I tried so hard to come at this from a different angle/perspective, but in the end, this is what came out.
First came the India Ink and Dr. Marten's Watercolor Inks …
… THEN, I went back to my signature style. (Acrylic/Pencil/Mixed Media). As an illustrator I always look for ways to push myself creatively. Here, my pencil work (line art) is much more sketchy than I typically use. It's a little heavy for my liking but a good exercise nonetheless and personally, I prefer #2 to #1, but that's just me. What do you think? The only thing I might do with #2 is add some shadow to create a little more depth and atmosphere.
What do you do to exercise and push your creative boundaries? Do you stay in your safety area or boldly tread out of your comfort zone? How do you evolve?
12 comments:
Leezy:
This looks great! I like the perspective & your response. I was afraid I'd limited the topic too much but everyone does have their own take on it. As far as challenging myself, I am very dependent on line, so lately, I use only light pencil line for watercolors (rather than ink)--this forces me to use value to create 3-dimension. I still find myself creating lines with watercolor!
Linda
this is really beautiful - I love the colors and the dreaminess - and the bird is so magnificent! really wonderful illustration:-)
Your style is so yummy!!! Just beautiful Leezy!! You go Girl! I think it came out just fabu. Love that blue background makes the whole thing pop.
Great job!
v
I do try and experiment with mediums and techniques, and sometimes it works well and other times... not so much. But that is the fun thing about being an artist right? =) Your style comes shining through regardless. Love the characterized bird you created in these.
They are both really wonderful-- I see your style on #2, and I really like your technique, but #1 is my favorite this time (probably because it's close to what I try to do.) You show some real versatility and I'm always impressed by that.
I feel I need to challenge myself more, but then at the same time I feel like I still do not fully control one technique and need to focus on it more. And it's always a challenge not to get discouraged if something does not come out right. I'm getting better at this, at understanding that it's the process really that counts and not so much the end result. And that in the end practice makes a whole lot of difference and that it's all good! :-)
i love both of these, but (agree with Monica) a little bit better like the first one. i think its colours and mood are closer the story's meaning. but the second version is beautiful too, because your Thumbelina's and this bird's style are so origins! i always need a challenge to growing (and always need a growing to live...) so it's not too easy with other works and homework... when you feel that your style is boring for you (never for others) and it's too easy to make - and you have to create something else, well then i always like to test myself with different techniques and find new characters. at least something works out and waiting for a new day :)
I like both. But I'm drawn to #1 more. It has a real richness of mood.
I have the opposite problem when it comes to exploring technique. I'm so facinated by discovering new techniques (not that they all work out...) it has been very hard for me to settle on one and develop it--but I think I'm getting there.
sweet, I love the first picture, the colors and the warm atmoshere. beautiful!
my personal favorite is no.1 because i just love the whole color and the twinkling stars and the mood in the piece---really romantic. Number 2 is much happier in color, but i prefer the romantic one---it just me, i guess. nonetheless they are beautiful!
I think both are beautiful & unique in their own way!!! As far as challenging myself, it's hard to resist finishing watercolor illos off with CP or pen as I love linework and adding fine details.
I really like that top illo. The colors are so rich. (I really like red, so that may be part of my bias to it!)
I like #2 best, too. I love how big the bird is in its grand roundness.
I am always challenging myself. I'm trying to "push" my style more. I want people to look at my work and say wow.
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