Due to financial/logistical reasons, I can't do literal linocuts as often as I'd like, so I draw my illustrations in reverse, flip them digitally, have them printed, and then color them in by hand. The result is basically an "artist's print". I only make one of each. These were watercolor, but I've recently discovered gouache, so keep an eye out for future pieces that incorporate that.
Coloring practice! Looked up a lot of references for the lighting, and despite not looking like the reference I'd say I've leveled up with colored pencils. I almost never use prismas except for hair, but this time prismas colored the entire lass. This here's Yonn Goldheart Afflora, savior of Galantra, basically she's the braveheart of her country. The dirt on her face speaks of 1000 hunts and the loss of her eye shows the extent of her bravery and sacrifice. I'm thinking her chapter should be explained in a short story, yes? For legends get passed along in story over fire and wine!
Watercolor and India Ink on Yupo paper. If there is any single way to let go of detail and think simply, it is by using watercolor on Yupo paper. You basically have to surrender control and just see what happens.
My 100 day project has basically switched over from digital drawings to watercolor. This is a spread in my sketchbook from the transition. Took a few days but, I am starting to feel like myself when using the medium again. Just needed to reactivate some muscle memory.
PSA to not be a dick to retail workers this holiday season (and all seasons!). Working retail during the holidays was some of my shittiest experiences. People become coupon-waving, red-faced monsters that deserve nothing but a trip into Krampus’ sack.
Here are a few things to remember:
1: They have literally no authority. Honestly, the cashier would love nothing more than to accept a stack of expired coupons to get some cranky-ass customer indignantly insisting that “at this point YOU owe ME money!” through the line. But they can’t. And no amount of screaming will change that. Oh, and the manager is bunkered safely in the back refusing to come out and will only troubleshoot through walkie.
2: If you’re nice (like basic human decency) they are more inclined to help you as much as they are able. Being kind and patient costs nothing and might actually pay off. You might even be able to coax out a skiddish manager that *sometimes* has the magic touch to get things accomplished.
3: Corporate overlords. Managers can do a lot but in the end, the retail world is run from corporate overlords through the machine sentries AKA registers. Welcome to Black Mirror, people. If the machine rejects your request then back to the matrix with you.
Scanned from one of last years sketchbooks. Micron pens for basic sketch, added shadows with Koi watercolor pen, and used acrylic paint for the green background.
A quick sketch of a man holding a cup of coffee. This was drawn from a reference photo. Lately I've been practicing portraits. Trying to limit myself to 20 mins or so and just draw the basic form as best I can. Otherwise I'll fiddle with the details and spend hours trying to adjust things. Sketching in ink helps also since I can't erase. Need to get more comfortable sketching faster, but I like the way this turned out.
it’s basicly an ink drawing with acrylics underneath on canvas. This is a detail of the big picture. I photographed it and then layered it with its mirrored picture.
