Huzzah, my first real piece of Bleach fanart!

This piece was really experimental... I went all out in trying different coloring and lighting techniques.. and I still need a hell of a lot of practice, as you can see. But still, considering, I'm pretty happy with it. Of course, I started with my usual markers for a base, and worked on the pic digitally from then on. The background was the most difficult. I used an photograph I took as reference, and tried to reproduce it as best I could... it was a large pain in the butt.

Anyway, this is just a simple portrait of Ichigo and Rukia from Bleach.. I had imagined them running, all gung ho, towards some random Hollow apeparance, but having Rukia suddenly halt them both. (Because she's cool like that.) Of course, what they are seeing is really up to the viewer, I suppose... but given the evil shinigami butterflies of doom, it must be somekind of mass soul burial, or something requiring it. (Anyone who has seen the series will sorta get it... and if not, then just erm.. ignore the evil shinigami butterflies of doom, and pretend that they're actually evil carrion-eating moths who have a live show in Las Vegas. It's up to you. )

So yeah uhm... *cough* First attemt at Ichigo so.. erm.. his hair ended up a tad off, but oh well. I'm happy with Rukia though. The lighting is still a little screwy.. but I've been working on this for like... 12 hours.. so I'm sick of it, lol. Anyway, I hope you like it, and do check out Bleach if you have the chance, the series kicks ass. LIke, big time. (Uh oh. I smell a new obsession dawning...)

*Done in pencils, ink, markers, photoshop and painter*