SmArt school #4

So Rebecca gave us a prompt for this one. Robin Hood as a girl either traditional time period, modern, or futuristic. Below are my thumbnails. We chose the bottom row center, however it was pointed out to me that her costume could be mistaken for Katniss Everdeen, so The next step was to explore costuming!

I tried a broad assortment of options. We went with #3, the military jacket and pants.

I then collected and hacked up photos to get my reference. Pretty awesome, right?

Here is the finished drawing

 and the underpainting.

Color studies.

I chose #2 and then decided to try out adding a decorative element. I drew some thistles in my sketchbook and then manipulated them in photoshop until it overlapped the girl the way I wanted.

I have to admit it was a bit tedious but I really like the end result. Behold my finished painting below!

returning to the castle

Last year I was having creative time with my boys and I made this for a fun picture for them to hang in their room. I drew it free hand in pen with only one prior attempt. It was very spontaneous and I think it's so cute and loose with fun little details. It's not perfect but I think that is part of it's charm. I drew one knight for each of my sons. You'll have to click on it to see it very well.

IF "Instinct"

It started out as a regular hunting trip and ended up a race for their lives. Instinct told him he would survive if he could just stay ahead of his friend...

I made this pretty quickly in Photoshop for Illustration Friday, topic: instinct.