(Art Studies) Paint Practice

Almost three years ago today, I started pushing myself harder to learn "better art". I've doodled around most of my life, but I never took art fundamentals seriously until the summer of 2021.

In those early days before imposter syndrome and crippling art anxiety, I felt confident, even egotistical, with the idea of becoming a "really good artist", and being able to make high-detailed art, with a focus on big perspective, for the macro community. It took about four months for that ego to be absolutely obliterated, followed by more the two years of near-constant self-disappointment and acute awareness of my limitations.

Back in that hopeful summer, I gave myself "end-game boss" goals to emulate the style of some of my favorite, high-level artists. As an art noob, I understood I had much grinding to do within my own level before I had the experience to make a first attempt at high-quality art. I also knew my first attempts would likely be less than satisfying, especially compared to the art I'd be trying to learn from, but that's normal for everything. Finally, after years of grinding, I'm pushing my comfort zone more, and permitting myself to be "less than my own expectations". It's bumpy, and my brain is ceratinly sore after, but I feel the knowledge and strength building. Slowly, but building nonetheless.

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In this art dump, I deconstructed a piece done by cutesexyrobutts (one of my end-game bosses). This piece done by me should be viewed as a homework assignment rather than an original creation. While my rendition leaves much to be desired over the original, all credit goes to cutesexyrobutts, providing for me the material to learn from. I intentionally sight-copied to focus on the artist's brush and shading work. I still have a ways to go on my art journey, and I'm eager to pursue those who inspire me to do better.