Excavate a Digital Drawing
Reveal a picture by erasing parts of a dark digital layer.
Time: 15–30 minutes
Use an existing drawing app with a brush, eraser, and layers. No paid assets are needed.
What you need
- computer
Try this idea
- Create a light background and a separate layer above it. Cover the upper layer with a dark color.
- Choose a broad eraser and remove a few areas from the dark layer, revealing the light below.
- Let the openings suggest a shape or composition. Continue by removing more, rather than adding marks.
- Save your image with some dark areas left intact.
A smaller version
Erase one broad path through the dark layer.
A good place to stop
Three openings that feel interesting together make a finished study.
Make it work for you
Zoom in and use a large eraser. If your app lacks layers, draw light marks on a dark background for a similar result.
Another way in
Use a brightly colored lower layer instead of a pale one.