Composed

On the heels of that last painting session, I was a little hesitant to pick up a brush again. After a little talk with myself, art resumed as usual. This is the result.

I have spent some time reading about how habits are formed and broken. Subconsciously, I think it's my brain trying to break free of some of bad habits holding it back. Long story short: I have exchanged "hit snooze alarm three times" for "you have thirty minutes to draw something". I was able to make a pretty decent portrait drawing (which I think will be tomorrow's painting) and remind myself that I am not, in fact, the worst artist in the world.

The painting above is a character from the Disgaea video game series by Nippon Ichi Software. I used a picture from a strategy guide to create a model out of Sculpey clay, which allowed me to draw the character from a different angle and position. I used a light table to replicate the figure and transfer the whole drawing to watercolor paper. From there, I experimented with atmospheric perspective techniques; mixing one color and making it progressively lighter for the figures in the back. I would consider the painting a success for the most part; though I would be happier if that Prinny on the left, just behind the main one, were a tad lighter.

Lastly, I tried out a new masking technique that should be faster, easier, more accurate, and less destructive to my paper. I have a feeling that I will be sharing that technique soon. Until then...