source and shadows.
  • Experiment with different blending techniques to create smooth transitions.
Follow Tutorials on Advanced Coloring Techniques
Seeking out additional resources will further refine your skills and expose you to new perspectives.
Browse courses on Digital Painting
Show steps
  • Search for tutorials on specific techniques such as gradients, blending, and color correction.
  • Follow the tutorials step-by-step and experiment with the techniques in your own work.
  • Share your results with other students or online communities for feedback.
Create a Color Palette for a Character
Developing your own color palette will enhance your ability to create visually appealing characters.
Browse courses on Color Palette
Show steps
  • Consider the character's personality, setting, and overall mood.
  • Experiment with different color combinations and values.
  • Create a physical or digital color palette for future reference.
Participate in a Character Coloring Critique Session
Receiving feedback from peers will help you identify areas for improvement and develop your critical eye.
Browse courses on Peer Feedback
Show steps
  • Join or organize a group of students to share your character coloring work.
  • Provide constructive criticism and feedback to others.
  • Incorporate the feedback into your own work.

Career center

Learners who complete Character Art School: Complete Coloring and Painting will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Character Designer
Character Designers create visual concepts for characters used in various media such as films, video games, animations, and comic books. The Character Coloring and Painting course prepares you for this role as you'll learn how to bring your own characters to life through expert coloring and painting. The course covers a comprehensive range of topics such as the use of light, color theory, and various digital coloring techniques. It also provides guided assignments and resources to help reinforce your learning and develop your skills.
Digital Painter
Digital Painters create digital artwork using specialized software and digital tools. The Character Coloring and Painting course is a valuable resource for aspiring Digital Painters as it provides a comprehensive overview of digital painting techniques and the use of industry-standard software. The course covers topics such as brushwork, color theory, and composition, which are essential skills for creating professional-quality digital paintings.
Concept Artist
Concept Artists are responsible for creating the visual concepts for various entertainment and media projects, including films, video games, and animation. The Character Coloring and Painting course can be a valuable addition to your skill set as a Concept Artist, as it will provide you with the technical skills needed to bring your concepts to life through expert coloring and painting techniques. The course's focus on understanding light, color theory, and digital painting will help you create visually appealing and impactful concept art.
Game Artist
Game Artists create visual content for video games, including characters, environments, and props. The Character Coloring and Painting course is a valuable resource for aspiring Game Artists as it provides a comprehensive overview of digital painting techniques and the use of industry-standard software. The course covers topics such as character design, color theory, and lighting, which are essential skills for creating visually appealing and immersive game worlds.
Visual Development Artist
Visual Development Artists create visual concepts and designs for various media projects, including films, video games, and animation. The Character Coloring and Painting course can be a valuable addition to your skill set as a Visual Development Artist, as it will provide you with the technical skills needed to bring your designs to life through expert coloring and painting techniques. The course's focus on understanding light, color theory, and digital painting will help you create visually appealing and impactful visual development work.
Comic Book Illustrator
Comic Book Illustrators create visual narratives through sequential artwork in comic books. The Character Coloring and Painting course will be particularly useful for those interested in Comic Book Illustration as it provides a comprehensive guide to coloring comic book characters and creating visually appealing artwork. The course covers various techniques for flat coloring, gradient coloring, and dynamic lighting, which are essential skills for Comic Book Illustrators.
Illustrator
Illustrators create visual content for various purposes, including books, magazines, websites, and advertising. The Character Coloring and Painting course can be useful for aspiring Illustrators as it provides a solid foundation in digital painting and the use of color. The course will help you develop the skills needed to create visually appealing and impactful illustrations, bringing your ideas to life with vibrant colors and dynamic lighting.
Manga Artist
Manga Artists create comic books and graphic novels in the Japanese manga style. The Character Coloring and Painting course can be useful for aspiring Manga Artists, as it provides a foundation in coloring and painting techniques commonly used in manga. The course covers topics such as flat coloring, gradient coloring, and dynamic lighting, which are essential for creating visually appealing and engaging manga artwork.
Colorist
Colorists enhance visual content such as films, television shows, and animations by adding color to the images. The Character Coloring and Painting course can be useful for aspiring Colorists as it provides a solid foundation in color theory and the use of digital painting techniques. The course will help you develop the skills needed to adjust colors, create color schemes, and bring vibrancy and depth to your work.
Animator
Animators create visual content by bringing characters, objects, and environments to life through animation. The Character Coloring and Painting course can be beneficial for aspiring Animators as it provides a strong foundation in digital painting and the use of color. The course will help you develop the skills needed to create visually appealing and expressive animation, bringing your characters to life with vibrant colors and dynamic lighting.
Art Director
Art Directors oversee the visual aspects of various media projects, including films, video games, and advertising campaigns. While the Character Coloring and Painting course may not directly qualify you for an Art Director role, the skills you gain in color theory, composition, and digital painting can be valuable assets. The course will help you develop a strong foundation in visual communication and storytelling, which are essential qualities for Art Directors.
Textile Designer
Textile Designers create patterns and designs for various fabrics and textiles. While the Character Coloring and Painting course may not directly qualify you for a Textile Designer role, the skills you gain in color theory, composition, and digital painting can be valuable assets. The course will help you develop a strong foundation in visual communication and design principles, which are essential qualities for Textile Designers.
Graphic designer
Graphic Designers create visual concepts and designs for various media, including print, digital, and motion graphics. While the Character Coloring and Painting course may not directly qualify you for a Graphic Designer role, the skills you gain in color theory, composition, and digital painting can be valuable assets. The course will help you develop a strong foundation in visual communication and design principles, which are essential qualities for Graphic Designers.
Fashion Designer
Fashion Designers create clothing and accessories. While the Character Coloring and Painting course may not directly qualify you for a Fashion Designer role, the skills you gain in color theory, composition, and digital painting can be valuable assets. The course will help you develop a strong foundation in visual communication and design principles, which are essential qualities for Fashion Designers.
Industrial Designer
Industrial Designers create and develop concepts for manufactured products. While the Character Coloring and Painting course may not directly qualify you for an Industrial Designer role, the skills you gain in color theory, composition, and digital painting can be valuable assets. The course will help you develop a strong foundation in visual communication and design principles, which are essential qualities for Industrial Designers.

