Some line work before bed.
Work In Progress - Stock Market Falls
Work In Progress - Grind Session
#WIP sometimes, I just make the marks. Sometimes it doesn't feel good & the lines don't cooperate but I do it anyways. Here's a little leg work. Pretty sure this will get/need a full rework.
Finished Work - Watcher in the Womb, for sale
This piece is one that I made quite a while back, but its themes still feel relevant today. Like much of my work, the inspiration came from watching world events unfold—seeing the progression of humanity, for better or worse. At the time, there was a lot of talk about Chinese surveillance drones and the increasing presence of automated observation technology. At the same time, the "birds aren't real" conspiracy theory was gaining traction, adding an almost surreal layer to discussions around government oversight and the digital panopticon we live in.
This artwork was my response, blending two ideas that were circulating in the media. On one hand, the rising discourse around drones, surveillance, and even the tongue-in-cheek paranoia about birds being government spies. On the other, reports about Japan’s struggles with population decline and the speculative conversations surrounding artificial incubation—facilities designed to grow humans to sustain their society.
I chose owls as the central figures for this piece. While any bird could have fit the "birds as drones" concept, owls struck me as particularly fitting. They have an almost mechanical presence—large, unblinking eyes, eerily precise movements, and the ability to turn their heads in a way that feels inhuman. There’s something about them that exudes intelligence but also detachment, which fits the theme of surveillance perfectly. In this piece, the main owl is not just an owl—it’s a surveillance drone, watching over its domain with an unrelenting gaze.
The scene also features a second, smaller surveillance drone—an incubating baby owl—inside a mechanical chamber. The design of its enclosure draws from the imagery of artificial wombs, similar to the pods in The Matrix. A large machine looms in the background, displaying a screen that shows the baby drone’s progress, reaching 98% maturity. The central surveillance owl watches over it expectantly, as if awaiting its activation, ready for it to begin its programmed purpose.
This piece is both a reflection and a question—about how much of our world is truly organic, about the increasing overlap between nature and machine, and about the way technology, surveillance, and control shape our existence. Rather than prescribing a definitive viewpoint, I want to evoke a sense of curiosity and contemplation, allowing the viewer to explore their own perspectives on these themes.
Now available on my store: https://www.redbubble.com/people/Ocdthreepio/shop?asc=u
#DigitalArt #ConceptArt #SurrealArt #CyberpunkArt #DystopianArt #SciFiArt #VisionaryArt #SurveillanceState #BirdsArentReal #Owls #Drones #ArtificialIntelligence #TechDystopia #Futurism #SpeculativeFiction #HumanVsMachine #ArtistsOnBlogger #ArtDiscussion #ArtAndTechnology #ThoughtProvoking #OpenToInterpretation #ArtForChange
Archiving My Work: Bumble Beast
Lately, I’ve been in the process of archiving my artwork, revisiting older pieces and giving them a place in my store. It’s a way to catalog what I’ve created over time—each piece a small part of the bigger picture.
One of the latest to make its way into the archive is Bumble Beast. This one started with a simple idea: beast. The first thing that came to mind? Fangs. But as I worked, the concept shifted, almost on its own. The words “Bumblebee” and “Beast” rolled together, and suddenly, there it was—wild, vibrant, a little playful, a little intense. High-contrast colors, sharp fangs, a buzzing presence. A mix of fire, blood, and energy.
This piece may not have taken a massive creative toll, but it still required time, precision, and effort. It’s small—only about 2 to 3 inches—but detailed. And now, it’s available in various formats on Redbubble: prints, pillows, phone cases, tote bags, and more. If you're interested, you can check it out here: https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/168563158?asc=u
As always, feedback is welcome—the good, the bad, the ugly. It’s all part of the process.
Thanks for stopping by and being part of this journey.
