Artist Makes His Pencil Drawings “Shine” With Digital Manipulation

Artist Enrique Bernal (AKA Kike) has found a way to make his pencil sketches glow with life. His realistic drawings—which range from portraits to animals—are made using mechanical pencils and pens. Recently, however, Bernal has added extra effects to his illustrations with stunning results.

After completing the pencil sketch, Bernal uses the artist app Medibang Paint to add artificial lighting to his drawings. This digital “glow” imitates an unknown fluorescent light source. Bernal makes clever use of the placement of the glare, as well as the color. In some of his works, the artist uses the technique to contour the features of a person’s face and body, as though they were being warmed by a mysterious light. In others, Bernal utilizes digital manipulation even more to add fantastical effects like shining butterflies and glowing tattoos. These creative choices seem to add another layer to Bernal’s already fantastic sketches. The mystery of the glow makes these illustrations pop off the page.

Scroll down to see how Bernal enhances his drawings with digital lighting. To keep up to date with the artist’s latest creations, you follow him on Instagram.

Artist Enrique Bernal makes pencil drawings that look like they’re lit with fluorescent lights.

After completing each sketch, the artist uses an app called “Medibang Paint” to add artificial highlights.

These glowing details seem to bring Bernal’s sketches to life.

Enrique Bernal: Instagram

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by Enrique Bernal.

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