🎇Fireworks, Phoenixes, and BayCon Oh My!

Happy Fourth of July! And since today is basically mandated explosions day, I figured, “Why not draw some fireworks?”

Now, in my latest obsession (we’re looking at “How to Draw Patterns” again), there’s a whole section on rendering fireworks. So naturally, that’s where I ignited the process.

Getting here wasn’t easy. There was a lot of paint smudging and trial by fire. Everything clicked when I used a white charcoal pencil. An explosive breakthrough!

So, of course, I had to fan the flames and take it a step further. What if…phoenix? But with a tail of sparkling, literally made of fireworks?

Yes. This was the idea! I went ahead and inked it before the inspiration burned out.

Then I markered them up!

But the real blast? The paint markers. That’s where I made sparks fly.

And finally, because no piece is complete without a final bang, I hit it with the white pencil and highlights.

Behold! The Firework Phoenix in all its glory!

Thanks for tuning in today on this fiery art adventure! I love the light energetic nature of fire. Fireworks are explosive and fun. A nice punctuation to a warm summer evening.

If you want more Patterns, check out these past newsletters:

• 🖍Creative Recess: Playing With Patterns!
• 🐲Behold! The Spiny Mantis, Butterfly Dragon!
• 🐣Eggs-perimenting with Hummingbirds!

Next up on the events list, this weekend I’m heading to Santa Clara, CA, to BayCon. It's a small Sci Fi/Fantasy convention packed with art, books, and general nerdy radiance. This year’s theme? “A Convenient Parallel Dimension”. If you find yourself there, come say hi! We’d love to meet you!

Until next time,

Arielle + Ryan