Some Pictures from Chincoteague and Assateague

I have put some of these pictures up on Society6. I'm adding more today if anyone is interested.

Creating References for Fantasy Art

For the past couple of weeks, I have been working on recreating my drawing final in oils. I'm nearing the final detailing phase and that means creating more references and taking photos. 

I started out with a shoebox lid and kinetic sand. I added in the glass beads that I used in the diorama that created the stone structures. I used the beads to form the altar-like structure in my painting that the runic markings would surround.

I chose kinetic sand because it's reusable and easy to clean up. Plus you can get it in different colors (they have glitter!) if you have trouble visualizing what your eventual piece will look like in the end when using the natural color that I've used. And it's fun to play with too.

I carved the runic markings in the sand using an Xacto knife. There was a bit of a learning curve when it came to writing in the sand - it kept collapsing in on itself the first couple of times I tried. I eventually got the hang of it and was able to get the runes to where I wanted them.

The next step was to take as many reference photos it took for me to be satisfied. It turned out to be around fifteen this time. Taking that many photos allows you to play around with composition and to see what reads the best. The pictures below show how different angles of the same object can change how you perceive it.

If you are creating a fantasy art piece (especially landscapes) I highly recommend building a diorama of your space before you start drawing. It helps transfer an image in your head into something more concrete. Having something concrete to draw from helps keep you organized while drawing. Once you have to basic structures down, you can always abstract them and make it your own.

Studio Update and Etsy Coupon

Greetings all! I hope you're having a great day. Today I'm in the studio bouncing between horses and paintings.

Both horses are portraits of Chincoteague ponies and have just been sealed. The larger one is a portrait of Poco's Starry Night and the little one is the beginning stages of a portrait Got Milk. 

I have a ton of body models that are itching for a new coat. Does anyone have any requests for models for the Feather Fund auction? I'm already planning on doing Diamond Jewel's foal, but am not sure who else I want to do. 

On the other side of my studio, I have this oil painting going. It's a version of my drawing final from this semester. I am in the process if adding in markings so the rocks resemble a gemstone like Tigers Eye. 

On a side note - I've discovered an incredibly useful tool - a natural rubber pick up. It picks up the little pieces of eraser that likes to stay stuck in your canvas. I don't know why I haven't used it until now, I've had it since I got my foundation kit at the beginning of the year. But now I know. 

And now for the Etsy Coupon - use HELLOSUNSHINE between now and June 11 to get 25% off of your purchase at Gyrfalcon Studios.