karaiwashi

Cinnamon Rolls and Coffee

2011-03-07T15:06:00.002+08:00

...at 1:30 in the morning, in a very quiet hospital downtown.

Here's a quick update...a few more sketches from the past couple of weeks.

Quistis Trepe of FInal Fantasy VIII

Link from Legend of Zelda

Some random girl for toning and draping practice

a very quick sketch of the Amory Wars characters Coheed Kilgannon (The Beast), Cambria Kilgannon (The Knowledge), Claudio Kilgannon (The Crowing) and Ambellina (The Prise). amory Wars (c) Claudio Paul Sanchez

Another quick tone and color practice. Claudio Kilgannon of The Amory Wars

Ginevra Molly Weasley (WARNING: SPOILER)

2011-02-06T10:49:00.001+08:00

Ginevra Molly "Ginny" Weasley

MAJOR MAJOR SPOILER!!

my second drawing of her.
Commissioned work. About 4 hours, Photoshop CS2, tablet.

Ginevra Molly "Ginny" Potter (née Weasley), born on 11 August, 1981, was a pure-blood witch, the youngest of Arthur and Molly Weasley's seven children, and the first female to be born into the Weasley line for several generations. She attended Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry from 1992 to 1999 and was sorted into Gryffindor house. During her first year, she was possessed by Tom Riddle's sixteen-year-old self and was forced to re-open the Chamber of Secrets, endangering the lives of many students, including her own. Since that ordeal, Ginny grew into a confident young woman, becoming an important member of Dumbledore's Army, fighting in the Battle of the Department of Mysteries in 1996, the Battle of the Astronomy Tower in 1997, and the Battle of Hogwarts in 1998. She was also an accomplished Quidditch player, playing Chaser and Seeker at different times for the Gryffindor House team. She married Harry Potter at some point between 1998 and 2017, and they had three children: James Sirius, Albus Severus, and Lily Luna Potter.

Walkthrough

Happy Fluttering 2011 Hearts

2011-02-03T13:48:00.003+08:00

Here are a few sketches, my firsts for this year. Which means, my tablet and right hand are back to being acquaintances and are only starting to get to know each other...again.

Happy month of hearts! And thanks for 100K hits on DeviantART!

sketch of random girl in lace nighties.

Link sketch

Silaya

2010-11-10T15:19:00.001+08:00

click for larger image

Silaya Fan Art (Cresci Prophecies by Ika-Siyam)

Massive Sketchdump!

2010-10-22T16:07:00.005+08:00

It's been a while since I last updated my sketchblog. So here's a massive post filled with some of my sketches the past 3 months or so. These are mostly Naruto, some of which were commissioned by Narutards, some requested.

Hyuuga Hinata.

In Byakugan mode and as an ANBU member

Hinata Hyūga (日向ヒナタ, Hyūga Hinata) is one of the supporting characters of the series. She is a chūnin-levelkunoichi of Konohagakure, and is the heir to the main branch in the Hyūga clan. She is a member of Team Kurenai, withShino Aburame and Kiba Inuzuka as her team-mates.

Namikaze Minato

Minato Namikaze (波風ミナト, Namikaze Minato), also known as Konoha's Yellow Flash (木ノ葉の黄色い閃光,Konoha no Kiiroi Senkō; English "Yellow Flash of the Leaf"), was the Fourth Hokage (四代目火影, Yondaime Hokage; Literally meaning "Fourth Fire Shadow"). He was the student of Jiraiya and the teacher of Kakashi Hatake, Obito Uchiha, and Rin. He was also the husband of Kushina Uzumaki and

a closer look

another Hyuuga. This time, Neji.

Neji Hyūga (日向ネジ, Hyūga Neji) is one of the main supporting characters of the series. He is a jōnin-level shinobi of Konohagakure, and a branch member of the Hyūga clan. He is also a member of Team Guy, along with Rock Lee and Tenten.

I tried to machofy Sai!....FAIL.

Sai (サイ, Sai) is one of the main supporting characters of the series. He is a young ninja from the ANBU Root. He replaces Sasuke Uchiha in Team Kakashi.

Naruto, of course. Being all emo...and I don't need to tell you why, do I?

Naruto Uzumaki (うずまきナルト, Uzumaki Naruto) is the title character and main protagonist of the series. He is a genin from Konohagakure, and is trained in the art ofsenjutsu. He is the third jinchūriki of the Nine-Tailed Demon Fox.

The Legendary Sannin during the great ninja wars, when they were all still Jonins.

The Sannin (伝説の三忍, Densetsu no Sannin; Literally meaning "Legendary Three Ninja") were the students of Hiruzen Sarutobi, members of his Team Hiruzen: Jiraiya, Orochimaru, and Tsunade. They possess exemplary ninjaabilities. When they were young and relatively unknown during the Second Great Shinobi World War they fought against Hanzō, and for being able to survive his attacks he gave them the title of Konoha's Sannin in return for letting them live. After that, their names became famous throughout the world.

The Sannin are widely regarded for their great skill and power, each one has the level of being a Kage in their own right; each has been considered for the position of Hokage at different points in time, Tsunade being the only one to obtain the title. When Orochimaru defected from Konoha after being denied the position, the Sannin were disbanded, though they continued to be known by the title.

Sarutobi Asuma in ANBU uniform

Asuma Sarutobi (猿飛アスマ, Sarutobi Asuma) was theJōnin leader of Team 10, consisting of Shikamaru Nara, Chōji Akimichi and Ino Yamanaka.

Asuma in his Jounin uniform.

Team Kurenai in ANBU uniform (yes, I'm not done with Shino yet. Looks like I'll never be able to finish this piece. I was soo sleepee while working on it, I was shading Kiba with a very heavy hand, I ruined the paper!)

Konoha's Elite Guards: Izumo and Kotetsu

Izumo Kamizuki (神月イズモ, Kamizuki Izumo) is a chūninfrom Konohagakure. He spends most of his time with his partner, Kotetsu Hagane.

