Adrift in Blue – New Abtract Octopus

Since I had been experimenting with powdered watercolors, I thought it would be a fun challenge for me to try that technique on my octopus art. I drew the octopus on paper with markers, then I applied water, and then I started adding the powders. I had to move fast, because it dried very quickly. (I will sometimes also spray the drawing with water if I feel that it’s necessary, which creates an extremely cool textured effect.)

I noticed that the blue area of the octopus bled quite a bit into the background, so much so that I wasn’t sure what to do after everything dried. I had to examine my work closely and think about how I wanted to continue with the octopus. I fretted over it for weeks!

I thought to myself: should I paint the body of the octopus with blue paint and details? Or should I just add a white outline like I did with the Tentacle Mates?  I solved my dilemma by mocking up the painting on Procreate, a graphic app on my iPad. That way, I could try adding a white outline without potentially ruining my painting.

The Procreate mock-up was successful, and I really liked the outline. It reminded me of comic book art and illustration, so I went for it, keeping the lines loose and not fully connected. The octopus turned out quite ghostly, and I love the dynamic flow that it creates. I named the painting Adrift in Blue.

Do you like the way she turned out?