This week I’m painting a scene from my story…
This blog is about the development of a scene from my unwritten fantasy story created within a painting.
…that I am going to bring to life through painting and storytelling.
Like all stories it begins in the mind and my story stayed in mine for several years. I couldn’t leave it alone and so I began to build one scene at a time. After pages of brain dumps, ideas, connections, plots, characters and general world-building I then created a loose outline for a story or two. It has been so much fun and I continue to add to this world.
I have no solid experience in writing. Learning the basics, practising with my blog posts and scripts for my YouTube channel will help with this skill and maybe one day I will bring this story to life in a complete written form.
But for now I want to express this in a comic style - combining small pieces of writing with artwork giving the story depth and intrigue.
A rough sketch before I paint it
Before I paint a scene, I will sketch it first to get the right composition. There have been many times where I haven’t done this and am constantly readjusting the painting which wastes a lot of time.
Taking time out in nature
'“On my boat trip along the Norfolk Broads in the UK, I captured some great footage of the stunning scenery and the unique birdlife to this landscape, which I’ve added to my ever-growing collection of inspiration. I’m sure many of these images will eventually find their way into my storytelling and paintings”
Brainstorming ideas for the painting
I want the scene to feel quiet but slightly unsettling with a lot of blue-green tones with high contrast. I imagined a mist surrounding the base of the castle giving the impression that the building is almost floating.
Finding the right imagery for my castle
This grand gothic-style castle gives a sense of awe through its formidable presence and feels out of place amongst the dark creepiness of the swamp.
The scene I am creating is a secret place of learning, a university of sorts, where gifted beings from all over Nebris come to train their mind, bodies and unique divine powers.
YOUTUBE LINK HERE
To see the final piece plus the development of the scene and the full time-lapse video then take a look at my YouTube vlog. I hope you enjoy it!
Coming Soon
I’m creating a Print Club where, each month, subscribers will receive an exclusive 5 × 7 inch art print of a painted scene from my story.
These prints won’t be available to purchase anywhere else. They will be created exclusively for Print Club members.
Each monthly envelope will also include a character or world-inspired sticker and a piece of writing from that particular scene. Something that won’t be published on my blog, social media, or anywhere else.
A little piece of my story and its world, delivered through the post each month.
To be notified when my print club is available sign up to my newsletter here.
Print Club coming soon.
Love
Hannah