
Cell shading, also known as comic book shading, is a style of shading that uses flat colours and distinct shadows to create a comic book or cartoon-like appearance. When using Corel Painter 12 to achieve this style, it is recommended to first apply flat colour to all shapes and forms, such as figures and architecture, to make selections while painting easier. This can be done by changing the composite method of the finished pencil layer to Multiply and then creating new layers for figures and backgrounds. Once all the desired colours are applied, a layer for shadows can be added.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| First Step | Apply flat colour to all shapes and forms so it is easy to make selections while painting |
| Second Step | Take your finished pencil layer and change the composite method of the layer to Multiply |
| Third Step | Create a new layer below the pencil layer and name it Figures |
| Fourth Step | Choose a colour for the flesh and use the Scratchboard tool (opacity 100%) and colour all the places where that colour will reside |
| Fifth Step | Repeat the technique for other layers, such as clothing and backgrounds |
| Sixth Step | Once you have applied colour to all the figures and backgrounds, you are ready to add a layer for shadows |
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What You'll Learn

Apply flat colours to shapes and forms
To apply flat colours to shapes and forms in Corel Painter 12, you should follow these steps before painting your pencilled page:
Firstly, change the composite method of your finished pencil layer to Multiply. Then, create a new layer below the pencil layer and name it according to the type of content it will include, such as "Figures". Choose a colour that will feature on this layer, such as flesh tone, and use the Scratchboard tool (set to 100% opacity) to colour all the relevant areas. Repeat this process for different elements that will appear on this layer, such as clothing and accessories.
This layer should exclusively contain figures or other content that belongs in the foreground. For the background, repeat the same technique on a separate layer named "Backgrounds", ensuring that it includes only images of the background and no figures. Continue applying colour to all the figures and backgrounds until you have covered all the shapes and forms in your illustration. Once you have applied colour to all the relevant areas, you can move on to adding a layer for shadows.
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Change the composite method to Multiply
When creating art in Corel Painter 12, you can change the composite method to Multiply to blend colours and edges together. This is done by applying a flat colour to all the shapes and forms in the image, such as figures and architecture. You then change the composite method of the layer to Multiply.
The composite method is changed to Multiply to add texture to the image. For example, when painting a comic book page, you would first apply flat colours to the different shapes and forms in the image. You would then create a new layer for figures and one for backgrounds, and use the Scratchboard tool to colour the places where the chosen colours will reside. Once you have applied colour to all the figures and backgrounds, you are ready to add a layer for shadows.
Changing the composite method to Multiply can also be used to create skin textures. You can create additional layers, invert the paper texture, and paint on that new layer with a slightly lighter colour. Changing the composite method of the new layer to Multiply and lowering the opacity of each layer will allow you to create skin textures that are as subtle or obvious as desired.
In another example, the texture layer of an image is transformed to cover only the floor portion of the painting, and the composite mode is set to Multiply. The opacity of the layer is then lowered to 27%, and a slight Focus/Soften is applied from the Effects menu. This results in a texture that adds additional dimension and believability to the painted floor.
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Create a new layer for figures
To create a new layer for figures in Corel Painter 12, you must first apply flat colour to all the shapes and forms, such as figures and architecture. This makes it easier to make selections while painting. Take your finished pencil layer and change the composite method of the layer to Multiply.
Next, create a new layer below the pencil layer and name it 'Figures'. Choose a colour for the flesh and use the Scratchboard tool (100% opacity) to colour all the areas where that colour will be. Repeat this process for clothing, such as hats, jackets, boots, and pants. This layer should only contain figures and no background elements.
You can also use the new layer function to create separate layers for different elements, such as the background. Once you have applied colour to all the figures and backgrounds, you can add a layer for shadows.
Corel Painter offers different types of layers, including pixel-based, media-based, and vector-based. You can also create dynamic and reference layers, as well as special layers like Thick Paint, Watercolour, and Liquid Ink. When creating a new document, Corel Painter automatically creates a Default layer, or you can choose to create a Thick Paint, Watercolour, or Liquid Ink layer. You can also choose to hide the canvas while painting.
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Use the Scratchboard tool to colour
To use the Scratchboard tool to colour in Corel Painter 12, you must first apply flat colour to all the shapes and forms, such as figures and architecture. This makes it easy to make selections while painting. Take your finished pencil layer and change the composite method of the layer to Multiply.
Next, create a new layer below the pencil layer and name it 'Figures'. Choose a colour for the flesh and use the Scratchboard tool (opacity 100%) to colour all the areas where that colour will reside. Repeat this process for clothing and accessories, such as hats, jackets, boots, and pants. Ensure that this layer is exclusively for figures and does not include any background elements.
The Scratchboard Tool is also useful for painting in thin wisps of facial hair details. You can adjust the opacity and resaturation of the Scratchboard Tool to achieve the desired effect.
Additionally, you can use the Scratchboard Tool to paint in clouds. Create a new layer and label it 'Clouds'. Use the Scratchboard Tool to roughly paint in the clouds, and then use the Sargent Brush with lowered opacity to make them appear wispier.
By following these steps, you can effectively use the Scratchboard tool in Corel Painter 12 to colour and add details to your artwork.
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Repeat for the background layer
To create a comic book page in Corel Painter 12, you need to apply flat colour to all the shapes and forms, including figures and background. Start by taking your finished pencil layer and changing the composite method of the layer to Multiply. Create a new layer below the pencil layer and name it Backgrounds. Choose a colour and use the Scratchboard tool (100% opacity) to colour all the areas where that colour will reside. Repeat this process for each colour in the background. This layer should be exclusively for the background and should not include any figures. Once you have applied colour to all the shapes and forms in the background, you are ready to move on to the next step.
Now, repeat the same technique on another layer, this time focusing on the figures. Just like with the background layer, choose a colour for the flesh and use the Scratchboard tool to colour all areas where that colour will be present. Do the same for any clothing, accessories, or other details on the figures. This layer should only include the figures and no background elements. Take your time and work carefully, ensuring that each colour is applied accurately and that there is no overlap between the colours.
By following these steps, you will create distinct layers for the figures and the background, allowing you to build a clear and well-defined composition. This method of applying flat colour first creates a solid foundation for your artwork and makes it easier to make selections and adjustments as you continue refining your comic book page. Remember to utilise the Scratchboard tool effectively and maintain a consistent layer organisation to achieve the desired results.
Once you have finished colouring the figures and background layers, you can further enhance your illustration by adding additional layers for shadows and highlights. These layers will help to create a sense of depth and bring your artwork to life. Remember to refer to other tutorials or resources if you need guidance on creating shadows or exploring more advanced shading techniques in Corel Painter 12.
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Frequently asked questions
Cell shading is a technique used to add depth and dimension to comic book art by creating the appearance of light and shadow. It involves applying flat colour to all shapes and forms, such as figures and architecture, to make selections while painting.
First, take your finished pencil layer and change the composite method of the layer to Multiply. Create a new layer below the pencil layer and name it "Figures".
Choose a colour for the flesh and use the Scratchboard tool (100% opacity) to colour all the areas where that colour will reside. Repeat this process for clothing items like hats, jackets, boots, and pants. This layer should only include figures.
Repeat the same technique on another layer named "Backgrounds". This layer will include only background images and not figures. Once you've applied colour to all the figures and backgrounds, you can add a layer for shadows.
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