A bonus painting for Momochi’s birthday. Reference used was from her blog photos. I wanted to try out a cute shoujo 80s anime style. Happy birthday Momochi.
Hasta la proxima,
-NUBE
Dia de los Muertos 2020
Another year has passed… this one was a weird one. Who knows what the future has in store for us but I’m gonna give it my best.
Didn’t have any time to draw today so here’s just a rough draft.
Hasta la proxima,
-NUBE
Miyabi Natsuyaki Birthday 2020
Have been super busy lately with school and work so I missed it by a day but happy birthday Miyabi. It’s still the 25th of August over here though. I really love the recent photos she uploaded with long hair and her white dress. It makes her look like a cute elf or fairy. So with that in mind I searched for a photo that incorporated foliage and summer together. Seems like the reference for the background I used is from the movie “Secret Garden”. I don’t think I’ve ever seen it. I wonder if people will know just by looking at it though.
I hope you have a great year in these coming months Miyabi. It makes me really happy when I find out that you not only see my work but also like it. I hope you like this painting as well. I really loved doing it.
Miyabi references used: https://www.instagram.com/p/CEJsut9FIX1/
Reference picture of the background: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/586875395162024592/
I hope you have a great year in these coming months Miyabi. It makes me really happy when I find out that you not only see my work but also like it. I hope you like this painting as well. I really loved doing it.
Hasta la proxima,
-NUBE
Another year of Life 2019 and Sayu as a Pokemon Trainer
Time is flying by quite fast. Looking back I have been quite busy this year. I’ve also invested in more art supplies. They were definitely worth it, I just hope I have more of a chance to practice using them on this new year. Luckily I have taken cared of the hardest and most time consuming parts left for this year. So fingers crossed that I’ll have more time to create and experiment on new art pieces.
I somehow managed to make it through Inktober despite it all. I think I have gotten a bit quicker when drawing. I’ve also noticed that I can make poses from my mind and it also happens to be much faster. I do have to work more on color though. so I will be using some of the ink drawings and coloring them.
Here is a piece I drew just for today.
And I will begin uploading the latest pieces I have been working on over the past year.
I’ll start with a drawing I did of Sayumi as a pokemon trainer. I first drew it then after I scanned it I printed different copies so that I could try out different styles. This one was done with Copics using Hiro’s ( siiteiebahiro ) style.
Originally drawn on 6/6/19 and painted on 6/11/19.
Feliz Dia de los Muertos.
Hasta la proxima,
-NUBE
Another year of life
So, another year has passed. I put some goals for my self this year, and although I could have done better I did accomplish them. So I will continue to go forward. The future does seem quite shaky and uncertain. But that’s life… I won’t give up.
I guess my goals for this new year is to take things further and accomplish even more things this year. I also want to be more physically active and learn Japanese to a proficient level. I’ve put those guys in the back burner for far too long. It’s time I give them the time they need.
This is the drawing for this year. I was thinking of adding some Dia de los Muertos influences, but maybe next time. Today was quite a busy day so I wanted to make a quick drawing. I really like Yoshitoki Oima’s art style a lot (creator of “A Silent Voice”), so I decided to use her style for this drawing. I didn’t have much time for coloring either (I actually just drew it in about half an hour a couple of minutes before I started making this entry) so I will just do the line art like if it was from a manga panel. I was thinking of inking it as well but the day is almost over so I will leave it like this. Besides it looks quite clean this way.
Here’s to working towards a better future and accomplishing our goals!
Hasta la proxima,
-Nube
Another year of life (2016)
I’ve made it through another year of life huh? This is the year I was preparing my self for. All the work I have put towards getting better were for this year that has finally come. It’s sink or swim now. Will my efforts bring forth fruit or will I have to deal with a crushing de
feat? That is what I have in store. It’s all a matter of my work from here on out and sadly luck… I don’t like leaving things to chance, but that seems to be a factor as well. All I can do is go at it with everything I have and work towards the best. Whether that will be rewarded is still yet to be seen.
Speaking of which I have some news… I got a table at one of the anime conventions next year. This one is for Wasabi. I’m a little nervous, but we’ll see how it all goes. Still haven’t heard from Colorado Anime Fest. They were supposed to let the applicants know by the 31st, but still no response. I wonder if they only contact the applicants that got a table? Oh well. This is one step closer to see what happens with my art in this type of setting.
November 2nd is “El Dia de los Muertos” (day of the dead) in Mexico. It’s a holiday very much like the OBon festival in Japan. It’s a time of celebration where we go to the cemetery to clean and remember our past loved ones. It is said that this is the one time a year when they (the spirits) are allowed to descend to Earth and visit their loved ones. I only ever experienced this festivity in my life, but it was a truly wonderful time to spend with one’s family and speak about one’s ancestors. I’m glad it’s getting some recognition outside of Mexico.
