Someone generously donated a star in my name, so as a big thanks, here's something for DU...

This surprisingly is my very first OP on DU although I've been around for a while. But since someone donated a star, I just had to post a thank you.

So, in return, I'd like to share this drawing that I did to commemorate our historic election. Hope you guys like it:



And thanks again, anonymous star-donater!

-parasim

:applause: :applause: :applause: :applause: :applause:

:hi:

You are a very talented artist!

:hi:

That is lovely, parasim.

I thank you for sharing it!

:hi:

It's beautiful. :hi:

That is gorgeous. I hope you show it to PE Obama.

not sure how that happened.

Not sure how, but I am going try to send to the "call for creative artists" or whatever they had during the campaign. Not sure if I still can, though...

:hi:

So let me thank whoever donated your star, as well - because we might not have seen this incredible work otherwise.

My God, you have TALENT!!!

and so I am thrilled hear such kudos from you. :hi:

... and no doubt to many others here as well.

You have an absolutely ASTOUNDING gift - may it bring as much joy to your soul as it brings to the eyes of the many.

Thank you AGAIN for sharing it with all of us.

you did a great job, you are very talented.

:hi:

:hi:

:party:

You are very talented!

K and R

And I love that quote--one of my favorites of our new President's many inspiring words. :applause:

And whoever donated that star: thanks, so we could see this beautiful piece of art! :thumbsup:

Beautiful!! So many talented people on DU. :applause:

Thanks! :hi:

:thumbsup:

I really do appreciate it a lot. I posted this last night before hitting the sack and when I wake, up all these comments!

Wish I could take the time to thank each one of you who have commented, but I have to get ready for work...

Suffice it to say, I'm humbled by the response.

-parasim

It all helps toward lifting everyone else. thank you.

Hadn't thought of Ebay, I was thinking more like Cafe Press or something, but still I really am going to try to do something like that. Even if I get 10 bucks for it, I can give someone else a star... thanks for the compliment...

It looks like you've got a pretty good digital copy. You can use that to make high quality prints (Giclee or Photo paper) or CafePress type products.

You have an excellent eye and this is a superb piece. I enjoy your use of white and light colored lines to define areas. Are you using pastels?

Trust me when i say you should keep the original Art whenever possible.

Try Etsy for selling your wares... check out my shop at the link below, it's a good marketplace.



Thanks for sharing. You do nice work!

:)

Yes, i do understand the value of hanging on to an original. But, you see, this drawing was done 100% digitally. I use a Wacom tablet, using a stylus (digital pen) instead of a brush or pencil. So, although it looks like pastels or other traditional media, it is all done on the computer.

Now, I am well aware that a lot of folks might think that it is just a manipulation of a photograph, using Photoshop filters or something like that, but I assure you it is done in just the same way as any other typical portrait is done... an actual drawing using a photo as reference and all, but still an original drawing all the way. Just digital. So, basically what you see here is the original.

I do like to do more traditional drawings and paintings with real world media, such as pastels, oils, pencil, etc, but going digital is much faster and allows tremendous flexibility with composition, colors and all that. With the computer, I can mimic a plethora of media, change things around and achieve the image in my head much faster than ever before. It's why the digital tablet/stylus is used by most most working illustrators today.

Anyway, I hope I don't burst any bubbles in revealing my methods, but hey, it's the end product that is most important anyway, right?

And also, thanks for the tip on Etsy, I'll have to check that out.

-parasim

btw, here's another example of what I've done with the wacom tablet. A caricature of Obama from 2006, back when he was just a blip on the radar...

Thanks for the sentiment, though.

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Welcome. That is really an incredible work of art. Thanks for sharing it.

I'm pleased that you dig mine!
:hi:

Very, very nice.

besides, I don't want come across as boosting my own thread...

Just one huge thanks to everyone.

It's the least that I can do to give something back to the DU community that has done so much for me (and that anonymous donor that graciously gave me a star)... thanks again everybody.

I'll give it a boost for you. Hopefully everyone will get to see it! Beautiful.

:applause::applause::applause:

Sonia

what is the original media that you used?

Thanks for posting...it brings joyful tears to my eyes...!

:)


Edit: I love all the lovely highlights on his face...it's such a happy pic that brings hope to anyone that sees it!

On my computer background now!

It certainly is one of my favorite of Barack's expressions. That's why I chose to draw that one. I could have gone with the typica; "presdiential" pose but when he flashes that smile, in that way, it just shows me that he is such a warm human being...

and it pleases me greatly that you've chosen to use it as your background.

:hi:

oh, and thumbs up on your HST sig picture.

It takes more than just being able to draw to be an artist.

It takes bringing out emotion and thought in others who view your work that makes you the artist....


You should submit your work to Obama's staff... They will be choosing an artist to do the White House Portrait of Obama, I really think you have a shot a it....

I am kind of overwhelmed by the positive responses I've gotten on this little drawing. But, you're right, these responses are what drives us crazy artists to create stuff in the first place. It's what I call the circle of inspiration.

As for submitting it to Obama's staff, yeah, I'm going to do that, but I highly doubt that I'll be able to compete with the traditional portrait artists for the official White House portrait thing... I just draw stuff for fun. It's not even my trade. Anyway, I do plan to send it to them, hopefully they'll dig it.

Hope this will just be the start of your OP's. :thumbsup:

Steal to your heart's content. In fact, don't think of it as "stealing". I posted this for anybody who has been inspired by Barack Obama and what he represents.

Thanks for asking, though. :hi:

Profoundly moving and powerful as well

Very, very well done! Congratulations! :yourock:

:hi:

All of the elements fit together as a grand whole .... no part overwhelms the other parts ...

VERY nicely done ....

admire artists who can do great portraits and you certainly can do that. Beautiful work.

I'll bet that anonymous donater is thrilled and joyful over this beautiful gift.

Thanks to whoever donated my star. Unfortunately I have no artistic talent but I will be sure to donate stars to some others in return.