SPNJ2 BB Art Master Post for Tsuki_no_bara - Quartet for a Haunting

[amberdreams]

Something about tsuki_no_bara's fic summaries must appeal to me because once again her story was top of my pick list, and I was lucky enough to snag it too!

Story link HERE!

I usually do a banner but left it too late this time, so I'll jump straight in with the main picture. I won't say too much because the images by themselves aren't spoilery but if I explain, they will be and I want everyone to enjoy reading the fic first.

Here's Jensen, sitting on his bed on the stage of the abandoned theatre.


The second piece is a sketch Jensen made of Jared, on a page from one of his music composition books.


Process:

I started from the stage scene, an image which just jumped out at me and I really wanted to try it. Initially I had some ambitions to create a diorama using a box and some transparent watercolour film I'd found, but I couldn't work out how to use the acetate, and my construction skills are next to zero, so I ended up with my usual pencil on watercolour paper and did the scene in two parts.
I drew Jensen (Ross in the story) first, using all sorts of references from mattresses to lanterns. I also forgot initially that Ross in the story has longer hair.
So first sketch with short hair:

Starting to watercolour with the longer hair

I then painted the stage separately, because the scale of the Jensen pic was too large to fit the stage around him and give the sense of depth I was after.


I melded the two pics together in Affinity (a Photoshop type software but 100x cheaper - highly recommended!). And that was it really. I did a similar melding for my Jared sketch - drawn in blue pencil on white paper, then using multiply layers I added the textured paper and the music lines.

Comments

[phoenix1966]

Your twinkling lights give me all the Starry Night feels. A lovely choice. And the sketch of Jared is just perfect.

[amberdreams.livejournal.com]

Thank you! Oh yes, those colours are a bit Starry Night, aren't they...

[tsuki-no-bara.livejournal.com]

i know i've said this before but jared is SO CUTE. SO, SO CUTE. and i love how you did the composition paper. and jensen sitting under the christmas conjure lights! i agree with phoenix1966 - it is very starry night. so romantic and lovely. ^_^ i'm still tickled pink that you picked my summary (again!), and i'm so, so pleased with the art you made, especially since you have so much else to do.

[amberdreams.livejournal.com]

❤️

[beelikej.livejournal.com]

I love both of these! Too bad your initial diorama idea didn't work out for you, but you still created the feel of it by placing Ross/Jensen in that theatre background:) When my whole renovation hoopla is done, I plan to check out Affinity too (as I am getting a new computer and doubt my old Photoshop will still work on that) Good to know it's recommended!

[amberdreams.livejournal.com]

You'd have been on that diorama like a flash 😂
I checked around when my PS wasn't compatible with my new Macbook and Affinity got good reviews — plus it's a one-off payment c£40 and they constantly update with no charges. I haven't done any of the tutorials but there are many, and it seems to mostly do everything my old PS did. I bought Designer and Photo but use the latter the most because Designer is all vectors and stuff that baffles me. 😂

[blindswandive.livejournal.com]

Gorgeous!!! Love these, great puppy!Jared, Jensen is beautiful with his freckles, and (as ALWAYS) I am IN LOVE with your color — the starry curtain is filling me with joy and longing 😍 💕

[amberdreams.livejournal.com]

*blows kisses* thank you xxx

[kazluvsbooks.livejournal.com]

gorgeous work lovely!

[amberdreams.livejournal.com]

Cheers me dear! 💕

[dwimpala21.livejournal.com]

It's all so awesome 😍 I love that you mentioned the details of how you finalized the art. It helps understand us just how much of hardwork goes behind the awesome set of fanart. Great job!

[amberdreams.livejournal.com]

Aw thanks so much! I to tend to ramble but hope people who aren't interested will just skip those bits. 😁

[mmapmaker.livejournal.com]

Great art. Always enjoy the artist's comments.

[amberdreams.livejournal.com]

Thanks very much!

[dun.livejournal.com]

The image of Jensen on his mattress on the stage has such a great feeling of enchantment about it. I love the reddish brown colour together with the blue, they really envelope Jensen and bring out the twinkle in the lights. You've also managed to get Jensen to sit on the bed in an enviably natural way and the blending of the pics works really well. Also, Jared's smile is lovely! <333

[amberdreams.livejournal.com]

Thanks so much! I used so many reference pics for this piece. LOL

[enteselene.livejournal.com]

Both pictures are beautiful, I love hand drawn pictures ♥

[amberdreams.livejournal.com]

Thank you!

[midnightsilvers.livejournal.com]

Beautiful work 🥰🤗🤗

[amberdreams.livejournal.com]

Thank you very much!

[emmatheslayer.livejournal.com]

Wow stunning your art blows me away I love how cute Jared is

[amberdreams.livejournal.com]

Thanks me dear!

[gingersnap1224.livejournal.com]

Beautiful!

[amberdreams.livejournal.com]

Thank you!

[runedgirl.livejournal.com]

The stage and starry curtains are so pretty — and Jared is adorable!

[amberdreams.livejournal.com]

Jared seems to be a hit! Thanks bunches xx

[inalasahl]

That theater background is so well done! I especially love the shadows and folds in the drapery and starry backdrop. And the Jared "sketch" is very cool.

[amberdreams.livejournal.com]

Oh I missed seeing your comment before — thanks for your lovely words! 😍

[roxymissrose.livejournal.com]

This is just so pretty and I can't wait to read the story! I love the lighting, and the curtain behind him. Gorgeous!

[amberdreams.livejournal.com]

Thank you — and I'm sure you'll enjoy the story!

[meus_venator]

Oh, very pretty. I love the stage and the lights, so moody. Who wouldn't want Jared on a stage to themselves O.o!!!! YUM!

[amberdreams.livejournal.com]

Thank you! 👍