I’ve decided to make one of these–just a little piece of art meant to trade or share. So then what to make…that’s the big decision. I had three choices:

Work up a sketch
Make a new sketch
Start a painting from scratch

Well, turns out I did all three. And I am shocked to say option number three won. Why is it a shock? Just because I said to myself–paint anything. Try something you’ve always wanted to do. I did and I am so very pleased. A portrait, no tutorial. I did have to dig around for some photo reference. I still have some more drawing to do from reference. I’ve had to figure out a way to make the tutorial techniques I practiced work for me.

So far so good. A subject I like, a handsome young man dressed in a 1660′s naval uniform…with tons of liberties of course. But still, I am giddy with silly joy over having so much fun. He’s actually got a little bit of sex appeal–although honestly, that might just be me and my love for lacy frocks. Nice color palette. Lucked out. Maybe after 50 more I might be good at them.

My dictionary. I’ve taken my manuscript and begun to write a dictionary of all the terms of  a ‘unique’ usage, most of them referred to directly somewhere in the storyline, others not. It’s been interesting to see things starting to come together and it’s kept my busy while trying to decide how to achieve a second draft. I am adding a scene and taking out two more, along with a major story thread–these things are hitting the alternatives file. I didn’t mind when I read it, but I don’t think it needs it–perhaps there is a more subtle way…

So that is what it going on with my work. Painting. Editing. Trying to stay off-line for a while. I need a break from that. Getting more work done too.

It’s really been about three weeks since I’ve done much, except write. I’m very consistent with that part of my working life. On that front, I have tentatively outlined the final section of my book which consists of 12-15 scenes, some of which are already written. It’s taking time to get through them. I am still in the process of setting up the action that will tip the rest of the book tumbling to the conclusion. Some of the things I write really can’t be set to page exactly until I actually get the draft down on paper and read as a whole. So I guess at what my characters will say to one another for now, and move forward best as I can. This includes actions as well. I have several alternatives in my scene notes in case I need a change of direction or momentum. The point is, always moving forward, baby steps up the mountain. I think my first draft will come in between 60,00-70,000 words. Granting space for filling in what can be sparse description on my part and a few scene transitions, I expect the final size of this book to come in around 80,000 words. Short, but a good size, simple but compelling. That is my goal.

On the art front, I’ve been doing a litlte research on underpainting techniques used by the old masters. I want to discover if these ideas could form the basis for a new digital painting technique. With layers, who needs underpaintings. But, I’m still sort of old school. I need to work out my drawing and value issues before I hit the final piece, layers or no. And I hate painting it twice. Why not use what I’ve already put hours of time into? So we’ll see. This is currently available to look at in the Concept Art gallery. A new piece where I am trying for emotion. I have the pose. I have the lighting. Let’s see if I can create a technique that carries the subject over the edge.