Sanctuary

Hoo boy, so much to say about this picture. I'll try to keep it short so I don't bore any of you.

This picture, or the idea of this picture, has existed in one form or another for 3-4 years. It's a theme I've always wanted to do, but could never really manage to pull off like I imagined.

The general idea was to loosely mimic the kenpo patch: [link] (ignore the letters on the side) and combine it with my own setting. I could explain the symbolism of the patch, but that could take entire paragraphs so I'll refrain.

I'm not too happy with the dragon's design/anatomy, and I think the top half pales in comparison to the bottom half, but overall I'm pretty happy with this.

I'd also like to add: this was made as a gift for someone I admire and respect. While I always appreciate crits, know that by the time I'm able to fix anything the original will be out of my hands.

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The white parts of the background scanned horribly bright. It isn't like that on the original, I swear.

Done on 20x30 illustration board with acrylic ink, white acrylic paint, and gouache (for the tiger and parts of the rocks).
No watercolor at all.
^{I only mention this because everyone seems to think it's done in watercolor.}