"A Hopeless Dream Chaser"
Summer is almost over, finally. It’s time for cozy artwork. This background did take me a while. Especially so because I had to plan out the dimensions and furnishings. I would say planning it out took the longest. Despite the large amount of details, such as the bread, once I had it all planned out it moved along quite smoothly.
Hasta la proxima,
-NUBE
The first version I painted back in 2021, so two years ago. I felt it was time I gave it another chance. You can see it here:
2021 version
Here are some pictures of part of the process to start over:
The main idea and composition was there, but I decided to change the background and modify Zoro’s pose a bit lower to the ground. While I was painting this, I was once again re reading the Wano arc. So I decided to use the corresponding outfit. I also changed Shusui to Enma.
In this version of the painting I wanted to play around with the lighting which is why I made two versions, one with light beams on a separate layer and one with my original painting only. I was a bit worried about Zoro’s hair, but I think I made a good balance between how much detail I decided to paint and how much I decided to blend together.
As a side note, I really enjoyed the live action adaptation of One Piece. I really hope they continue making the series. Because of it, I got my dad to get interested in the series and now he’s watching the anime. Now if only my youngest brother would only give it a chance.
Hasta la proxima,
-NUBE
This will be a background for a drawing I did a couple of weeks ago. I wasn’t too sure what I wanted for the background but decided upon this one. I really like the way Dragon Ball makes their landscapes and backgrounds so I tried to emulate that.
Hasta la proxima,
-NUBE
Iko chan has finally been painted. I was thinking of doing a flatter anime style but I noticed that It was a real pain going from layer to layer so that I could control the shadows and the lighting. Then there’s the limitation of staying within the line art which I find to be quite bothersome. I just prefer to paint on one layer per dimension. So when I just started painting, it felt more comfortable and intuitive. Luckily someone uploaded three of the Iko chan movies to the internet archive. This really helped in getting more details of Iko’s uniform. It was during this time that I noticed both smiley faces. They are a good accent to the look.
For the background it might be cool to add some early computer visuals… but we’ll see at a future date.
Hasta la proxima,
-NUBE
This is actually the background for a RE:do piece. It has changed quite a bit from my original try. I wonder if anyone will know what I’m remaking?
Hasta la proxima,
-NUBE
This is the background for a drawing I made last year of Kurapika. To augment the background lighting I had a separate layer with Color dodge that seems to work quite well for both reflections and making light brighter and the surrounding of the lights and still keep the details of the painting.
I wonder how I will develop this technique in the future.
Hasta la proxima,
-NUBE
Back in 2021 for the 13th day of Inktober I drew a picture of Yusuke Urameshi that I wasn’t too happy with. Here is my second attempt.
You can see my old attempt here:
Hasta la proxima,
-NUBE
I think this might be my first Nami drawing and painting. How the heck is that even possible. It only just occurred to me as I’m writing this description. I’m gonna have to remedy that.
After painting Nami I was wondering how I would integrate her to the background. In the beginning I had large splash waves that pretty much covered up the whole background. I contemplated making a matching painting painting with a separate character but decided to focus on coming up with a different way to showcase both the background and Nami. After playing around with the layer effects I ended up using the overlay effect on a separate layer for the splashing and dripping water. This gave my brush strokes a slight transparency depending on how I laid the paint. While I was at it, I also used this layer to add some lighting.
Hasta la proxima,
-NUBE
Now that I’m older I appreciate the Fishman Island arc more. I can see why some people would have some problems with the end message but what other outcome can you really wish for? It’s not so much that one should forget past wrongdoings, but. Each individual should be judged independently. I believe that’s what the starting from zero is referring to. Plus I feel the story is not one to one to real life, so I believe this message is for both descendants of past oppressors and victims alike who whether they like it or not have to coexist in modern times.
One piece hits different as an adult.
I’m now in the beginning of the Big Mom arc again. I’m finally catching up to where I left off.
Hasta la proxima,
-NUBE
A piece I’m working one and this will be the background. Summer is finally ending, so I should do a couple of pieces before we finally enter autumn.
Hasta la proxima,
-NUBE
Here is the painted version of my Mai Shiranui and Chun Li artwork. I can’t believe it took me years (I believe I said it was an idea from 2021) to give this painting a try.
Hasta la proxima,
-NUBE
This is the background for a future painting. Surprisingly despite all the details and characters that I have incorporated to the final piece, it only took me two days to paint the background and the actual subjects. As for what this painting will end up bein, those who know, know.
Hasta la proxima,
-NUBE
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