I attempted to make a scene that straddled the line of both comfortable and threatening or familar and alien, perhaps mysteriously inviting. I don’t know that I succeeded in that, but the result is still pleasing to me.

I originally started the architecture more square, as can be seen in the bar, but decided that bugs would probably have a more scriggly, rounded building style. There are definitely perspective issues here. Unfortunately It was pretty late in the process where I realized that was an issue. Guess I should have used guidelines and constructed in the sketch stage. So it goes.

I also experimented with several techniques I don’t usually employ. I made use of hatching for shadows more than usual, although I also did some color mottling for the shawarma. I also used a little airbrushing for lights that I’ve done before, but not usually in what I put out to share. Also did a little piss filter color grading over the top to make it more cohesive. In addition, I used a bit of rim lighting for the bartender, which I’m quite pleased with. Incorporating these techniques felt good.

I am aping the stylings of Möebius here, since I just adore his work.

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