#BumbleBeast #ArtArchive #InkDrawing #BeastArt #DarkIllustration #HighContrastArt #SurrealArt #IndependentArtist #ArtistOnRedbubble #SmallButMighty #EnergeticArt #BoldDesign #SupportIndependentArtists #ArtPrints #CreativeJourney
Work in Progress – Fragments & Constructs
Some images arrive uninvited—unexpected visions sparked by everyday moments. This one surfaced while I was absorbing the constant hum of news, social media, and shifting narratives. It’s still taking shape, but the core is there: a figure suspended, bound to a symbol, arms folded in gestures both familiar and enigmatic. Beneath it, an endless gate recedes, while cables and conduits extend, intertwining with the structure behind.
I don’t aim to explain, only to explore. The imagery speaks in layers, blending the organic with the mechanical, the revered with the manufactured. As always, this piece may shift, evolve, or demand reimagining before it’s complete. But for now, this is where it stands.
Something New - Flow Session
exploring something ambitous
#CyberpunkArt #TechnoMythology #Futurism #SurrealArt #ElonMusk #TimeTravel #Robocop #DigitalCrucifixion #DystopianFuture #VisionaryArt #SciFiArt #MixedMedia #SpeculativeFiction #PhilosophicalArt
Work In Progress - Flow Session
My current piece is coming along. After several attempts, I’ve settled on a wing design that I’m finally happy with. Now I’m refining the details, cleaning up lines, and adding color. The real challenge will be replicating this for the other wing.
#Art #Artist #ArtProgress #CurrentWork #AcrylicPainting #ArtCommunity #InProgress
Chain Skeeto: A Fusion of Biology and Machinery
As someone who works as a mechanic and service writer, I tend to see the world through a mechanical lens. Everything, from a complex engine to biological systems, operates as a kind of mechanism—something that can be examined, diagnosed, repaired, or restored. That perspective often finds its way into my artwork, where I blend mechanical and organic forms into something new.
Chain Skeeto is a great example of that fusion. I’ve always had an affinity for old-school, rugged mechanical designs—big, clunky parts that might not have the finesse of modern engineering but stand the test of time. Think of an old tractor: something built so robustly that you could dig it out of the ground, fuel it up, and get it running again. That kind of design philosophy—the raw, utilitarian nature of older machinery—really inspires me, and I often reflect that in my work.
The concept for Chain Skeeto was there from the beginning: a mosquito with a chainsaw for a face. But as with most of my pieces, the final result evolved as I worked on it. My process starts with gathering photo references and compositing ideas together, then figuring out what fits both visually and within my ability to execute. I tend to change things dramatically throughout the process, so while the core idea stays intact, the composition shifts organically over time.
A big part of finishing this piece was learning how to properly photograph and digitally archive it. Many of my physical works use ballpoint pens, often with metallic inks. These inks reflect light in tricky ways, making them difficult to capture accurately in a photo. This is where AI has been useful—not to generate art, but to help me learn new techniques for photographing and enhancing my work digitally. I don’t use AI to create, but I do use it as a tool for improving my own craft and expanding my skill set.
I've been asked in the past if I would ever redo a work or revisit it after finishing it. The answer is that while I do make plenty of changes throughout the creative process, once I decide a piece is done, I generally leave it as is. I don’t find much enjoyment in repeating the same thing—whether it’s a piece of art, a movie, or a book. My focus is always on moving forward, exploring new ideas, and refining my skills. That said, if I ever feel that my abilities have grown to the point where I could do a piece far greater justice, I might consider reinterpreting it. But for now, Chain Skeeto stands as it is, and I’m happy with that.
If you’d like to see Chain Skeeto in more detail (along with several other pieces), you can check it out on my Redbubble store here: https://www.redbubble.com/people/Ocdthreepio/shop?asc=u
#illustration #artwork #mechanicaldesign #inkdrawing #ballpointpenart #redbubbleartist #indieartist #cyberpunkart #surrealism #darkart #artistsoninstagram #drawingoftheday
Work In Progress - Mini Session
Turns out wings are tricky. I want this one to feel like it could actually function—mechanically sound, intricate, but still believable. The challenge? Making sure I can translate it to the other wing while keeping everything balanced in terms of complexity, perspective, and, honestly, my own skill level. It’s a push-and-pull between ambition and practicality. Right now, I’m in that iterative phase, testing shapes, adjusting, rethinking.
