Thomgirl's Digital Ruminations

Yeah, that's kind of how I was feeling. The 'brush' I had was more of a texture overlay type. And that's about how I used it, and I changed the direction and tried to get it to work, but... I just feel like they're too 'stiff' in some places. It's a separate layer so no big deal to just try another brush I was thinking of instead that gives me individual scale control, is directional, AND pressure gauged (the scales get bigger or smaller depending on pen pressure). So... we'll see if that works better for really complimenting the muscle structure.

Now that I've slept on it and seeing what you guys have said, I'm definitely not going to settle on this one till it's right!

Okay, so... Kirin's got some new scales. They're more pointed, but I like that. I'm also pushing more of the line work with them because well, I like the line work too . I was worried it might be 'too much' but I think it really just makes the movement and style pop even more. I DO have my work cut out for me though on clean up and getting a lot of the scale color to work how I'd like, but I think it'll be worth the effort.

Poor Jackalope... he's been waiting so patiently for his turn to show up and I keep adding in extra work on this guy!

I like the design of the new scales, they're more original and gives a greater impression of having been adapted to this particular animal, but I do think they're rather overwhelming just now. Also I'm wondering if this will be on a white background or a coloured one? If white, you might want more colour on the horn - it sort of disappears at the moment and doesn't quite tie in with the golden colour of the animal (though I did love gold and white combos as a little girl.... like palomino horses )

I think I'm going to go for a parchment look. The white right now is just for keeping the line work clear. This will be going for large print purposes, so I'm trying to keep it in mind for that. As for the 'overwhelming' scales... well... I want to detail them, give them a sort of golden metallic sheen. I might be asking a lot, but it's kind of what I had in my head. As for the antler/horn color I wanted a mother of pearl look. Not sure why, just seemed the way it should be . Golden, colored fire hair, mother of pearl antlers... sure! Why not! Maybe I need to punch up the color on them though just to make them stand out a little more. We'll see where it goes! Thanks for the input, I'll be sure to keep it in mind as I progress on the finishing details!

I'm sure the horns will stand out more once you ahve the intended background in place

Liking the new scales. Look forward to seeing the update once you detail them.

THomgirl: lovely creature especially the line work and coloring. Agree the new scales are the best.
If I understand it you are going to paint this on the babies room wall, and that your due date is only a couple of weeks off. Well you better get going. If you think you don't have the time now just wait till the little one is there. Free time and sleep will be even more elusive for months.
When you do get the mural done look forward to an image getting posted. All the best with you and your little one. Looking forward to a post on the happy event.

So been once again all too long since I've posted. I do this time bear happy news, I am officially a proud and tired mom! Our daughter was born on Oct 9 after one hell of a labor. Since then as many of you are already aware having kids of your own, time has been interesting to manage! I love it though and I have worked on things as I can.

Koddable: This is actually not getting painted directly on a wall (though that would be EPIC, but we're not staying that long in the house and I have to sell it down the road, so I'd hate to paint over anything I worked so hard on) so what I am doing instead is a digital painting and I'm going to get it printed like poster size and hang it on the wall.

I had a bit of a struggle figuring out what to do with the background (white just seemed... bleh) and I'm pulling inspiration from the horse head nebula. Still have some work to do on it, but it's been fun playing with color and brushes on it

Hope everyone is doing well and staying warm!

I'm loving it! Fun and playful and colourful AND eye catching! All good things wrapped into one

Hug the little one from me!

Spectacular background. Really works a treat.

Oh, and well done with that other stuff too.