#something about the black and white brings out more of the texture of the art style

[thepenandthepistol]

Mundane Aching (Platonic!Grian x reader)

Due to some soreness, you're unable to help Gem like you said you would. Grian helps you out and soothes some of your worries.

A/N : Sickfic I wrote because my period was killing me T-T and also the first thing I've actually posted on this account! A win for the slayers of perfectionism. This was meant as a platonic fic but I'm sure you could read it as romantic if you want. Also, reader is an avian as well. (1018 words)

Art by @applestruda and divider by @saradika-graphics

There's still so much to be done, and here you are, still under the sheets. You spent the first half of the day trying to manage a creeping pain in your back right where skin meets the base of your coal-black wings. Ache spreads in waves from the limb and into your vertebra, as if something alive is puppeteering the sinews under your skin.

Despite the guilt, you've resigned yourself to your bed; due to an enormous nap, you missed your afternoon plans with Gem. Being an avian means you were much more used to flying than she was, and the new nether build she was planning required some tight maneuvering. Days like these are some you look forward to, holding onto the back of her chestplate, hovering over lava lakes and bastions. 

The trust she has in you, feeling safe even if dangling over potential death, is special in its own right. The friendship you've cultivated and the idle conversations had midair are among your most treasured memories. So, when the exhaustion from carrying materials to and from your shop finally made itself known, you groaned as you curled up on your bed, trying to push away the pain and at least pass by Gem's to apologize for your absence. Maybe sweeten the deal with a nice cake and evening tea.

A sudden flash of crimson outside your window makes you stop in your tracks, feet just inches from touching the cool floor. A single moment of silence is had before Grian pulls himself back up onto the windowsill with a mischievous smile. 

"Did I scare you?" He asks, shuffling inside and closing the window behind him with a soft click.

"Oh yeah," you start, closing your eyes and breathing deeply as a particularly sharp stab rolls from your back and claws at your ribs. "Only if being worried you were going to cut your wings on the bars outside counts as scared." 

"Excuse me, I'm very skilled! I could probably dodge like five of those in a row." He speaks with a smile, but, to your dismay, he's seen through your teasing and into the discomfort below. 

"Gem's been looking for you," he says, aligning some of the trinkets on your shelf and picking your work clothes off the floor. "Sent me here to check while she continued working." 

"Shit," you sigh and drape your arm over your eyes, blocking the light crawling in from outside. "I'm having a bad day, I guess. Must've overworked myself last week, and now my wings are killing me."

"Have you had something to eat?" You hear your closet door creek open and Grian looking for something between clothes and towels.

"Not exactly. I had a snack before midday, but I slept through lunch." You open your eyes to see him bring a nice blanket over your shoulders. It doesn't ease the pain, but the soft texture makes existing a little easier.

"Well, just about time for some tea then." You grimace, remembering your promise to Gem. Grian moves to close the room door behind him when you groan out a protest, wrapping the woolen quilt around yourself and finally standing up.

"I'll join you. If I lay here any longer, I'll sleep the entire day away," Grian snickers, but walks in sync with your lethargic steps down the stairs and into a quaint kitchen. 

Plopping down on a stool, you watch Grian clack on the stove and place a ceramic kettle on top. It was a birthday gift from Ren. A painted flock of dark birds contrasts the white background alongside some fleuron details. 

"Grian, mate, it's you," you point to a particularly wonky bird.

"Absolutely not, look at him! He's your splitting image." He gestures to the dark wings behind you. 

"You know what else is splitting?"

"Your head?"

"My head."

You rest your temple on the wooden table and furrow your eyebrows. You could probably make the journey over to Gem's by now; despite the headache and muscle cramps, you're feeling well enough to stand, and you could chance flying the short way over. 

With a crack, you stretch your wings entirely; they spasm a bit before reaching their full length; you pay no mind. What was once a terrible tendon-deep flare has resided to a burning soreness; you've done more than travel a couple hundred blocks in worse conditions. 

Grian pours the water into two mugs, each with a homemade teabag flopping loosely off the side. You take the smaller mug, lifting it to say 'cheers,' and sip on the sweet berry. You begin putting on your boots when Grian finally lets concern wash over his face.

"You should rest a bit more. Gem's fine. Her garden's turning out really nice." You hesitate a tad bit before tying the laces together.

"I promised her I'd help you know. I'm sure she understands, but I want to make good on my word." You don't register Grian setting down his mug and tilt your head in confusion as he kneels and pulls your boots to his thigh, unlacing them.

"You sound like a knight going to war," he cracks a tiny fond smile. "I know it's your nature, but these things aren't that serious. Your 'word' is still good even if you don't put your own health on the line." Silence follows.

"You're sure she doesn't need me?"

"Positively." He stalks off to line your shoes up by the door and then returns, sitting next to you on the couch and letting his wing curl around you.

"You need to relax. No wonder you're having a bad time when your muscles are that tense." He teases, and you scoff, taking back the mug and continuing to drink.