#artinprogress #mechanicaldesign #digitalart #artiststruggle #wip #scifiart #cyberpunkart #conceptart #mechdesign #wingdesign #iteration #artprocess #flowstate #flowsession #minisession #biomechanicalart #techart #industrialdesign #aestheticengineering #scifiillustration
Work In Progress - Mini Session
More. Small flow session. Wing’s coming together, starting to rough in the mechanics. Feeling the vision.
#artinprogress #digitalart #scifiart #cyberpunk #steampunk #mechdesign #eagleart #artistsonsocial #creativeprocess #wingdesign #mechanicalart #visionaryart
Work In Progress - Mini Session
More work on this—roughed in some wing details, built out the background. Progress.
#art #digitalart #progress #illustration #scifiart #cyberpunkart #artprocess
Work In Progress - Flow Session
Bringing more color into this one, slowly pulling the pieces together. Shapes, perspectives, and details—getting it all lined up. No shortage of things to pull from lately, and it’s finding its way in here.
#artprogress #digitalart #artistsonlinkedin #artinprogress #conceptart #visualstorytelling #surrealart #illustration #politicalart #currentevents #cyberpunkart #darkart #scifiart #artcommunity
Work In Progress - Flow Session
moar color
#art #digitalart #inkart #wip #artprogress #illustration #painting #creativeprocess #conceptart #scifiart #surrealart #cyberpunkart #artoftheday #artcommunity #visionaryart #modernart #instaart #newart #artistsonlinkedin #artlovers #artistsoninstagram #geopolitics #AIart #technology #eagle #whale #politicalart
Work In Progress - Flow Session
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Zooming in on the details—working with color, experimenting with shapes, and toying with some ideas. Still figuring out where this is going. More to come!
#art #digitalart #wip #artprogress #illustration #painting #creativeprocess #conceptart #scifiart #surrealart #cyberpunkart #artoftheday #artcommunity #visionaryart #mixedmedia #modernart #instaart #newart #artistsonlinkedin #artlovers #artistsoninstagram
Work In Progress - Flow Session
Bit by bit, this piece is coming together. Playing with shapes and ideas—letting things develop naturally. Still exploring, but I think it’s starting to take on a life of its own.
#art #digitalart #wip #artprogress #illustration #painting #creativeprocess #conceptart #scifiart #surrealart #cyberpunkart #artoftheday #artcommunity #visionaryart #mixedmedia #modernart #instaart #newart #artistsonlinkedin #artlovers #artistsoninstagram
Work in Progress
Moved to digital sketchbook. Toying with perspective & tweaking ideas. Solid flow session.
#ArtProgress #SketchbookToDigital #ModernArt #CreativeProcess #DigitalSketching #ArtEvolution #InspirationToCreation #ArtJourney #DigitalArt #ArtistAtWork #DrawingProcess #SketchToFinal #CyberpunkArt #SteampunkArt #ConceptArt #MushroomArt #SciFiArt #FantasyArt #MixedMedia #ArtisticGrowth #AIAndArt #CreativeFlow
Something New
Something I saw in a dream last night. Will def progress this, probably take it digital.
#digitalart #conceptart #surrealart #illustration #artinprogress #artistsonlinkedin #creativethinking #visualstorytelling #dreamart #darkart #ethereal #cyberpunkart #scifiart #indieartist #artcommunity #artoftheday #birds
Something Old, New Again
Breathing some new life into an old bot. 😄.
#WateringBot #GreenhouseArt #RobotIllustration #CyberpunkArt #SciFiArt #TechInspiredArt #CreativeProcess #ArtProgress #DigitalArtCommunity #ArtistsOnInstagram #RoboticDesign #EnvironmentalArt #SustainableArt #TechAndNature #FuturisticArt #InProgressArt
Sketch A Day
Prompt is "Shock". This is a "shock"ed cat.
