Looking to Improve Urban Backgrounds + Feedback on a Scene WIP

[worn canyon]

Hey y’all! I’m working on a background illustration set in a suburban-ish city area—not too dense, not too rural. It’s got sidewalks, small buildings, maybe some trees and utility poles—the kind of place where people hang out after school or wait at a bus stop when it rains. You know, those Japanese streets, I just like the vibe.

What I’m looking to improve on:
• How to draw backgrounds that feel believable without being too cluttered
• Blending man-made and natural elements in urban/suburban environments
• Ways to improve the vibe or composition of a city block or quiet street
• Critique on a current piece I’m working on (characters included)
• Any general tips on background practice or how to study from references

Well, heres some images to help you understand what I’m asking for. Thanks in advance! :3

(Just try to piece the google map images together I’m sorry okay? :p)

[worn canyon]

Yes, this is an attempt on making “Bocchi the Rock!” fanart. Not so great so far… :<

[rugged ravine]

Hii I'm a landscape artist who is in a similar situation lol i been watching vids about composition and perspective and maybe they'll help u out

Basic & simplify composition:
https://youtu.be/9VVzCr3c9Jk?si=kJWEiugBQ-yiVi9r
The basic of perspective
https://youtu.be/BYlW8XC0MlI?si=YZNB6q9IPOumJHSS
2 point perspective:
https://youtu.be/9-Y4K4hqZwo?si=sfaybVgemV_jTNg0
Perspective guildlines:
https://youtu.be/upxBGNcryRs?si=XapToh7AIakBYAIN
Perspective hacks:
https://youtu.be/GcXv_scq6UM?si=oGHNYAXmHER0Onv4
Tips on drawing backgrounds :
https://youtu.be/tVynETvms-o?si=Av7Pmv36TfJ4iO6Z
(This will help u with drawing characters in settings)

🥹I can't critique bc I'm going thru the same thing , don't give up! Keep going I know u'll get thru it and get better at it (it's gonna be a tuff ride)

[worn canyon]

OH MY GOSH I CANT BELIEVE SOMEONE DROPPED ME A GOLD MINE WHATT

This piece right here is LITERALLY my first time getting to draw landscapes, I’m prepared for the doodoo outcome already XD.

Anyways, thanks a lot, latea. Best of luck to you and your landscape journey! I’ll be back here trying to improve as well. :p

Time to binge watch some YouTube videos

[worn canyon]

Sooo I just do it and I’ll improve I guess.

[rugged ravine]

Yups it won't hurt to try it's better than not doing anything and thinking youll be pro at it in the first try

[rugged ravine]

Hahah atomic boom!

[rugged ravine]

😢just don't be too hard on yourself!!

[rugged ravine]

(⁠＾⁠0⁠＾⁠) you too!!! Update us on your situation I know you can do it

[worn canyon]

Hello! I have gotten myself into yet another problem

This time I had no idea on how to color or texture or detail the foliage

[rugged ravine]

Ahh i see i can help u with that ^^

I do alot of greenery :] I use alot of green mix with blues and yellowss, I use a brush that mix color together so it feels smooth, I'ma pull up some videos where I learn about colors and painting

Basic about colors :
https://youtu.be/AvgCkHrcj90?si=K3nTu7M_u3QOhdVJ

Values :
https://youtu.be/a0uaqmY04OI?si=bpweLIus54Kb72DO

Painting:
https://youtu.be/0FjjJha7HMI?si=X30eG2--rvGy0VyV

this shows u alot about drawing landscapes:
https://youtu.be/pmdc2zQ9jvM?si=ilO-v3xKHK3y89H-

Basic of lights and forms:
https://youtu.be/bVFI_wDwiTI?si=7HjMA8LcentI_ROj

:c I can't find the vid where it talk about how u draw the illusion of details with simple shapes

[worn canyon]

Hey, if I really am serious about improving art, should I invest in procreate? IbisPaint doesn’t offer importing custom brushes like the other apps do.

Color theory for noobs and composition for noobs really got me questioning my skills 😭

Time to binge watch againnn

Thank you, kind stranger! :p

[rugged ravine]

😭😭ma bad bro .. but it's simplify and I learning by simplifying it's a good way to start

[rugged ravine]

We can import brushes in ibispaint yk I'll give u some brushes that I use,
if u want to then do it no one stopping u , u just gotta put effort into it

[rugged ravine]

No prob we are in same page afterall😌

[rugged ravine]

Use what u already know and add it with ur new knowledge

There is alot more u can find online , U import it in the three dots that's on the upper right corner in the brush popup

My tip is to actually start by drawing blobs and use those custom brushes as a finishing touch ...

[worn canyon]

I’ll try drawing the props, but maybe in the future, cuz you know, I’m still a bit lost on what should I improve next :c

Also, I did watch all of the vids u sent me, not that I had tried them out yet.

Since I don’t really know if I should get the human figure to not look like a noodle man or if I need to get my background to not look like a kids drawing?? maybe I should improve them together? Sometimes I do get very concerned on the process not the subjects :/

[worn canyon]

Not your fault, I might actually be an art noob lol

https://tenor.com/view/bocchi-the-rock-bocchi-hehe-hehehe-anime-gif-27028096

[rugged ravine]

Usually I watch then I try to do some studies as soon the vid end cuz the context of the vid will evaporated lol

[rugged ravine]

There is those online figure shape app for free to help u out with perspective 🧍I can't draw characters it helped me alot lol

[rugged ravine]

U'll figure it out as time pass.. it take along time.. too much time sometimes haha👁️👁️ learn what u want to learn first ig

[worn canyon]

Hello! I have a question

What’s your coloring process like? I have difficulty in painting my picture :c

Well, I tried to paint my drawing in grayscale first then move on, but it doesn’t look too great though.

[rugged ravine]

I paint with basic color depending on the mood I want to give off, I shade with blues and purple , cyan most of the time In a Multiply or darken layer also I don't do lineart haha so a brush that Mix the color I use is vey helpful!

May I see ?

Sorry slow respon...idk why discord not showing notif