So, as I previously mentioned, I got a little sidetracked from my "Origin" comic.  I had an idea for a "swamp elder" and just had to go for it.  See below for thumbnails, sketches, studies and at last...the "final" piece. There is a lot of fine-tuning to be done with it as well plenty of stuff that just plain isn't finished yet.  I need a break, though, before I dive back in.  I'm also hoping to get a critique on it, so if I do, I'm sure lots of things will need to be changed!

 First thumbnails with a (photo) study of an old woman's face

 Character sketches

 Large thumbnail

 Final thumbnails with shell sketches

 Close-up of final thumbnail

 Live study of snail shell

 My little set-up for studying the shell

 Photo study of some mossy branches

 Photo study of a hunchbacked old woman

"Final" digital painting

Just a little study of a snail shell (dredged out of our local lagoon by my dearest just for me). Took about 3 hours...I think (I didn't time myself too closely).  This is preparation for an upcoming piece--yes, I got a little distracted from my comic, "Origin". I promise I'll get back to it ASAP.  First, though, I'm going to tackle this totally sweet idea I have...

I've been meaning to mention that "L'Angoisse de Méduse" was featured this past summer in 33 Contemporary Gallery's 7th Annual National Self-Portrait Exhibition--click on the link to view all the pieces that were exhibited!  It was a fantastic exhibit!

Ack...so, this is taking some time. Having trouble with the firelight lighting, and of course the feathers are taking forever (in part because I am an idiot and didn't devote enough energy to finding good references and doing some studies beforehand...when will I ever learn?). I also realized (rather late in the game, I know) that there is NO WAY this is going to work as the second panel--way too sudden. I'm going to need to ease into this shot a bit more gradually--I think I know what perspective I want to do for this additional panel, and it will also permit me to distribute the text more evenly. Sucks, though, because I was definitely ready to move on into the next part.

In other news, did a little bit of work on "Leviathan Queen" this weekend--nice to get back into the oils for a change.  Also did some anatomy studies...need to do A LOT more of those.  :\