The Little Mermaid
I haven't posted a painting in a while, but I actually have been painting a lot since last summer doing freelance concept design. It was fun to sit down to paint this and realize that all that freelance work has upped my confidence when it comes to digital painting. I've done digital paintings that I've liked in the past, but I always felt that they were 20% deliberate design and 80% unpredictable blind luck. I felt entirely in control painting this. It's so nice to be at that point.
Two revelations that have helped me paint better...
The first: Chop the painting into a few (but not too many) logical layers. In this case, I worked with half of Ariel's hair on the top layer, her face and body on the middle layer and the rest of her hair on the bottom layer.
The second: This one might be a little more complicated to explain. But here goes... and I stole this theory in part from someone at DNA Studios, but I can't remember who now. I'm sorry!
Think about the world in terms of shape, flat color (which can also mean various shades of black and white in something monochromatic) and volume (shading within a shape to make it seem more three-dimensional). Then make two of those elements more pronounced than the third. In this case, I'm focusing on shape and color. I've kept my shading to a minimum.
It would be so fun to see a remake of some of Disney's classically animated films. I know, gasp, hand to heart. But hear me out... I adore classical animation and the original films are of course beautiful and breathtaking, however, we all love seeing a beloved story retold in a new way. Who doesn't like going to see another Batman movie? :)
Comments
Thank you for the tips about digital painting. After that, all that is left is practice, practice, practice. :-p
I don't know if I'll always feel as confident with every subject... I do draw a lot of mermaids. But I feel like I have a more reliable approach to painting now, rather than one that changes every time I paint.
I'll also admit that it was three main layers, with a few extra layers for texture, such as scales and hair highlights. :)
First of im sorry for my English, its not my first language.
Second , amazing paintings, really.
That why i was wondering if you take on work?
Im looking for a artist for a tattoo, and i want to ask you for the help.
Is there any way to contact you more "private" ?
If youre up for it..
Regards
Jules
I do have my email listed on the contact page of my website, www.sarahmensinga.com. However I'm unfortunately not available for tattoo design commissions right now. Thank you for your interest though!
-Sarah
If you get a chance stop by my blog.. rcreesestudios.com
And I don't have a deviantart account. Too many accounts as is!