Kotetsu Hagane (はがねコテツ, Hagane Kotetsu) is aChūnin from Konohagakure. He spends most of his time with his partner, Izumo Kamizuki.

Team sarutobi + Naruto as an ANBU member with his 2 tails leaking out of him.

Some random stuff.

Tsunade-hime

Tsunade (綱手, Tsunade) is the Fifth Hokage (五代目火影,Godaime Hokage; Literally meaning "Fifth Fire Shadow") ofKonohagakure. She took on the position after the death of her teacher, Hiruzen Sarutobi. She, along with Orochimaruand Jiraiya, are recognized as The Legendary Sannin of Konoha.

Ariel

Princess Ariel is the protagonist of The Little Mermaid. She later appears in the film's prequel television series, direct-to-video sequel The Little Mermaid II: Return to the Sea and direct-to-video prequel The Little Mermaid: Ariel's Beginning. Ariel is voiced by Jodi Benson in all the above animated material and merchandise.

The character is based on the protagonist of Hans Christian Andersen's "The Little Mermaid" story, but was developed into a different personality for the 1989 animated film adaptation. Her distinct appearance consists of long, flowing red hair, blue eyes, a green tail and a purple seashell bikini top with various hairstyles. She is the only Disney Princess who is a mother in any existing media- in the sequel, she has a daughter, Melody.

Naruto being all foxy. :p

Some random mollusk. Octopus girl.

Haruno Sakura

Sakura Haruno (春野サクラ, Haruno Sakura) is one of the main characters in the anime and manga series Naruto. She is a chūnin-level kunoichi of Konohagakure, a medical-nin, and a member of Team Kakashi.

No one in particular.

It's been a really great week at work, but I wonder if I'll ever have the guts to change my eating habits with everyone encouraging each other to have ---what----6 meals a day?! Food makes people happy over here and it's going to be really hard for me to stick to my diet and exercise plan. Yes, it's still JUST a plan. Okay, I shall go back to my garlic buttered pan de sal + BabyZ Zagu now.

Marian, Benjamin and the Kikiams!

2010-10-14T20:18:00.003+08:00

Commissioned by my friend, Marian, as an anniversary gift for her and her bf.

Aaaaand the Kikiams strike again!!!

D.Gray-Man

2010-10-04T16:59:00.002+08:00

Sketch Requested by KuroiRyuu182

Sketch Commissions for $25

2010-07-18T04:13:00.002+08:00

I am now taking pencil commissions.

You will get a scanned copy of your requested drawing. If you order more than 3, you will be getting ALL original copies free shipping within US/Canada from now til August (September onwards for those in the Philippines)

pencil on 11 x 9 in. medium weight drawing paper.

$25USD (Paypal, or Western Union for any requests $50 and above)

+$15 for any additional character

+$5 for anything too detailed

Kindly indicate the ff. in your Paypal payment:

1.) Full Name

2.) Deviant ID if requestor is a member of deviantART

3.) discussed details of request

feel free to email me before sending in any payments at kara_iwashi@yahoo.com or send me a note in deviantART if you are a member.

Ariel, 7th Daughter of Triton

2010-07-08T02:56:00.004+08:00

The second in a series of Disney Princesses. This one's Ariel. I tried to incorporate Disney's style where Ariel has a slightly bigger head and huge eyes but still tried to make it look more realistic than cartooney. I didn't have any kind of photo editing software to fix the contrast, and I couldn't scan it so I took a picture of it. :) It killed the details though.

Thank God I still know how to draw!!! :)

Sunnovagun

2010-05-20T15:57:00.007+08:00

I haven't been drawing a lot lately so I did some KWIK practice exercises...

looks like a river. but maybe it's a lake, I don't know anymore...

Sophia from Bookends graphic novel.

(click to enlarge)

A walkthrough of how I did it, for my reference, but, well, feel free to use it, if it can help you in any way.

I initially planned for it to be a cave of some sort...but I ended up with this...

Again, a walkthrough of how I did it, 40mins total. I made this video for my own reference, but if anyone fancies using it to..erm..learn from it, by all means, fill your head with my nonsense! :)

That's it for now, I guess. :)

All Hanshin Kyojin

2010-05-17T17:33:00.004+08:00

Latest artwork based on the series Lovely Complex. (Note: This isn't Otani and Risa)

Video walk-through of artwork:

2010-04-30T13:26:00.003+08:00

I look at my sketchdump folder for 2010 and I only have 1 artwork. And ZOMG that is just so wrong!!!

The Untold: Faceless Monk (2)

2010-01-20T17:56:00.001+08:00

Hydrate

2010-01-05T17:52:00.004+08:00

My first ever drawing this year is a very quick 5-minute speedpaint of a water bottle that sits on my desk.

I wish I could say I live healthy and drink a lot of water...but I don't. Who knows, this year, I just might!

Pose Practice: Zynco, Pumkeen...and Zaiz

2009-12-03T18:32:00.003+08:00

She's in there, somewhere.

This is Zynco, Pumkeen (my character) and Zaiz.
Online, Pumkeen and Zaiz fight over Zynco. Zaiz may win for pure 4w350m354uc3 (awesomesauce) of her critical strikes. But I'm sure once Pumpkeen reaches level 90, Zynco is going to fall so hard for her, Zaiz wont stand a chance. I'll prove it on a PK map (harhar). And because Pumpkeen is mine, I leave Zaiz out of this picture (not entirely though. Haha.

Pose and Toning practice: Ragnarok Assassin

2009-12-02T18:33:00.002+08:00

Just a little toning practice. I was going to draw the whole party but the bandages are a pain in the ass! And this is the easiest of the bunch!

This is Zynco. A friend's character. He's an assassin. He used to have long hair. I guess his clothes were just too much for the humidity and he decided to sport a shorter do...I doubt it helps.

Assassin (c) Level-up Games and Gravity

Friday is supposed to be L337.

