SPN_J2 Big Bang - Art for Amypond45 Looking at the Stars

[amberdreams]

Something about amypond45's summaries obviously appeals to me because we keep matching up in challenges! Today it's the spn_j2_bigbang's turn, and the first of two art posts for this year's bang.
STORY LINK AO3 | LJ
First the banner


The main art


The fic combines two of my favourite things - J2 and spaaaaaaace! The process was one of research, followed by cobblingtogether references, then making stuff up as I went along. Pretty much the usual.

I did the main scene first, whichI  based on an early description in the story, of Jared walking onto the bridge of Jensen's ship. Nothing spoilery for the story, but hopefully an enticement to read! Naturally I based Jensen's costume on Firefly's Malcolm Reynolds, and Jared's overalls are basic scientific issue. The bridge itself I spent the most time on, looking at references and schematics of fictional space ships before finding a photo of a posh yacht's bridge which actually had the perspective I was looking for. So the basic shape is the yacht, and all the rest is just added from my imagination.
So we went from this early concept sketch

to this final drawing, which I then painted with watercolours.

One thing I find interesting is how their faces and expressions change when I add colour...
This is the yacht photo I used


The banner was just a bit of fun, trying to turn the Impala into a spaceship, and making a splodgy colourful mess for the space background.

Comments

LOOKING AT THE STARS

[livejournal.livejournal.com]

User amypond45 referenced to your post from LOOKING AT THE STARS (https://spn-j2-bigbang.livejournal.com/590763.html) saying: [...] Art Links: Art Link on LJ [...]

[amypond45.livejournal.com]

We did it! Whoo hoo! Thank you for always being the amazing, wonderful, talented, creative, communicative partner you always are. It’s always such a pleasure to work with you!

As you know, I love love love the art you made for this fic. We love all the same things, so I don’t need to go on and on about Mal Reynolds and Firefly, but I love Jensen’s little bit of tummy skin on the main art, in case I haven’t already mentioned that. And Jared looking SO uncomfortable and in love, even though he doesn’t acknowledge that part to himself yet. YES! You nailed both these crazy characters and their mismatched relationship.

[amberdreams.livejournal.com]

We do love the same awesome things from SPN to Firefly to Han Solo — and I'm glad you noticed Jensen's tummy!

[dun.livejournal.com]

I love your work! You always capture the boy in a way that feels just like ‘them’. A very han solo-esque Jensen! I love his posture.

Your watercolours are so intense and there is such a good balance between lines/ink and colour.

And bonus points for managing to turn the Impala into a spaceship!

[amberdreams.livejournal.com]

Aw thanks bunches! I do like a lot of colour in my own work, I just can't seem to cope with subtle, even though I love it in other people's work (like yours!). I struggle to work out how much linework to use so it's great you think this is balanced right. 🥰

[confuzed.livejournal.com]

Your art is lovely!

RE: LOOKING AT THE STARS

[amberdreams.livejournal.com]

Thank you!

[tsuki-no-bara.livejournal.com]

i love how comfortable and slouchy jensen looks in his captain's chair. as i am also a fan of spaaaaaaace i really appreciate spaceship pilot!jensen, and also the impala as his spaceship. (because come on, of course it is. :D )

[amberdreams.livejournal.com]

I'm sure you'll enjoy the story too! Thank you!