After spending many years working as a graphic designer, I’m finding that developing a new illustration portfolio means re-learning my technique. Time to be doing many studies and plenty of failed illustrations, I’m sure, but hopefully every failed illustration brings me closer to something work marketing.
Right now, I’m attempting watercolor and acryllic over the graphite sketches that I enjoy doing. The trick is, not to overpower the sketch, but to build the color appropriately.
As a side note, I’m finding there’s more of a difference than I’d like between what I actually paint, and what the scanner interprets. Someday– a new scanner (not to mention new computer, new software, new house, etc.). That’s where having the new portfolio comes in. Hopefully it starts with that.
Good work! I like your use of color in layers – very warm and yet artsy. Your composition is nice as well – I think the white surfboard balances the heavy use of color on the right half of the piece. It’s neat to see that you’re recording your progress on technique development. When you’re world-famous, you can point back to a log of how you got there. Can’t wait to see more!