This is probably the most ambitious art project I've ever taken on. Maybe. But it's made me happy to work on it at odd moments between really frustrating Linux assignments where we aren't given vital information and... growllll
So I art for relaxation and dive back into the fray. I know this isn't good as viewed objectively in comparison to what real artists can do, but I'm happy with the result, it's mostly what I had in my head for this one. And I do think I'm getting better, so maybe someday. A year of making art daily ought to help me become a better artist, anyway. In theory.
There's not really a story here. She's crying, he's soothing her, but she's not bowed by her pain.
Adding Ink to the original sketch, to set in the deepest shadows and by using India Ink, it's not water soluble and won't run while I'm painting. I have no idea if this is a legitimate technique, I just thought it might work.
I started with the skin tones, trying to wash in the shadows without making brush strokes too obvious. It was kind of neat to watch her coming to life under my brush.
Hair came next, I wanted it to be dark, but was afraid straight black would look too flat. Messy hair!
And finally painted the dragon, and the tears. Added white highlights with goache, although I need to find out if there's another way... it took some work to make it 'float' on the color. Should be interesting to see how it works when I mat it.