Reading list

We've selected nine books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Character Art School: Complete Coloring and Painting.
Comprehensive guide to the theory and practice of color and light in painting. It covers a wide range of topics, from the basics of color theory to the more advanced techniques of light and shadow. This book valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn how to paint realistically.
Classic text on color theory. It provides a comprehensive overview of the subject, from the basics of color perception to the more advanced theories of color harmony. This book valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about color theory.
Collection of recipes for mixing colors to create realistic skin tones. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn how to paint portraits.
Comprehensive guide to creating manga. It covers a wide range of topics, from the basics of manga drawing to the more advanced techniques of storytelling and character development. This book valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn how to create manga.
Comprehensive guide to drawing anime. It covers a wide range of topics, from the basics of anime drawing to the more advanced techniques of storytelling and character development. This book valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn how to draw anime.
Comprehensive encyclopedia of Marvel Comics. It covers every major Marvel character, team, and villain. This book valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about Marvel Comics.
Comprehensive guide to comic book inking. It covers a wide range of topics, from the basics of inking to the more advanced techniques of creating special effects. This book valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn how to ink comic books.
Comprehensive guide to comic book lettering. It covers a wide range of topics, from the basics of lettering to the more advanced techniques of creating special effects. This book valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn how to letter comic books.

Share

Help others find this course page by sharing it with your friends and followers:

Similar courses

Here are nine courses similar to Character Art School: Complete Coloring and Painting.
The Ultimate Digital Painting Course - Beginner to...
Most relevant
How to Add Light to Your Landscape Painting
Most relevant
Character Painting: Design and Render Like a Pro
Most relevant
Art Fundamentals: Foundations of Painting and Drawing...
Most relevant
Learn to Paint With Impact
Most relevant
Landscape Painting: Paint Your Own Stunning Landscapes
Most relevant
Impressionism - Paint this Night Cityscape in Oil or...
Most relevant
Impressionism: Paint this Countryside Path in Oil or...
Most relevant
Acrylic Painting Course - Impressionist Seascapes &...
Most relevant
Our mission

OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.

Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.

Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.

Affiliate disclosure

We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.

Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.

Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.

© 2016 - 2024 OpenCourser