Today's goal was to create an actual background for my "Soldier-Girl" character to live within. I'm using Photoshop CS3 as my medium.

As with much of my work, I take the traditional hand-drawn sketch and scan it into my computer.

I wanted two key elements in this work:

1. One was the inclusion of clouds, because I'm always fascinated with their beauty. If you ever are curious about the existanced of God, just look up at His clouds.

2. The second element that I wanted to include was something that would give the viewer a sense of mystery. Something common, but viewed in an uncommon way. That's why I added the floating windmills, something common and generally tame but presented here in a weird fashion.

I was very displeased with my first draft of the sky, mostly because the color was so dark.

On the flip side, however, I was satisfied with the introduction of the "floating windmills" to the scene. I felt that they were going to be a great asset in communicating the feeling of mystery as planned.

Tomorrow I'll show you the color direction we decided to go with.

Share your comments below:

I thought it would be cool to take you on a day-by-day journey of a piece that I recently created.

This workshop will document:

• How to start a seemingly big project using common downtime.
• The challenges I had transitioning from pencil sketch to color.
• How to use constructive criticism from fellow artists to guide your progress.
• How to use principles from the real world to create environments in the fantasy ream.
• How Christian visual artists don’t have to only create religious themes.

This actually originated as a simple sketch while sitting on the couch during 'family time". This is an example of how you can use common, every day downtime to keep your skills sharp and create (see my brief video on that concept here).
The character is a composite of my 3 daughters. Moriah, my youngest, actually posed for it while her sisters Azsa and Anisa both inspired the hair, stature and facial expression.

1. I started with a basic thumbnail sketch to establish the character’s pose. This actually set the stage for ideas for the surrounding environment as well.

2. The thumbnail sketch leads the way for the full-sized, more detailed pencil drawing of the character. (By the way, you may recognize the pencil drawing from our upcoming book “The Artist and Designer’s Book of Tips”. Yes, it will be released this summer!)

Part 2 tomorrow, with pictures of my color scheme choices and the challenges it took for me to get it right!

Here is a picture of all three of my inspirations in one shot:

To help you determine if my upcoming book, The Artists' & Designers' Tip Book, will be resource for you or not,

I'll read a good 7 minutes (and 11 seconds) of it to you so you can see for yourself.

The book will help you find time and take actual steps to fulfill your God-given purpose concerning your talent.

TO LISTEN NOW: Click the audio link below to hear:

• 8 Ways to Get New Ideas
• 5 Steps Toward Artists Knowing & Completing the Will of God

TO LISTEN ON THE GO: Download it and check it out in your car, while you excercise, etc:

Download the MP3 by clicking the link below with your right mouse button, then select "Save Target As":

Download the MP3

• Glen McCall
• Eric Merced
• Hu-Ann Mulia (encore)
• Aldo Muzzarelli
• Martin Oakley
• Michael Perng
• Amado Rodriguez, Jr. (encore)
• Bud Rogers (encore)
• Devin Smith
• Steven K. Smith
• Tony Snipes
• Joe Spicer (encore)
• Dave Weiss

What took it so long to finally launch?