I was recently watching a video that gave an in depth analysis of Monster Hunter monsters and the ecosystems they reside in. It tickled the conservationist inside of me and I ended up drawing this.
It's a symphony conducted by nature itself, where every leaf, every breeze, every creature, dances in perfect rhythm.
Here, amidst the rustling leaves and the gentle babble of the brook, one finds a profound sense of belonging. It's as if the very essence of existence pulses through the earth beneath one's feet, reminding us that we are not separate from nature, but intricately woven into its tapestry.
Being in harmony with nature is opening yourself up to healing. Understanding the intricacies of the ecosystem that allows it to thrive can maybe help one understand oneself. It can help us understand that we, as human beings, are not separated from nature, but a part of it. We are not above nature, we are in line with it.
In this sanctuary of serenity, the wisdom of indigenous peoples whispers through the trees. Their ancient knowledge, passed down through generations, holds the key to understanding our connection to the earth. For they have long understood that to live in harmony with nature is not merely a choice, but a way of life.
As the sun sets in a blaze of golden hues, there comes a realization. We must heed the wisdom of those who have walked these lands for centuries. We must embrace their traditional practices, for they hold the secrets to a sustainable future.
Let us learn from their reverence for the land, their deep understanding of ecosystems, and their profound respect for all living beings. For in doing so, we not only benefit the earth but enrich our own lives immeasurably.
So, as the night falls and the stars twinkle overhead, let us pledge to honor and support indigenous communities in preserving their traditions. For in their hands lies the knowledge that can guide us towards a future where humanity and nature thrive in perfect harmony.
Well, a few times I was asked to show the process of miniature paintings on stones, and here is my first attempt to capture and explain it. Warning - I only have my phone's camera at my disposal, so the quality is not very good.
Firstly - an idea for the image. Every stone has something in its pattern that can be a starting point for developing an imagery. The stone I picked for this one is a beautiful Picasso jasper, and in this case I was looking for a stone for a specific idea I've already had in mind. Spontaneous improvisation dictated by the stone's pattern is also great but I decided to pick something more definitive for better illustrating the process.
This jasper's pattern already has outlines that can be developed into a landscape without painting it over too much. I don't like it when stones are just mindlessly covered by slapping a random image on it, ignoring the colours, textures and patterns.
Here's the idea - ruins of an amphitheatre overgrown with red gladioluses. I know, I know, but I'm very interested in the initial mystical sacrificial background of gladiators. So here it is, arena covered in red, swords in the sand, but it's finally quiet.
Before we start, a stone must be varnished - minerals are porous, and lacquer smoothes its surface. I paint with tempera - most artists who work in lacquer miniatures use oils, but tempera allows quicker process, which is important for me. I'm autistic and my executive dysfunction makes working with oils difficult - my sudden bursts of activity won't match with drying timings and such. So, tempera for me.
Starting with sketching the outlines of the ruins and painting our light source, the sun and red clouds. I'm trying to work with a palette that the stone already has and make the painting as harmonious as possible.
Erasing auxiliary lines as we continue.
Done with the first layer - the walls and the sky. After the paint dries, I apply varnish (I use Novol clearcoat, car varnish - it's very durable). There can be as many layers as you need.
Now - the flowers and details.
After the painting is finished, it'll need several layers of varnish. And some fine sandpaper (1500) in-between the finishing layers for better grip.
And here it is! time to think abou a necklace for this one.
I'm not sure how useful I can be and what aspects you would like to know, so feel free to ask. I'm not sure I can make a good enough video with my current phone, so this'll have to wait. I tried to skip all the musings about ideas and finding stories, but whatever. And the time needed for work - I don't know. There was a month-long pause in the making of this one, due to a couple of emergencies that knocked me down for some time, and it's not easy for me in general due to my mental state - sometimes I can make a painting in two days, sometimes it takes years, nothing is certain with me, especially now. But well, here's what I do.