Getting back into Sketch A Day
Getting back into the Sketch A Day app. Today's prompt is Tea. Behold "Teabot 69". A composite doodle I will probably progress til I'm bored & retire for finishing at some undisclosed time in the distant future. 🤣🤦♂️
#SketchADay #Teabot69 #SteampunkArt #FuturisticDesign #TeaLovers #RobotArt #SciFiArt #ConceptArt #CyberpunkStyle #DigitalSketch #CreativeProcess #ArtInProgress #IndustrialDesign #GadgetArt #ImaginativeArt
New Finished Work: Exploring the World of Mushrooms
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I’m pleased to share my latest piece, inspired by the captivating forms and colors found in mushrooms. In this artwork, I delved into bold colors and layered techniques, which allowed me to experiment with different shapes and textures.
Creating this piece was an enjoyable process, as it gave me the opportunity to explore my fascination with nature's designs. I aimed to capture the beauty of mushrooms in a way that reflects both their intricacy and simplicity.
I’m excited to let you know that this piece is now available for purchase as a print and on various products through my Society6 store. If you're interested, you can view it here:
https://society6.com/a/artists/ocdthreepio
🌿 Mushroom Musings and Artistic Adventures 🌿
Hey All,
I spent some time sketching mushrooms today, diving back into a series I started a couple of months ago. This series seems to resonate with a lot of people—my mushroom-themed blog posts consistently get more views than others, which got me wondering: what is it about mushrooms that draws people in?
For me, mushrooms are endlessly inspiring. Their colors, shapes, and atmosphere carry so much whimsy and mysticism, and they fit beautifully into fantastical and nature-inspired art. I love how they can symbolize so many different ideas, from transformation and decay to magic and mystery. Plus, they’re just really fun and satisfying to draw!
Today’s sketch came together in a pretty organic way. I opened my sketchbook randomly (a little habit of mine) and grabbed a disposable fountain pen. There’s something special about working with fountain pens—the way the ink flows feels loose and expressive, which can lead to these happy little accidents that I wouldn’t get with markers or ballpoints.
At first, I wasn’t aiming for a finished piece. I was just practicing, laying down lines and experimenting with a sort of “mushroom forest by the lake” vibe. But as I kept adding details, the scene started to come alive. One thing I always try to do is fill the entire page with details—it’s advice I picked up from an artist back when I took classes at Art Heart in Toronto, and it’s stuck with me ever since. It helps create a full, immersive world, not just a single element on a blank page.
This sketch will probably evolve into a finished piece, but I’m still figuring out how to bring it to life. Should I add color with watercolor pencils, markers, or even digitally? I’m leaning toward experimenting with digital tools, but we’ll see where it goes.
Art, for me, is such a personal and therapeutic process. It’s a way to escape the constant noise of overthinking (thanks, OCD) and just focus on creating. Sometimes it’s challenging, especially when I compare myself to other artists, but I’m learning to trust my own style and ideas. Looking inward rather than outward often sparks the most authentic inspiration.
Thank you all for being here, for engaging with my art, and for inspiring me to keep pushing forward. Let me know what you think of this new piece once I finish it—I’d love your thoughts!
#MushroomArt #FantasyArt #NatureInspired #SketchbookArt #ArtTherapy #CreativeProcess #FountainPenArt #ArtistOnSociety6 #SupportIndependentArtists #WhimsicalArt #MysticalArt #DigitalArt #WatercolorPencils #ArtistJourney #ArtLovers #DetailedDrawing #ArtExploration #OCDAndArt #ArtForWellness #ImmersiveArt #PatreonArtist
Embracing Incremental Progress in Art and Technology
This evening, I focused on photographing a piece of original art—a blend of cybernetic elements and nostalgia, featuring a cat integrated with an old-school Apple computer. Capturing this artwork has been a challenge due to the reflective inks used, which complicate scanning. My goal is to master how to reproduce these images effectively, making it easier to share older works that resonate with my style.
