"Courageous" graphite sketch with parchment distress effect

Developing "other-worldly" color palette and blending.

"Courageous" Illustration -

I've always been influenced by the great fantasy/sci-fi artists Frank Frazetta and Boris Vallejo. For this illustration, I was wanting to explore the depth and coloring of a surrealistic nature, intentionally blurring the lines between dream-like fantasy and the waking world. I hope I've done them both justice.