Is How to paint characters & backgrounds ebook & video worth it if you’re shopping in Drawing & Painting?
If you’ve ever stared at a character that looks flat or a background that feels like a generic texture, you know the gap between “I can draw” and “I can paint.” It’s rarely about line work; it’s about understanding how light hits a shoulder, how a color temperature shift sells depth, and how to keep a complex environment from stealing focus from your subject. Mitch Leeuwe’s How to paint characters & backgrounds ebook & video is built specifically to close that gap, packaging a 150-page reference guide with nine hours of video tutorials into a single, cohesive curriculum. It’s not a quick tip sheet; it’s a structured study in color, light, and composition that treats character design and environment painting as two sides of the same storytelling coin.
Quick answer
| Best for | Digital artists who want a structured path to mastering color theory, lighting, and environment painting in one place. |
| Skip if | You are looking for a quick 10-minute tip video or a resource focused solely on line art and anatomy without color. |
| Price | $49.99 |
| Format | 150-page eBook + 9-hour video course |
| One-line take | A substantial, dual-format resource that pairs deep theoretical reading with long-form practical demonstration. |
What you’re actually buying
At nearly $50, you aren’t just buying a PDF; you are buying a hybrid learning system. The core of the offer is a 150-page eBook that breaks down the mechanics of painting, moving from the fundamentals of light and shadow to the more complex relationships of color theory. This isn’t a surface-level overview; it’s a dense, visual reference that explains why a certain palette works in a specific lighting condition. (How to paint characters)
But the real weight of this bundle comes from the video component. You get nine hours of intensive instruction, which is a significant time commitment from the creator. These videos expand on the eBook’s concepts, offering step-by-step demonstrations that show you exactly how to apply those color and light principles to actual characters and immersive backgrounds. For an artist who learns by watching, this is the difference between reading about “atmospheric perspective” and seeing how to actually paint it.
The structure is designed to be flexible. You can use the eBook as a desk reference when you’re stuck on a specific color problem, or you can dive into the video lessons to follow a full painting process from start to finish. It’s a comprehensive stack that covers character dynamics, environmental storytelling, and the technical side of digital painting, all in one place. (How to paint characters)
One buyer noted that the resource is “beautifully made… full of practical techniques and inspiring guidance,” specifically praising how it helps “bring artwork to life with color, mood, and depth” in an enjoyable way. Gumroad reviews
Another reviewer highlighted its utility as a reference tool, stating, “I love knowing that I can refer to this content when I encounter a challenge in designing my animation scenarios.” This suggests the material isn’t just for one-off projects but serves as a long-term toolkit for ongoing creative work. Gumroad reviews
Why it’s on our radar
Most painting resources are either too shallow (a few tips) or too niche (focused only on skin tones or only on landscapes). This bundle is interesting because it forces the connection between the two. You can’t paint a character effectively if you don’t understand the environment they’re in, and vice versa. By packaging a substantial text guide with nearly 10 hours of video, it offers a level of depth that usually requires a paid bootcamp, but at a one-time cost. It’s a specific solution for artists who feel their paintings lack “atmosphere” or “weight.” (How to paint characters)
What actually matters
Before you buy, consider your current pain points. If your main struggle is color harmony, the eBook’s section on color theory is the primary value driver. If your struggle is execution, the 9-hour video course is where you’ll get the most return on investment. (How to paint characters)
- Check your time availability: Nine hours of video is a lot. If you’re looking for quick fixes, this might be too much content. But if you want to sit down and really study a painting process, it’s a goldmine. (How to paint characters)
- Look at the visual style: Ensure the artist’s style in the previews matches the aesthetic you’re aiming for. The techniques are universal, but the examples will be specific to Mitch Leeuwe’s approach. (How to paint characters)
- Verify the format: Confirm that the video files are accessible in a format that works with your workflow (usually MP4) and that the eBook is a standard PDF you can annotate. (How to paint characters)
Mid-check
If you’re still on the fence, open How to paint characters & backgrounds e…, skim two reviews (if any), and ask: would I use this this week?
FAQ
Is this suitable for complete beginners? Yes, the eBook starts with the basics of color and light, making it accessible to those new to digital painting. However, the depth of the video course means intermediate artists will likely get more out of the specific techniques demonstrated. (How to paint characters)
Do I get both the ebook and the video course? Yes, the $49.99 price includes both the 150-page eBook and the 9-hour video course. It is sold as a single bundle. (How to paint characters)
What software is used in the tutorials? The tutorials focus on painting principles (light, color, composition) that are software-agnostic. While the specific tool may be shown, the techniques apply to Procreate, Photoshop, Krita, or any other digital painting platform. (How to paint characters)
Bottom line
If you are tired of guessing at your color palettes or feeling lost when trying to add depth to your environments, How to paint characters & backgrounds ebook & video is a serious investment in your skill set. It’s not a magic button, but it is a comprehensive, well-structured path to understanding the “why” behind your painting choices. For $49.99, you get a reference library that will likely outlast any single software subscription.