In this process, I made significant strides in editing the photograph. While I could have navigated this independently, having AI as a resource streamlined my efforts. It helped me sift through relevant information, allowing me to focus on what truly mattered in achieving my goals.
As I explore the intersection of art, technology, and the concept of transhumanism, I find immense value in tools that enhance my creativity and learning. The integration of AI into my workflow reflects a future where human ingenuity and technology work together to push creative boundaries.
I welcome your comments and feedback. Thank you for following my journey, and I look forward to sharing more progress soon.
Sleeping Ceauty – A Step Toward Simplicity
In my usual creative process, I gravitate toward complexity—intricate details, layered symbolism, and themes that require time to unfold. My piece "Age of AI," for example, is a fully realized work created with digital pen over the course of 300 hours. While I value these intricate projects, they represent just one side of my art.
"Sleeping Ceauty" is an intentional departure. The aim was to explore simplicity while maintaining balance and depth. I approached this piece with the goal of completing it in a single day, focusing on clarity in composition and mood rather than getting lost in detail.
The artwork depicts a calico cat draped over a crescent moon, set against a deep purple sky scattered with stars. It’s straightforward in concept but offered room to experiment. Working mostly with a digital paintbrush—rather than my usual pen tool—challenged me to embrace a softer, more painterly approach. Subtle glowing effects, light, and shadow also became key aspects of the piece, as I worked to refine techniques that are new to me.
This piece carries a different energy from my usual work, which often leans into darker tones or explores societal and personal themes. "Sleeping Ceauty" allowed me to shift gears, embracing something lighter and more whimsical. Recent projects, like a tribute piece for my mom’s late cat Spock, have influenced this exploration into feline-inspired art.
If you’d like to see more of my work, you can visit my Society6 store here:
society6.com/a/artists/ocdthreepio.
I’m always looking for ways to grow and improve. Whether this piece resonates with you or simply offers a moment of interest, I appreciate you taking the time to view my work.
Title: Sleeping Ceauty
Medium: Digital, Android Sketchbook
Dimensions: 2048X2048 Pixels
#art #artlovers #artoftheday #localartist #dartmouth #novascotia #illustration #catart #crescentmoon #digitalart #whimsicalart #purpleaesthetic #calicocat #minimalism #sereneart #moonandstars #tranquilvibes #starrysky #society6artist #sleepingcutie #modernartdecor #felineart
Sometimes, I experiment.
🎨 Finished Work: Tribute to Spock 🐾
Hey everyone, I’m so excited to share that I’ve finally finished my tribute piece for Spock, my mom’s beloved cat. This journey has been a long one, and while I had to rush certain parts toward the end, I feel like the final result turned out in a way it wouldn’t have otherwise. Sometimes the creative process takes unexpected turns, and I’ve learned to embrace that.
This piece was challenging for many reasons—not just emotionally, but technically as well. Metallic inks, while beautiful in person, are tricky to photograph and edit. Some colors, like silver, reflect light in a way that creates unique effects, but others, like reds and greens, distort the image in frustrating ways. I’ve been reflecting on whether to limit my use of metallics in future work or to explore how I can incorporate them more intentionally.
Despite the challenges, I’m proud of what I achieved and happy to share this piece with you all. It’s a heartfelt tribute to a cat who had such a big personality—Spock will always be remembered.
Moving forward, I’m eager to dive into new projects. I’ve been inspired by a Society6 webinar about upcoming trends for 2025, which got me thinking about nostalgic, craftsy, close-to-home themes. One idea that’s been stuck in my head is a piece inspired by an albino lobster I used to see as a child growing up in Halls Harbor, Nova Scotia (Canada). It was a local attraction and left such an impression on me. I’m envisioning a vibrant mosaic or patterned design that would look amazing on something like a tote bag.
