The tree painting is something I made while exploring gouache 6 years ago! I always liked it, so i've kept it around and framed it. I may even try making this piece again with this gouache palette, which was the plan at first. After reading the manga I couldn't help but see this painting differently. (and now it haunts me.)

I ended up choosing Aqua for my palette, to help emphasize the swirling water & ripples. Shirhama is incredible with fabrics & folds in her linework (and how she integrates it with tree branches & roots, which is beautifully tragic) so I attempted this as well. The fabric study that was suppose to happen for this panel study ended up being more impromptu water strokes, which lead me to overworking it, I think. Again, I greatly struggle with this aspect of digital painting; having the ability to go back & forth infinitely.

Lastly, heres some of the sketches! I had recently read Kay O' Neil's "The Moth Keeper" & and it shares atmospheric parallels with WHA Chapter 92. (Also HIIIIIGHLY recommend reading any & all of Kay O'Neil's graphic novels btw!! Very cozy fantasy, queer & disabled main characters, wholesome & lovely stories. And lots of dragons and other cool creature and character designs!)

Anyway, just wanted to share some of this. Any wondering if anyone else goes through the 5 stages of grief anytime they start a final version of a piece. (my guess is yes, we are artists, therefore we suffer) Digital is a difficult medium for me because it feels limitless. (and I live with the cursed duality of autism & adhd: wanted to go slowly, step by step, and then getting restless, impulsive and change my mind over and over, which makes pursuing a career as an illustrator quite challenging...) I try to set limitations, but even then, I tend to break my own rules. I am trying to steer back into traditional work, to keep myself balanced.