With each passing day, my understanding of all my tools grows. Between that, the daily drawing, the Udemy courses, and YouTube videos, I’m pleased with the increase in quality of my work. And speaking of YouTube, there are a couple of techniques I’ve found that I’m eager to try out, so keep an eye on my artwork for those new techniques. Despite the increase in my skill, I’ll always love creating my abstract art...

Every day I pull up my digital software application and draw something. Ultimately, it doesn’t matter to me what I’m drawing, all I care about is improving my drawing muscles and my creative eye. My favorite tool is the Liquify Tool. There is something surreal and soothing about using it. Whether I’m in a foul mood or just stressed from a tough work day, sitting down with that tool is an amazing way to end my day...

Caitlin and Quinn deftly outmaneuvered the remaining Auroran triumvir and laid the groundwork for his eventual removal. While the departing triumvirs busied themselves with building the new alliance, the world’s population quickly sets about to choose their replacements. During that consideration, Caitlin and Quinn openly supported Annabelle Holland, who wins the first position. After the selection process, Caitlin summons the newest triumvir...

After writing Runaway and Insight’s Dual, I focused on the last narrative for the month. When I collected the results from the poll, my mind leapt to a previous collection of stories as a base for this tale. As the next two weeks progressed, that idea sprouted into the crux of Daniel Shaw’s latest adventure, Blockade Runner. I published his first instalment, Shaw’s Outset, a little over two years ago on my blog. While I have spent little time with Shaw’s crew recently, I’m eager to correct that deficiency...

As Darren continues tutoring Lia, the wedge between him and Maxwell continues to grow. After finishing their meal, Darren and Lia move their dirty dishes to another table and press on with their work. While they studied Maxwell escorts a woman into the cafeteria. He immediately tries to rush her out, but the muscular woman holds her ground and drags her guide toward the food...

Lofty goals are good to have. They keep you focused on improving yourself and keeping you chugging forward. However, if they’re too high, they can set you up for disappointment. When I dedicated myself to this artistic journey, my goal of drawing the characters I write about was certainly a lofty aim. To keep myself from getting discouraged from my slow progress, I’ve pulled smaller targets into my path.

Finishing goals is important...

After finishing the Runaway, I have a new character that I’m excited to revisit in the future, and I focused on the next story for my patrons, a Mystery. When I pulled the votes, my eyes popped at the idea of getting another crack at my investigator, Kyle Rickman. The first time he graced my digital page was in December 2018 (click here to read Kyle’s first mystery). But as I thought about a crime for him to solve, my mind turned to another character who came into existence right here on Patreon, Jessica Calhoun. It didn’t take long to realize that my investigator and thief needed to interact...

After returning home to continue his recovery, Rylan requests that he and Annabelle go out for a meal. Annabelle suggests one of their favorite restaurants, but Rylan insists on a new establishment. Reluctantly Annabelle agrees and as they travel through the city, his smile sours at the sight of the military personnel lining the streets. Once they are seated, Rylan quickly begins musing about Liam’s accomplishments and plans. He is amazed at how far he’s pushed things...

Happy Valentine’s Day! May everyone have a wonderful day and feel loved.

While most (if not all) drawing software has a plethora of tools, the liquify one seems to be a common utility. And it’s one that I really enjoy exploring. There is something therapeutic about using the tool to turn some rough lines into a piece of artwork that I’m proud to share with the world. In fact, I need to be careful not to forget about doodling or my goal of drawing characters because of how soothing it is...

When I collected the results of the genre poll and saw that a Historical Fiction would be included, my mind flashed to Temeraire. In Naomi Novik’s series, dragons exist and they serve as the air force of the world during the Napoleonic War. The concept interested me, but in my mind, dragons cannot exist in a vacuum. They need to be paired with magic. With that connection, I knew my Historical fiction would be blended with a fantasy. With the fantasy portion of my story selected, I needed to figure out what point in history to shove my narrative. Of course, I’d recently seen the episode of Big Bang Theory where the gang is playing their mystic card game and this edition blended magic with the wild west. And just like that, I knew how I was going to frame my storyline...

While Fenton and his team fought and ran from living trees, Jarvis and the rest of the expedition had their own trial of fire. Midway through establishing their base camp, a horde of hostile denizens of the planet rush from the forest. The weary defenders exterminate the hostile force, but the horde’s ferocity leaves an impression upon the crew...

In my day job, I’m always trying to solve puzzles. That analytical portion of my mind, besides discovering the answers to those puzzles, it’s also what pushes me to better my creative talents. As with most things, it takes time and practice to improve your skills. And that’s the common theme from the courses that I’m pushing myself through for my artwork. However, no matter how much knowledge I gain through the courses, there is a physical aspect to drawing that I’m developing...

After storming away from the ruins of the Central Region, Kethra hurries home where she promptly gathers her most ardent supporters. Once gathered, she passes on her version of events and they rally the rest of the region to her aid. Meanwhile, back in the ruins of the Central Region, Marcus collects his team and prepares for an invasion. With backup and all the armaments they can carry, Marcus claims an entire car informing his men to leave him alone until their arrival...

The simplest of things can inspire people. Provided you take the time to explore the world, even if all you do is check your digital feeds. As I thumbed through the posts in my Facebook feed, I came across a post by ElfWatcher.com and the seed of a story wedged itself into my mind. The man eagerly collects one of his messengers on news from the battlefield. Those were the words that sprouted from that seed. As the story’s skeleton developed, I looked at some of my other stories and dropped this budding narrative into that world. From there, the first draft flew from my fingers...

Ever mindful of my ultimate goal, I need to keep having fun while drawing. My abstract work is currently providing me with that opportunity. I have purchased some tools to sharpen those skills, while the fun stuff continues to develop my toolbox. While some tools are black boxes, the creative in me just wants to use them, but my inner developer seeks to understand them. That side of me understands the value of black boxes and reluctantly accepts them when required...