GOLDEN GINKGO AWARD for w/e December 29, 2007. Congratulations!

I heart percherons! Maybe one day I'll be able to have one :) my 2nd fav. draft horse. We have a black one at work named Jack and I can barely take my eyes off him when I see him! He's so incredibly stunning.

Wow, this is gorgeous! The mane looks like you could reach out and pet him. The details are fabulous and the black background really makes this a beautiful piece.

Very nice skin on this. I think I have to say my fav part is the mouth area. Especially that touch of pink.

Stunning, Opium! This is absolutely gorgeous! The distinction between the velvet skin and strands of the mane is outstanding! I want to see it bigger! -->ok, I actually used a page magnifier from work to view it again. The delicate vein work and the slight dappling on the nose look perfect. shoot!..everything is perfect..I could go on and on. I spent a lot of time here and throughly enjoyed it! Someday, I hope your wish comes true! Outstanding work, Opi. :)

**just found out it views larger when you look at it not using the comment view. yay! :)

(Edited on December 27, 2007, 12:36 pm)

thanks so much guys :D this picture was totally worth the sore wrists I'm suffering from today!

I've never heard of Percherons before now, but I'm really thrilled to see your great draw of this one! He is amazing, your attention to detail is too! His skin texture looks so amazingly real Opi, its so hard to believe this is a draw, simply fabulous! AND..I love it when you draw hair/fur..anything along those lines, you give me so much inspiration to try harder at drawing it myself..thanks for that :D

thanks suzie! :D the mane was actually one of the most aggravating things for me to draw on this one! thank goodness the animation doesn't show the undo's or else the anim would've been twice as long!

It's killin' me not to be able to touch that velvet muzzle. My god, this is beautiful. It has a transcendent quality that I don't even want to talk about. It's ALIVE.

Congratulations Opium! Way to go on this for sure. It is an awesome drawing that looks just like a photo. It really must have taken some skill and patience to capture this beauty. Bravo!

Really fabulous, Opa,,, and truly a technique that one can learn from, watching the animation. .. I wish the animation would also show what tools you used and how you use layers, because I can see the difference from you using an airbrush instead of the blur tool, and how when you drew in your blocks of color you then used the watercolor tool to blend them together. Also, did you use layers to then distribute your delicate color enhancements? Very lovely. Great to see work of this magnitude being drawn here

thanks so much for the GGA and the compliments everyone!

Swan, thanks so much for the lovely compliments :) I mostly always use pen, watercolor, and airbrush. I'm rather anti-soft/blur tool but it does have its purpose at a very minimal level for me. I like to use the airbrush to soften because I usually use the watercolor to create more of a uneven surface, because well, skin and fur is never one solid color :) the blur option destroys the texture from the watercolor, where the airbrush just softens it and doesn't undo any of my watercolor brush work.

Usually for pictures like this, I typically have three layers. One for bg, another for the body/sctructure of the main object, and one more for the mane/hair/ect. I did add in one more layer with very low opacity to add some purples and yellows to the skin because the yellowish mane didn't mesh with the stark grey skin. I'll sometimes do that for skin too, just because you can really add some unique shades in like that, still play around with them, but keep a nice solid base. Phew! Ok, I think that's enough of my blabbering haha

Congratulations Opium on an extremely well deserved GGA! Thanks for some insights into your techniques too. It is so wonderful to read them and then watch your animation with them in mind. You photo realism work is truly wonderful, and I consider it a massive boost of inspiration to get going myself! Well Done! :D

Wow Opi! This leaves me speechless! A highly deserved GGA! Congratulations! This needs to be displayed in frame! Simply breathtaking due to your amazing skill and talent!

Opi, Congrats. this is a MOST beauteous piece of work alright!!

its perfect! Being a horse lover myself I have to say this is one of the best paintings of horses I've ever seen. You've not only captures the beauty and grace of its figure but also some of that noble percheron spirit. Nicely done!

So beautiful Opium! The queen of fur is drawing again! I don't know what else to say, it is so good.

Stunning! My gosh this is beyond words. I'm loving this drawing very much. I'm blown away at how beautiful and perfect the coloring and real this looks.