2009-11-27T16:21:00.003+08:00

It's common for artists to escape the demands of the real world by locking themselves up in their little creative boxes and P4WnZing t3h papr3rz and teh p3nz once in a while. And that's what I've been doing this week. Escaping. I feel the stress getting to me, not because I don't like the things I'm working on but because real life is getting very toxic at the moment. There have been some drastic changes in my life and I always find it comforting to draw something not dictated by work.

But today, I could not escape teh ult1m4t3 t0x1c1ty. It followed me to my little creative box. I was trying to draw. Trying to flow. But the river of my L337n3ss is now absurdly and unnaturally dry. And it's frustrating...I don't know what to do...

Where can I escape to, to get an ounce of my sanity back?

I need a rent-a-zilla.

Frost of Summer: Sakiko

2009-11-27T15:26:00.003+08:00

Frost of Summer: Chapter 1: Memory in a Snowflake: 0001

2009-11-26T16:24:00.008+08:00

Something I'd like to further develop...

It does not have its own place in the web at the moment and will be residing here in my blog for the meantime. The plot and the characters are in its development stage and hopefully, when I have a whole chapter done, I'll have it up in its own place. :)

I know it seems far from my original style but I opt for a more anime-ish feel in the art and humor when it comes to comics. It's easier to draw (and write). And if I'm going to have to meet upload deadines, then this is probably the best style for an online graphic novel. I'm not just saying I chose this style particularly for practical reasons, but it's also the style I feel most comfortable with. That would be my primary reason. All the rest fall in second to that.

I know I'm having trouble with backgrounds, dynamic poses and panel flow but I guess this baby will help me improve in those aspects. :) Wish me luck, guys, and I hope you'll follow this one! :)

Because Practice Makes Perfect

2009-11-24T18:03:00.001+08:00

Speedpainting practice. Some chick who reminds me of Anna Williams...

And then, well no. Looks more like a made-over Nina Williams to me. ;p

And...a Christmas Gift to our manager. :)

I'm off to conquer the world!!! Byee!!! :p

Video Walkthrough: Tripod Scout (The Untold)

2009-11-18T13:28:00.002+08:00

It took a while for me to upload this because I couldn't find the video uploader in the new post editor so I reverted to the old one. :) It's small and pixelized and everything, must be the software I used. I used Camfrog to capture this, which is only better than ProCaster Live because I can capture offline. But ProCaster still takes the cake for quality. :) I might go back to using that one for my next video, unless I figure out how to fix the capture quality for Camfrog. (I need a techie, pls!)

I hope you pick something up/ learn somthing from this! Enjoy!

Illustration Friday: Infinite

2009-09-25T15:14:00.003+08:00

For as far as the eye sees, there is desperation.
For as far as you reach, there seems to be no hope.
In the vast void where all shadows take shelter...
In the glow of lights that turn day to night...
Such irony must this beauty of nature create,
For in such infinite beauty
Lies infinite desolation

-Eruption, karaiwashi

----

For this week's Illustration Friday's topic: Infinite.

It's my first attempt at drawing an erupting volcano.
Adobe Photoshop CS2, Graphire 4, no reference.

Briar Rose

2009-09-19T17:45:00.002+08:00

Princess Aurora / Briar Rose
My favorite fairytale princess.

This one's from the Disney version. Although I changed her dress a bit.

--

It's my first time to try a fully painted realistic artwork. C&C welcome.

You might notice that it seems unfinished. I used CS4 and it's soooo sloooow even if my laptop's an HP Elitebook Workstation 8530. It was just so hard to paint when your strokes aren't real-time. There's like a 2-second lag for every stroke I make so I decided to stop or I'll be popping lots of ibuprofen soon.

---
[pose reference] by *Lisajen-stock

WIP - New Style

2009-09-17T18:43:00.002+08:00

I've been wanting to try a painted style for so long and I've been doing it halfway in most of my recent artworks. Now, I finally got the guts to go all the way. :)

I hope I don't disappoint myself. :p

Karaiwashi: Self-portrait

2009-09-16T15:26:00.001+08:00

Self portrait for the win! :p
I wish I really looked like that. That would be sooo cool. :p

Commission: DOTA Tournament items part 2

2009-09-09T18:24:00.002+08:00

Took a different approach for this batch.
(please do not steal or use without permission. Thank you.)

Heart of Tarasque

Butterfly

Sange and Yasha

Video Walk-through: MKB DOTA

2009-09-08T19:50:00.007+08:00

Another Video Walk-through. This one's about 6x faster than its original speed. :)
Done in one sitting. Had to. Didn't have much time for it.
Hope you like it! :) Care to share your thoughts? :)

Commission: DOTA Tournament icons

2009-09-08T18:09:00.002+08:00

Icons drawn in high resolution for a DOTA tournament.

Boots of Travel

Monkey King Bar

Magina (Anti-mage) Ultimate Skill

Heart of Tarasque

Iten Slot

1st Video Walkthrough: Stormdancer

2009-09-04T17:43:00.010+08:00

I forgot to put this:
Music: "Cloudeater" and "La la la Zoom zoom zoom" both by Incubus

Uh, sorry if the editing is crappy... :p There's like...credits in the middle of the whole thing!! LOLz! don't mind that! :)

It's a 10-minute video of how I did the shading, highlights and details of an artwork I colored. Hey, this Livestream thing's pretty cool! :)

I'll have a better one ready soon. :) Maybe for my 80K pageviews in DA. :p

Thanks for putting up with my nonsense! :)

If you have time, visit my deviantART page. ;p

---

Congratulations, Jon and Sherry Zamar!!! You're going to make such wonderful parents!

Red Beats

2009-08-27T18:57:00.003+08:00

A birthday gift for someone.
Glad he liked it. :)

And some old work for Jon Zamar's "Minsan"

55,555 Kiriban

2009-08-18T11:11:00.004+08:00

Your support is overwhelming! I've reached 50K views in, like, 10 seconds! (Well, that's an exaggeration, but, you get the point.)

