Creature Design: Hello, New Orr Kid!

CreatureDesign-OrrKid-Radiari

At long last, another Orr Kid has been ‘discovered’! The Radiari variant is, perhaps, the most nimble, if only for the fact that it is able to jump extreme distances with ease. Along with powerful hind legs, its body is streamlined and smooth to help it cut through air. Its namesake, however, comes from the radial plumes at its hindquarters. The main purpose of this rear crest seems to be communication, and is more pronounced in adult males. The Radiari also has tacky hairs on its feet which help it to climb and latch onto surfaces. It has the sharpest vision of the currently known Orr Kids.

Below is the inspiration for this latest creation, the White Egret Orchid.WhiteEgret2

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Inktober: Week One & Bonus Nuggets!

Extra : LoZ Twilight Princess' Skull Kid
So this year is the first year I participate in this thing called Inktober… to be honest, it’s the first I’ve even heard of it since its conception back in 2009. Created by illustrator Jake Parker as a personal challenge, it has since grown into a worldwide phenomenon spanning the entirety of our social media globe! You can read up on it at Jake’s website, but essentially the goal is to draw in ‘ink’ every day of October (there are variations, however). I’ve already been doodling in pen each day for the past while now, so for me it’s more of a continuation of what I’m already doing. Instead, I’m trying to do some speed doodling, and various other ideas that pop into my head. Here’s a wrap up of the first week, with a few extras added for good measure ;)

As a sidenote: I’ve been posting all these (minus the extras – they’re bonus for you blog followers! ) on my instagram account, for those of you who are interested! Continue reading

Playing with Promarkers: A Whole New Ballgame

Caracal Portrait: My latest attempt at rendering fur using Promarkers
Caracal Portrait: my latest attempt at rendering fur using Promarkers

A belated happy fall (or autumn, if that’s how you roll), everyone! Finally, the season of colours, warm outfits, and harvest is upon us! Speaking of colours, I’ve been really getting into Letraset’s Promarkers; a less expensive version of Copics. These alcohol-based markers are fantastic, and, like their ‘cousins’, come in hundreds of colours… and I’ll be honest, deciding which colours to buy was, itself, quite an undertaking. Knowing my interest revolves around our natural world, I chose my hues accordingly, keeping in mind I would mostly be colouring fur, trees, and flowers. Still, by the end of two trips to the local art store, I wound up with a hefty collection… to start. Still missing my greys, though (using my PITT artist pens for now)! Continue reading

Creature Design: A New Orr Kid

A few weeks ago I started a project based on one of nature’s most creative specimens; orchids! Each little critter is based on a species of said plant family, and as a start I created two (which have since been updated a tad). Today, I present to you the third of the bunch; Phalaena!

CreatureDesign-OrrKid-Phalaena

This Orr Kid is the most unique thus far, setting itself apart not only by its lithe figure but its ability to roll up into a ball, camouflaging itself as a poisonous berry common to its native habitat. What appear to be wings are largely useless for flight and it mostly glides with the help of its tail and loose skin, which is webbed at its hindquarters. Helping to conceal the Orr Kid when it’s curled up, the showy appendages can also make it look much bigger than it actually is when they are extended. In addition to its massive ears and strategic facial features (including fur that will stand on end), it can give off a horrifying appearance when distressed. Its feet are equipped with tacky hairs and claws that help it cling to most any surface, and similarly to other Orr Kid species it has unique antennae that help it taste and smell.

Here’s a picture of the flower that spawned the idea:

Blue Orchid by garden-share.com
Blue Orchid by garden-share.com

Creature Design: Introducing the Orr Kids

CreatureDesign-OrrKid-Apis

Let me start by saying that, although one of the most tedious of courses during my studies happened to be Flowering Plant Diversity, I have a fascination with plants. They are nature’s little artists; several species’ propagation literally depends on the finesse of their ‘art’! But without going off on a tangent, allow me to introduce to you the little flora influenced side project I’ve started… Orr Kids!

Continue reading

Wet Media: A Tiny Adventurer

WatercolourPencil-LadybugFor my first post, I decided to upload my first attempt with watercolour pencils. I can’t say that I’m 100% satisfied, but at the very least it was a learning experience. Faber-Castell pencils with a touch of Pentel Brush Pen magic, topped with a dash of correction pen highlights (another first). That little blop next to my signature? Yeah, that’s supposed to be a bug… Ahaha.

To be honest, I personally hate – okay, strongly dislike – ladybugs in real life (past infestation experiences will do that to you…), but on paper they’re kinda cute. … Okay I admit when I see them in their native habitat I think they’re adorable. Shush.