Last week, I let my Patreon vote on which inspiration I should focus on for my next painting. This is what I that inspiration lead me to. The time I started this project was one plagued by doubt in my abilities for me. I was unsure, if I was unable to see flaws in my work, which are obvious to others, and if my work is unique enough, to attract commissioners on it's own merits. After spending some time struggling to create anything that felt adequate to me, I decided to do what usually works best for me. I embraced a little bit of spite and ignore what "others" want to see for a little bit of personal joy. <3

The starting point for this project was inspiration sourced from Hecuba by Honovy for it's appealing presentation of fabrics. I then cross referenced it with Fumée D'ambre Gris (Smoke of Ambergris) by John Singer Sargent and Ultimum by Karla Ortiz. After a few attempts of building a composition playing the mirror image of a character against them being also visible in the foreground, I decided to go with a more straight on view of my hyena instead. Next I chose to further push the color contrast, referencing At The Water's Edge by Adam Styka and incorporated a similar arid scene and added design elements inspired by a drawing I commissioned from lost-paw. The clothing design is original, incorporating chains to make the wide hood a functional clothing element instead of pure artistic drapery. The chains where then repeated on the chest piece to give it more stability and have the chains hanging from the arms connected to the chest piece to mirror the design of the hood element. The sheer black fabric under the white dress and bow on the chest where then added to ensure that the outfit has a more temperate appearance. Placing the horizon line below the shoulders also served to make the scene look less playful.

This is yet another thoughtful piece for myself in the winter time. When the days are short, it's easier to fall prey negative thoughts. A good time to indulge in some hope; To put what you would like to see of yourself in a painting, so you don't forget that there's still more you desire. (:

Painting-information:
Character's owner: me
Tools: my own custom painting software
Finished: 7th of January 2021
Time invested: 15 hours painting + planning time