"Can you tell Gem I won't be making it then, please." 

"Yeah, course," he says, knocking his shoulder with yours and hopping to his feet. 

"I should tie a letter to your leg and throw you out of the second-story window." You say into the mug as he turns the knob on the front door.

"Hey! I am not a pigeon!"

[kazehita]

Hello!!! I love your art so much, especially the way you render!! Do you have any tips, tutorials, etc on rendering?? Be as detailed or curt as you like, I'm just hoping to improve my skills -- and I hope to see more art from you, in any form!!! You're a fantastic artist !!!! Have a good day :)

Sorry for the delay in answering this, I wanted to answer it well!!!

Here's my typical 5-step process:

flats

he has been flatted. You'll notice I also colored the lineart at this stage as well! Also, I do work with the background at the same time, but I have hidden it here for simplicity.

2. Cell shade shadows

I used to skip cell shading and just ball with my rendering, but I have found starting out like this is much faster!!

3. Airbrush shadows and colors

I did two things here, one is just a touch of airbrushing the colors into eachother, to help make everything more harmonious. The other is to airbrush colors onto my shadows! I set that layer to multiply, and mess around until something looks a little like I want.

4. Painting

This is the time sink - there's no getting around it, it just takes forever!! It's a lot about making the dark areas darker, and artifically injecting some color diversity - I like to diversify shades, and just slap on slight hue shifts as i go, and if it sucks I just paint over it some more. I draw different colors into eachother (look at the black shirt above, see how i bring in the tan and whites into the grey?) and add detail and texture. It's a little hard to explain beyond that, hmm... Do let me know if you have specific questions about it!

5. bedazzle and effects

I add extra highlights to the highlights, maybe a sparkle or two on a hard edge, hash lines for texture, and occasionally I also do screentones in shadows. Also, importantly, i blur things that shgould be out of focus! See on the arms and legs here - the bottom image has them blurred more intensely the further they are from the focal point. It's a small thing, but this effect goes a long way!

Annd done!

It's the little things that make a rendered piece sing! A balance between detailing and speed is a tricky one to figure out - I'm still working on that myself!

Also, there's two different ways I render at the moment, one is the quick-messy for sketches, which is what I've done for most of my fanart lately, but I assumed that you were asking about my full process so I went into detail on that. Tho if you're curious about my sketch rendering, anyone is welcome to ask me about that as well!

(there is little method to this madness though, haha)

Omg wait I had forgotten, a few months ago i was making a mini art guide about some tips and tricks

I lost motivation but if anyone is actually interested do let me know and maybe i'll finish it hjsdhjfghjs

Anyway, thank you so much anon!!!!! wah!!!!!!! Your kind words mean the world to me ;w; They fill me with strength and joy1!!!!!! thank you so much!!!!!!!!

[swanbornbyleda]

I got quite a few DMs over the weekend on twitter asking about my brushes, and as with anything, your mileage may vary, and digital art isn’t made or broken by brushes, but having them never hurt! Talking about how you use your tools is just as important as talking about what tools you use, so consider this a small breakdown of my process for digital sketching.

First thing’s first, I avoid sketching on an untextured canvas. If you like to have a flat, solid canvas, I recommend working at 50% grey, or adjusting your canvas to be slightly off-white. The harshness of black on pure-white can be a hang-up for many people, including myself.

I sketch on paper textures sourced from my own old sketchbooks and papers. The one I use most frequently is available in my Sketchbook Paper Pack, and named Off White.

While a true-to-life pencil look is not what I’m actively going for with my sketches, these papers certainly help achieve it.

I do almost all of my work in Procreate, but learned digital art first in Photoshop. Anything I share here in regards to how I use brushes can be applied to any brush, I’m certain!

For my sketches, you’re seeing the work of one brush and one eraser.

For my brush, I use an altered version of Procreate’s native HB Pencil brush that I’ve named HB Pencil Beefy. It’s available in my 2021 Brush Pack.

For my eraser, I use Alexa Sharpe’s Soft Eraser. It’s available in their Eraser Brush Pack.

I use my brush at pretty consistently set sizes that are based on my standard canvas size, which is 6″ x 9″ 400 dpi or I use a double spread of 12″ x 9″ 400 dpi.

(If you work in pixels that’s 2400x3600 at 400 dpi and 4800x3600 at 400 dpi)

HB Pencil Beefy I use at 4%, 15%, and 50% size, with the brush’s opacity set to either 60% or 15%.

I set the brush to 15% opacity when I want to go in very softly with lots of that pencil texture. I use this when I need to scale back and really rough something out, or if I’m trying to get a sense of volume with some shadows or contours.

With Alexa Sharpe’s Soft Eraser, I use the eraser set at 2%, 10%, and 25% size. I only scale back the opacity on the eraser if I want to take something back to nearly gone, but still want those lines, faint, there as a guideline.

