Gully Grove Studio

DAY 9 (pressure)   Out came my Inktense pencils for this gigantic face-off, between prehistoric monsters! My translation of pressure, was to coerce. For whatever reason, these particular turtles wanted to use strong-arm tactics on each another. Despite having these enormous shells for protection, I was impressed by their ability to still intimidate. Also used, white and black ink.

DAY 8 (watch) This was a bit of an experiment with a dry-brushing technique. Applied in the darkest area, behind the turtle shell, as well as the smokey area, immediately near it. I had to save it's patchy inconsistency with a light-grey wash in the sky, and some cross hatching over the blotchy brush-strokes. Ink is permanent, so mistakes have to be improvised! 

  DAY 7 (fan) I really loved the simplicity of this illustration. It was the first treatment of my subject, involving symbolism rather than physiology. It also involved another favourite subject of mine - Geisha! The overall design was the most straight forward I've done in the challenge yet. It came together really quickly. However, the actual turtle on the fan, was a different story.

 DAY 6 (spirit) This was a fusion of Asian brushes and technical pens. When I think of Spirit and turtle, I'm reminded what I was told a lot as a youngster - to come out of my shell! Like the real critters though, it's not something you can force. It only happens when good and ready, then whole new world opens up to explore. 

DAY 5 (raven) Today's prompt called for a little imagination. As these two critters would be diabolically opposed. Both are opportunistic omnivores and given half the chance, would take each other out for dinner! I would much rather see them in their elements, crossing paths, but not staying long.

DAY 4 (knot)   Some of the word prompts, don't automatically translate into my chosen subject. Day four was one of those days. What could be associated to a turtle, that didn't speak of capturing them - or being hurt by boats or nets, that utilise knots? 

DAY 3: (vessel) One thing I love about participating in Inktober, is getting to explore different ways of applying lines. My last picture, used Asian brushes. Now to go berserk with technical pens! Because they have such a uniform line, the challenge is to vary strokes in as many different ways, as possible.  The contrast of line directions, shapes and patterns, is how depth is created.

DAY 2: (suit) Expect to see a lot of monochrome, over the next month! This picture was completed using Asian brushes. Something I am still learning to use. It's meant to look effortless, and while it is looser than my normal line-work, there's certainly room for improvement.

DAY 1: (Crystal) It's been a while since updating my art adventures - and there's been plenty! Today though, I've started the Inktober challenge. My personal touch is to also incorporate a theme. Something to entice my creativity, a little more. As sometimes the word prompts themselves, can draw a blank. My theme this year, is turtles.