I always wanted to add a spark of realism to my artwork! So I explored various techniques to combine with my style and keep the authentic feel.

I hope you’ll find some inspiration too, and add it to your creative arsenal.

I’ve enjoyed testing Conte pencils (super smudgy))

Magical Realism - image 1 - student project

and making a Leaf Study.

Magical Realism - image 2 - student project

Browsing through my inspiration folder in real life (a box full of some magazines, pieces of ads I like, etc), I’ve found a Vintage Postcard.

Magical Realism - image 3 - student project

A perfect model to paint a cast shadow!

Magical Realism - image 4 - student project

I’ve been circling around pastel paper for a while and even got some samples with color for “future” projects. The time has come.

As a next model, I used a décor apple from a typical gift store in a shopping mall and prepared suitable toned paper.

Magical Realism - image 5 - student project

Using highly pigmented pencils, I blocked in the shadows and added highlights with an acrylic marker on top. I used contrasted colors like Cobalt Blue and paper tape to separate the background (Lemon Yellow would work, too!)

Magical Realism - image 6 - student project

Aaaand some time ago, I made a Ladybug study in Natural History Illustration style (keeping the realistic details, etc).

So it’s a great reason to bring this flying beauty to life!

Magical Realism - image 7 - student project

I used a combination of three colors:

Cadmium Red

Cadmium Orange

Perylene Maroon

to add variety and rich tone to the shell.

And then worked my way up to the details. I used gel pen and acrylic marker to add dots on the highlights.

Magical Realism - image 8 - student project

Pomegranate was a real challenge! I slowly and carefully began with the skin and carefully painted the seeds with a subtle mix first.

Magical Realism - image 9 - student project

I used the combination of Madder Lake and Cadmium Orange for the gradient and Phthalo Green to add shadow. I used white gouache for highlights.

Magical Realism - image 10 - student project

When experimenting on iPad in Procreate I tried to combine modern and vintage feel in this lovely Moth.

Magical Realism - image 11 - student project

I used texture and brushes along with cast shadow to bring her to life.

Magical Realism - image 12 - student project

Thanks so much for joining the class! I hope it sparked your creativity even more.

Magical Realism - image 13 - student project

I can’t wait to see your projects and read some thoughts!

Even a tiny sketch would be a great contribution.

You can also follow me on Instagram and subscribe to my Mailing list!

See you in the class!

\_(♥Ã¢â‚¬Â¿♥)_/

A.