I actually thought this would be an easy rose because of the lack of the petals that show. Boy was I fooled. Ha Ha! Good learning experience though. This should actually be in Studio 2. I don't know what possessed me to put it in Studio 3. Grace could you please move it? (Edited on June 5, 2010, 12:54 am)

The texture and luminescence are so beautiful. I love those areas where the petals overlap and the amount of light coming through changes.

Beautifully soft and bright. Nice work!

Thank you very much. As you both probably already know, I could draw flowers forever. And I love, love, love bright colors. It is funny how sometimes something looks like one solid color then you get in closer and see the other colors that actually make up the main color. So interesting to me. LOL

wow! This one is gorgeous. Well done! :)

Thanks Sunny! Glad you like it. :)

I worked on this for such a long time that I got to that stage where I couldn't bring myself to do more with it but didn't feel it was quite finished. I was at that place where I literally couldn't SEE it anymore. Looked at it for the first time in quite awhile yesterday and thought I might do some finishing touches on it. Not sure. Regardless, I do want it to have a home here as it is the most ambitious drawing I've undertaken and I did draw it using shi painter here at Ginkgo.

I honestly think this is the most incredible drawing I have ever seen. To me it looked finished before, but I am not the artist that did this and I know how it is when you look at something for a long time. I do notice that it is brighter and more vibrant now. Other than that I don't notice any other changes, but I don't have a photographic memory so it is hard for me to tell. I am so glad you brought this back Grace, this is my all-time favorite piece of yours.

I'm really glad you brought this piece back up... sometimes it's good to be reminded of the high level of work that can be done on this site. I can't specifically point out any changes either, but I do appreciate the flower in the bottom-middle. That's a fine use of the pressure tool on our tablet in action, I b'lieve.

This is my all-time favorite on this site, I love everything about it. I'm glad you brought it back up. It really is gorgeous.

You really did Mucha proud with this. Such an amazing achievement.

Simply divine....what amazing skill you have, Grace. It's an honor and a pleasure to view your work!

Wow, that's absolutely gorgeous. I love the fabric.

:) I've really missed this one

So rich and sumptuous..thats what this is to me. I have a feeling the extra touching up was on the material in the lower half of this painting.. (I think..lol) I don't think the red silk was quite as defined as it looks to be now. You have such patience to work away on this, I always think I love detail in my own work, but this is just something else altogether. The lighting and your dodge work are so delicate that they look so natural. Getting the texture of the silken dress and the red material is simply amazing..I too with the others am very happy to see her back with us. :D

I didn't know she was missing! But where ever she was, she's home now. I think I wondered if you would do anything with this when you posted it. My apple printed really well at 4x7. I bet this would look so beautiful matted and framed.

This is just beyond belief! I'm awe struck and amazed at the amount of detail. Beautiful!

I love the colours in this,Such a warm glow eminates from it.Beautiful details on the border Nicely done Grace

Wow this is just beautiful, I am in awe. speechless, jaw drop gorgeous.

I love this so much. I just happened to pop in this evening and there she was. I could never get tired of looking at this. Enchanting!

Yes, this is an amazing piece of work, for sure and it's nice to look at it again. You know, I bought a book of his work because of this. Thank you. :)

Aw, you guys made me smile. Thanks.

The great Alan Rickman in.. well you should all know what series of books this movie is based on.

WOW! Goodness me, I totally love this Brian! The colours, the expression, the foreshortening, the lighting, the material folds, and such an atmospheric background to complete this! All utterly wonderful! Looks like you used oils, amazing. :D

I've gotta say I am a dork and loooove the harry potter series :) very nice likeness!

I think this is the most beautiful drawing I've seen of yours yet, Dante. I LOVE it!!! Really like Alan Rickman.

=O FABULOUS!! <--I wish my font was bigger! This is amazingly good, Dante! I have to reiterate what grace said..one of, if not your best yet, I think. I love everything about it, but I like the touch of pink in is back hand. That shift in color gives the feeling of something very sinister out of view. Nice to see this, Dante! :)

Dude. This is extraordinairy. I watched the animation 3x. I'm totally blown away. It should be hanging in JK Rowlings mansion and maybe be a movie poster for the next half blood prince story! You are a master artist.