It’s strange though, this is the first year I have ever had a cake with a “Calabera” (skull)(a gift from my brother). Though I guess it makes sense. All my family is living and buried in Mexico so one can’t really celebrate it here in the States.
Of course the cake is “Tres Leches” a really tasty cake that has a really soft and moist layer filled with sweet milk. If you ever have a chance do try it.
We usually don’t give gifts on birthdays, we’ve always been quite frugal since just hanging out together is a good enough gift. But I have made it to 25 so I guess my brother felt he should give me something good this year. And man will it make it much easier to work. My Vaio laptop is no slouch, but once it gets to the intensive jobs it does slow down. Which is why the gaming pc he gave me such a great gift.
I was thinking of getting a stronger pc so this really relieves me of having to worry about that. Just a couple of more things and I will have everything I need to fully create everything I can think up to it’s full potential and be fully self sustainable.
So far this year has had a strong start. Here’s hoping I can continue to make it better.
Gracias por estar conmigo este año, espero que sigan con migo en este que viene.
Hasta la proxima,
Nube
Another year has passed, I am a hopeless dream chaser.
Man, this year went by quite fast… I can’t believe I’m already a year older. I feel like I have to do much more this year. Since I was in high school I had some plans set out for when I got to around this age. So now that I am a year away from that age, I have to make sure I accomplish those goals. One year to make this long Artist Project a complete and utter success. This year was a good one. I made a lot of great progress over all and was able to officially launch this site. I made a decent amount of sales, and got my name out there a bit more than before. Overall I guess I can’t complain over the progress I made this past year.
But that doesn’t mean I should slow down and feel that it is good enough. I still have much more work to do to make this a viable source of income that I can live off of completely. And for that I had some strategies that I had been working on over the last five years. I didn’t make use of them because of my lack of skill and money. But that has been steadily been getting better to the point that I am confident I can make it work properly now. Those plans will be completely revealed as I unleash them. But overall it has to do with offering my services locally, creating advertisements for my college, business cards and a couple of more things that will be disclosed shortly.
This year I hope to go all out and show what I am capable of, I want to prove to myself that this was the right decision. And that following your dreams should not be something to be afraid of pursuing. It takes a lot of work to make it a possibility, specially when one doesn’t know how to go about it. But with trial and error I managed to pick up quite a bit of knowledge on the matter. Now it is just a matter of executing it. I may fail, but I will learn from each time I fall and pick my self up and try it all again knowing what doesn’t work. It might take me five tries per strategy, but I will get it eventually. And what works I will be posting it up here so that those who wish to follow this path have something to guide them on their own journeys. It might not be the best guide, but at least it is something that could give them an idea of what to expect so that you guys who are also hopeless dream chasers like me can grasp a future where you are doing what you love.
Thank you all who have been following my progress and hopefully getting some help with my experiences.
(usually I do a drawing for my birthdays but I have a test and have been busy with other engagements so I won’t be able to do it this year)
Here’s hoping for another great and even better year!
-XERO
SPECIAL – A present to Ai Takahashi
The person who drew me in to Morning Musume, the one that captured my heart with her amazingly cute smile and heart wrenching voice, the leader who despite the massive backlash of fans after the departure of many old favorites still managed to keep the group together and created an ever reaching fan-base around the world. That is Ai Takahashi forever in my heart as the leader of the Platinum Era. She was left with Morning Musume when it was at it’s weakest state, she along with the other eight members managed to fight through it so that the name Morning Musume could eventually be passed off to the next generation.
To me, when Ai Takahashi joined, the group just became something magical. She was destined for greatness. Her voice, movement and emotion all drew people in. Such a combination of talents in one person, could that even be possible? This of course also had some repercussions. Because of her abilities she had to support the whole group, that, to some fans seemed unfair to the other members. Although I can see what they mean, I feel it was for the best and something the group needed. A voice and unreal girl that would draw in the crowd, that for some reason decided to leave or have never heard of the group before. Her voice and performances were that of a pro, and that is what was needed to break the chains that restrict many idol groups. Sadly not many seemed to appreciate the best vocal group in the history of Morning Musume and of all the idol groups. It seems that whatever resentment was still left, only kept accumulating to the point of trying to bring Morning Musume down in forums and such. But that only goes to show how great the Ai chan led era was. Despite so much going against them, the group managed to stay afloat and even gradually started to gain momentum to the top.