Jumping back to my file setup really quick, I like to work in a digital sketchbook! It’s just a procreate canvas with a paper texture that’s creased down its center, and all the added layers are my pages. This helps me feel less pressured to create something perfect or finished; It gives me the illusion of just noodling in any old sketchbook.

Okay. Back to the pencil. Below, I have a small idea of my process in sketching and drawing. This is not a how-to-draw demo, and it’s definitely not an anatomy demo – it’s just how I approach drawing using this brush. The page below, and the one above, were both done on a 9″x 6″ canvas at 400 dpi.

01.

Loose and light

using brush at 50% size

this brush does have a tilt dynamic, but I’ve never used it

02.

Nastiest phase

building up a little opacity

still only using brush at 50% size

use eraser at 25% size, if at all

03.

start refining

come in with 15% sized brush

at no point do I abandon larger brushwork, it just becomes about more careful and purposeful use

use eraser to hatch and cut back roughs

04.

hello 4% brush my beautiful little boy ♡

hatching in detail

build up opacity, using eraser to bring it back and to carve volume

jump back to larger sizes for larger forms and volumes

fiddle until “finished” 

P.S. the liquify tool is my best friend

[retro-with-a-twist]

¡WARNING!: VERY long post ahead!

I was recently asked to do a tutorial for two friends, and I figured I’d share it here! It’s on how I personally use markers and colored pencils for portraits, so if that’s something you’re interested in then this is for you!

I must preface by saying this is my first tutorial/guide thingy and I’m no professional, but hopefully it helps some! This is only one way of going about it, don’t worry if it’s not your way!

Without further ado, let’s do this! And remember: Trust the process!!!

First, the angelic (😏) reference:

Now, we all see tones differently. I also am using the Art Alternatives Portrait Set, which is limited in tones. So, this won’t be completely picture accurate- which is okay! Essence over accuracy!

Alright! Here we go!

Step One: the sketch!

Typically I do the sketch in the person’s undertone, usually pinks or purples. However, for whatever reason I was compelled to try blue on this one, and hey- what is art if not random attempts at creating beauty?

And just like the color scheme, the sketch isn’t 100% accurate. But again, it’s all good!

But anyways, the reason I do my sketches in colored pencil is because it doesn’t smudge like graphite does, and it actually blends into the marker. I feel it’s smoother, and it provides some undertones as you start layering with marker.

Step Two: base tones

This is where you wonder if you just destroyed the entire drawing. I promise you that you didn’t! Basically what I do here is I put pinks down wherever I see pinks in the reference and lay down where the skin is the darkest. I find that it blends better when it’s underneath the base layer.

Step Three: the base layer

Here, all you do is throw down the skintone over the entirety of where it goes, in this case the face. I typically try to leave out highlights, but sometimes the marker bleeds and covers things I didn’t ask it to. In this case, that was the eyes. Oh well!

One thing to notice here is how you can still see the colored pencil beneath the sketch. That’s a very useful guide for when you begin detailing.

Step 3.5: uh

This isn’t necessarily a marker step, it’s just me letting the ink dry and working on other spots with pen and colored pencil. Also, I do like to go over the pink areas a few times to make them less stark.

Step Four: beginning detailing

Now, black is a tricky color on the face, because it can either smudge on everything and turn it gray, or work really well. I used a colored pencil here, and began going over the blue colored pencil spots and lines that were visible under the marked, which started to bring out his face. I also covered the highlight on the nose that had been left alone thus far.

Step Five: THE™️ details

If there’s anything I’ve learned in my five years of drawing, it’s that the highlights and darkest points are what really make the piece. Pure white, bright highlights (like the ones in the eyes) are awesome, but lately I like smudging them out a little bit so that they’re gentler.

If there’s anything you want to hit, it’s the whites of the eyes with the white gel pen, and the pupils + nostrils with the black fineliner.

I have shaky hands, but I use them to my advantage in stippling the darkest part of the eyebrows and in the line of the lips with the fineliner- it just adds a little bit more depth :)

Hair is its own thing, I just sort of wing it. Black hair especially is not the easiest for me, just because I find it difficult to bring out the shades in it. It’s not done at this step as I was trying to figure out how I was going to finish it.

I will also blend things out with both the skintone marker and a pink colored pencil just to get stuff to be smoother. If you’re going for semi realism/realism like me, I highly recommend taking a reddish brown to do some freckles/skin texture with. You can’t see it too much in this picture, and I didn’t want to overdo it since Cas/Misha doesn’t have that many freckles as far as I can see, but it does make a difference.

Step Six: everything else

I did the jacket in colored pencil as well as the fake id!

If you have any questions let me know, I’m happy to help!

Hope this is a decent guide :)

[lemon-sugarcoats-nothing]

How do you decide what to draw, and when it's done?

Text: "This is a great question! I usually "wing it" when it comes to deciding when my drawing is done. (More below)" "Finding ideas...? It kind of depends! Sometimes I'll get a strong picture form in my head while I'm doing something else. Other times I just sit and draw whatever."

