2011 vs 2016.
The Pōhutukawa are beginning to bloom all around Wellington. I was inspired to come back to this old design of mine, which I always liked but felt like the execution could have been stronger.
5 years later I can see how my confidence has grown as an artist. I’m 99% self taught, so it’s easy to coast on what comes naturally, rather than to push and challenge myself. Since September this year I have decided it’s no longer enough, and have been pushing myself to do more figure drawing study and have started taking structured online classes.
I’m also learning how to use reference better. Instead of just going with what’s in my head when I first think of the idea, I’m learning how to research and reinforce my concepts. For this piece it’s meant reinforcing the character’s Māori roots with more accurate clothing (inspired by Kapa Haka) and moko kauae.
There’s still a lot I could strengthen in the secong image, but I’m happy I can see how much I’ve grown in the last 5 years. I’m looking forward to growing even more in the next 5 years.