Editing Lighting Techniques for Animation (section)

== Some random tips and tricks ==

=== Photoshop tricks ===

See [[Photoshop Tricks and Techniques]] for Photoshop features relevant to BG painting.

=== Method for working out composition of light ===

# Figure out the main light as a schematic. Very bold, like literally black and white. Slowly introduce values.
# Put in accent lights.

=== Using backlights to draw focus ===

A situation where the values of layers within the composition are locked in such that the focus element has to be placed on top of another element that has a similar value. One solution to make that focus element stand out is to put atmosphere behind the focus element, like glowing fog or an imaginary low key backlight. Then the value of that glow around the focus can be controlled independently of the planes in the composition.

=== Test early with characters placed in the composition ===

Workflow: Paint BG → ship → make color key.

When the color key is created you may discover conflicts between the characters and the BG. Maybe they don't stand out enough. By then the BG has shipped and it's too late to adjust.

Recommends dropping characters onto the BG while painting to catch these conflicts early.

A pool of light can often help make the characters stand out from the background.

=== Cloud and smoke edges ===

Inspiration: Scott Wills (''Clone Wars'' and ''Samurai Jack'')

Videos on YouTube of Scott Wills painting BGs for ''Samurai Jack''. 

<youtube>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jdmpvI2sRXo</youtube>
<youtube>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VVuNZiYSqrA</youtube>

# Make clouds as shapes over background layer.
# Use smudge brush with some texture or variety to push around edges as if moving around wet watercolor or gouache.

[[File:57e93220dd0895c2598b4ad6.jpg|thumb|Ralph McQuarrie Star Wars concept art]]
[[File:Mcquarrie-star-wars-concept-2.jpg|thumb|Ralph McQuarrie Star Wars concept art]]
=== Using texture to define form ===

Not lighting, but '''Ralph McQuarrie's''' Star Wars paintings. Texture without rendering describing form. Maybe some atmospheric perspective on top. Texture on surfaces describing the form of an object or space.