A Page out of the (Sketch)Book

No completed painting so far but here are a few things I've done recently including the blank cover of my sketchbook-

Cthulhu Awaits

Tonight I finally finished the painting that I started in my head at the beginning of this blog. It's a lot closer to what I saw in my head than the sketch but not close enough. I actually wanted to add some glinting scales here and there. I also wanted to add the impression of something asleep and unmoving, partly covered in moss perhaps...I will try again sooner or later. After finishing this, I decided I want do more Lovecraft inspired paintings/drawings.

Cringeworthy

...is the word my friend used to describe this drawing. This one is called 'buttonboy'. Based on Joe Hill's short story "Best New Horror" in 20th Century Ghosts. I received 20th Century ghosts for my birthday last year and I devoured it immediately. It was sitting on my bookshelf until today. A friend and I were having a conversation and I mentioned this book, recommended it in fact. While we were chatting I got the idea to do a simple drawing but I decided to re-read the story first. Now I'm stuck reading the other stories as well. They're just that good.

Lovecraftian Strokes

I thought it would be fitting to start this blog off with something completely different than what I usually do. A while ago I borrowed H.P. Lovecraft's Bloodcurdling Tales of Horror and the Macabre. I'm perhaps a third of the way through the book though I borrowed it over a month or so ago. I admit, it's taking me a long time to finish it but that doesn't mean I'm not enjoying it. All of Lovecraft's tales are first person narratives which, in turn, makes me think of Edgar Allan Poe's short stories. However, Poe's work explores the human psyche becoming unhinged while Lovecraft fills you with unmentionable dread at what lurks in the deep dark depths of the planet. The doorways that lead to these hidden chambers are usually located in the remotest of places. Which is something I wanted to portray.

Which brings me to the most recent painting. I wanted to paint but I wasn't quite sure what exactly. Then it hit me, I could do something related to my reading material. I didn't know how to go about it but I decided to plunge right in. How else can you capture darkness except with the smallest flickers of light? My attempt is rudimentary at best. But considering I haven't done much work with lighting/shadows especially in color, I can't say it came out too badly. However I wonder if working with oils instead of acrylics will have a completely different effect. Next time I will try oils. I already have an idea.