And as a thank you for your support, I'm giving out a kiriban prize to whoever catches the 55,555 view of this site! :) Sounds like kidstuff? :) Weell. :)

Send me a screenshot with my page counter set at 55,555. You get a 8.5:"x11", 300dpi colored artwork (of your choice).

No Photoshopped images, please, or I will haunt you in your sleep and eat your eyeballs for dinner!

---

Etymology

Japanese キリ番 (kiriban), from 切りのいい番 (kiri no ii ban) - "a number which is a good place to stop", "a round number".

Noun

kiriban (plural kiriban or kiribans)

A milestone; an interesting number displayed on a web counter, such as 10000, 22222, etc.; particularly, one selected by the website owner for the purpose of giving a prize to whoever reaches it.
A gift or prize given to one who reaches such a milestone.
The system of giving gifts to those who reach web count milestones.

Random Asian Girl practice sketch

2009-08-17T16:36:00.002+08:00

for Rina. Happy Birthday! :)

Painting

2009-08-17T14:09:00.000+08:00

I started painting again. :)

Sketchbook 6b: Star Wars Vehicles

2009-08-17T13:50:00.001+08:00

Sketchbook 6a

2009-08-17T13:42:00.002+08:00

Commission: Jedi Master Leah (sketch)

2009-08-17T13:03:00.001+08:00

Commissioned by Yinan Xia for her bestfriend Leah.

Commission: DilaNA (initial sketch)

2009-08-14T15:30:00.002+08:00

This is OmegaRaptor29's original character, DilaNA.

Sketch for approval.

Coloring step-by-step: Mircalla

2009-08-12T17:03:00.003+08:00

Here's a walk-through of how I did the Mircalla artwork.
I worked on the tones on the same layer of my line art. it would be easier to make another layer. I don't know I didn't think of doing that. I reign supreme in the land of stupidity. :)

This one's for Edge. He's been asking me how I do my colored work. So, here it is. :)

Commission Update: Mircalla

2009-08-12T12:19:00.003+08:00

done. for MsRieke. Mircalla, her original character. Hope she likes it. :)

Bookends Cover

2009-08-11T19:50:00.004+08:00

A 24-page comic project I am proudly a part of. :) Go visit the site!

You won't have to worry if you're wasting money if ever we decide on scrapping the project halfway...because it's a one-shot thing so no cliffhangers yey!

It's due for release on October.

The Meek - Angora

2009-08-06T18:20:00.002+08:00

I'm such a big fan of Der-shing Helmer's graphic novel entitled "The Meek" which I read on a regular basis (that's if he updates on a regular basis. :p).

This is the main character, Angora, a teenaged girl who, up until recently, had been living in a commune in the jungle. When her “grandfather” sends her into civilization, Angora is forced to grow up a little faster than she had expected.

And here's a walkthrough of how I made it. :)

Full view pls! :)

The Monarch - WIP

2009-08-06T13:33:00.004+08:00

This is something I've been meaning to work on for some time. It's been rotting inside my brain for ages. now...well, the sketch is all done. Maybe it'll take another decade for me to actually finish the painting. Or maybe tomorrow, it'll be done. Who knows... :) T_T

Study 1: she was initialy sporting afro hair but it was screaming "Soul Train".

Study 2: typical princess. I'm working on combining both sketches.

No Good Deed Goes Unpunished...

2009-08-06T11:33:00.003+08:00

A little something I did yesterday. Glinda and Elphaba of Wicked.

(Elphaba)
I'm limited
Just look at me - I'm limited
And just look at you
You can do all I couldn't do, Glinda
So now it's up to you
For both of us - now it's up to you...

(Glinda)
I've heard it said
That people come into our lives for a reason
Bringing something we must learn
And we are led
To those who help us most to grow
If we let them
And we help them in return
Well, I don't know if I believe that's true
But I know I'm who I am today
Because I knew you...

Like a comet pulled from orbit
As it passes a sun
Like a stream that meets a boulder
Halfway through the wood
Who can say if I've been changed for the better?
But because I knew you
I have been changed for good

(Elphaba)
It well may be
That we will never meet again
In this lifetime
So let me say before we part
So much of me
Is made of what I learned from you
You'll be with me
Like a handprint on my heart
And now whatever way our stories end
I know you have re-written mine
By being my friend...

Like a ship blown from its mooring
By a wind off the sea
Like a seed dropped by a skybird
In a distant wood
Who can say if I've been changed for the better?
But because I knew you

(Glinda)
Because I knew you

(Both)
I have been changed for good

(Elphaba)
And just to clear the air
I ask forgiveness
For the things I've done you blame me for

(Glinda)
But then, I guess we know
There's blame to share

(Both)
And none of it seems to matter anymore

(Glinda)
Like a comet pulled from orbit
As it passes a sun
Like a stream that meets a boulder
Halfway through the wood

(Elphaba)
Like a ship blown from its mooring
By a wind off the sea
Like a seed dropped by a bird in the wood

(Both)
Who can say if I've been
Changed for the better?
I do believe I have been
Changed for the better

(Glinda)
And because I knew you...

(Elphaba)
Because I knew you...

(Both)
Because I knew you...
I have been changed for good...

Commission Update - Mircalla

2009-08-04T12:54:00.003+08:00

I stopped working on this because I was required to finish some stuff for work and some other rush projects.

But I'm on it again and here's the progress so far:

Democracy is your gift to your children. This is my gift to you.

2009-08-03T17:56:00.002+08:00

I was 4 years old when you were seated as the Philippines' and Asia's first female president. I knew nothing about politics then. But this I know: If it weren't for you, we'd probably be another North Korea, not having freedom to do the things we love and enjoy. You brought democracy back to the Philippines.

You weren't just our president, you were the country's mother.

I will forever thank you for this freedom that we are all enjoying now.

Thank you, Tita Cory. Isa kang bayani.

