By now I’m used to working on the Cintiq. I’ve spent so much time painting digitally that I almost forgot what it feels like to hold traditional mediums. Now that the weather is beautiful, I only wish that the screen did not get too dark when I’m outside. You would think that with all the technological advancements, someone would have solved this problem by now. Sadly, I spend most days slaving away at the hot computer staring at sunshine and greenery through my bedroom window.
Not this week. This week, I went back to the traditional medium of ink and paper.
At first I was terrified. It’s permanent ink and there is no undo button!
After a few deep breaths and telling myself that if I made a mistake I could always start again (which I did a few times for the following drawings), I remembered how much I enjoy traditional medium. I traced my sketches onto paper, dug out the old drawing board I bought in college, and settled myself in the back yard. Listening to A Natural History of Dragons by Marie Brennan, I dipped my crow quill pen in a jar of acrylic ink and spent an enjoyable afternoon drawing.
Cornelian has perfect timing.
Queen Dragana is startled by the scream.
Lauraliee finds Vladimir and Nikolina have come through the secret passage in her closet.
I only hope that the gamble with Warriors of Virtue pays off and that I can spend the rest of my life working from wherever, doing what I love. I think other than finding true love, that is the greatest personal happiness we mortals can hope to aspire to: enjoying work, so it does not feel like work.
I’ve tried to record my traditional progress using iPhone 4S, but the video is not that great. So, to give you something to look forward to each week, I’m going to create a Mini-ME. This week, it’s Frodo Baggins from The Lord of the Rings.
The Lord of the Rings: Frodo Baggins Mini-ME
Feel free to use this illustration as long as you give credit for the drawing to Mili Fay Art. Contact me for a higher resolution image.