Convincing space and fire

[Duman]

Hey guys, I have been having trouble drawing realistic fire with photoshop. Something just eludes me when it comes to something as free form as fire. Oh, and if anyone has ideas or examples of how to draw space convincingly, that would be a big help too. For example, the stars and nebulas, not really planets. I have a cool idea for a derilict space station and want it as real as possible. Thanks.

[Brendan N]

Despite what IFX and Bob Ross might have you believe, there aren't really any "How to paint [x]"s in art and illustration. It comes down to study and practice, adapting your rendering style to suit and reflect what you are trying to depict. Don't look for shortcuts, the secret to drawing and painting is there is no secret.

just my 2c though

[Duman]

I can certainly see where your coming from. I guess there is no secret formula for this. Well, any advice, tips, examples?

And on the space topic, how black is space really, I heard there is undertones of purple and blue, any advice for drawing stars?

[Rabid]

Well same as anything else, work from life....can you build a fire? ;)
Atmospheric perspective studies for spacial study....

[Farvus]

Three basic things.
- In space there is no atmosphere so you can't use atmospheric perspective to build depth. You have to do this in a different way.
- There is no cold diffuse light from the sky so the shadows are much darker and have sharper edges.
Look here for more details http://itchstudios.com/psg/art_tut.htm#light_stuff
- In space there is no top and bottom.

Some tutorials and advices:
http://www.3dtotal.com/team/Tutorials_2/painting_planets/planets_01.asp
http://www.3dtotal.com/articles/Space/heaven_pt1.asp

[Duman]

Well, in the place I draw, building a fire would be hazerdous to many people's lives, and put my school career in danger. "Uhhhhh, teacher, my desks on fire."
Note:the space and fire topics are not related (the space ship is not on fire, that wouldnt end well.)

I thought the space station would need alot of really crip lighting, sharp edges. Would one half be really bright, and the other really dark, or would it blend more?

[Rabid]

Oh I didn't realize it was SPACE space.....hehe, in that case Farvus is correct follow his guidlines, that's a pretty cool link!

[Duman]

Wow, incredible links there Farvus. I have a feeling those are going to be a tremendous help when Im working on this. Inspiring. Thanks a million.