Dead Flowers and Thoughts

Unless you're drawing explicit realism, in my opinion, expressions should be exaggerated to some degree. If you aren't doing a 1:1 recreation, the point is to get the FEELING across. Try making the expression you want to draw and feeling how your face pinches and stretches.

Skin doesn't just "disappear" when your face moves it around --- that's where wrinkles come from! Pay attention to where your skin creases when you emote, and use it to your benefit. It's a fine line between overdoing it and underdoing it -- find your own balance.

Ultimately, every expression has a little bit of push and pull, unless your face is completely neutral (and even then, there are still some wrinkles...). Learning to think of expressions as actions and reactions is VERY helpful in learning to draw them without needing a reference, and in learning how to stylize and push expressions based on references as well!

I think a lot of people end up with stiff or unexpressive emotions in their art because they're just trying to recreate a picture instead of understanding WHY and HOW the face is moving --- and it's a tough thing that takes a while to really pick up and learn. Hopefully is helpful in showing a way of thinking about it that can influence your process and approach to emotions!!!

Also, bonus: even without the lines, the planes alone still show a LOT of emotion.

(Art Print available!)

+ 2022 comparison under the cut :>

The Elvenking and The Goblin King

I would reblog directly from you @lydiacroftart if you post this masterpiece also on tumblr.

Flash sale commissions are open!!!

[Update feb 17, 2026]: here is the sample the manufacturer made!

All 16 embroidery patches are now available for pre-order! Limited edition. Shop closes March 7, 2026!

Patches for the following pride flags: asexual, aromantic, rainbow, bisexual, lesbian, gay, non-binary, transgender, demisexual, and genderfluid!

@alterundying liked my shoelaces :з so I informed them that they were, in fact, from the president

It's been MONTHS since I figured out Strahd's outdoor wear, and I've finally figured out Rahadin's as well! The creeps can now be nice and warm when traveling the horrific countryside~

I actually started this back when I finished Strahd's look, but I think I bit off more than I could chew by trying to figure out both Rahadin's face and his clothing that I got overwhelmed and ran away from finishing the concept. I've really been into drawing CoS NPCs lately (which means hopefully I'll have more of those to show you guys) which brought me back to finally finishing this. Phew!

And to think: eventually I'll have to figure out and draw his and Strahd's canon fit eventually too! Sigh, it never stops... (but I love doing it <3)