CrashOctopus Blog

Another quick digital sketch, companion to this one. Tried to increase the contrast, but also had a fun time exploring complimentary colors + opacity to create the shadows.

I am in crazy con preparation mode again. Anthrocon is next weekend! I have all my “preorders” done, meaning people who ordered small commissions to pick up at the convention. All I need to do now is pick out art show pieces and pack.

I have several step-by-step posts to show you in the near future. I have this “small character commission with no background” thing down to a science.

I don’t own any tubes of purple gouache. I recently have been using a lot of purple. Having to mix it each time doesn’t bother me, but I never seemed to be able to get the color right. I tried different combinations trying to find a good one, to no avail and much waste of paint. I’m certain I mixed the same shade of purple mud half a dozen times. So I gave up and made a color chart. For the limited audience who is curious about mixing purple gouache, here you go. You’re welcome.

A few notes: all the colors were Holbein, except Ultramarine – that was M Graham. All the paints were single pigment. These are all the reds and all the blues I have. This chart should be just as good for watercolors as for gouache. I have concluded that having both Alizarin Crimson and Pure Red on hand just makes things more confusing. I can tell them apart on the palette only because old Holbein AC crumbles into little bits when it gets dry.

Holy moly, I’ve had some of my gouache tubes for 3 years. No wonder they’re getting crunchy.

When I last visited the state two years ago, I showed you some of the awesome geology and scenery the state has to offer. Here’s some more! Plus wind turbines, just because they’re cool. I got to stand right underneath one while it was in operation!!

Shy Anteater by Meg Lyman

4×5″ gouache and ink on paper

SOLD

Wow, I’ve been quiet! It’s not for lack of motivation, though. I’ve been super busy. It’s convention season, and I’m getting ready for so much – asking for preorders, getting prints made and matted, updating prices and signs, and packing. I also just got back from Washington, where I visited my 98-year-old grandmother, who is a constant inspiration to me about how to life a happy life. I’ll show you some (hopefully) fantastic photos from the trip once I get them developed.

My recent trip to Washington introduced me to a new beer, Alaskan Amber. It’s brown and sweet and delicious. Smooth and mild, it goes well with fish and chips (and probably a lot more but that’s the only thing I tried). If you’re in a region that sells it, I recommend trying this one on tap. And if you can, try their stout and smoked porter and report back to me!

Just a quick digital sketch. I love the opacity features of digital and how you can explore any color without mixing, but I often forget to utilize contrast to its fullest digital extent. Oh well, next time!