CrashOctopus Blog

Incredulous Owl by Meg Lyman

Gouache on ACEO

$30 – e-mail to purchase

So apparently owls are now a thing. Not sure how long it will last, but they’ve been all over the stores – as earrings, on shirts, as stuffed animals, on towels, in artwork – you name it. I think it’s partially because the owl shape lends itself to stylization and is still instantly recognizable. Here are a few examples:

There is a brewery in Japan, Hitachino Nest, that has an adorable owl as its mascot. I posted about their Hitachino Stout several years ago, and just recently tried their Sweet Stout, which is a milk stout. Delicious, as milk stouts usually are.

Isn’t it cute?

Because of all this owl hype, I thought now would be a good time to finally do the tribute to the Hitachino owl I’ve been wanting to do. I used the opportunity to try a new color scheme, using flat colors and dry brushing. It was a fun experiement!

This was fun to do! Commission, 11×14″ gouache and ink.

Angry Derp Kangaroo by Meg Lyman

Gouache and ink on ACEO

I know they’re not supposed to have legs. Or tails. But you can’t have a kangaroo without the feets! Feet inhibit its ability to roll, true, but instead it hops when startled. Shuddering structure… eyes bulge in worry… nervous… hops into abyss… SPLAT! 5000 points

Hugtopus by Meg Lyman

Gouache and ink on ACEO

Commission!

Angry Derp Shark by Meg Lyman

Gouache and ink on illustration board

Of all the derps, this one made me giggle the most. For a whole day. I like him.

Angry Derp Moose by Meg Lyman

Gouache and ink on ACEO

8×10″ gouache and ink on Canson paper

You all have been patiently waiting for more cephalopods, so here you go.

Angry Derp Hippo by Meg Lyman

Gouache and ink on ACEO

One of my favorites so far…

Angry Derp Chicken by Meg Lyman

Gouache and ink on ACEO

I didn’t do a turkey… Happy Thanksgiving to my USA friends!

Angry Derp  Owl by Meg Lyman

Gouache and ink on ACEO

It’s a bird! But it looks like a pig! SO CONFUSED

Really, this was a color experiment. I got a new tube of cobalt turquoise gouache and now I want to paint everything cyan. The scan sucks; the color looks much better in real life. Slightly greener. Anyway, I experimented with complimentary colors and had a lot of fun with it. I also did a new color chart with some new tubes (trying to fill out my Yurmby palette) and will post the results soon.