Wrapped

For the Illustration Friday prompt "wrapped".

Crab Invasion - Complete

Invasion WIP 1

Here's a sneak peak cropping of the picture I plan on finishing up today.



These are the thumbnail sketches for the picture.



I decided to go with number 3 since it has the most action (boy leaping in the air), though I'm also fond of 1 and 2.

1 has a nice diagonal cut of water creeping into the image, and so many crabs that he is no place to put his other foot. Downsides - seems too posed, and the right leg pulled back almost looks like he's getting ready to kick crabs, which isn't my intention.

2 has a funny action of the boy pulling up his foot after a crab has snipped at it, causing the crab to also be launched into the air. I strongly considered it, but 3 won out for the stronger action and the sense that the crabs somehow snuck up on him.

Boy and His Gator 3 - Complete

It's done! Here is the final Boy And His Gator picture for my portfolio. It's a sad parting, but a bathtub (even a clawfoot bathtub) is just not a proper place for a growing alligator. However, as you may recall in the bonus image, the boy can still always visit his little friend. :)

This picture took me forever to do. Many, many little details in the trees and undergrowth. I've been working on the coloring portion of it since the 29th of June. (The drawing part of it was about a half day on top of that.)

Incidentally, I've been playing around with Livestream, and recorded some of the coloring process for this picture with it. You can check out those videos here. (click the on-demand tab to access them).

Nature Speed Paints + Boy and Gator 3 WIP

Here is where I currently am on the final Boy + Gator piece. I'm working my way down from top. The treetops and distant background details are done. Tomorrow, I plan on tackling the tree trunks and ground areas.


To brush up on my foliage painting abilities for the illustration, I did a couple of speed paintings, referenced from photos in my personal archive.



This was the view from my window at the last apartment I lived in. Photoshop CS3, 30 minutes.



Photoshop CS3, 50 minutes.

Watch me create the piece on livestream:

Boy and His Gator - Bonus

This image is *not* final part of the three-part series "Boy and His Gator". I'm still working on that image (stay tuned!). :)

Rather, I created this one for use on the back side of a new promotional postcard I'll be putting together soon.

Boy and His Gator 1 - Complete