Layer 7: This is the cleanup layer, and it is the last layer I add. On this layer, I paint over things to smooth or sharpen edges and refine line work, and just generally polish things up!

Layer 6: Light that’s hitting the subject painted in a light color with soft edges. This layer is set to soft light.

Layer 5: Shadows painted in a dark color. This layer is set to multiply.

Layer 4: Filled with a dark color that matches the pallet tone color on the bottom. This layer is set to screen and converted to a clipping mask so that it only affects the layer beneath it; its purpose is to add some color to the pencil lines.

Layer 3: Pencil lines that I draw traditionally and scranned. This is set to multiply. I start with this layer and build the other layers out from it.

Layer 2: Local colors.

Layer 1: Silhouette of the drawing in the color that I want to set the tone of the pallet I’m using.