Filler Faun
Since more followers have started trailing my art tracks from Flight Rising (Hi you all!), I’m posting a doodle as proof that I am not inactive—far from it, I’m very busy. ^_^; I haven’t been able to do more than doodle because all my art supplies are still packed from my college move. I was only able to comfortably set up my digital work station yesterday.
This doodle came about because I’ve been tinkering in designing a female faun character—tentatively named Tanya—for the Dragon Prince sequel Dragon Princess, though with a slightly different creature composite than a traditional goat/human hybrid….which is indistinguishable in this bust without seeing her hind quarters (I’ll try posting a full-body image later; no spoilers on the composite). I was inspired to draw her face after I came across a photo on my tumbler dash of a girl with dreadlock-like hair and thought “Hey, I want this character to have dreadlocks, and here’s a great reference!” So, yeah, inspiring hair. I also wanted to work on her ear shape/placement and nose design so that she didn’t end up looking like an Avatar Na’vi. -_-; This is also a great lesson that even when doodling I crank out better images if I have a references.
Once I finish unpacking all my stuff, I can hopefully set up shop soon for commissions when not job hunting/working on my own art and writing. And continue querying agents. *fingers crossed*
Ball-point pen sketch colored on Corel Painter 11.
Dragon Gate Mentor
One of the best art teacher and mentors of my life, Nancy Dahlstrom, is retiring this same year I am graduating. To show my appreciation, I painted her a watercolor piece based on the Asian legend of the Dragon Gate. It’s a common legend that carp (aka Koi fish) will swim up the Yellow River in China, jumping through gates along the way. If they manage to persevere, once they jump through the last gate they will transform into mighty dragons. This is why carp often symbolize hard work and determination, particularly in relation to studying students.
I am eternally grateful for the wise dragon who taught this young carp so much along the way.
Best in Show Award at the Young Artists Against Hunger Event!
I received a phone call today that my etching “The Hunting Tales” I submitted to be sold for charity at the Young Artists Against Hunger event was judged one of four Best in Show pieces! A variety of artists from local school and college submitted pieces. While all the pieces are sold off the wall at a set price, the four Best in Shows will be auctioned off.
The proceeds of this event of culinary, visual, and musical arts benefit Feed America Southwest Virginia. Check out the link to learn more—tickets and art sales support the cause, too, or there’s a donate button on the site if you are more far-flung. I submitted 4 etching prints in total, and I’m glad to contribute to such a nice cause.
“The Hunting Tales” etching
Senior Art Show
These are the lovely postcards being sent out to advertize for the upcoming senior show. I’m biting at the bit—all my pieces are completed and framed, now I just need to deliver them and hang the show. Then it’s opening reception (this is more or less the final for my Senior Studio Art thesis)
Stop on by if you’re in the area and want to see some great upcoming artists. I’m so proud of all the hard work my peers have put into their works and this show.
Art Thesis finished!
As of 4/10, I have completed my art thesis—I made 24 etched illustrations to accompany part of my previous creative writing thesis, The Dragon Prince.
I now have the time-consuming art portion done, but I’m not out of the woods yet—I still need to get these remaining ones framed and fill out various paperwork, then assemble and hang the Art Show that culminates the senior art thesis. Looking forward to it, though.
Also, funny thing how things go full circle: the megaloceros (aka Irish Elk, or in the case of this story Elsian Elk) in the bottom of the last etchings is actually based on the very first thing I ever drew for an etching class!)
The Cyborg Griffin 2013
This year’s Cyborg Griffin will be unveiled at the Lex Allen Literary Festival tomorrow. This year my cover design was chosen again, I had three art pieces—Tengu Portrait, From Dragon Prince To Human Slave, and Painting Dragon Feathers—two prose pieces—No Country for Old Mammoths and Cryptozoo II—and five poems—Conifer City, Death-An Interview,Tuscon Lightning, and Song of the Ahuizotl—featured inside.
If you find yourself on Hollins campus, copies will be available at the Literary Festival and throughout the week at Moody, so stop by and pick one up for free!
The End is in Sight!
As of March 14th, I have completed 21/24 etchings for my thesis project. Only three more to go and I’ll have all the chapter illustrations for vol. 1 of Dragon Prince!
After taking some advice I got a the SCBWI conference, I’ve broken The Dragon Prince into three portions, tentatively titled Dragon Prince (still the first volume), Dragon Slave, and Dragon Hero. Since the first volume ends at chapter 24, it actually shaved off two images I had thumbnailed before for this thesis project, which I will just put on back-burner or a while.
Chapter 5—Expectations
New etching done! ^_^ 16/22 complete.
Chapter 13: A Master’s Character
Well, after being sick and traveling for 3 weeks, I finally finished this etching! By far the longest I’ve spent on one. Maybe because it was unlucky Chapter 13, hmm?
I’ll be putting my nose to the grindstone to get more done before my deadlines for the senior show!
Art Thesis Update: Halfway Point
With the completion of the etching for Chapter 19, I have reached the halfway point of my thesis: out of 24 images I have thumbnailed, I have made 12 etchings. ^_^ Right now my campus is on J-term, a one month intensive term, and since I’m continuing my etching, I’m going to hopefully get alot more done before the month is done and Spring term starts.
I’ve also started scanning the etchings, which is why these two are crisper than previous postings.
