Fire Falcon

For our final project in computer illustration, we had to take symbols from our zodiac and make a self-portrait. It didn't have to be a literal self-portrait, but it had to represent ourselves in some way. My zodiac sign is Leo, which was a bit difficult to work with, since my personal symbolism is...well...polar-opposite of what Leo represents. Leo is a sun sign, associated with fire, the day, and the lion. I don't really like lions, I'm more a moon/night person, and have more connection with wind.

However, after several sketches, this image seemed to work best. I used the 'fire' feel that Leo has for this falcon's plumage. It's perched before the fiery sunset, and the markings on her face mirror the astrological symbol of Leo. In the sky, the brightest stars show the Leo constellation.

And yes, I painted all those feathers, one by one. @_@ It's not much easier in Photoshop than it is with real paint. It's just you have layers and that handy 'undo' function. That was the last computer illustration course I had to take, so thankfully I can concentrate on traditional media again! Hurray!