Illustration & Concept

Fall 2023

Having established a foundation in traditional painting techniques beforehand, delving into Adobe Photoshop revealed a vast array of tools and techniques that significantly expanded my skillset. Throughout this period, I delved into concepts such as lighting, masking, layer organization, utilizing diverse brush sets, mastering compositing hierarchies, and leveraging various technical conveniences.

digital illustration of a Valero gas station in the heat of the day. Some clouds shown on the right-hand side.

Castro, Gabriella. Time Study: Valero Gas Station Midday in College Station, TX. 2023. Digital illustration in Photoshop. 9" x 12".

digital illustration of a lit up Valero gas station in the evening of an overcast night. Dark grey clouds roll overhead on the right-hand side.

Castro, Gabriella. Time Study: Valero Gas Station Evening in College Station, TX. 2023. Digital illustration in Photoshop. 9" x 12".

digital illustration of a lit up Valero gas station in the dead of night . Starry night sky can be scene in the background.

digital illustration of a plastic A&M tumber, a metal A&M tumbler, and a ceramic A&M maroon mug highlighting the various materials.

digital illustation of four objects in gray scale.

Castro, Gabriella. Material Study: Drink Maroon. 2023. Digital illustration in Photoshop. 12" x 12".

Castro, Gabriella. Grayscale Study. 2023. Digital illustration in Photoshop. 12" x 12".

digital illustration of a light study using a lion-shaped pencil holder.

Castro, Gabriella. Light Study: Illuminating Lions. 2023. Digital illustration in Photoshop. 12" x 24".

numerous thumbnails of varying artwork and photographs with a side digital thumbnail illustration in gray scale, focusing on highlights, middle tones, and shadows.

Castro, Gabriella. Grayscale Sampling Study: Various Artists. 2023. Digital illustration in Photoshop. 18" x 24".

Castro, Gabriella. Time Study: Valero Gas Station Night in College Station, TX. 2023. Digital illustration in Photoshop. 9" x 12".

Concept Art

When approaching concepts, it is best to focus on the overall, basic geometric shapes, allowing 3 or 4 varying intensities of grey. While it is a concept, each line stroke matters.

digital concept illustation of a sporty spider-like vehicle in gray scale and rough outlines.

Castro, Gabriella. Mechanical Study: Spider. 2022. Digital illustration in Photoshop. 11" x 17".

digital concept illustration of a 2002 Dodge Dakota in gray scale

Castro, Gabriella. Mechanical Study: 2002 Dodge Dakota. 2022. Digital illustration in Photoshop. 11" x 17".

digital concept illustration of an ATV in grayscale with the reference image in the top left

Castro, Gabriella. Mechanical Study: ATV. 2022. Digital illustration in Photoshop. 11" x 17".

digital concept illustration of a 20 something Ford F-150 in gray scale with the reference on the bottom right hand side.

Castro, Gabriella. Mechanical Study: 2022 Ford F-150. 2022. Digital illustration in Photoshop. 11" x 17".

digital concept illustration of a Mitsubishi Lancer in gray scale and rough outlines. The reference is on the top right hand side.

Castro, Gabriella. Mechanical Study: Mitsubishi Lancer. 2022. Digital illustration in Photoshop. 11" x 17".

Painting & Other Flatwork

Returning to my earlier creative years, I focused more heavily on traditional works. It was through this time that I explored many mediums and many techniques.

And as of recently this September, I joined Painting with a Twist as an Artist/Entertainer and have produced many more paintings; going back to the basic principles while fostering an engaging environment.