Cory's remains passing by Ninoy's statue. image from Lola Techie

"iamcory" was designed by karaiwashi (based on the "iamninoy" which was designed by MyPhilippines). Reproduction and/or re-posting of this design without written permission from the artist is prohibited. This artwork will be on exhibit and for sale on August 19 at the Ride n Roll Diner where other paintings to commemorate the national Heroes day will be also be exhibited.

Bookends

2009-08-03T14:11:00.002+08:00

Some character designs for the graphic novel Bookends to be released on Oct 2009 at the PICCA Festival.

Character designs for Bookends Graphic Novel.

The Untold

2009-08-03T12:42:00.004+08:00

I've been working on some stuff for The Untold, a CBRPG by Wandering Men Studios. Here are some of the stuff I finished coloring for them (artwork by John Gonzales)

Howling Horror
my first work for them. The moment I saw the artwork I thought "Silent Hill!! Ahlavet!!"

Faceless Monk
This was a bit harder to color than Howling Horror. I had to add colors and textures endlessly to get the rough and disgusting old slimy octopus look. Hate the teeth. I hope he doesn't come out of my closet or something.

Gree Gree
I had fun coloring this one. It was, of course, hell to color compared to the first two. What with all the details and stuff. But I just loved the pirate look he's got going. :) Smug little thing. :p

Ruin Stalker
Aha! This one has got the King Koopa look so working for him! Think: Mario Bros. bar bouncer. haha. :)

Gear Guard
This was my favorite. I've never really done any steampunk-themed artwork and this was a challenge for me. I started it out with gray tones but decided halfway through it that rust and copper works best for it. :)

Artwork Copyright © 2009 of Wandering Men Studios, LLC.

Photography - July 2009

2009-07-30T14:00:00.009+08:00

I'm not so good at handling a DSLR, let alone a film SLR. But that's the only good camera I have with me right now. A Nikon film SLR which I got for photography class when I was in college. And a 400ASA Kodak film, which is so wrong for an amateur because it produced grainy prints if the settings are not right. But most of my shots are taken indoors with poor lighting so I wanted to try a film with higher film speed. (And then I gave up and just took shots under sunlight about 24 shots into the whole roll, so the last of my prints are slightly better than the first shots.)

AND my scanner was a mess so post processing was a whole lot harder to do.

Here are some of the photos I took this month.

And the Before-and-After of post-processing:

Phew. I'm thinking...not bad. I haven't touched my camera for nearly 7 years. And I don't have a DSLR to practice on. I just used point and shoot cameras so I wasn't really ready to be reunited with my SLR. But with a little practice, I know I'll get this right. :)

Sketch dumpage

2009-07-29T18:32:00.004+08:00

Last set for the day.

Travis Barker, drummer extraordinaire. :)
sketched in Photoshop, with picture for reference.
I couldn't get it right though. this Travis looks fat compared to the picture I was trying to copy from.

This is Elphaba of Wicked. :) I watched the Broadway musical in Chicago and it was absolutely spectacular! I wanna see it again!!!

Psylocke Walkthrough

2009-07-29T16:08:00.002+08:00

Step-by-step walkthrough of Psylocke

FIN! ~:)

The line art, for those who want to color. :)

Wednesday morning sketch

2009-07-29T13:23:00.002+08:00

Feeling a bit rusty with my drawing skills, I think my talent is almost nonexistent. So I am doing some practice sketches on Photoshop.

Here's a WIP: Psylocke. There is no particular reason for choosing her. It's just what came out after some rough pen-swishing.

One Shot. BANG.

2009-07-27T19:45:00.001+08:00

Some stuff I've been doing for a one-shot comic project, to be released this October during the PICCA / Komikon 2009. :) I'm pretty excited about it. :)

The story was written by Frank. Edge does the pencils and I ink! I get to do pencils for some pages too. I thought inking was easier than pencils. Turns out to be a tougher job pala. I'm not complaining. It's such an honor working with these two. Frank's such a great writer and Edge is a really good artist too. This story's going to be great. :)

I can't wait. :)

Commission Updates

2009-07-21T14:42:00.004+08:00

I'm done with 5 coloring projects (collab with John Gonzales). Unfortunately, I can't post it here yet.

So All I have to show you now is an update for Reike's commissioned artwork. :)
I stopped tinkering with it after the sketch but resumed after coloring some projects and finishing some stuff at work.

Here's the artwork, so far. I changed the hands.

It was supposed to be something simple because she got the sketch package...but..what the hell, I'm feeling generous. :)

News! =)

2009-07-17T15:43:00.002+08:00

It might interest some of you to know that I now have an official online portfolio, powered by DeviantArt, of course. :)

It has this minimalist feel that I'm digging so much. :)

Most of the artworks are already posted in DA, but I chose the ones I really love. :)
Hope you like it. :)

Plurk Layouts

2009-07-09T14:27:00.003+08:00

Some of the plurk layouts I designed recently:

my most recent layout.

and Edge's layout. (Off-topic, he's gotten so good at drum-playing since he started his lessons with a professional drummer. Can't wait to hear him play live. )

Fran's layout. :) she specifically said there should be coffee and pictures. :)

Now if Janice had a plurk site, I'd immediately ambush her and ask for her password. :) She'll be getting a cool one from moi, you bet!!!

There. The 3 best friends. Now if only I can have coffee with all of them at the same time. :p That'd be so cool. (I am one step closer to that though. Having a coffee date with Edge and Fran on Sunday.)

Oh, I decided to post this here instead of my personal blog because of the designs. :D

Commission WIP: Mircalla

2009-07-01T16:27:00.001+08:00

Interview with an artist

2009-06-23T12:05:00.002+08:00

1. When did you decide to become an artist?
I’d love to say things like “I grew up in a very culture-rich environment” and such, but my love for art started out simply because I was bored most of the time, when I was a kid. I easily got jaded during classes when I was in grade school and I loved daydreaming my time away. Most of the time, I’d put all my dreams on paper…I’d draw myself on clouds with sheep in bowties. Paint the stars green, coming up with reasons as to why we shouldn’t all think they’re yellow or white just because it’s what we see or what storybooks tell us. And I never thought it was something creative people do. I just thought it was a normal thing, because my dad once drew a running mouse as our target for target-shooting sessions in our backyard. I thought everyone was doing it. I’d say most of my talent was innate (which, at that time, I was completely unaware of) and I haven’t really discovered I was an artist until I decided to take up an art-related course for college.

