Bubble Templates
I have found that sometimes the simplest things can be the I am constantly mesmerized watching bubbles under the sea
most effective. Naturally occurring organic images like; sky freely flow with the currents, always on their journey upward
and clouds, fire and smoke and water, bubbles are effects that as they transform into many different shapes and sizes as they
each artist can create to enhance their artwork. ascend to the surface.
The real trick to achieving most organic type effects like the To say that I have painted a few bubbles is definitely an un-
ones mentioned previously are to understand their original derstatement, as I have painted thousands upon thousands.
natural flow and movement. Having spent many hours scuba Because I have painted so many, they have become second na-
diving in Hawaiian waters, I have watched and studied first- ture to me to create out of my head without using reference.
hand the underwater sea life with the naturally created for- Take the plunge as I take you to my underwater bubble world,
mations that have become their habitats as well as the land-
showing you some of the tricks to my bubble creations.
scapes and atmospheres that create the underwater lifestyle.
First off, I use a medium blue base coat urethane
painted panel. Once completely dry, I apply a pattern
that I created on my plotter at my Cosmic Airbrush
Shop. I draw the bubbles by hand then scan them to
the plotter to cut the mask. I also use a few selected
Artool freehand shields. I use my signature Dennis
Mathewson Hawaiian Hues made by Alsa for my
base colors. I mix two colors, a light teal blue and a
dark navy then reduced 200%.
Once my colors are ready, I begin with the light teal and using my Iwata Kustom CM
airbrush, I spray a light mist right around the cut of the mask. I add around 20% more
color to the bottom than the top. Bubbles reflect light from the top on the bottom of the
bubble.
issue26.indd 10 11/4/2009 9:20:24 AM
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