Saturday, November 26, 2016

November Horoscope Illustration - Jupiter and Pluto at Odds with Each Other

I don't believe in horoscopes, but I did an illustration for a hyperlocal blog called Greenpointers.com
recently and thought I'd share it. This might turn into a monthly thing, which is nice. Keeps me busy.

Here's the description for November's horoscope that I based the illustration off of:

For instance, since Jupiter and Pluto are at odds with each other, it could lead to arguments, bankruptcy, breakups, job loss, etc. It won’t be pretty. But this could also mean a fresh start for you, and for politics, for instance. Clearly, we all are in a position where we could benefit from change, so while it may be uncomfortable, it’s also good for the long run. 

My friend Audrey is a graphic designer and very much into astrology. She told me I didn't get it right. I went in with the Greek mythology angle when it really has nothing to do with that. Eh, too bad.

Here it is:

Horoscope Illustration for Greenpointers.com depicting Jupiter and Pluto at odds with each other. - Alex Ariza

Tuesday, November 1, 2016

Inktober - Didn't get too far, but here's what was made.

Life can really get in the way of the things you really want to do. So can laziness. Whatever, here's what I got done for the month (there are more drawings, but they don't fall in line with this series):

Bear Skull Ink and Brush Pen Drawing by Alex Ariza 2016 Inktober Series

Fox Skull Ink and Dry Brush Pen Drawings by Alex Ariza 2016 Inktober Series

Gorilla Skull Ink and Dry Brush Pen Drawing by Alex Ariza 2016 Inktober Series

Mammoth Skull Ink Wash and Brush Pen Drawing by Alex Ariza 2016 Inktober Series

Tiger Skull Ink and Brush Pen Drawing by Alex Ariza 2016 Inktober Series

Walrus Skull Ink and Brush Pen Drawing by Alex Ariza 2016 Inktober Series

I started with 'not so great to work on, but great to look at' yellowed newsprint paper with a grid. I picked it up from some school supply store in Downtown Brooklyn on the way home. They have a bunch of old watercolor sets, paper, paints, pencils, etc. from the 70's and 80's. I bought a few things just for the packaging design.

These drawings were an exercise in symmetry, which I have a lot of trouble with. My brain has a hard time doing mirror images. The grid definitely helps. Angles and proportions are tough in general, but it's good to challenge yourself.

I read somewhere that Leonardo DaVinci would test his drawing abilities by drawing the same thing from different angles and perspectives. It's a good way to know an object inside and out to help you recall information when you're drawing from your imagination. Pretty cool.