Now to elaborate on my process for deciding when to stop, how far to go with shading, etc. Most of it has to do with how I feel about drawing something, but also to do with keeping things visually appealing. Here I've laid out each general step of my drawing process from start to finish:

1. Sketch, Meant to be quick and generally convey the subject. I will sometimes draw and post things just as cleaned up sketches if just adding visuals to a text post, for shit-posting, or just if I'm not too interested in what I'm drawing.

2. Line art, I almost never post *just* line art, but i will occasionally post line art with one color to fill in the silhouette to help with contrast and character recognizability.

3. Flat color, I often post ask responses at this stage (maybe with simple hard-edged shadows here or there), but outside of ask responses I only leave character reference art at this stage just because the colors are purest for the character. I don't usually leave it without simple shading because it can be hard to read the subject's form, and its not my cup of tea. I lightly airbrush a warm color over the line art so that the harsh black doesn't contrast too much with the bright colors.

4. Shaded, a step up from simple hard edge shading I'll layer more than one shading color (layer set to multiply and lowered opacity) and blend out the edges in some places to soften the form. Then I add lighting and highlights - first using a textured soft airbrush over a large area, then use a round airbrush with hard edges for the highlights, blending out the edges in some areas to soften the form. This is usually where i stop for simpler character pieces, either for ask responses or for personal art. (Highlight layers are set to "add-glow")

5. Atmosphere, or adding additional shading elements to engage the subject with an environment or specific lighting condition. Here I've done a sunset lighting condition - I put a purple color over the whole subject set to multiply and opacity lowered, then airbrushed a reddish orange tone (on a separate layer, set to add-glow and opacity lowered) over the highlighted areas to bring warmth back to the lit spots. Then deepened the shadows using the hard edge airbrush again, a dark blue color (multiply layer, lower opacity), and then blending some of the edges out to show the form better. This is where I'll merge the line-art layer with what i now have of the coloring and shading, if i didn't already do so prior. Last I went back over the highlights with the orangey color (add glow, lower opacity). Once I get to rendering like this, I don't often stop here because by this point I'm likely hyper fixated and will keep pushing the values and adding details until I get to 6.

6. Details and bounce light. I texture-airbrushed a blue bounce light color, erased some hard edges in using that hard edged airbrush and then blending some of the edges out. This then gave me a guide to add in bounce-highlights with a hard pen, that i blended out in some places. I then further pushed the main highlights using a hard pen and again, blended out the edges. All layers set to add glow and opacity lowered. This is where I'll usually stop for finished rendered pieces, because I struggle to find other things to add or change, and the hyperfixation is thinning out and caving into my hunger/sleepiness. Might add hard white highlight details, but those are the finishing touches.

7. Wtf details. Added in hair strand details and fly-aways, blades of grass, I'm up way too late and struggling to end the drawing process - Or im just enjoying rendering the hair. I almost never add in stray hairs like this, but it's something i enjoy visually.

Again, a lot of where I stop comes down to my energy, time, and the vibes I'm going for. Hope this answers your question!

[ca-suffit]

I hate having to say this because I know the importance of what you and everyone else is doing here but sometimes I wonder if always talking about races and defending Louis/Jacob on this aspects isn't doing him a disservice?

Let me explain,sometimes myself included when I find a group of fans so annoying that I end up hating their favs and I know that they find us annoying because we bring what they are refusing to see.

For example yesterday an artist has draw louis 4-5 tones much darker than his real complexion (mind you they had Armand complexion lighter than he is ,so they can do it) rightly a group of fans came upon him demanding accountability, everyone quoting etc...

Then I read another ''artist'' say,that's why she never does fan arts with Louis and I'm wondering how many think that way and that's probably why he is the lead with the least fan arts (non ship fan arts)

*English is not my native language*

hi and thank u for asking this! if u need clarification on anything I answer here bcuz of a language barrier just lmk in my inbox again, it's no problem.

also let me say first that anyone can give feedback on this. I'm not any authority on anything and I'm an anon account. I talk about topics objectively. It's always helpful to have insight from others who feel comfortable sharing more identifying racial info on themselves and giving opinions on this stuff.

ok so to the actual question

"Then I read another ''artist'' say,that's why she never does fan arts with Louis and I'm wondering how many think that way and that's probably why he is the lead with the least fan arts (non ship fan arts)"

the short answer to all of this is that....it's all an excuse.

how many artists of color draw white ppl every day and yet we never hear about a "struggle" from that side? there is one just the same but if ppl were louder about it, nobody would take it seriously. whiteness is "the norm." ppl would laugh anyone out of the room asking how it could be "hard" to depict a white person??