The first time I saw Ai was in Mikan ( I know I mentioned it before, but it was such an important moment for me). Right away, despite seeing many cute girls in the screen (I did not know them then) the one person who just had me looking for her throughout the whole MV was Ai. There was something unreal and just… special about her. Soon after I wanted to know more, her name and the names of the group members. I needed to learn as much as I could, specially about her. Luckily for me I entered the fandom almost as soon as the Platinum Era began (I missed Onna ni Sachi are). At the time I was in high school, so some days were rather rough and dull, but I always felt a sense of relieve that I could always head home and watch/hear Ai chan’s voice.
Despite there being a five year difference between us, and she might see me as a child, I would totally do what I could to make her happy (I know to many that seems like a hopeless dream, but I really feel serious about this). But before that I would have to get on her level. I’ll support her whenever she is down, at least, that is what I would do. After all she is my dream girl.
To many people I see talking about her, she can be either the best thing for Morning Musume or a good addition that also happened to “steal” the lines of other members. But I would like to point out to those people that she didn’t steal anything, and secondly, that was only in the singles. The other members had their chances in the other songs made for the album. And now that she is gone we can still hear her voice, so prominent and beautiful. Hopefully we will be getting a solo album of hers soon. Then a duet with Gaki that will eventually span more with LinLin and Reina. And this in turn will hopefull bring back the Platinum Era so that it can bring about heaven to the ears of many once again.
To me she was a great leader to be remembered. One that truly cared about the group, and that truly wanted to bring them all together as an actual family that could use each other as support in the harshest of times and also celebrate the great accomplishments they all happened to go through. She definitely was a caring leader that showed her love through action rather than empty words. Not seeing Morning Musume with Ai chan was just so foreign that it left a big hole within me when she left. Luckily she stays in contact with her fans and makes many appearances in the media. One other thing that makes me feel, yes, I did not make a wrongful judgement in making her my favorite member was when she took time to visit the Platinum Era members and allowing us fans to be a part of it. That type of dedication is just … lovable.
In any case.
If you happen to see this message:
お誕生日おめでとうございます.
Happy Birthday.
FELIZ CUMPLEAÑOS.
Hope you enjoy it,
– XERO
SPECIAL A present to Sayumi Michishige
The story of me and Sayumi Michishige starts off quite simple, in fact this was probably the case for many Morning Musume fans as well. I really didn’t like her… Clearly it wasn’t because of her looks (she’s so cute and beautiful it almost seems too incredible to believe she is real). But her personality that she showed on variety shows made her seem really mean and stuck up. Although I mainly blame some of the “fans” who commented on Morning Musume videos for giving me that impression of hers (I’m to blame as well of course for listening to their thoughts). Of course, at the time I felt like this, I was very new to Morning Musume and was barely beginning to learn more about each individual member of the group. Like many had said Sayu was definitely giving the aura of a narcissist, but after a couple of weeks of cramming in as many videos of the members as I could find at the time, things began to change. I also started to pick up all the subtleties of how each member acted and I noticed that sometimes Sayu wasn’t so sure of herself and what she said. She was definitely quick to recover and change the subject or keep going with the original onslaught of remarks depending on the situation. At first I wasn’t too sure what to think about it, but I began to question whether she really was as bad as she made herself out to be.
Sure enough my suspicions were right, in fact I was entirely right. She was mostly playing the role of a narcissist, but I still didn’t quite understand, why? In the end it was very simple, the entertainment world definitely prefers someone who is fun to watch and listen to, and although many of Sayu’s comments could be deemed mean or hurtful it was obvious that she was really thinking about what she uttered so they weren’t too painful so people didn’t take it seriously. In fact after saying one of those “Shige mean” comments she seemed to leave it open so that others could react. By becoming, arguably, the most famous variety show ace of Morning Musume, she made sure to raise the name of Morning Musume as high up as she could. Even if people came to hate her, as long as they have heard of Morning Musume she didn’t mind it. And truthfully that is what made her so endearing. She didn’t mind getting hated as long as the group was to prosper. Truly a woman worthy of my love.
She truly is the perfect women in my eyes; cute, smart, and nice (believe it or not). Not only that but her code of honor and respect for the group and members is absolutely alluring. She definitely deserved to be the last leader of the Platinum Era and Sixth Generation.
Her beauty is just so … I can’t even comprehend how she could be blessed so much, and what makes her even more amazing is that she seems so humble (this is something I really like about Morning Musume, despite being so famous they don’t act stuck up and feel like they are better than everyone). What I specially like about her appearance is her long black hair, it just seems so natural that she kept it like that. I seriously can’t imagine her any other way. I’ve seen her with wigs of other colors but black was definitely better. And I’m glad she herself took note of that. Speaking of notes, I remember her talking about doing self study sessions of what she could do to improve whenever she made tv appearances to not embarrass the rest of the group, having heard that I just absolutely gained another level of respect and love for her.