This is incredible, the darkness of this draws me right into the painting. Glad to see such awesome work from you Dante.

ref You might wanna watch the animation. For me this was an exercise in balance. note individually the white, blue, and red. Her torso is too long. I may change it later.

This leaves much to the imagination!! The main figure's expression is interesting, the veteran perhaps of the show? That "you've got to be kidding" look of indignation? Maybe just a good listener. I don't know, but the colors are my favorite part. The yellow highlights are wonderful on the far figure, the gilded makeup mirror of another time. The atmosphere is wonderful too. The show must go on! Love your style of painting, swan. This it fantastic and her body, to me, seems just right for being in the forefront like she is. Will spend time with the animation tomorrow.

Too bad you had to scrap that first face. The gas mask in the interim was sort of perfect and threw me into WWII Germany cabaret for a moment. This reminds me of a Lautrec for the style (both elegant and earthy in their natural and relaxed ease of pose), subject matter (giving the viewer a sense of being able to see behind the mask of the theatrical performer--also Degas did that) and that there is something sinister, underhanded, duplicitous or ? I look at it and feel that, if I were in this company, I would need to be on my guard but against what I would not know. I don't know what the red lines around the main figure's mouth are meant to portray but I feel, whatever it is, it detracts. Or maybe, more accurately, it is unnecessary-redundant; you've already said it in a more subtle and satisfying way. Here is an example of a painting being infinitely more beautiful and interesting and intriguing than a photograph. The lighting around the secondary figure and her posture just slay me. There's another interesting dynamic I've just noticed. The main figure is so obviously engaged in listening, conversing with someone we can't see but who is standing next to us in a sense. It makes me, as a bystander in the scene, feel excluded or ignored. p.s. Her torso doesn't seem too long to me if I perceive her head as being slightly tilted forward but her navel is too low on the abdomen. (Edited on November 10, 2007, 1:36 pm)

Thanks so much you two. Geez Grace, your perceptiveness and insightfulness astounds me all the time. You could teach people just how to LOOK at art. I'm really impressed with how you put yourself into the painting and can detect your feelings within the scene. I applied your suggestions-- I like it better this way I think. I didn't want her face to have so much detail, which is why I scrapped the first face and went for the sloppy look. i wish her face had as little detail as the behind figure but that's really tough with eyes.

I am really drawn to her hands, they look so elegant in that pose. You have such an understanding of the human form, its wonderful when you draw people of slightly bigger frame. The way we can tell her bust is droopy and only held up by the bra is wonderful. Plus that little roll of excess just below her armpit going around to her side is so true! I loved the animation, how her legs have so much green/blue in them, even though they are now in shade I know its there. I can't quite work out whats happening with the woman in backs bust..I think its just my perception rather than anything about how you drew it..my eyes just won't behave when I look at her..I am crazy eh..lmao Lovely work, I would love to be as good one day :D

Looking again. You know, the perspective of the makeup bar and the size of the main figure really seem right. Question: Why did you give her that title?

Not sure, Sunnie. After I spend so much time on a drawing I just sort of get into a feeling, and this is the word that popped up after that feeling. And suzie, you're the sweetest

This is a wonderful impressionist piece in the tradition of Degas. There is a claustrophobic feeling in the small dressing room as though the true performance takes place here. The real drama unfolds behind the scenes with these two characters. Here, without a script or music to dance to, the most vulnerable of their humanity is expressed beautifully. This is one of the best paintings I've seen here.

:)

This was done for a friend at Deviant Art. This is a photo she posted shortly after her daughter died. Her name there is Thelma1. Her daughter unfortunately was involved for a long time with heroin and alcohol, which eventually claimed her life, leaving behind children, and a mother who went through the valley of death. I promised I would eventually do this picture for her in honor of her daughter's new life, beauty after the rain, where I hope that she has found peace, and rest and the knowledge that there is a life in the hereafter, one filled with joy and wholeness...to Thelma, may you find only the good things that life has to offer from now on..http://thelma1.deviantart.com/art/Beauty-after-the-Rain-92211293

this took me 18+ hrs, didn't seem like it, but,I think it was time well spent, in honor of a lady who went through hell and back, and still somehow has managed to pull her life together and move ahead, perhaps stronger than she ever knew she could be and still manages to reach out to others with kindness in the spirit of giving..