well. it's literally the same for anyone else. there is no excuse to be unable to do something like this. if an artist is unfamiliar with something then they practice to get better at it. I've known plenty of white artists who can draw ppl across racial identities and don't get feedback like this bcuz they work on improving and *listen* when these conversations come up with other artists. saying u can't draw a black man bcuz the "woke mob" might come for u is doubling down on being racist. not only are u saying it's not worth even *trying* to do the art, ur also saying all criticism makes u the victim and that's the most important part of all. "these conversations don't matter bcuz they make me feel bad and that's wrong :(" that's a typical white response to literally *anything* regarding race. that's a lot of why we're still here talking about this in every space. it's not only specific to white ppl either but usually that's the largest group saying stuff like this. white ppl don't have to think about race, so these convos easily get killed in even the most progressive spaces. a lot of times it makes white ppl feel racist to notice race at all and there's usually gonna be some person of color around to back up that "logic" and say it's "right." that's all it takes to shut it all down. that's a lot of what this fandom keeps doing too.

the only way to make progress is to normalize things more. ppl don't know how to draw different facial features, hair textures, skin tones? start practicing. look at art from black artists who draw black ppl and study how that looks. examine ur own antiblackness. learn about colorism. study the racist history of depicting black ppl in art so u don't accidentally recreate that unconsciously. know what the antiblack stereotypes are. the show literally gave us both in 2x7, ppl can even just go study *that.* a lot of ppl don't even know that is there, as blatant as it is.

this is why I said thank u for asking this bcuz it's an important thing to talk about. white fandom (a mindset, not a skin color) will use stuff like this to perpetuate the idea that talking about race *does* cause harm. it doesn't. it never will. it's the only way to make any progress. centering the feelings of an artist who doesn't want to bother drawing louis bcuz drawing black ppl is too hard / anxiety inducing is just straight up racism. idk specifically who this artist is or anything but this is stuff u see and then u stop supporting that artist. u don't coddle them about this either. it's a stupid, harmful thing to say. find artists who don't make those excuses and who can handle having these conversations, support them instead.

ppl should also always be looking for black artists in this fandom to support in the first place. none of the popular artists here are black and that's done intentionally by the fandom. everyone should feel bad about that tbh.

[opentheskies]

Hi, idk if you’ve answered this before but may I know what program u use and which brushes? Ur art is breathtaking.

Thank you ❤️😭 that’s sweet

I use a combination of Procreate and Photoshop. I render everything in black and white in Procreate and then bring it into Photoshop to add color and noise effects.

For my X-Files stuff, the main brush that I use is called Sugar, and it’s from this Gal Shir texture pack. It’s really good for building up values with pressure, and it’s very soft. Usually I sketch things out with the one of the basic pencil brushes and then render everything over that sketch with that Sugar brush.

There’s also a good default Procreate brush that I like called Lightleak, which is good for adding bursts of light behind heads to make them stand out more, etc.

I also put some texture layers on low opacity over that sketch. The main one I use is a default Procreate brush called Plimsoll. I put it on top of my artwork in black and then bring down the opacity really low so that it makes things look less digital.

Then I bring the black and white artwork into Photoshop and add color. I don’t really like to think about color that much so I usually just put a Gradient Map over it and play with the blending modes and opacity until I get something I like. Then I might go in with a standard round brush and fill in specific areas (like skin) that might need to be a different color and set those as a blending mode (whichever looks best). I also always add noise in Photoshop to add more texture. And then sometimes effects like Diffuse Glow to bring out light areas more.

[cyrsed]

how do you get your colors in your art to look so good?

gonna resist the urge to say my colors aren't that great, and i'm gonna try and think about how i do color seriously.... also thank you for the compliment! i've always felt like i struggle with color but maybe i can still be helpful :B if this stuff is all super basic, apologies in advance

ig i already love bright colors, especially warm colors, but i feel like a lot of making visual art is bringing out the contrasts between colors, light and dark, textures, movement, saturation, curves and straight lines, etc., so that just means i usually try to think about the relationships between the colors a little more than the colors individually.

i also don't usually start with a solid color palette defined beforehand. i usually know the basic colors i want, but i don't typically choose them before i start bc that's too rigid for me, and i want to be able to adjust things or throw things out without worrying that i'm messing up the balance of a palette i already committed to.

so for this one

i used a lot of warm colors bc i loove earthy yellows and oranges, but i think it can make colors feel more vibrant if they're next to colors that contrast w/ it (warm and cool, or complementary colors).

the "gray" metal parts of the picture like the shelf stile coming down vertically, and the jar lids behind it, are green to contrast w the oranges and reds in particular, and there's some blue popping up in the zombie head and the shadows on the bottom shelf for the same reason, altho the blue is a touch on the greener, cooler side of blue (as opposed to the purpler, warmer side).

usually if i use a color in one place, i try to pull it into the rest of the picture for better balance unless maybe if it's the focal point. so i'm doing that with the blue, and the orange stickers to spread the bright orange from that big jar around more.

also i don't usually use straight gray/white/black, 99.9% of the time i'll use something tinted like that green metal stile, or the pinkish gray in the jar on the far right.

same here: it's mostly green and red bc i like that combo & they're complementary, but i did try to pull a little blue in as well through the shadows on the right ribcage and that one mystery organ under the green intestine, nd in the back of the leg.

