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Ok.. I guess I totally posted this at the wrong time. Apparently tons of people are trying to grind D.A. to a halt, due to the problems that have faced the founder. I meant no harm by posting this picture, and was promptly informed after I posted. This will most likely be my last deviation for a while then, at least until the 8th of August, or until things are sorted out. (Please read my journal, here: [link] for further information. Sucks though. I wanted feedback on this one lol. But defending D.A.'s pride in order to continue being able to post at all is more important. Support Jark!!
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Ok... I can't express how freaking hard I worked on this. Today along I spent literally 8 hours on it, straight. O_o (seriously. From 3 pm until like, 11pm... with a few potty+food breaks in between)

Although it's not as good as I had hoped, it's a step in the right direction, towards the kind of coloring I want to be doing. I learned a WHOLE lot with this... by forcing myself to take more risks with lighting and digital painting, and I'm really happy with the experience alone, as well as the result. (actually I'n thrilled to pieces... but heh. anyway.) There are a lot of mistakes that I see already, but it's going to be one of those milestones that I can use as reference, and that I can build on for future pieces. One of the major differences in this as compared to my other stuff is the lighting, and the background. (I mean, it's a similar background to the ones I do.. but I worked hard on the pillars and perspective and stuff. The stupid lineart for that took me like.. 2 hours...) I actually really exaggerated the lighting.. maybe a bit too much... but I'm glad I was able to do it anyway lol. I hope I get better.

Anyway, technical stuff aside, there's actually a context here. I'm working on a story (like everyone other artist on this whole website lol) about these two, and in one particular section, they're on a stakeout at a human ball. (As opposed to an elvish or like, cat-people ish ball lol ) Some people might recognize these two, heh.. haven't drawn them in a while. (Mesushishi on the left, Gilden on the right) But basically, to pull this off, the usually very dirt-loving, tomboyish, snarly Mesu had to go and get dressed off to pass off as someone dignified. (She hid her claws, even! *gasp* ) As for Gil, he's quite used to these sorts of snobby do's, and can easily work a crowd, but very much dislikes being the center of attention. He often is in human circles, to the ooooooo-factor of elves. Example: " OOOH LEGOLAS!! *grabs ears*" (He's a little too popular for his own good.) They both decide to take a well-deserved break from the stress of such lavish galas, and check out the balcony.. that is, until someone interrupts them. (I tried to make it look like the viewer is walking in on them, opening some sort of door, and hence letting the warm, yellowish light from inside the ballroom outside... ergo the lighting work I attempted, lol) Gilden is sort of trying to sneak off, or hide behind Mesu, who in turn, is getting irritated.

Anyway.. I don't usually like to describe my pics that much.. but I thought the bit of background on them would be fun. Yes, that's right, I'm just like all the other sad wanabe artists who just love their oc's altogether too much. *sigh* Oh well.

Incidentally, I printed this.. but the light turned out really crappy, despite my printer being not bad... It looks good on my screen, but I realize that it might differ from computer to computer.. which could suck. So sorry if it's not what it should be... until I figure out proper settings for photoshop pics, you'll have to bear with me lol. I really hope you like it, and thanks for reading this damned brick, lol

p.s.: I know Gil's head looks huge.... the rest of his body is hidden behind Mesu, so he looks a tad midget-y. Oh well. I'll do better next time lol