This is so beautiful on so many levels, I don't have the words. You have a gift and your gift is going to bring joy and a healing to someone's broken heart. Art transcends and touches. Bravo.

A gift indeed as Suntan says......This is so beautiful on so many levels Starz and I cannot think of anything more calming or relaxing than being at the beach and searching for the shells that wash ashore. In fact, that is one of my daughters most favorite thing to do with me on our beach vacations. Thanks for sharing your talent with all of us.

(Edited on September 21, 2008, 7:53 pm)

Really awesome work Starz. I can't imagine how you even attempted to do this. There are so many textures and colors and shapes and each one you captured to the T. Just gorgeous!

Talk about detail, wow! This is amazing with so many textures and colors, shapes and interest. What beautiful work you've done here. I'm speechless.

Well Starz...you have outdone yourself again. My goodness, where to start. Each and every shell is a masterpiece in and of itself. The texturing and the glossy shells are most impressive. It has so much depth. Colors are so earthing and warm and inviting...my favs BTW!! Amazing Starz. And not to mention the motivation behind this is also matching the greatness of this draw.

You are amazing! Simply amazing in heart, and mind!

:o ---> :O ---> Wow.

Such a beautiful, healing gift for your friend. So sorry for her loss. This just makes me cry, it's so lovely.

I bet this was really fun to do aswell! i dont think 18 hours seems that long with all the sh**t you had to fit in.Great pic im sure the lady you did it for will love it :p drugs............

This is just sooo beautiful....I can't find the right words to say....I just think it's amazing how you did this....and you are an amazing person for doing this for your friend. What a beautiful "masterpiece", and a beautiful tribute to your friend.

Touching. Moving. Emotional. Beautiful. I could not say enough to capture what I feel about both the picture and the reason for doing it. A great tribute to your friend and to her daughter.
Nobody can know what goes on in the mind of somebody taken over by drink and drugs. We can all sit and condemn people who take them but the fact is that once they take over your mind and start to numb and control all logical thought it is very difficult for anyone who cares to talk sense and logic that you would understand. Many are preyed upon by the suppliers, making them dependent upon their next fix. A sad waste of a wonderful life. A poor soul that just could not reach out far enough to get the help to pull through. This filth affects all concerned, the user, the family and the friends.

George, the truth is I was so touched by this woman and her strength that is how we became friends. I was searching through DA's fractals looking for a mentor of sorts, hoping to find someone who could give me a few pointers with my fractal program. Thelma has some unique ones that had caught my eye and I went to her pages to view her work. That is when I has stumbled across a picture that she had posted of her daughter the day she was admitted into the hospital. It was such a shocking and heart wrenching picture, that I had to find out more. The commentary that was left in Thelma's Journal touched me deeply and inspired me to write her and send my prayers and hopes for her daughter. I admired the strength she had to post and to share a very private moment of her life, that undoubtably had torn her very soul.

Through the weeks ahead, she continued to post at DA and share, and always had kind things to do and say for others, putting aside what must have been the biggest life struggle...then came her devestating news about her daughter's passing. My heart broke for her, she has another daughter with children and grandchildren all of whom by her writings are her "heart and soul", so, you can imagine how all of the friends she has made at DA rallied for her. I had just come across her beautiful photo that she had posted, and it seemed so fitting I had told her I wanted to do it for her. That was just about the time I was going through my "I want to draw,but can't seem to..." spell, so when I finally managed to pull myself together, I knew that this drawing was long over due. I dragged my feet thinking I had this time over estimated my abilities, but I think digging down I found that place within me, that wouldn't let me quit, and I believe with the good Lord's grace, I found the place inside me that made this picture possible. So, I in a way owe both Thelma and her daughter for my finding my way back to my art...so thanks very much for your wonderful words...and also to the rest of my "friends" all who draw here and share a part of their lives, thank you, for your friendship and the way you all reach out with kind words and deeds you make life a place where there is "beauty after the rain" remember, to always love the ones around you because you never know what today holds...love ya all!

