Finished!

This went a lot faster towards the end, for some reason. What a learning experience! I think the main thing I learned on this one was to keep my pencils really, really sharp unless I was laying down a large field of color, in which case multiple layers were needed. I also learned that I was frustrated by working with a limited set of colors....although I really like the way it works. Using the Tuscan Red for all the outlines brings some unity to a pretty chaotic image. So do the repeated themes such as gradients, natural elements (hair, fish scales, etc.), and curved lines.

I realize this creation has some serious limitations as far as composition goes, and that overall it is, like I said, pretty chaotic. But hey, so is life. I'm proud that it turned out as well as it did given my fairly primitive level of skill. And now it is ready to give to my mom for Christmas.

Oh, and in case you didn't know (I didn't until someone pointed it out to me) you can click on the picture to see it up close and personal-like.