Dog Fishing

So...the program that I used to create this piece, is OpenCanvas. It was the very first program I experimented with 10 years ago and you can check out my old portfolio on DeviantArt that I started in 2004. I don't know why I didn't think to use it again because it's just so awesome! I was fixated on using the more well known and more expensive software when this one works just as well. It doesn't have a lot of effects, tools and options as does Photoshop and Painter, however, having less means I can be a little more creative with colors and technique. Not to say that there's not a lot you can do with it because you absolutely can! The unique thing about OpenCanvas is that I could save my work as an event and playback my progress. Plus, I was always a fan of the watercolor brush. Opencanvas has definitely improved a lot since I've used in 2004 and has the same feel that I'm used to. The price is what seals the deal at $59 versus having to spend hundreds or thousands. I'd say this a good program to start with and build a portfolio.

Enough about that. It's been a crazy week but I still manage to work little by little on my art. A lot needs to be done with this piece especially with its composition. I like my work but it's always the composition that gets to me. I wonder...what can I do to make this better? All comments are welcome.

Enjoy.

Rainbow

Here is the sad truth: I love this program (Corel Painter X3) but my computer cannot handle it. This is the trial version and I am trying to save up to buy it! I would have to get a new video card to run this baby too, but, it's not my main priority right now. I am going to try to learn this program as much as I can in the time that I have with it. My other trial for Sketchbook Pro 6 has run out and I'm pretty much painting on trial software in the meantime. I guess I should start showing you my actual sketchbook with pencil drawings which are a lot more fun to look at in my opinion. As for this piece, it's titled "Rainbow" as you can see, unfortunately, the only rainbow you'll get to see is on the color palette. My computer will explode if I work on this even further. Until next time!

Enjoy!

Gravity

Inspired by the movie "Gravity" directed by Alfonso Cuaron and starring Sandra Bullock. I love everything about this movie! It's a must see. Anyway, this is not an actual scene but it's close. Obviously, there is a lot that needs to be done here especially with the background. Looking at it now, I may have to use perspective on her body and make it look as if she were floating in space. So far, this is just a quick sketch and setup of color (which is looking pretty bland right now). All comments are welcome! Enjoy.

Self-Portrait

Hi there! This is my first digital cartooned self portrait. I didn't use any references and I made myself look better than I actually look. Ha. It's been a long time since I've posted something. I've been going through a lot in my life and this drawing shows pretty much how I've been feeling lately. This shows me dwelling in the past but you'll see me in my next self portrait as a new person. It will be a little more creative, bold and brighter. I learned a lot this past year and I am happier now than I was back then. Since today is my birthday, I look at it as a new year/chapter in my life. My mom was a huge inspiration for me this past year and she has helped me see life in a new way. There will be a lot of drawings dedicated to her coming up. I really miss this, drawing and all. This time, it will reflect a lot of my emotions. I look forward to this new year!

Also, the program that I'm trying out is Autodesk's Sketchbook Pro. So far, I like the simplicity of it. It does lack in options with brushes and there are no crazy effects or adjustments I can make on color but that's the point. It's mainly for sketching but this sort of forces me to try harder with colors. Haha.

Please check-in or follow me so you'd get an update on my posts. Critiques are welcomed.

Thanks.

Enjoy!

Troublemaker

Hey all! Working on some new pieces. I know it's not much but it's in sketch phase at the moment. I'm trying to capture more dynamic movement and play with angles. Keep checking in for more updates!

Lurve,

Dee

Update on Dragon Lady

I swear I created this before I knew about Game of Thrones! I am very happy with the way this looks now (As you may know by now, I'm hardly ever satisfied with my work). No, really, I'm finally satisfied with how this looks. I scaled the dragon to look larger which makes a lot of sense proportionally and I wanted to create a connection between the lady and dragon. I am making progress but there's more work that needs to be done. It's been a year since I posted the original but I've been working on this in batches. Now that I have more free time, I can finally get my work completed. I hope you all enjoy this!

Thanks,

Dee Marie

The Uninvited Guest - Progress

Here is another update. I am slowly working on my illustrations day by day. This on is actually one of my favorites and I kind of want to make it a surprise so I'm only showing a little bit of it.

Let me know what you think! I would appreciate any comments. Thank you.

Fountain update

Hey all. I think this is self explanatory. Basically, I didn't feel like the man's face in the old version looked scared enough. I'm still working on it though, having problems with his lips. Little by little I'll get all of these done. I was working on this before work. It's going to be a while but I'm hoping by the end of the year I'll get all my illustrations completed.

Edit: Update on 1/3/2014

Dragon Lady update

Happy New Year Everyone!

Here's an update on Dragon Lady. The older version had heavy pink tones on her skin which I hadn't noticed until looking at other computer screens. I changed a lot but I am definitely happy with the outcome. I don't think I have to work on her face anymore and now it's time to get down to the details.

It is hard finding the time to work on these with my new job and planning a wedding. I am hoping to finish everything in this blog by the end of the year. That is my goal!