2. Where did you train?
During Hekasi, Math and SocSci. classes. My notebooks served as canvases. My parents weren’t particularly happy about that. Then, when my mom finally noticed that I had a fondness for art, she enrolled me in summer classes with one of the best painters in the Philippines, Fernando Sena, where I learned basic anatomy and composition. But I never stuck to the rules he gave me. My eggplants were sometimes blue and I always thought skin is supposed to be more yellow than pale orange. I can’t say I’ve learned all that I need to be a very successful artist, because I still have a whole lot to learn, especially with today’s technology. There’s always room for improvement in art.

3. How did your training influence you?
It is very important to have a foundation of basic knowledge. The thing I remembered the most during my training under Mr. Sena was the difference in the facial anatomy of a person and a dog. Hahaha. I loved that session!

4. Where do you get your ideas?
From anything and everything around me. And the web! Whoever invented it is a genius!

5. What artist or artists inspired you?
A lot of artists have been inspirations to me! But I guess when it comes to colors, I have Claude Monet to thank for that!

6. Is there symbolic imagery in your work?
Well, not always. And if they do, most of the time they start out as doodles and end up being symbolic when it’s done.

7. What helped to shape you?
Different experiences in life. Sometimes, even if everyone tells you the right thing to do, the only way to truly learn it is from experience. Same with my artworks.

8. How did you decide on the medium you are using now?
Initially, I felt I had to learn digital arts because companies hire artists that know how to use graphic software. And then I discovered you can do pretty much everything you can do with paint and canvas…only you can redo and redo it without having to lose your initial composition. Gotta love Save As. Hahaha.

Got these "blog interview questions for artists" via google.
Have any questions you’d like to ask? I'd be happy to answer them! Just ask away! :)

WIP: Drifting

2009-06-22T17:59:00.002+08:00

Work in progress....haven't quite decided on the colors yet...

Illustration Friday: Unfold

2009-06-18T19:26:00.003+08:00

My entry for this week's theme in Illustration Friday: Unfold

She's a geisha, on the night she gives her misuage to the highest bidder. (Costume and hair not accurate. no reference used.)

2 hours total.

Sketchbook 7: Princess

2009-06-17T13:06:00.002+08:00

Something I want to finish...eventually. :p

Inspired by Padme Amidala and Princess Leia. No reference.
Practicing anatomy and face.

Adobe PSCS2

Graphire 4 (someone give me an intuos, pls! :p)

Illustration Friday: Strike ("Craving")

2009-06-11T15:02:00.003+08:00

My entry for this week's Illustration Friday Theme "Craving"

He sneeks in, waiting for the right moment to strike. The desire, the longing...it's too much to bear, but he waits for the perfect moment to satisfy his craving for blood, revenge and war.

Posing...I really need to practice how to pose characters. It's so hard for me to figure out how to draw the anatomy correctly if they're posed awkwardly.

APSCS2 + Graphire 4

Jeonne Carlos of Alibata. :)
Who doesn't love yummy muscular thin bishie elf boys?

Fatal Fury: Mai Shiranui

2009-06-10T15:35:00.003+08:00

不知火舞
Shiranui Mai

Mai Shiranui is the granddaughter of Hanzo Shiranui, master of Ninjitsu and Koppo-ken.

Mai learned from her father the secrets of Ninjitsu, and became an expert in stealth and other sneaky tricks.

Although her beauty has brought her many suitors, she rejects all who propose to her, considering them "weak."

However, one day she became obsessed with a young boy by the name of Andy Bogard. Andy paid little attention to Mai, too absorbed in his training. Mai, on the other hand, had even made plans as to when Andy would marry her.

After they grew up, Andy decided to travel back to the United States and reunite with his brother Terry Bogard to exact revenge on Geese Howard, the man who killed their father.

----
APSCS2 + Graphire 49++ hours
----
Whew! Boy was this tiring!!!! I had no idea doing something like this would be so hard. It's my first atempt at finishing an artwork, colored and all...with no lineart. So...Ouch. My neck! Someone get me painkillers or something!!

props to ~edge-alucard for pointing out some odd parts that I had to edit.

WIP: Mai Shiranui + Sketch walkthrough

2009-06-09T15:52:00.004+08:00

my sketch for my new WIP, Mai Shiranui. I haven't decided if I'm going to stick to this costume or make a new one. I'm finally learning how to shade on top of my lines. :) Yemen!!!

Part 1: walkthrough of how I did it. :)

Part 2: walkthrough of how I did it. :)

EDIT: The colors, so far.

Color Practice: Geisha

2009-06-05T17:33:00.003+08:00

Just practicing a little. I'm really scared of coloring without lines so I try to do more artworks that enable me to conquer that fear, little by little.

And since I'm used to doing things alla-prima, I'll try finishing this in more than one sitting. I need to devote more time (and effort) if I want to learn how to do this right. She's lo res as of now. once I get the hang of it, I'll start making hi-res ones. :)

Adobe Photoshop CS 2

Wacom Graphire 4

artwork © Karaiwashi 2009. Please don't steal any of my works. If you need to use them, please ask for permission.

Sketchdump 5: Revisited

2009-06-05T11:16:00.002+08:00

Some old and some recent artwork sketches compiled.