At the same time, I plan to continue my mushroom series. Sometimes inspiration hits, and the ideas unfold in my mind like origami—I can see the shapes, colors, and textures before I even start sketching. It’s such an exciting process, and it reaffirms how much I love creating.
Today was a big productivity day—editing, reflecting, and planning ahead—and I loved every second of it, even when things didn’t go perfectly. I’m so grateful to have you here with me on this journey. I know my following is small, but your support means everything. Thank you for being part of this adventure as I continue to grow, learn, and create. 💕
Title: Live Long & Prosper
Medium: Pencil
Dimensions: 22.9X30.5 Centimeters
#art #artlovers #artoftheday #localartist #dartmouth #novascotia #illustration #pencil #cat
Sneak Peek: Tribute to Spock
Today, I focused on roughing in and refining the fur details on Spock’s face. This step feels pivotal—his fur pattern, depth, and color will bring everything together in a way that truly captures his essence. I’m planning to dedicate the week ahead to this process, taking my time to layer in the intricacies. It’s one of my favorite aspects of creating: the deep dive into detail.
That said, I’ll admit this stage always comes with its challenges. I have a tendency to overthink, especially when it comes to laying down the initial lines. I often catch myself getting caught up in the imperfections—whether the line feels unbalanced, off-center, or too uniform. It’s something I’ve had to work through, reminding myself that action is what propels creativity forward. At some point, I just have to place the line on the page and trust the process.
This struggle with imperfection is, in a way, reflected in my style. While the final piece might not always be a precise reflection of reality, I aim to infuse every element with intention and care. My art often features abstract shapes, skewed perspectives, and what some might describe as a “doodle-esque” quality. But for me, it’s all about finding the beauty in the chaos and pairing it with a painstaking commitment to fine detail.
When you look at one of my pieces, I hope you see the labor of love behind it—the hours spent making countless tiny marks, each one purposeful, even when the overall design leans into abstraction. It’s a style I’ve embraced, and I hope it resonates with those who view my work.
As for this tribute to Spock, I’ll be keeping most of it under wraps until after Christmas, as it’s a gift for my mom. I want to preserve the element of surprise, but I couldn’t resist sharing a glimpse of my progress. I hope you enjoy this sneak peek and can sense the love and effort behind the piece.
As always, I welcome your feedback—the good, the bad, and everything in between. Thanks for following along, and I can’t wait to share more with you soon!
Title: Live Long & Prosper
Medium: Pencil
Dimensions: 22.9X30.5 Centimeters
Time: 6 Hours, 30 Minutes
#art #artlovers #artoftheday #localartist #dartmouth #novascotia #illustration #pencil #cat
From Traditional to Digital
I’ve been quietly working on my tribute piece to my mom’s cat, Spock, which I’m hoping to have ready as a Christmas gift. While I want to share my progress, I’ve been keeping most of it under wraps to ensure I have the larger elements completed before revealing it. I don’t want to completely spoil the surprise!
In addition to that, I’ve been pursuing another goal on the side: revisiting some of my older works and exploring ways to convert them into digital formats for reproduction.
One of the challenges I’ve faced is preserving the unique qualities of pieces that use metallic and neon inks. I’ve tried both scanning and photographing them, but neither method fully captures the vibrancy and detail of the originals.
After some trial and error, I’ve decided to primarily rely on scanning, followed by extensive editing. This process allows me to correct the colors and, in some cases, completely reimagine the piece in terms of size, color, and structure. It’s a bit of a learning curve, but I’m enjoying the opportunity to experiment and refine these works in a new medium.
Here’s a recent attempt at reworking one of my older pieces—let me know what you think!
Title: Eye of the Storm
Medium: Pencil, Pen, Marker, Digital
Dimensions: 2.5X2.5 Inches
Time: 3 Hours, 25 Minutes
#artoftheday #pencil #pen #marker #digital #redux
Bringing the Colors to Life
That said, one area I’m still navigating is the lettering. I expected it to pop more, but with the level of detail in this work, the clarity seems to diminish when viewed from a distance. It’s a challenge I’m reflecting on. Fine detail has always been my thing, but it does create moments where the composition might feel visually “busy.” I’m experimenting with layering and color contrast to strike a better balance, so we’ll see how it pans out.
