Mock: Cover Art Progression- Hiccup and Toothless (HTTYD)

This is the initial sketch of my How to Train Your Dragon cover piece. I wanted to recreate one of the most iconic scenes in the movie, to give it sense that the readers are already familiar with the magazine, and promote a sense of comfort.
I used several layers with distinguishing colours so that I could notice details while painting.

To start the process of painting, I first sketched out block flat colours so that I could see what would go where, and so I could get a basic sense of colour composition.

Using an oil bush preset, I worked in basic highlights and shadows. I really like using the oil brush as it allows me to digitally paint and blend evenly with pressure sensitivity which allows the alteration of how much 'paint' is on the brush.

After painting Toothless, I added a basic background using a pencil brush and alterations of transparency. I wanted the background to have less refinement than the foreground to not only create a contrast, but almost demonstrate the process of creation.




This is the finished piece and I am extremely happy with the outcome.
I adore the contrast between the sketch and the paint which really gives it that feeling of development, and creates curiosity as to why it's incomplete, which would also hook in readers.
I also love the colour scheme used, as the rich earthy colours promote a sense of strength.