I have never written about my actual art before. The only thing I’ve done is just paint or draw. After reading a comment posted on one of my previous blogs, I thought that writing about my portraits would actually be interesting. That way I can explain the story that I feel when I paint my subject. Whoever reads this will know the true emotions and background of whatever I decide to illustrate. Not only having the plus where I can finally write passionately about something (and immensely enjoying the subject), now there are also so much more things I can talk about. Furthermore, I get to write about my drawings. My two greatest passions combined into one. How convenient.

I was going to write about an original character before, but I think I might save that for a later blog. For this entry, I really want to write about Enma Ai. Yes, I know she is not my own character, but she has such an amazing profile. I can usually draw female characters rather well, but for some reason I experience trouble when I try to sketch her. I see this as a challenge; something that will make me feel good when I accomplish my goal.

The anime itself captivated me as soon as I saw some of their artwork. It was absolutely inspiring! Just a mere glimpse of it made me desperate to bring out my canvas and paint. The realm that she lived in was a calm and tranquil place. It was full of vibrant crimson hues that jumped out as if the drawings were alive. That is something that I want to achieve when I paint. I want to make the picture alive so that the viewer can experience all five senses. Just seeing the picture is for the amateurs. I want them to feel the painting. To feel each and every stroke of the brush. Smell the atmosphere of where the subject is. Hear the voice of the brush that sang color into the blank canvas. Even taste the surroundings of where the subject is. For example: a person painted a lovely fruit tree. The fruit looked so luscious that you could actually taste it in your mouth. This is the talent that I want to attain!

The reason why I chose Jigoku Shoujo (Enma Ai or a.k.a. Hell Girl) is because I experienced all five senses when I look at their artwork. I could feel the anguish in her eyes. I could taste the sweetness of lifeless emotions. I could hear the melancholy colors calling out. I could hear the art in its purest form. This show gave me goose bumps. It is so extraordinary how the artists can invoke such feeling into each piece of work.

As I described in my short story, Ai is a very young girl with burdensome job. She is forced to make contracts with people who want to seek revenge on a person. Unfortunately for the person, it comes with an awful consequence. They too, have to go to hell along with the person that they send to hell. Of course, that is when they die. Ai’s face was drawn to look like a porcelain doll with large scarlet eyes. She shows no emotions whatsoever. When I first watched this, I knew somehow that her past life was tragic. The atmosphere of this show is beautiful, but with an angst and tragic twist. It was breathtakingly eerie, focusing on the tragic past lives of Ai’s “costumers”. The way Ai was portrayed made me fall in love with her character at first sight. I simply HAD to draw her.

When sketched her at first, it was a complete mess. I have most trouble with her eyes. Eyes are actually my most favorite part to draw. I love to draw elaborate eyes and go into detail when it comes to sketching. Ai was different though. Her eyes are large and simple. For some odd reason, it’s very challenging for me to draw her eyes. It is difficult to capture the innocence, hatred, and simplicity that reside in her eyes. I have no clue why, but it makes me even more determined to master this drawing style.

A couple of days ago I decided to straighten the house a little bit. As I peered behind a large chest in my piano room, I came across a pleasant surprise. It was a large and forgotten canvas. I smiled and began to think of what I could draw. I had two things in mind: Ai or two of my favorite characters from another show. I decided to do Ai. Who knows when I’ll get the time and money to buy more canvasses (although I personally would like to make them myself ). I am going to take time on this picture. I do not want to rush this scene. Not only that, it may be a while before I can afford oil paints. When I buy them, this will be my first oil portrait. I am excited to see how it is going to turn out, but also nervous because I do not want to wreck it up. Wish me good luck!

(I added a little picture for a taste of my art. It is a little something a friend requested for me to draw. I loved how it turned out even though it is just a simple lineart. Click on it if you want to zoom in.)