This is totally amazing. Your patience is unbelievable, very well done!

The story is beautiful. I wish your friend Thelma all good things. Stazshine your talent seems to have no bounds. This is perfect.

AaaAAAAAAGH tell me thats not a drawing.. its a photo isnt it?... please? Unbelievable.

holy cow! this is absoluletly gorgeous! What a touching story to go along with it. There is one rock in there that I'm just in love with, but I'm not even going to try to describe which one it is! :P But you must have the patience of a saint. How many days did this take you to do?

WOW this rocks :)

excellant painting! great details.

Gosh, letting everyone know that I am so thankful for all the wonderful comments! you all are great! Opium, I think this actually took me on and off about 2 days, 15+ hrs. Some of it was down time, ahem, cooking and clearing the kitchen, but not wanting to close down the picture for fear that I wouldn't go back, lol, that way it forced me to continue working on it. thanks again everyone!

I am so impressed with this drawing. The feelings and emotions associated with it just shine and glow. What an amazingly lovely and touching expression of your connection with the woman in your story. This is realism at its finest. The original photograph is beautiful but your drawing has transcended it.

oh oh oh...too too too many details! Arrrgggggghhh. Suntan @ Sunday, April 4th 2010, 11:40 PM [Edit] [Delete] I thought of Cate Blanchett..this is so fabulous already. grace @ Monday, April 5th 2010, 12:54 AM Thanks, Sunny. It is from a photo of Cate Blanchett as Elizabeth. I did some research and learned that Elizabeth was 55 when this scene would have taken place. She is on horseback, watching the British navy fight the Spanish Armada. Cate was only in her late 30's when she made the movie so I tried to make her look a bit older. I've overworked it to death. If it were on paper there would be big holes...

Absolutely fantastic! The goldens are pure gold. She is quite the beauty as well. Really quite speechless as far as comments go. I can't take my eyes off from it though. May have to come back after I catch my breath and say the things that are stuck on my tongue right now. Gosh she's beautiful. She has such knowledge in her eyes. Just checking to see if you had been working on this. LOL I really am looking forward to seeing her finished. Awesome work! (Edited on June 21, 2010, 7:10 pm)

I actually finished this over at 2draw in the advanced studio. I brought it over here because I wanted to be able to use a bigger canvas and get more of her saddle and the lower part of the picture in. I think it'll be quite awhile before I feel up to finishing it, though. Thanks for your comments!

It's fun to draw reflections. There's a bend in the road near where we live where, when we're out walking and it's been raining, the street is transformed by the reflections on the asphalt. I have to try to paint it one of these days.

You should paint that bend in the road..if it turns out anything like this, wow.

Was going for a colored pencil look with this. Kind of got carried away trying to make the skin look like it has that healthy 'glow'.

she's gorgeous!

Thanks, Grafight! I have been thinking of your words to me about 'laying down colour for the sheer joy of it as a child would'. I try but I am not there yet.

Fantastic portrait! Holy cow.

I don't know that you got "carried away" I think her skin looks perfectly healthy and such nice textures to this draw. Even the tiny veins under the skin are beautiful.

A meeting in the pink light of the Tree of Souls.

Oh my..This is simply gorgeous work grace! You caught the amazement she has when she sees how stupid (in her mind), she thinks Jake is. Beautiful lighting, I am captivated by this... BRAVO!

beautiful, and so purple...

Thanks you two, very much. I really loved this character and couldn't wait to try to draw her, especially those EYES.

Haven't seen it. Maybe all the hype stalled me..idk, some day I will. Awesome work.

Grace did you see this movie? It was a beautiful piece of work that is for sure. I knew as soon as I seen the first preview for it that I was going to love it because of all of the colorful wonderful graphics, even if the storyline wouldn't have been as good as it was. I have actually watched it three times as of now. Incredible lighting on this, you captured her beauty and personality!

Thanks everyone. Yes, I did see the movie, Kute. I really like this character. I'm sure I'll watch it again some time.