How do you make an underwater picture?

[Light of Night 332]

I use a free version of Autodesk SketchBook, which means I can use no more than three layers at a time (I can merge them, but it can be rather tiresome) and less tools.  This program I use with a tablet and pen.

 

Now that that's out of the way, I just want to know how one colors and shades someone (or somepony, in this case) who is drowning.  More specifically, I want to make it clear without showing a lot of the sky (or any sky, if that's possible) that it's a storm at sea.  And while we're at it, I'd appreciate some tips regarding the anatomy of somepony drowning.

Edited August 11, 2016 by Light of Night

[PacificGreen 1,163]

@@Light of Night, I have literally no experience drawing underwater, but seeing as this topic has no replies I thought I'd try giving you a few useful videos.

 

Here's a video on how to accomplish an underwater effect with Photoshop (may not be painting but it might work under the same principles)

 

 

And here's a video on how to traditionally paint underwater effects.

 

 

I think one key element of the latter video is lightly painting rays of light penetrating the water. I'm not sure exactly how he got the light refraction patterns on actual underwater objects but maybe that's something work looking into. I think you just need to pay attention to where light is shining strongest in underwater scenes and don't try to rush it.

 

Sorry, that's really the best advice I can give, but I hope I helped at least a little.

Edited August 29, 2016 by PacificGreen