Progress Assessment: Elf

2009-06-03T18:41:00.003+08:00

Worked on the elf again. colored it for the 3rd time. I'm glad to see a bit of improvement. =)

Pepper Snow

2009-06-03T17:03:00.002+08:00

A fan art of Art Germ's Pepper

Postcards: Letters from a drummerboy series

2009-06-03T15:10:00.002+08:00

Letters from a drummer boy postcard series.
Let me know if you want to purchase (in bulk, of course)

Illustration Friday: Adapt

2009-06-03T11:36:00.004+08:00

Letters from a Drummer boy

"Dear C,

The sun is warmer here. I wish you could go touring with me. There are a lot of stuff to see in this side of the world. I miss you, and I'm not used to being far away from you. But I'll get the hang of this little by little. 'Til I write next!

Love always, EA"

---------
For this week's theme in Illustration Friday: ADAPT.

Speedpaint (with photo for reference)
Adobe Photoshop CS2
Wacom Graphire 4
20 minutes

waiting

2009-06-02T18:04:00.000+08:00

Everyone waits.

Collaboration: Ken Masters

2009-05-29T19:11:00.003+08:00

Finally. After 10 million years!! :)

It's such an honor to do a collab with one of the best artists of UDON Crew, Joe Ng. :)
Check out his works or buy the Udon Crew Artbook. :)

Ken Masters Walkthrough

2009-05-29T19:09:00.002+08:00

Contest Entry: Warrior

2009-05-22T13:11:00.003+08:00

My entry for Daimida's contest. :)

Critique plz.

Added some details and fized her eyes and face....:)

Some buko juice for you...

2009-05-21T11:25:00.004+08:00

My latest WIP...I hope I finish it in time...

A drawing I did of me and my mom. :)

A drawing I did of me and drummerboy Edge.

And a doujinshi contest I entered into. (the artwork isn't mine. just the text.)

Coloring Tutorial: Skin

2009-05-20T16:29:00.005+08:00

Here's a quick tutorial on how I color skin. I used Daimida's lineart for the contest. Since it's open for public use and since I'm participating, I figured it'd be okay to post it. Didn't show the whole image though. Moving on...

I cleaned the line art using levels, curves and a bit of dodge and burn. I sometimes use the eraser tool if there are still some unwanted pencil smudges or lines but in this case, levels and contrast did the trick since the lineart was pretty clean.

Then I used a slightly dark base color so I could see the skin tone. Then I lay the flat color for the skin using a brush tool. You can use the pen tool if it's easier for you. In this project, I decided to color from dark to light.

Next, I added some rough highlights and shading.

Then I refined the shading and highlights a bit, also adding a bit of red and greenish tones since the skin isn't just flesh but with a bit of greenish shade because of veins and whatnot.

Then I fixed the saturation and added more contrast by adding highlights and shadow in different yellowish tones.

Then I went into the details like the shadow on the face, and shadows of breasts over her torso.

Then I shall proceed with other parts of the image. I pretty much do the same thing for all elements, ending with the eyes. :)

That's all for now.

Cheers, Big ears!
~Karaiwashi

WIP: Warrior

2009-05-20T16:20:00.002+08:00

Daimida launched this digital coloring contest, deadline is on the 27th. Hope i make it in time. :)

Is Summer Over?

2009-05-12T17:39:00.003+08:00

2 storms in a week??
Where did summer go??

I didn't even get to hit the beach!!!

Here's a quickie of a beach babe. Boo! Boo for global warming!!! BOO!!!!

APSCS2 + Graphire 4+iced tea, 20 minutes

More Practice sketches

2009-05-11T13:52:00.003+08:00

I'm getting pretty rough at drawing.
And since I have a bit of free time, I decided to do some practice sketches (there are much more but I am really not proud of them. They will remain in my hard drive at the moment.)

I really, really, really need to practice more if I want to get better and not worse. It's really frustrating. I'm being offered a comic gig but I am seriously doubting my skills in drawing right now. :(

A study for a commission which I am not sure if I should take considering my muse is sleeping at the moment.

a quickie of my old old character

just some random skecthes of a boy. I'm not used to drawing boys so I wanted to do some practice sketches to study their expressions and their anatomy

Practice makes PLEK!

2009-03-20T15:00:00.003+08:00

I am so frustrated right now. I haven't drawn for a while and I'm getting seriously bad at it. I've been too busy at work and it's dulling my drawing skillz.

I tried practicing, and boy, I had to ask for help from 2 friends to get the perspective right. (thanks David & Emman).

And then I tried to color it.

And I sucked. Big time. It sucked so much I decided to leave it as is!

So here it is...the work in progress which shall never see color.

*goes off to a corner to cry...*

Here are the crappy step-by-step screen caps. Feel free to bash.

Sketchbook 4: ink and color practice

2009-03-19T15:20:00.002+08:00

Here's something new. I've been pretty much on hiatus lately. I really need to practice time maintenance so I'd have more time to draw.

Break from Insanity

2009-02-17T16:31:00.002+08:00

I know this isn't an artwork and I said I'd only post artworks here but I haven't found time to draw lately so, I apologize.

I just wanted to post this here because I loved how it turned out, looking like a shot off a photoshoot, when it's just actually from my cellphone. LOL.

Drummerboy

2008-12-12T17:12:00.003+08:00

Edge...our little drummerboy.
Did this for his friendster layout, as requested.

here's the line art.

the colored version, which is also up at my DeviantArt account...

anad the layout for Friendster...

that's all for now! Ja! Mata-ne!

Shinsengumi

2008-10-31T14:14:00.003+08:00

Pose was inspired by a frame in Basilisk manga.
But he's no one in particular. Just some Shinsengumi guy. I love the Shinsengumi. They rock.

Stigmata of the Unbeliever

2008-09-25T14:19:00.002+08:00

Well, now...It's been a while since my last post.
And now I bring you something gory! :D

Rock my Socks, Rex!

2008-08-22T10:02:00.002+08:00

Finished it.

T_T

Rex for GAR Commander: WIP

2008-08-21T15:50:00.002+08:00

Another WIP to go with all the other works in progress that are piling up.

