Fan Art Friday: Aerith

Aerith (Final Fantasy VII Video Game Remake)

The Backstory...

When I first started gaming, Final Fantasy 8 was my starter into Role Playing Games. It wouldn't be until my brothers picked up Final Fantasy 7 that I'd encounter Aerith. Surprisingly, I've never played FF7 but it was always on my list of things to do. Then, as with many things, time just passed.

I did watch my brothers play though the games as I was intrigued by the story and it's characters. Aerith left a lasting impression on me especially when a particular scene happened and my heart broke. I thought she was a beautiful character cursed to have a short life.

Years later, my love for Aerith would reawaken when the movie, FF7: Advent Children, would be released sometime in 2005. I absolutely loved the graphics and the music was one of favourite soundtracks for the longest time. Again, I would feel a little heartache for Aerith when the movie ended. I didn't want to let this character go. Team Aerith!

Recently, I finally got my hands on a copy of the remake and I fell in love again with Aerith. I still have so much to plathrough but it's an exciting treat to play at the end of the week. That is, if I get the chance to use the PS4, hehe...ah to be a mother.

I love Aerith. Not only do I think she is beautiful, and I definitely shipped her with Cloud, but I also think she is strong role-model for younger individuals. You can be kind and beautiful without seeming weak or needing rescue. In any case, when I finally get to play the game again, you bet your cute butt I'm shipping Cloud again with Aerith! h

The Artwork...

Being a mother means working when I can find the time. If I want a clean house, food on the table, and healthy kiddos then I need to put priorities first. Art always comes before writing. These past couple of weeks have been especially hard since it marks the fourth anniversary of my mother's passing. Still, I'll always turn to art to relieve the stresses of life.

Portrait drawing is getting easier. I'm learning more about proportions and how they correlate with the face or body, but as with anything you want to improve, practice makes better. There will always be something to work on and I'll always see faults in my work, but with this piece I'm quite happy with the results. I used Prismacolored Premier pencil crayons on 9 inch x 12 inch toned paper. As I improve with colouring, I'm enjoying the process of creating art more.

Does it look like Aerith?

Well, I think there could be improvements BUT there is a resemblance.

Do I consider this a win in your FAN ART portfolio?

Sure, why not! haha.

If you had to choose something to love about this work, what would it be?

Apart from the eyes, I'm really proud of the skin tone. Grant you, the toned paper helped with some of the colouring. I really tried to work on blending different colours together to make the shades of her face. Stepping back from the artwork, I'm happy that all of the blending worked out. My hand ached from all of the colouring by the time I finished this piece.

What was the most frustrating thing to work on?

Her jaw line. I had to adjust the placement so many times and I wanted to give up but sometimes it really just takes walking away and coming back to it again later. That's when I encountered issues with the mouth, which was the next most frustrating thing to work on. UGH! ART!

What is your biggest criticism about this artwork?

The bow in her hair looks more like animal ears than a hair accessory. I hate that, but it is what it is, and now the world can enjoy an Aerith with animal ears. Next time, I'll check my references more.

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Hey you!! Thank you for reading my blog! It's been a tough couple of weeks, and I think I missed an upload, but don't you worry! I have another piece ready to go for next week. Just because I didn't upload, doesn't mean I haven't been working! So stay tuned for that.

Don't forget to check out my Ko-Fi and Society6 if you want to support my work. Have a fabulous weekend! Happy Holidays to you May 24th celebrators! Woot woot!

Society6 ChickenatorArts