I’m deep in the stage of work I love most—bringing everything together with color. This is where the piece really starts to feel alive, and it’s always such a rewarding part of the process.
On a more personal note, life has thrown a few curveballs lately. There’s a shift happening in my mental health support system, which initially rattled me a bit. I also had a little mishap with my medication organizer—it got jostled, and I missed a couple of doses. But I’ve sorted it out now, and I’m back on track. It’s a reminder to keep being patient with myself.
For this post, I’ve shared a close-up preview of a section of the piece I’m working on. I decided to crop it to eliminate distractions from the surrounding black-and-white areas so the focus remains on the work in progress.
As always, I’d love to hear your thoughts. Thanks for following along—I sincerely appreciate the interactions.
Title: Live Long & Prosper
Medium: Pencil
Dimensions: 22.9X30.5 Centimeters
Time: 4 Hours, 30 Minutes
#art #artlovers #artoftheday #localartist #dartmouth #novascotia #illustration #pencil #cat
Inking Progress & Life Updates
The first patch of inking is done, and I’m seeing the piece take shape more clearly now. This stage always feels a bit rough—some lines still need refining, and there are areas where I’m not quite certain of the perspective. I’m learning as I go, trying to stay patient with the process. Most of the pencil work is behind me now, though I might make small adjustments to nail down some final details.
This time, I’ve gone heavy with the dark ink in certain areas, like the lettering. It’s almost like underpainting, setting the stage for the color to come. The ink helps give the upcoming colors a different depth and shading than they’d have over plain white paper. If all goes well, I’ll tackle some color this weekend, and I’m excited to show you how that first pass turns out.
Beyond the art, life’s been steady—challenging at times, but overall, I’m in a good place. Mental health has always been something I navigate carefully, and I’m grateful for the support I have in my community. While there’s always room for improvement, I feel like I’m holding steady, focusing on what matters, and appreciating the good things.
It’s easy to get overwhelmed with everything going on in the world, but I remind myself of what’s going well: I have a roof over my head, a job I enjoy, and the means to pursue my hobbies. Like everyone, I feel the pinch of economic pressures, but I try to focus on what I can do instead of what I can’t.
On a lighter note, I’m really looking forward to Path of Exile 2—perfect timing for Christmas! For fellow gamers, it’s going to be such a treat. And locally, there’s been a lot happening. I voted in the provincial election, and it felt great to do my part, especially on such a gorgeous, sunny day. On the federal side, Canada is giving us a small break by dropping the GST/HST on essential items for a while, which is a welcome relief. It’s not a fix for everything, but for families trying to make ends meet, every little bit helps—especially during the holidays.
That said, the little guy is still feeling the heat, and it’s hard not to notice how unevenly these pressures are distributed. Even something as small as going out for a meal makes me think about this. Sure, you pay your tax, but then there’s the tipping culture. I believe in tipping when service is excellent—it’s a way to acknowledge the hard work that goes into making an experience special. It’s not just about obligation; it’s about showing appreciation when it’s deserved.
So, that’s where I’m at right now—inking, reflecting, and staying hopeful. I’ll be back with more updates soon, and I hope you’ll stick around for the journey. Until then, take care of yourselves and keep finding those small joys wherever you can.
Title: Live Long & Prosper
Medium: Pencil
Dimensions: 22.9X30.5 Centimeters
Time: 2 Hours, 30 Minutes
#art #artlovers #artoftheday #localartist #dartmouth #novascotia #illustration #pencil #cat
A Progress Update on My Spock Tribute
The pencil work is finally done, and I’ve woven in some new elements as I refined the piece. At the heart of it all is Spock, my mom’s cat, who I’m memorializing here. Behind him, I’ve placed the Grim Reaper—his skull and hand reaching out, a sweet embrace but also poised to take, should the moment call for it.
