Contenders Moray vs Stingray

I pulled lots of images off the web to inspire my next illustration.  I didn't sort them into folders right away.  Now I have to randomly open scary photos to figure out what goes where.  Arrgh.  It may be time for some kittens.  Two of the scariest for you.

Jelly Fish Illustration

I'm calling this one done.  It's layers and layers of photoshop fun.  I'm not sure it's that much stronger than the pencil drawing.  It's late though, I am sure I'll like it better in the morning.

Jelly Fish In Progress

After colorizing the image, I brought in a blue background and a white layer under the drawing.  I then started masking the white for transparent effect.  I cropped it too, but am now wondering if I need a second jelly fish to balance the composition. Hmmm.  Thoughts?

Jelly Fish Drawing

Even though I showed you moon jelly fish yesterday, I have sketched a different type for you today.  I was really taken by the beautiful trailing ruffles and ribbon-like tenticles.  The better to sting you with, my dear.  Seriously though, I really do appreciate those who get in the water with these creatures to capture their photos.  Maybe someday, I'll be able to also.

The Aquarium Is My Friend

Some of the residents at the Toledo Zoo's Aquarium.  The unicorn fish!  Did you know there was a unicorn fish?  Moon jelly fish under florescent display lights are too pretty to be scary.  The moray eel on display has frightened me since childhood. I wonder if he'll out live me.  Pardon me while I google that.

Blue Ring Octopus Illustration Level 3

I took the kind advice and played up the sketch lines.  I did remove the lines around most of the spots. They distracted from the gradation of colors.  While I am pleased with how this little peacock turned out, I still don't care to swim with one. For that matter, I may avoid Australia all together.  The blue ring octopus is the size of a golf ball, and has a bite that doesn't hurt much, but will kill you.  Even if you figure out that you were bitten by one, there is no anti-venom.  Each little blue ring has enough toxin to kill 26 people.  The most surprising fact is that people keep these little monsters in tanks.  They are also known to escape from high security tanks.  That's evolution for you.  

My new goal for this blog seems to be scaring everyone else too.  You can thank me later.

Blue Ringed Octopus

I started laying in the color over the pencil scan.  I may leave this watercolor style,  It suites the subject.