In any case.
If you happen to see this message:
お誕生日おめでとうございます.
Happy Birthday.
FELIZ CUMPLEAÑOS.
Hope you enjoy it,
– XERO
SPECIAL – A present to Mitsui Aika
And so we finally have another drawing of a Morning Musume member. This time we are drawing Aika the first of the eight generation. Strangely, she is not as popular as many of the other members. I really do wonder why that is, every time I go online people just seem to spit out the same words, from my experience it just seemed that someone out there started this and it spread till it got out of hand. I do wonder what is with humans and our inability to go against the norm. In any case, what ever others have said I really do like her. Although I will admit that she isn’t my favorite.
If there is one thing that people should appreciate is her amazing perseverance while in Morning Musume, and even now while in H!P. Despite her many difficulties and weaknesses she pushes on and tries to overcome them. This quality of hers is something I hope many look up to, I know I do. This I believe is her strongest charm that many (for whatever reason) over look.
Another thing that really surprised me was that she seemed to have an interest in Mexico! My native country. Upon hearing of the news I truly was overjoyed that a member had set it’s eyes on the beautiful country that is Mexico (which sadly is trying to overcome some harsh problems at the moment, I really do hope that things get much better). And not only did she just talk about it, (information on whether she had anything to do with it, is based on my judgement, only some wishful thinking and deduction) but it seems that plans had been planned to take a concert to the soil of Mexico. They even sent a video where she and Ai Takahashi (which made it even more amazing and filled me with such joy) talked in Spanish hinting of one day going to visit the Mexican fans. The video is at this link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JbCPH94c-xw
Sadly the fans screamed every once in a while so some of their speech was muffled (I can’t blame them though). But alas the members that I actually cared about are now gone, and even then four other members had already graduated as well. It’s not that I would have been able to go if they did happen to visit Mexico, but just the thought that they took to the time to visit my country would be a great honor.
Well it seems I got a bit off topic, in any case I really do hope you guys enjoy it.
And
If you happen to see this message:
お誕生日おめでとうございます.
Happy Birthday.
FELIZ CUMPLEAÑOS.
Hope you enjoy it,
– XERO
How to Draw Challenge – SPECIAL – A present to Tanaka Reina
This is not a request, nor is it for some contest. Instead it is actually something personal. As some of you may know, I am a Morning Musume fan. I’d say I’m pretty hardcore, although I learned about the group rather late. This was the time when the “Platinum Era” was taking place. I absolutely loved the song Mikan, which was my gate way song to becoming a Morning Musume fan.
Reina Tanaka has really caught my attention since then, and after getting to know her a little better thanks to interviews the the old shows of Hello! Morning and Haromoni she began to take a special place in my heart. As of now she and Michishige Sayumi are the only members of my favorite era, which makes me rather sad. But at least they still remain.
This video is to not only wish her a happy birthday but to also say thanks for all these years of happiness that she has given me and the rest of the world. This present may not be much but it is the best thing I can give her. I made sure to pour all my feelings in this one piece and hope they can reach her. Reina if you ever get the chance to see this, I really do hope I can convey some happiness upon you.
I really don’t know how to make sure she sees this, so if any of you have any ideas please let me know/help me out.
I actually started working on this piece on my birthday a couple of days ago, as a present to my self (I seriously loved drawing her). The only phrase that came out in my mind when drawing was “Un regalo para mi Reina”. Those who know Spanish will understand.
Hope you enjoy it,
– XERO
A present to my self
Well today is another year that I got to live. In commemoration I drew a picture of Ai Takahashi as the last drawing of the past year and the first drawing of my new year on this earth. I started doing this on new years, but I think it makes more sense to do it every time I gain a new year of life. Don’t you think. I do this to mark my progress every year and also to make those days even more special. Truthfully the reason I was able to be content over the years was because I had Morning Musume fill me with laughter and awe when watching their music videos or variety shows. The person that really stood out and made me get interested in the group though was Ai-chan. The first ever appearance (for me) was in their music video “Mikan”. That video just captivated me and left me wanting more. It was truly painful having her go, just when I was beginning to know her.
For this reason I decided to draw her, my favorite Momusu.
It may not be my best work, but it isn’t too bad either.
Another drawing that I am working on, is of another one of my favorite Momusus (although I do have to admit that I absolutely love all the members from the “Platinum Era”), Reina Tanaka. This is the last drawing I have worked on this day, another present to my self. And also a work that I wish to present to Reina-chan on her birthday this month. I will do my best to make it one of my greatest pieces.
As of now it is still a work in progress, but here is a sneak peak:
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