that being said tho, it's not really "blue", it's more like nearly gray-purple that looks blue bc it's next to such bright warm colors. that's the magic of gray lol, it's very useful bc it's easy to make it look as if it's warm/cool depending on what colors it's surrounded with.

ig color for me is mostly about color relationships and saturation... the gray can look like blue if it needs to, and it can make the colors next to it look even more vibrant so the skin of this necromorph dude looks sickly and dead but the organs look pretty lively.

when i shade something i always try to use a color that's at least a little bit different from whatever the base color is. so in this case the base color was that kind of pale orange and the orange-ish gray, but the shadows are both super saturated & one is leaning more toward a sienna/orange (on the left side of the pic on the arm and ribs) and the other one is leaning a lil more toward a berry purple/red & i think that usually adds some nice depth to the color. also don't be afraid to add reeeally dark darks and really light lights, but imo the darks give colors the most life by contrast.

since this was a limited palette & not that detailed, i didn't worry about pulling that aquamarine anywhere else.

other than that, i just try to be bold with colors, and go for something exciting & not worry too much about whether it looks naturalistic. plus there's tons of colors you can pull out from regular objects/lighting/whatever else. this isn't specific to color, but the other thing i try to do is practice seeing what colors/forms are really there, not what i expect to be there.

a super basic example would be if i want to draw a banana, i don't want to just automatically reach for yellow bc bananas are yellow, i want to either look closely at the real banana i want to draw, and really try to see what colors are really there (which can be surprising tbqh), or if i'm not actually looking at a real one, then just try to pull in more color for the fun of it, like shading it with purple or blue maybe idk go nutso!

tl;dr i think i usually try to keep in mind

warm/cool color balance

complementary colors (altho tbh you can make any color combo look good, esp if you mess with warm/cool balance)

saturation (i keep a lot of things saturated, but also the contrast between saturation/desaturation can make the colors look more intense)

light and dark contrast

using tinted grays to imply a warmer/cooler color that contrasts with the main palette

color depth (shading with cooler and/or warmer variations of similar colors)

go nutso

[mantisgodsart]

With the @bug-oc tournament still ongoing, Round 2 drawing to an end in favour of Round 3, another handful of bugs are knocked out of the competition, who will of course arrive home safe and...

Well, differently-shaped. Marigold's been busy! An unusually fast round, here, we got a decent burst of inspiration while procrastinating on packing chatting with some friends and - what? Other contestants? What other contestants? You must be mistaken, of course there were only seven bugs lost this round. It's not like we would lie about that, right? Clearly, if anyone else was transmuted, you'd see them right here. With the rest of Marigold's successful experiments. It's not like we've got any more to do... right?

(Names and owners of transmuted OCs below the cut, in order of pictures here - no group picture for this one, sadly, since we still have more to do here. Hopefully, we pass Round 3 - we really want to draw some transmutations for the other bugs in this round, and the narrowed competition means we can bring out some of the fancier paper we'e got rattling around! Vote for Marigold so we can do more of these - and, of course, for her many natural good qualities.)

First up is Fahris from @tetraterantula, as a Kingsmould! Though tampering with Void isn't precisely advisable, and going from a normal bug to an artificial one is jarring at the best of times, he at least has hands - better than most of this batch can say! This one was fun to do, and we tinkered with a lot of things - the side effects being, of course, that we're tinkering with things we don't already know how to do well. We did make some mistakes here - we are not, admittedly, an expert in humanoids, and long straight lines are the absolute bane of us, but we did our best!

The dark gray used here is starting to fray, which we can unfortunately do little about, as we're out of replacement nibs for our pens at the moment, but which might have caused some interesting texture. We defined the boundary between the lighter cape and the darker one with a white gel pen because our black and dark gray proved to be a bit too close in color to tell at a glance - the pains of traditional art, we suppose. Still turned out fairly well! We wonder if the color palette would interfere with his ability to stroll into the White Palace...

Next up is Cici from @mimicspider, as a Giraffe Weevil. Probably not doing anything for her clumsiness, and definitely not doing anything for her number of hands - the neck is a lot to get used to, even without getting into the whole set of bauplan changes going on here. At least she's probably faster like this? Once she gets used to the legs, at least.

Though we've technically already made her into a Lightseed, double transmutation is fair play... probably? Lightseed Cici was less than a centimeter of our paper, so obviously we had to do something bigger. We modelled this one in particular after the Grimm Troupe steeds - the clown theme fits, and we wanted to toy with the... cloak-looking bits? The polka-dots were a fun challenge, and we definitely think the abdomen came out well. One of the more successful transmutations here, we'd say!

Next are Willow and Lily from @razs-archetype, with Willow as a Moss Knight and Lily as a Belfly. Y'know when you take just a few seconds to yourself, take just a quick nap, and next thing you know you've woken up and the moss has grown over you and your hands have been turned to strange talons reminiscent of a god's dream? Yeah, happened to us too. Awful time. At least their partner's here to- ah, shit. At least this one comes with flight? Probably a damn hard sell of a consolation prize, but...

