Phases of a Painting

 Painting like writing has different drafts. While I personally don't think of them as "drafts" the concept is the same. You're honing an idea, trying to make it better and more cohesive with each change. 

My writing style and painting style mirror each other in this way because I usually get inspired by something. A song, picture, quote, book, or movie. It could be anything honestly, and my brain comes up with what sounds like a rather stupid concept. But to me, it's the beginning. 

For example, my friend and I were binging this show. (I'm not going to mention the name for 'reasons' this ain't about it) After the season two finale, I was having emotions and decided I wanted to paint my favorite character I had a loose idea for it and made this monstrosity. 

My rough draft, as rough as it gets. It took me a long time to appreciate the function of rough drafts, but they are essential. So make those terrible drawings, they help believe me. 

Using my idea, I found a reference picture I liked. This actor has a face for art. I've gotten looser with my sketches. I know the proportions are more important than anything else. 

The flower crown was fun, it's actually a brush so I didn't have to sit and draw each flower. I added more details but nothing major. 

I could have stopped with this, it was the basic idea I had. I posted it and it did better than anything I've ever posted on Tumblr thanks to the (redacted) fandom. They were all so sweet. 

But because I'm insane I decided to paint it. 

Sketches aren't much of a commitment for me. 2 days at most, a painting however can take me days, weeks, months if I'm especially lazy. 

They can also look horrifying in their in-between stages and I found most people can't see the beauty of these stages, but I love the ugly bits.

 

He's still not finished. It's been weeks since I started. I want to add more blood splatter, maybe more flowers, and a possible antler which makes sense with the 'show'. 

I guess my point with all this is art is hard, it takes time and can at times look terrible. But ultimately it's worth it. I also just thought it would be fun to show the whole process. Though mine includes many snack breaks, way too much tea, and coffee. Crying at three in the morning, and sometimes listening to songs 10x in a row. 

Also sidenote about (Redacted) I am regrettably a fan, but because of the subject matter and the entirety of season three, I don't want anyone to watch it because I did. (The older sister in me, I swear) 

I loved seasons 1-2, I am a sucker for this character. And I know that anyone who has watched this is probably going to laugh at this considering what (Redacted) is about. But season 3 was grotesque and over the top, but not in a good way. I was grossed out multiple times, which is funny considering only one episode in season 2 got to me. But they really just threw everything and the kitchen sink into the last one, and it was so bad on the writing side too. But the ending had my friend and I cackling. So after suffering through it we were like yup. 

Couldn't have ended it better. We also crocheted through it like old ladies so the whole thing was comical. 

And I made art.