Northern Spotted Owl Illustration

Here is the finished owl illustration.  I used the same background gradient from nautilus, only in reverse.  A nice flat tree line silhouette helps the owl pop forward in the composition.  

Baby Manatee Finished Illustration

Well Roc is done.  I used the water texture pattern on the manatee as well, then used my wacom tablet to shade him all on one layer set to 30% opacity.  I am pleased with how he finished up, especially the mossy green that colorizing the line work lends to piece.

Mama and Baby Sea Otter Finished Illustration

Some soft shading and slim whiskers finish off this sweet otter family.  

Balloon Fish Illustration -Finished!

All done!  A bit of shadow and sketchy seaweed anchors the bottom.  A lighter background layer brings the image into the shallows.   A smudgy speckle brush hints at this fish's mottled, random coloring.  I don't remember ever seeing such a happy fish.  The balloon fish is my new favorite.  

Balloon Fish Illustration In Progress

I've imported the sketch into photoshop, and started layering colors. I'd like to bring back the relaxed watercolor feel of the blue ring octopus illustration and use the same tones because both creatures are a creamy mottled white with patterning.  I love how bright the eyes appear so far.  Next I'll fine tune the shading and gradient layers and look at different ways to anchor the bottom of the illustration.

Dragon Moray Eel - Finished Illustration

It took me almost a week to get up the nerve to finish this.  There are many types of moray eels. Quite a  a few of them are gorgeously patterned.  They all have two sets of jaws. The ones you see and another smaller set at the beginning of their throat.  So while they can't really do much more damage than removing a digit or two, those digits really don't stand a chance.  If I'm going to be fair, I really should only be as scared of eels as I am of turtles, because they are both capable of doing the same type of damage.  However turtles do not hide in holes on the ocean floor and lunge out to surprise their prey. Thus I must conclude that eels are much much scarier.  Much.  

Octopus Illustration–Finished

I decided on natural coloring for the finished illustration. I did try the dark purple/bright orange combo and liked it. However, I will keep it for another style of illustration. It's decidedly more sinister.  This version makes a nice mate to the sea horses.  I am also keen to illustrate the blue ringed octopus.  I still don't want to be submerged with octopi, but I might visit the aquarium soon to see them in person.

Edit: The ad currently displayed below this is for the Intous tablet I use.  How do they know?

Octopus Illustration–In Progress

After opening my octopus drawing in Photoshop, I started building vector layers to add volume.  I also experimented with colors.  They won't stay this bright, but she sure looks pretty in purple and orange.  What do you think?  Bright or natural?

Seahorses—In Progress

After importing the scanned pencil drawing into Photoshop,
I began to build vector layers to add color.
 I tend to work in vector when I don't know how I will use the finished illustration.
 Should I bring back the heart?  I am not sure it needs to be there.