Anu
The piece that started it all: my final character project for school, and a last minute one at that. I had an idea of what I wanted to do, something to get in touch with my grandma’s side of the family, but I had no idea how much she would consume my life.
Anu and the Wolves
Banner illustration that I initially imagined as a book cover as sorts.
Rainy Day
The second piece I ever did with her and the wolves. Giant mushrooms make decent umbrellas.
The Long Walk Home
When you run out of wood in the winter, you can’t afford to put off getting more.
The Autumn Before
Before Alver was born, before Raph came, before that year, it was just a girl and her parents.
Night's Rest
Starting a new style meant trying to figure out how lighting and shapes would work. This was a very fun experiment in getting a new look working.
Summer Cool Down
When the summer heat hits, it’s time to head to the local watering hold for some swimming.
Night Answers
Anu and Alver seek some answers to the big questions from the night sky.
Home
My first take on Anu’s initial home in the woods. Having now been to Estonia, I have a much better idea of what the woods look like, and there might be some changes in the future.
The Hunt
The opening scene to the book! Hunting is huge part of Anu’s life, for food as well as for trade. I drew the initial sketch for this last September, and only put in colour last April. Everything, except Anu, was scrapped, and I tweaked some colours before settling in and working on this the last couple days. I’m really happy with where it is now, and even more excited to continue writing!
The Market
An environment study of what one of the city markets might look like.
The First Meeting
First impressions were not positive.
Anu - Spot Illustration
Anu portrait study, mildly deconstructed.
Raph - Spot Illustration
Portrait study of Raph, mildly deconstructed.
Spring Gathering
A quiet, bright, spot to get some early spring greens. Tasty!
Parental Support
Anu's parents aren't your typical mom and dad, but their support is no different than what normal folk experience. When she needs a break from life, Paavo takes her away from the crazy to go through one of the many bogs and de-compress
Lazy Days
The summer haze can lower inhibitions, grow friendships, and make the strange boy much more interesting.
Night Wishes
Reconnecting with nature and finding joys in the stars: something both of them need after some trying time.
Winter Tales
Estonian folktales are plentiful, and on the long, cold nights, they’re perfect to delve into.
By Your Side
My final piece in Estonia, and therefore one that I will always hold dear.
Underwater World
Initially a sketch from Inktober 2017, now finished and coloured in PS.
Skydiving
This was inspired by Lights’ song of the same name. It did and still does capture Anu and Raph’s relationship wonderfully.
The Return (Take 1)
One thing I’ve discovered while writing is just how much things and events can change as you progress. This was my first idea for how Raph’s return would go down, but it’s not changed fairly significantly. Expect an update/take 2 in the future.
Night Magic
Since Raph grew up in the southwestern portion of the former United States, he’s never experienced the Northern Lights. Even for Anu, who’s seen them regularly, they are indeed magical.
Alver
A portrait study of Alver as an adult wolf
Lumi
A portrait study of Lumi (yet to be introduced).
Reflection
March has been a month with a lot of reflection. This piece started as a counteract to a truly awful day, and I had to take a hard look at where I was. I had to make some decisions on what I want, what I deserve, and what I need to do to move forward. And so, like how this year started, change was in the air and I took the first steps I needed to do so.
I wanted to try something new with this piece. As much as I do love my style from the past three years, I need do something different, and this piece allowed me a lot of room to grow while still staying true to myself. I'm very keen to explore it more this year!