Not as much to say with the choices here - the Moss Knight felt like a natural choice, and the Belfly just... clicked? We had fun with Willow's moss - the highlights here actually use the same white gel pen as was used with Fahris, since it's got a nice semitransparent thing that we particularly like. We think the style conversion for Lily's face worked out particularly nicely, here. The piece as a whole turned out as one of the best of the batch, as far as we're concerned. Was nice to draw them!

Next, of course, are Drya and Tel from @enbeemerang, with Drya as a Tiktik and Tel as a Nosk - we predict strange waters ahead for them, relationship-wise. Two bugs, and not a single pair of opposable thumbs. The economy is clearly in shambles. At least they've still got each other?

Tel here specifically is actually inspired by a fic that Cog himself wrote - would it surprise you to know that we know them outside of this tournament? They've actually been handed over to us for transformation practice once before, in a sequence that we... might post as propaganda, later. Drya, we deliberated on a few options before settling on a Tiktik - it just seems to fit!

Last but not least, Sehra from @shiningnightstars as a Hive Soldier. It's probably better than it could be, here - at least bees are a bit familiar to Bugaria! This particular variant, admittedly, might not be. Again with the hands, and this time with the looking like an unawakened bee - it might mean a bit of trouble for her, but we're sure she can power through.

The wings here were particularly fun to do - again, we're doing blending tricks here, and we think that the purples turned out particularly well! Sehra's palette is quite pretty, and the gel pen on the eyes wound up looking amazing. Though "soldier" probably doesn't fit too much for what Sehra... is, it felt like the closest to her as far as aesthetics go. The Hive Guardian is a bit too big for a moth like her, the Hiveling feels a bit too far in the other direction, and the Hive Knight... we're actually avoiding bosses and more sapient-looking folk here when possible. Hopefully, it's to your liking!

[pityroadart]

Hey, what is your process when making collages? How do you collect things for them, how do you decide on quotes and what to draw/paint on and such? I really enjoy them :)

Hello! That's a very good question, I do it so automatically that I'm not entirely sure myself — but since I caught myself in the middle of a cut-and-stick sketchbook session, let's dive into it.

First up, I collect scraps like a trash magpie. Always have done, always will. Any paper items that I enjoy the colour/shape/texture of. Nowadays I tend to enjoy things with bold primary colours or black and white, pages from old maths textbooks or encyclopedias, flyers from local exhibitions, fragile tape and shipping labels from parcels, scraps found on the floor, old shopping lists, slips of paper from inside medicine packets or covid tests etc, anything that jumps out at me.

I collect these things in the pocket at the back of my sketchbook, or in a drawer (I have a whole drawer dedicated to scraps — some picked up from six or seven years ago, and some from last week). I hoard them like some sort of paper-loving dragon.

Other things I like adding are washi tapes, stickers, cinema tickets, drawings (whether straight in the sketchbook or stuck in), and anything else flat enough to fit in there.

Here are a few older sketchbook pages (from about 2014) showing some other types of scraps I've collated and used, and I think you can see where my current style has grown from.

The second part of your question is: but how do I put them all together? Again it's pretty much instinctive by now, but here are a few things I look for:

- Do I have a theme for the page? Is there a central object I want to build around? For the recent star trek pages I shared here, I'd been to see TMP and TWOK at the cinema and glued my tickets into my sketchbook, so I knew I wanted to theme the page around them

- Is there a colour palette? Either I pick colours from my central object, or I decide on a colour palette myself. Nowadays I keep my colour palettes very limited - one or two bolder colours and a range of cream/white/black/grey - but previously I've set the palette as pastel rainbow colours for example, when those were the colours I was more drawn to

- What words, symbols or drawings do I want to add? This can be lyrics that have been stuck in my head or that fit the theme, phrases I've come up with, fragments of found poetry clipped from textbooks, drawings that fit the theme (e.g star trek screencap thumbnails in the first example), etc. They don't have to fit the theme perfectly, or make sense to an external viewer - the important thing is that *you* want them on your page

This image below is a fragment of an as-yet-incomplete page - in which I swatched some leftover watercolour paint onto the page, found it complimented the colour of a sticker from a parcel perfectly (the small circular sticker), then I added an interesting-looking image from an old encyclopedia, which reminded me of a line from a Mountain Goats song: "the low pressure system brings the breezes in", and I wrote out another line from that same song on kraft paper and stuck it in. So it makes sense to me, or maybe someone familiar with the song, but to the average viewer it just looks kinda cool and/or they enjoy the line I've written out.

Then the next thing is to stick everything together! I'll confess, I rarely do this in one sitting - I currently have multiple pages I'm working on, one started the other month and almost complete, one started two weeks ago, and one just started today. I add to it whenever I get an idea or find a scrap that fits. But I used to do the pages in one sitting, and that absolutely works too.

