These are the images I think I had the biggest breakthroughs of the year. I’d love to see what you have to share!
These are based on my own challenges with my art and the many limitations I feel I have.
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First drawing in my challenge to draw at least 5 days a week for the year, a good baseline of my skills as they were for about a decade with little progress.
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Just drawing without a plan, or an idea. Just putting digital ink to paper and see where it goes. This is the first thing I’ve drawn in a decade I felt really proud of.
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I’ve always loved super detailed texture in art but was never able to do it. I decided to give it a go, I used references for the first time since high school. I used an old penny for the colors and photos of metal for the patterns and went at it.
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I really felt confident that I could actually use a photo as a reference for the first time in my life. It’s a photo my wife and I took on a trip to Yellowstone. I’m still impressed with how it turned out, I had no idea I could do this.
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Used a photo my Mom took as the reference, and challenged myself to only use brushes I’ve never used before. Up to this point I only used the basic brushes and I was positive this would be trash. To my shock it looks like the photograph (with a robotic inclusion).
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My last breakthrough, using the brushes that intimidated me the most. The oil brushes seem so cool and freak me the hell out. But it turned out pretty good. Also used a reference as I can’t draw people realistically without them.
In mid January I have my first art session where there is a live model. I’m really trying to get ready to be good enough (in my mind) for that. I don’t want to look like I don’t belong. I’m sure nobody else will think that of me, but I will.
My very first self drawn image that I shared online. It was for the inktober challenge. It’s nothing special, but I always kept my doodles to myself until then.
I really appreciate the positive feedback I received back then. It motivated me to complete the rest of the month :)Looks fantastic to me, a great eye for detail and design.
I’ve really enjoyed seeing the art you’ve posted. Love your style and how you’ve evolved and improved it. Keep up the great work!
Thank you!
I enjoy your distinctive character style, it almost reminds me of oddworld or something. Seeing your dedication, consistency, and incremental improvements is inspiring too.
Thank you! And live Oddworld. It’s humbling to be mentioned along side such amazing creative works.
i would consider this too a breakthrough of yours 👆
Thank you, though that was done 100% with AI. In 2023 I experimented a lot with AI art and had Stable Diffusion installed locally.
This seems like a good post to congratulate you on your progress and effort to improve. You clearly put thought into your illustrations. Your use of color and dynamic framing of your subjects creates engagement. Thanks for sharing.
That’s very kind, thank you!