Kundaliel, Angel of Ophiuchus - (Detail Phase) (Patreon)

Hidden behind the progress posts for this piece is a lot of trial and error, trying to find the right balance of values and colors. When I get to this state, I can create the illusion that I knew what this painting was going to look like from the beginning.

It's hard to share the real progress of the painting. Partially because it's emotionally difficult to share progress on a painting when you feel unsure of its direction but also because it's hard to know what will ultimately contribute to the final work. It's easier instead to trace a line backward to find the points in the process where everything lines up.

Seeing an artist's work come together is always a little magical because it feels as though something hidden becomes revealed. The truth is actually a little more magical since the artist themselves often finds out what their work looks like at the same time as the audience.