digital watercolor will be the death of me ~

[lookingland]

the above is a digital variation on the project i began with gouache ~

i'm really torn because digital watercolor has so many advantages and it's fun and easy to work with and it certainly looks very "clean" (the colors here got a little fugly in the transtion, but otherwise it's very clean) ~ and yet ~ it's not real media.

there's something sad about not being able to hold it in my hand. that it exists only on my computer seems a strange and startling thing.

i know, i should just get over it.

i'm trying. this is why i am doing a practice run ~ to see whether digital is the way to go.

compare this picture and the one in the previous post ~ big diff, huh? both are hand-drawn, but one is hand-painted with actual media and the other is hand-painted with digital media. which way should i go? arghhhh.

maybe if i stare at them long enough, one or the other will demand satisfaction.

(staring) ~

Comments

Self-important diatribe

[annabellissima.livejournal.com]

That is a very hard decision to make. I don't really know what to say except that if you feel like you're using it simply to appease others, don't do it. But if you feel like it really helps you express your art better... it might be something to consider. Just don't sell out (ie. do it for others to the detriment of your artistic expression).

I, personally, have great respect for you, knowing you are such a talented artist and writer. On the other hand, I don't think I'd have any LESS respect, it's just... you don't really see non-digital media online today. I don't envy you with this decision :( I know how hard it can be.

Myself? God gave me a voice for opera, and from the day I started honing it, I have been a classically trained musician. But... opera is near impossible to break into unless you're absolutely, positively THE best of the best. On top of that, the general public does not like to listen to opera, does not appreciate the classical voice. They prefer the kind of voice that my best friend has. Folky, or pop-styled.

In the wake of producers contacting me to use my vocals in their upbeat music, I have been able to train my voice to be folky and breathy and pop-styled just like people prefer, but... is it what I really want? I feel like I'm severely neglecting my operatic training, but at the same time I'm actually scared to go back to voice lessons cuz then I might lose the quality I have now, which people seem to prefer...

I guess you could say I'm selling out. I don't want to... but it's near impossible, incredibly expensive... hmmm. Screw it. If people don't like my operatic voice they can go shove it.

Hmmm... this comment became more about me than you -_- I apologize for being selfish, but thank you, as your post has been kind of a sort of therapy ;)

So... I say do with what God gave you, and say screw it to all others if it means selling yourself and your talent short.

Re: Self-important diatribe

[annabellissima.livejournal.com]

My comment should be greatly taken with a grain of salt since I myself am not a drawer/artist. As such, I actually have no concept of how much effort, skill, or talent goes into digital media as opposed to paper. After all, I would never even think of discounting mistresssaturn's art, which I think is awesome and tremendously skilfull, and yet is in the digital medium.

Re: Self-important diatribe

[geckobird.livejournal.com]

I happen to enjoy operatic voices. Be yourself. I know others that are like me. I just thought I'd give you some encouragement. ^____^

Re: Self-important diatribe

[annabellissima.livejournal.com]

Thank you =^__^=

*cuddles your icon* So cute :D

Re: Self-important diatribe

[lookingland.livejournal.com]

thank you for sharing your thoughts ~ i know exactly what you mean and you've certainly given me a lot to think about ~

on the one hand, i know God gave me x talents. on the other hand, he gave me x tools ~ hopefully i can find a happy moderate place in the middle.

and i very much like operatic voice and only occasionally tolerate folksy music ~ ha!

; - )

[geckobird.livejournal.com]

That is a hard decision... I can't say I have any advice on it. I like both end results. You have an unique and interesting style of drawing and representing your characters and story. You have an amazing gift for both art and writing. Hmm... I feel I should say something more helpful. So, I know it sounds sappy... but go with your heart. :-D Or if worse comes to worse. You could close your eyes, spin in a circle, and then point to one at random.



Hee hee... staring at them. Your posts always brings a smile to my face!

[lookingland.livejournal.com]

thank you ~ ! i do like the end results on both as well ~ the heart, meanwhile is out to dinner still thinking on it ~

: D

Sandman

[la-vita-nuova.livejournal.com]

Have you ever read the Sandman series by Neil Gaiman? It's a comic book/graphic novel and done in both digital and by hand techniques, i think.

Re: Sandman

[lookingland.livejournal.com]

i am familiar with the series ~ yes ~ !

and it's true, most graphic novels these days are combos ~ usually they are still pencilled in the traditional fashion and colored digitally.

thank you for the reminder ~ !

: D