While I initially considered bringing in more references to superheroes and legendary items, I decided to pull back. I want this piece to feel more natural, focusing on Spock’s memory rather than layering in elements that might not fully resonate with my mom. It’s about capturing his spirit and the quirky, stubborn nature that made him so memorable.
I’ve scribed the words “Live long & prosper” in an arching crown pattern above Spock’s head. Then, at the bottom of the piece, it reads “if you dare.” This phrase perfectly captures the duality of Spock’s personality. He was a cat who wanted to be loved—but only on his own terms. He was comfortable enough to coexist with the rest of us in the house and would even come around for some affection from time to time. But there was always this secret, unspoken timer on how long you could show him love before it became a dare. Push him beyond that invisible boundary, and you’d quickly find out where it was.
As I start inking, I’m excited to see how these elements will come to life. Pen work often brings new clarity, and I know that refining details, perspectives, and lighting might shift the piece in unexpected ways. I don’t always use strong shadows, partly because it’s a technique I’m still learning, but also because I’m drawn to a more stained-glass, illustrative look where each element is laid out clearly without needing a lot of depth.
I know I still have limitations in my skill, but I’m also intentionally aiming for a specific style. With each piece, I feel like I’m getting a little closer to capturing the vision I have in my head. It’s definitely a process of refining, evolving, and learning as I go. I’m grateful for the progress I’ve made and excited to see where this journey takes me.
Title: Live Long & Prosper
Medium: Pencil
Dimensions: 22.9X30.5 Centimeters
Time: 1 Hour, 20 Minutes
#art #artlovers #artoftheday #localartist #dartmouth #novascotia #illustration #pencil #cat
Something New!
As I continue to refine the details of this piece, I’m diving deeper into some new & old concepts. The latest focus has been the hand, specifically the Reaper’s glove. It’s more than just an accessory—it’s a powerful tool, one that holds the weight of the universe in its grasp. What does it truly mean to wield control over time, to decide when a life ends? This question has been on my mind as I draw, and it’s led me to reflect on how comic book lore, with its larger-than-life characters and artifacts, mirrors these ideas.
The glove is inspired by a mix of influences: from the iconic Marvel Soul Stone keeper to the cursed artifacts found in darker mythologies. It’s the kind of object that could capture a cunning, nine-lived cat—something only a Reaper, armed with tools of legendary power, could ever hope to control. I’m picturing a glove made from exotic materials, something as extraordinary as Iron Man’s suit or Wolverine’s adamantium skeleton. The knuckles could be adorned with relics of immense power—Infinity Stone-like elements, or even rings that echo the mythical power of the Tesseract or the Mother Box from Justice League.
As I sketch, I’m reminded of Spock’s presence in this piece, and how his gaze, so full of that classic, unimpressed, and yet dangerous energy, fits perfectly with the Reaper’s mission. It’s a relationship built on the love-hate dynamic of the nine-lived cat—capturing it once is a feat, but catching it again and again? That’s a challenge only the Reaper can take on, with patience and precision.
Bringing all of this together has been a rewarding journey. I’ve been focusing on the hand shapes, working to give them that bony, death-like quality, while still infusing the piece with my usual blend of technology, wiring, lighting, and industrial elements. The metallic inks and alternating colors will add depth, especially when the light hits them just right. It’s a reminder that progress is built on many small, consistent efforts over time—motivation doesn’t come first; action does. Trusting the process, being kind to myself, and finding balance along the way are what make the difference.
Thank you to everyone following along and sharing in this creative journey. I’m always open to feedback—good, bad, or anywhere in between. Your thoughts help shape the direction of this piece, and I’m excited to continue refining it. As always, stay tuned for updates,
Title: Live Long & Prosper
Medium: Pencil
Dimensions: 22.9X30.5 Centimeters
Time: 30 Minutes
#art #artlovers #artoftheday #localartist #dartmouth #novascotia #illustration #pencil #cat
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