soic

Recently Completed T. Fiddler Studies

After additional practice, I feel fairly confident with my current procedure and am eager to translate all I learned to the next original piece...

Thanks again for your support and patience,

Jaivin

Study of T.Fiddler's "An Unexpected Friend"

I've admired this piece for years and thought it'd provide an opportunity to test my patience, too, a new procedure; though the colors slightly differ from Taran's, I'm fond of the result.

A couple additional T.Fiddler studies will be performed to refine my process 'fore I attempt another original illustration.

Male Figure Study

A male figure study performed with graphite on standard paper, completed as a warmup.

Homeward Reach (Lona's Melody)

Finally, it's finished...onto the next...

Recently Attempted (and Failed) Pieces

For any concerned, the recent infrequency of art posts is due not to a lack of effort, but a multi-month long series of poorly executed pieces, crippled by conceptual confusion or frustration; unfortunately, even after I found answers to these technical dilemmas, my work continually fails to impress...perhaps only time and practice will translate knowledge to results, though, still, I aim to produce a worthy image afore April's end: hopefully, my short-term aspiration's viable…

Two recent Master Copies (Jordan Sokol, then Solomon J Solomon)

I'm a bit unsure how to improve since I haven't any additional technical or conceptual questions, yet my art still fails to meet my standards...I suppose, I simply need more practice...?

Hindoko Conceptual Studies

A further exploration of the male Hindoko's design, performed with graphite on standard drawing paper.

Project Null and General Update

Last week, I finally completed Project Null's first draft story arc; it was an arduous task, though my efforts have produced a worthy foundation for a sincere, enjoyable, insightful narrative. Akin to its predecessors, Project Null's riddled with continuity errors, disparities, unresolved, unnecessary plot points and details I'll later correct in a second revision, however, the adverse, personal toles must first be addressed.

Afore Project Null, I finished TEOS's three-part first draft;...

Project Null Update: Plot Map Complete

Project Null's first draft plot map is finally finished: in a few days or next week, I'll likely post a more extensive update, though, time, I need time to reflect...

Female Figure Study

Due to my current struggle to complete an original illustration,  ages, it feels, have past since a worthy post was shared, worse, a fraction of my time's wasted on another poorly-instructed excuse of an online course...I simply wish to focus, practice, and work to complete an impressive image 'fore my twenty-third birthday come April; I know, however, despite recent failures or distractions,  all of the crucial pieces are gathered: they solely wait to be set...never, I've felt so c...

Polar Ursine Figure Study

Recent Color Studies

Though difficult at first, once I understood relatively warm and cool colors should be assigned to either the light or shadows to temperately juxtapose each other, I was able to rationalize chromatic decisions rather than arbitrarily guess; hopefully the newly learned principles will easily translate to my original illustrations…

Homeward Reach (Lona's Melody) Piano Melody

Female Figure Study

A female figure study completed as a warm-up, performed with graphite on standard paper.

Though it seems I'm still predominantly focused on standard academic drawings, I've actually dedicated most of my time to improve color comprehension skills; I'm incredibly eager to demonstrate all I've learned once I've completed enough studies and preliminary paintings.

Female Portrait in Gouache

The values seem accurate, though I need to improve my edges and brushwork; as much as I'd like to make another attempt,  I need to focus on a more urgent weakness: rendering realistically with light and color. Once I have a conceptual grasp on how to consistently create proficient, digital illustrations, I'll return some attention to painting. In the meantime, works akin to this will be reserved as warm-ups, completed over a long periods. As promised, I'll not use academia to procrastina...

Hindoko Conceptual Sketches

Since Project B.E is inspired by East Asian culture, I wanted the males to adopt an oni-esk appearance, while the feline-like females are simpler and elegant, yet more intimidating; this is, by now means, the Hindoko's final design, but it's an unexpected step in the right direction.

Kodiak Ursine Bust WIP

Though incomplete, I feel fond of this sketch in its current state; hopefully the final image will share a similar sentiment.

Ursine Figure Study

Eventually, my numerous nude figure studies will be repurposed as costume design templates to provide additional value for Soic's primary projects.

Study of Taran Fiddler's Troll

Words to Orion

A song inspired by many nights reflecting 'neath the stars...

After two months, it's finally finished in time for Christmas; I know with  proper equipment I could produce music faster, however, someday, I may be thankful for my limitations and the fundamental skills they've forced me to hone.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

Draped Female Figure Study

Ursine Sketches

A few more experimental sketches created in preparation for a fully rendered study.

I wish you all happy holidays!

Male Gouache Portrait

A male portrait performed with gouache on watercolor paper.

Gouache's definitely different than graphite, though, for a first painting, the results are adequate; I believe my brushwork and edges will gradually improve as I familiarized with new medium.

I've started to question if studies akin to this will directly help me become an impressive fantasy realist artist when, thus far, they haven't consistently translated to illustrations or original designs...I need to genuinely shift...

Ursine Sketches

With a couple exceptions, this page isn't free of, what I'd consider, failed sketches; it's odd, when I reflect on my previous creature drawings, they seem more structurally sophisticated and realistic...perhaps I've, once again, strayed too far from my preferred subject matter, or've become complacent...

When I have enough Ursine images to publish an artbook, I'll definitely include my unsuccessful studies: when I'm a high caliber artist, I never want people to believe succe...

Draped Male Figure Study

A draped male figure study performed with graphite on standard paper.

Though I could've done better, I'm content with the result. I'm also glad to announce the next academic piece will be a portrait painting, my first since sophomore year in high school; if successful, it'll mark a another major step toward my ultimate, artistic aspirations.

Drapery Studies/Inventions

A few observational and conceptual studies performed prior to a more comprehensive study...

Ursine Sketches

A few additional conceptual Ursine sketches used as warm-ups.

I've become fond of small scale drawing since it allows one to more quickly ideate and assess technical flaws compared to larger, fully rendered pieces; I definitely need to refine their design.

Ursine Illustration Sketch

Though I've returned my attention to academics, I've still made time to sketch Anthirions to remind myself why I study and to rekindle my love for art; I know, someday, I'll be able to color and render drawings like this  with equal confidence and enjoyment.

An incomplete Alexier Illustration

I started this piece primarily to test my tonal rendering skills, though quickly realized I should've properly designed her clothes and weapons first.

Drop/Fly Fold Drapery study