This time it's Captain Rex from Jedi Anakin Skywalker's platoon. Got the "VOTE" idea from the Star Wars website. I vote Kenobi, but I've fallen in love with the clone troopers as well. I love how they've developed individual characteristics that set each one apart from the rest. Every single on had become unique in their own way. :)

I bring you...Captain Rex...VOTE him for Commander. :D (and Commander Cody for General hahaha)

Sketchbook 3: The Clone Wars

2008-08-13T10:36:00.002+08:00

click to enlarge

Okay another geekage. Drew these on separate days. Just compiled them for this post.

Okay now before you tell me that you don't know Shanta Reem and she is not under Rancisis' padawan list, I just created her and placed her under master Oppo Rancisis, but that really didn't happen and she really doesn't exist. But well, now she does.

the other 2 are AaylaS'ecura and Jangotat (formerly known as Nate, short for ARC trooper A-98)

can't wait for the Clone Wars movie!!! excited nako!!!

Celebrating a new look..

2008-08-07T17:31:00.007+08:00

As you can see, I've changed my header to reveal something more artistic than the previous one.

This was the old header:

...and a few old sketches...

and I'm off.... my fever is killing me. =(

Viral

2008-08-06T18:24:00.003+08:00

I've been really sick these past few days and haven't had any rest because I had to go to work each day. Why can't illnesses be scheduled like say, every weekend? *sigh*

I've done a few sketches lately but am too lazy to scan so I'll just post one.

Padme Amidala of Naboo, Anakin Skywalker's wife, mother of Luke and Leia. Once Queen of Naboo then appointed Senator after her term.

This was originally supposed to be a concept art of a friend's OC but ended up being Padme. Ah. I am bad at costume designing.

Ranma Saotome

2008-08-01T15:29:00.001+08:00

I have no idea why I forgot to post this as soon as I finished it. So retarded. Anyway, here's the WIP I've been working on the past month. Ken's up next!

Fallen Warrior

2008-08-01T15:19:00.001+08:00

In case you can't see what's written, it says "The Jedi who fall are the most dangerous of all".

Jedi Order

2008-07-22T09:15:00.000+08:00

Adobe Photoshop CS2, Wacom Graphire 4

Whisper Wishes to the Wind

2008-07-10T10:45:00.003+08:00

I whisper wishes to the wind. hopefully it
carries them to undeaf ears.

Sketchbook 2: Resident Evil

2008-07-09T09:57:00.004+08:00

I remember my dad used to be addicted to this game. I used to love it so much too. Maybe once I get a hold of a new gaming console ^{which I do not have at the moment}, I'll buy all RE games. I've played The 1st one (Directors cut) and the 3rd one and stopped after that. I've seen a bunch of new (and hot) characters and I really want to see them in gameplay. :D ~~I am such a dork for having a crush on Leon when he's not even real.~~

Anywaay, here's a resident evil sketchdump. :) Enjoy, gamers!

"September 28th, daylight. The monsters have
overtaken the city. Somehow, I'm still alive..."

- Jill Valentine, Resident Evil 3 opening

I so suck at drawing zombies. Does anyone know a tutorial for drawing weird looking things?

Ada Wong of Resident Evil 4 =) For Jeyp (of Multiply)
She's wearing an RPD STARS uniform, just because I don't like her fighting in her red dress. It's just plain silly!

Melodies of Wonderland

2008-07-08T14:50:00.003+08:00

Alice in Wonderland

...singing

The hiiiiiiiills are
aliiiiiive....with the sound of musiiiiiiiic!!!

Ranma Saotome WIP4

2008-07-07T17:42:00.003+08:00

Progress on Ranma. Ken's doing pretty good too, but I'd like to keep it a surprise. :D It's a special project for me.
Anyway, I have tons of sketches to uploada but I'll probably have time to scan them in by next week. I'm loaded so all I can post right now are digital stuff. enjoy.

Can someone tell me why blogger doesn't want to zoom the pictures in?

At 50.

2008-07-01T15:36:00.003+08:00

I recently hit 50,000 pageviews in my Deviant Art account and this is a small "Thank You" to all of my watchers. It''s not much because I'm working on something else but I really appreciate everyone's support. :D Also, Fah Tee Mah, good luck and have fun in Anime Expo! Wish I could go! =S ^{*envyenvy!!!*}

And just so you don't accuse me of cheating on this artwork, I attached a sorta-tutorial (click to enlarge). Yes, I started with a picture, but deleted it halfway through, just to show that it's already 100% painted, and not a photomanip. And, no. I did not use this technique for the Sushi and Taho artworks.

Enjoy!!! And to the people of DA, Thanks again for 50K pageviews!

But for tonight it's alright...

2008-07-01T10:45:00.002+08:00

...until tomorrow, alright.

Working on Ranma slowly but surely. I really should get the alla-prima thing out of my system. It isn't doing me any good. If I don't finish an artwork in one sitting, I either don't finish it at all or wait for 10 years before I do. So now, I'm practicing patience by working on both Ken and Ranma little by little, fighting the feeling of it taking all eternity to be marked as "Done".

So far, so good.

Ranma Saotome: Line Art

2008-06-27T17:05:00.004+08:00

Finished the Ranma line art. Will hopefully finish coloring it in 1-2 weeks. :D

Ken: Unfathomable Happiness

2008-06-27T08:50:00.005+08:00

I suppose anyone who's followed the art of CapCom closely knows that Udon Crew's got to have the best CapCom artists in the universe. And that one of them is this cute Asian ^{like myself, minus the cute part} named Joe Ng. And I wanted to rave endlessly about having a huge schoolgirl crush on him but that's beside the point I'm trying to make.

Anyway, he's agreed to do a collab with me and was really sweet and accommodating about it. Yesterday, he just sent in the artwork I'm supposed to color. :D I am in such a geeky daze right now I think I am about to puke with uncontainable excitement! :D

Here it is in all its work-in-progress glory!

Ken of Street Fighter ^{I dont even like Ken for being so arrogant, but now I think I'm going to love him}