In this tutorial, we’ll show you how to color and shade a magnificent Magma dragon. Along the way, you'll learn how to use the smart paint bucket tool, clipping masks, layer blend modes, and more!

To follow along with this guide, follow this link or click on the image below. Once you open the image, click “Remix” in the top right corner to create an editable copy of the dragon that’s saved to your private Artdesk in Magma.

You’ll notice that we’ve partially colored the dragon’s head as a guide, but we don’t expect you to stick with our color scheme. To start from scratch, scroll down on the layers panel, find the layer that says “Color Your Dragon Here,” and toggle the layer visibility icon off. This will hide the section that’s been colored in and let you work with your own style and palette!

Coloring your dragon

You’re welcome to experiment with Magma’s brushes and shade in each part of the dragon manually. However, we also have some tips and tricks to speed up your coloring process.

Mastering the paint bucket

Let’s start with one of our most beloved tools: the paint bucket. Select the Paint Bucket from the left-hand toolbar in Magma, then choose target layer -> above and mode -> smart in the settings that appear under the color wheel. Make sure that the layer you’re currently on is below the layer titled “Dragon Lineart.” This will allow you to use the paint bucket to fill the current layer based on the layer above yours – the layer with the outline of the dragon on it. 

Tip: If you don’t see the options for changing the mode of your Paint Bucket tool, click the gear icon under the color wheel and make sure “Full mode” is selected. 

In this mode, you can click on individual sections of the dragon to quickly fill them with color. Still feel that this is too slow (or that our dragon has a lot of sections)? You’re in luck…cause we have another hot Magma tip. 

Rather than clicking on individual sections, you can also use the paint bucket to instantly fill the entire dragon with color. Still working on a layer under the line art layer, use the smart paint bucket method to color in the background. You’ll remove this color later, so don’t worry too much about which shade to use!

Then, make a new layer below the layer you just colored the background on. Still using the smart paint bucket, tap anywhere on the dragon. Voila! Your entire dragon (give or take a few stray flames) will be instantly colored in. You can now remove the layer with the colored background and continue working on your piece. 

Use a clipping mask to color neatly

To color your dragon without straying outside of the lines, you can use a clipping mask. You’ll find the clipping group option above the layer menu, indicated by the downward arrow next to the lock icon. 

While on the layer you’re using to color the dragon (check this is positioned below the line art layer), create a new layer above it and select the clipping mask. Attaching the clipping mask to your layer will prevent you from coloring outside the bounds of the dragon. You’ll now be able to fill in your drawing without any rogue scribbles!

Shading your dragon

Creating a multiply layer

Make a new layer, naming this one “Shading.” Under the opacity lock bar, you’ll find the layer blend modes, which are set to “normal” by default. Select “multiply” as the blend mode for this layer. Then, select the clipping mask so that you remain within the bounds of the line art when working on this layer.

Picking your multiply brush color

Multiply has a darkening effect on your artwork, allowing you to add shadows to the layer below the one you’re working on. To start, we recommend choosing a gray brush color and adjusting its intensity to match how dark you want the shadows on your image to be. 

Selecting a texture brush

After you’ve chosen your desired shade of gray, choose a brush style that matches the texture you want to give your dragon. We like using the brush called “Textured 1” to give scales a dappled texture, and using the “Thick rough” brush to shade the dragon’s belly. Try out a couple brushes until you find one you love!

Creating an overlay layer

Now, make another new layer and call this one “Lighting.” Then, set the blend mode to “overlay,” which will allow you to lighten the layer below this one and create the effect of light shining on your artwork.  Turn on the clipping mask so you don’t shade outside the lines.

Picking your overlay brush color

Changing the color of your brush on an overlay layer will act as if you are changing the color of your light source. For example, using a red brush will make your drawing look like a red light is shining on it. For the purposes of this drawing, set your brush color to white to create the effect of a white light shining on your artwork.

Finishing touches

Once you’ve added light and shadows to your dragon, move on to giving the fire some texture (pick a softer brush like the ink brush for this) and adding a background of your choice. When you’re happy with your results, share your dragon art with the world!