HAND DRAWN AVATARS: @JACOBTOTHE
I drew this actually in December of 2024, but right after I uploaded the images and saved the draft, I went away to see family for the holidays and subsequently forgot to re-order the images and write it up...so this one kinda feels like old news to me, even though it's technically still fresh material.
I haven't been doing as much artwork lately, just kinda been caught up in all the other things...but going through these images and putting this together has reignited some excitement - plus I got a big ol' box of alcohol markers in December, and still haven't even used a single one!
As I have come to love doing, I blew up the original image and added a grid.
I then created the equivalent grid on my paper and put down that sweet red border...that's a nice touch, @jacobtothe!
With the border in place, I began sketching in the linework. I made a big mistake on this one, the same mistake I made on @melinda010100's...I assumed it to be simple at first, underestimating the complex geometry and the critical nature of getting the arcs and angles right. But don't worry, I erased things and redid them until they were pretty decent.
Once the linework was penciled in, I outlined using my sweet sweet Temu pen.
little lot better.For the remaining coloration, I opted to use the only thing I had at the time that can produce those stark tones - the Sharpie oil paint pens. These do a really nice job of creating brilliant colors, but as we saw with my attempted remake of @jmis101's avatar, they can't cover up bad work. I'm still anxious to redo that one, but hope to first build my skills so the next one will come out a
Next I committed a typical Albus Lucimus faux pas of signing the work before completing it. Doesn't technically hurt the work, but I generally think of that as being bad form...even though I do it all the time 🤣
Here is one of my signature "cool angle" shots of the nearly finished composition.
...and here it is head-on.
Next, I colored in the final fill, and took another round of angled and straight out shots, strictly for entertainment purposes only.
This time, I erased the grids and used digital editing to correct the white balance to get as close as I could to the true colors as seen on paper IRL.
...and finally, I did the iconic side-by-side shot. I don't have too many color variations in Sharpie paint markers, so I was honestly impressed with how closely I was able to color match...due to no skill of my own, I assure you!
...and that, as they say, is that! Another one for the books!
—AZL HAND DRAWN AVATARS—
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You did great with my avatar image! This one turned out very well, too!
❤️❤️❤️
Thank you! I agree, I think it came out nicely - I just mean to say that sometimes these ones that appear less complicated in design seem to cause me to assume they will be easier, which has not for me tended to be the actual case 😅
...The crows still treat me like an outsider trying to get in - but they seem to appreciate my snackies a little more now that it's colder out and easier food is less commonplace. I'm happy just to get to watch them up a little closer, so I've already won!
Thank you for checking it out/commenting! I hope you have a wonderful day!
Maybe it will be easier to make friends with this seasons youngsters.
Speaking of youngsters when is your new baby due to arrive?
March 6th!!! ...Although, MaryAnn is showing signs that he may be early :) ...we have everything ready for him and are so excited to bring him home! ...Perhaps I should share his room later on this week, I'm very pleased with how it all came out!
...is that a thing!?!?! I mean, it makes sense, but woah that would be SO COOL! I've adapted my feeding method, I only put food out when I hear them cawing outside my house. Usually when I do, they all go nuts and make a lot of noise, and then immediately fly away HAHAHA but I'll see them 20-30 minutes later out there munchin'. I was thinking it would be cool to bring my baby boy outside and show him to them, was hoping maybe this would be an opportunity to bond with them/show them some vulnerability/trust. I'm not sure they'd even understand the gesture, but I'm looking forward to giving it a try at least - and very excited at the prospects of making friends with the newer, hipper crow generation!
How exciting that he will be here very soon! I'd love to see his nursery. I'm sure introducing him to your crows couldn't hurt!
You promised to redo my avatar 😅
But you are really trying.
It is not easy.
HAHAHA Yes I must have redemption! ...but first I have to learn how to do artwork 🤣
😂😂😂
Alright dear
One step at a time.