Category: Traditional
Old version: [link] (Colored pencil, 2005)
New version: [link] (Watercolor, 2009)

Description/Critique: Here is my entry for the Kick Your Own @ss contest. Interestingly enough, I had forgotten about this contest until after I started the new version of "Mentor." I've wanted to redo that picture for a while now, and finally started a watercolor version. I suppose it was just happy coincidence that I rediscovered this contest as I was painting it!

This is a character that I created (or discovered wandering in my head?) back in 2005, back when I was writing a lot of stories with =ladydove7 and *InsaneJudge. She is my character Iolani's unnamed mentor, who taught her the art of blacksmithing and how to fight.

Four years ago, I had the image of Iolani's mentor in my head - a strong, beautiful winged woman holding a sacred object. Her wings were inspired by the iridescent feathers of magpie tails, and even after I finished the drawing, there were things I wasn't happy with. As years went by and my understanding of anatomy and color grew, I because more and more unhappy with portions of the piece.

Now, four years later, I finally found the inspiration and confidence to revisit this piece, and redo it in the medium I have grown to love - watercolor. Unlike the original, her expression isn't soft and weak - I feel I was able to give her the presence of strength I always intended with the original. I strayed away from the pure, dark wings in favor of lighter tones, fading into dark. I think it gives it a more dynamic composition, as well as the addition of flowing feathers and other elements.

In the end, I'm very pleased with the outcome of the new version, and it encourages me to try my hand at redoing some other old pieces.