Challenge no. 2 for my 2015 'Muse Me Challenge came from an awesome Nerdfighter, who requested a 'Cuddly Cthulhu'. I was really keen to give it a try, but was also worried I wouldn't be able to manage something that was creepy (as befits a lovecraftian character) yet also that demands snuggles. I think I managed it - woohoo!
For those at all interested in the process and some of the techniques I used to get to the final piece, read on!
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"A monster of vaguely anthropoid outline, but with an octopus-like head whose face was a mass of feelers, a scaly, rubbery-looking body, prodigious claws on hind and fore feet, and long, narrow wings behind."
Cthulhu is also described as being able to change the shape of its body at will, extending and retracting limbs and tentacles as it sees fit. This only cemented my decision that the finished piece needed to incite an urge to hug Chtulhu, while feeling a bit uncertain about why one is having such an urge. Afterall, this being is meant to have the power to make blood run up walls, too.
I then started image searching other interpretations of Chtulhu. Unsurprisingly, there are heaps of awesome works out there by fans! Talk about INTIMIDATING! Here are a few of my faves that inspired me.
The 'scary' are good and creepy - I certainly would not want to find myself hugging one of them. The cute ones are....well..cute. Very sweet and definitely 'awwea' and *squee!* inciting, but I didn't find anything that invoked both *squee!* and *wait, what? NO!*
CHALLENGE ACCEPTED!
Initial Drawing - Pen & Ink
I went through several sketches that were less than satisfactory - Chtulhu with a kitten, Cthulhu as a pony, blah blah. I finally decided on Cthulhu as a baby. This is my copy in my sketchbook and I used my trusty Micron Pigma pens.
Here's my second sketch, which is the base of the watercolour painting that became the finished product.
The pencil lines are darker than I would have liked, but that's something I get to keep working at. I tend to have a heavier hand because I don't currently have a permanent workspace, which leads me to have to sketch wherever I can find space. I'm testing different pencil hardnesses to see if that will help with future outlines.
Most of the way through the watercolour phase.
I started with a light mustardd yellow wash on Cthulhu, then coloured over with several shades of olive greens to create the scales, skin texture, and other blemishes.
The skin wasn't coming out quite as textured as I was really wanting, so I broke out the salt and gave it a try. Presto - instant scaly skin. See if you can notice the change in the next photo.
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Like what you see? Like the idea of free stuff AND bragging rights for inspiring the arts?
If you'd like to participate in my 2015 'Muse Me Challenge to help me fill my new sketchbook and stretch my creativity skills, you can go HERE for more info on the challenge and how to submit an inspiration. PLUS, as a thank you for being my Muse you'll get your own copy of whatever you helped inspire - FREE! Who doesn't like free stuff?!?! My goal is one new inspiration ever two weeks, and there are still spaces left!
See you in two weeks with my next inspired piece!
