I started my weekend off on Friday with a double shot of good news. The first was I got accepted to sell my art at Gen Con in Indianapolis in August. Gen Con is one the largest conventions in the country for all things gaming and fantasy. The second shot was that "Gentle Whisper of an Ancient Voice" was accepted into the juried awards book for fantasy art called "Infected By Art" which will be available later this year. I am feeling very honored and blessed to have been chosen to be included among some great art and artists.
fantasy characters
Step By Step Art Progression For The Grand Vizier's Garden Party
Here's the step by step art progression of my new fantasy art piece "The Grand Vizier's Garden Party". It is my interpretation of a Pink Floyd song. Check out my descriptions for each step below. If you have any questions, just post a comment or email me from the Contact Me section of www.fian.com.
These are the tools I used to create "The Grand Viziers Garden Party". They are Arches watercolor block of 30 sheets of 140 lb cold press paper, Winsor Newton watercolors, Pilot Namiki Falcon fountain pen, Pilot Metropolitan animal fountain pen, Noodlers fountain pen, Noodlers ink, Pedeo drawing gum, Winsor Newton Gum Arabic and various brushes.
Rough sketch with doodles from my sketchbook added. Getting our cast of characters into their places. Places everyone!!!
Transferring the sketch to the watercolor paper block. I print out the sketch then rub the back of it with a graphite pencil and trace the image onto the paper.
Starting the inking process. It is always a rush to get to this stage and to make it start to come to life.
The outline inking. The main line work right before the detail comes in. The grand vizier is getting ansy...he wants to see how he will look in color.
Details to the outline inking. The last stage before I apply color...then the real decision making comes into play.
Masking the characters with Pedeo Drawing gum (blueish color) so I can paint the sky with a watercolor wash. Its easier to get a fluid wash without having to worry about getting color into unwanted places.
The sky wash is added....now I'm ready to bring the characters to life.
Starting to add color to the characters. I started with the grand vizier himself and made him a reddish color to make him the center of attention like he always demands.
Bringing more of the characters to life. Bringing this party into full view.
Detail of the painting process. Gotta make sure the Vizier is done right...he's kinda fussy that way.
The finished art. A glimpse into what goes on at The Grand Vizier's place on weekends and what goes on in my head all the time. Enjoy!