Romani Maiden, 2.5″ x 3.5″ Copics, fine liners, gel pen
Her family discovered Nadya had the gift of fortune-telling at age nine when she convinced them not to take a ship that was lost in a violent storm two weeks after leaving port. But she always preferred horses to people, and by sixteen she discovered a gift for training horses. Nadya is number 14 in the 100 Maidens Project and was made for a trade at illustratedatcs.com
The topic I chose from the ATC preference list for this trade was “gypsy or bohemian woman”, and in reading about “gypsies” I was reminded that some Roma consider this an insult. My imperfect understanding suggests “Romani” is the feminine adjective, and I hope anyone reading this post who knows otherwise will correct me.
Spook, 2.5″ x 3.5″ Copics and fine liners
Spook’s mother was the goddess Bastet and his sire a powerful Sphynx cat, companion to a ruling pharoah. Every October, this ancient and magical creature rises from a deep slumber and begins his search for thirteen worthy black kittens on which to bestow the magic of All Hallow’s Eve. Made for a Halloween swap at illustratedatcs.com.
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Reference photo. Cat reference photo.
Hooray, you visited again! Or potentially for the first time! Thank you. ;)
OMG – THe sphynx cat is awesome! THe contrasting color, texture of the skin, and glowing eyes! I have never tried copics nor gel pens……what interesting effects. Are they water soluble? And what is an ATC??
I started using a white gel pen for eye effects (still trying to get those just right, although I think these are not too bad!), and more recently for fine, bright details. Copics are permanent and alcohol-based. And an ATC is an Artist Trading Card sized 2.5″ x 3.5″, and traded with other artists. An ACEO (Art Cards, Editions and Originals) are the same, except they are sold instead of traded. I’ve been an ATC fiend lately, courtesy of illustratedatcs.com. Over 50 in about a month and a half.
:)
These are both excellent Cindy! Such expression.Two certain favorites.
Nadya is gorgeous. She may just be my favorite yet!
You’ve got this look just right Cindy! Dark, mysterious and beautiful.
Goodness, your maiden is simply GORGEOUS! What wonderful work you do. Thank you so much for poppin’ by…you have been such a gem! I hope you have a wonderfully creative rest of the week ahead!
WOW!!! These are amazing! I especially love Nadya! You sure can get a lot of wonderful detail in that small little space. I am loving your ATCs!
Wow – these are both gorgeous! Love the colours and pattern detail on the Romanian girl (especially her hair) and of course absolutely love the cat with his wrinkly skin and big green eyes. Definitely your best cat yet… mreow ;)
thanks for visiting… I love the colour in your work. Bright and beautiful….
I’m used to seeing your patterns on critters & objects, but they are a perfect fit for the Romani maid– right down to her curly eyebrows!
I love all the details in your gypsy girl, but I like the softness of her face in your pencil drawing too. Nice!
The best thing about the maiden is that you chose to leave the face untextured. This give a needed visual break so we can more enjoy the supporting textures surrounding her.
nicely plotted.
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Very unique style! I love the details and patterns you add to each animal. keep it up :)
Maiden #14 is beautiful! The cat looks like she likes mischief! Love, Mom
That cat’s alive!!!! It’s beautiful, Cindy.
Your style works well with the gypsy all those textures really pop out. Cool use of color
Lovely illustrations, and, as always, it’s fascinating to see how your pictures evolve step-by-step. Thanks for sharing your process!
I just love that cat–wonderful, subtle colors and great pattern-line work!
wow! the cat is amazing! great job :)
so lovely. Well done!