Summer
Nothing like that summer time feeling. For this illustration I wanted to create a very relaxed environment. I wanted you to look at the illustration and get a sense of warmth and happiness. Overall, I used the lighting to convey this effect the most. The lighting is what gives this piece life. Who wouldn’t want to be on a surfboard watching some fireworks?
Process
01) rebuilding the big shapes and getting the main colors down
02) adjusting the main colors and lighting
03) rendering out most of the forms, added depth to the water
04) added depth and form to the hair, and final touches
The Story Behind Summer
Summer Has been a project that I’ve kept coming back to. The original illustration was made in the summer of 2019, for a discord contest for the youtuber Rossdraws. While this piece didn’t win anything I still was proud of it for being the first big digital illustration I’ve completed. So proud that I decided to rework it the next summer (2020). I tried to fix some of the lighting but keep the composition the same, mostly a touch up.
This past summer (2021) I decided to fully redo the piece to be portfolio worthy. I really enjoy seeing my growth, not only as an artist but as a person, and that’s why this piece is so special to me. While it’s not the most complex scene there’s something about it that keeps pulling me back. While I call this the final rendition, who knows maybe next summer we will come back again.