As to how I decide what goes where on the page, that's just intuitive! I've made collage-y type art for at least fifteen years now (and longer if you count playing 'cut and stick' with old magazines as a kid), and I've very much learnt what sort of compositions please me, and how to tell if something feels too cluttered or lopsided or too spacious. But the beauty of this part is it's all personal preference! Shuffle your scraps around before gluing them down, and see what works for you.

Sometimes I add text or drawings first and use scraps in between, sometimes I stick the scraps down first and fill the gaps with text or drawings - there's no one way to do it! And hey, if there's something you don't like, you can always tear it out or stick something over it, that's the joy of mixed media.

Anyway this was a bit long-winded but I hope it makes at least a little bit of sense. Go forth and play with scraps!

[david-schmid-photo]

How to Capture The Perfect Black and White Portrait

© David Schmid

Black-and-white photos, while widely known, are often misunderstood. Some view them as an afterthought — a way to edit a color picture we’re not fully happy with. 

With that mentality, we miss the true beauty that black-and-white portraiture can bring. From evoking emotion to highlighting certain features, there is a lot you can do with a black-and-white portrait.

This article will discuss the whys and hows of capturing beautiful black-and-white portraits. So get your camera ready, find your muse, and let’s see how you can bring your black-and-white photography to the next level.

Color vs. Black-and-White Portraits

This might be a matter of personal preference or pure practicality. Black-and-white typically leads to more dramatic portraits.

With portraiture, there are specific considerations to bear in mind when making this decision. The first one is your subject and whether the use of color is essential. Is their hair a vibrant shade of color or do they wear clothes that stand out?

Secondly, consider the setting or backdrop. Does the color scheme play a significant role in the shot you're capturing?

Black-and-white portraiture could be an option for you if you answered no to these questions. Most importantly, this is because it eliminates background noise. Additionally, black-and-white portrait photography brings out the subject's best features.

Lastly, the significance of mood and ambience is another key factor to think about. Although black and white portraits are commonly thought of as having a somber or depressing tone, that is not necessarily the case.

6 Tips for Capturing a Beautiful Black-and-White Portrait

© David Schmid

A lot must be considered with black-and-white images, and these are my top six tips for you when shooting a portrait.

1. Make Black-and-White Your Mindset

Using black and white as a post-production experimental decision is something that many photographers incorrectly do. Black-and-white portraits have their own particularities, therefore it is important to start your photoshoot with black-and-white in mind.

Rather than treating black-and-white as an afterthought, adopt a perspective that is consistent with black-and-white portraiture. Think ahead and choose if you'll be shooting in color or not. When you go into making an image with the intention of turning it black and white, you can ensure it has all the makings of a great monochrome shot before you even click the shutter. 

You have to change your strategy when dealing with black-and-white images because they are distinct from color photos. For example, the most striking black-and-white pictures often showcase striking lighting, distinct facial expressions, and a wide range of tonal contrasts. 

For the greatest effects, plan to shoot in black and white ahead of time because these elements are hard, if not impossible, to adjust after the fact.

2. Set Up Proper Lighting

Lighting matters a lot in black-and-white portraits. It's not just about brightness; lighting shapes how the picture looks and feels. Light and shadows highlight the face, making features more noticeable. 

When done right, it also brings out textures and gives the photo a timeless quality. In black and white, there's no color to grab attention, so lighting becomes crucial. It sets the mood and captures emotions, making the photo more about the person. 

Without good lighting, a black-and-white photo might look flat or dull. It's like the secret ingredient that turns a regular picture into fine art.

3. Choose The Right Pose

When experimenting with black-and-white portrait photography, it could be tempting to go for a more dramatic and atmospheric approach. But there is an option to get a more candid shot of your subject if you choose.

Black and white doesn't have to be all film noir; in fact, it may bring forth humor and enjoyment. Just as much as color portraits may bring out a subject's smile, black-and-white photography can do the same.

4. Use Tethering

Simply said, tethering is the process of linking your camera to a mobile device or computer. With this easy setup, you can view your images on a bigger screen right away, giving you a better idea of what the final image will be like.

Tethering is a lifesaver when shooting with a camera that doesn't have an electronic viewfinder with a high pixel density. The large screen allows you to see the exact effects of your black-and-white settings as they happen. Instead of winging it, you may now make calculated modifications while shooting.

5. Use a Wide Aperture

Using a wide aperture, such as f/1.4 to f/2.5, in black-and-white portrait images will create a bokeh effect and draw attention to the subject's eyes or other focus points.

With a wide aperture and a sharp focus on the subject's eye, you can also blur their facial characteristics. This can also be striking in monochrome, which forces the viewer to actively choose how to distinguish between foreground and background elements in the absence of color.

6. Consider High ISO

Generally speaking, you should aim to avoid using a high ISO setting. At extremely high ISO settings, it can also reduce an image's sharpness, contrast, and clarity by producing noise.

Nevertheless, when shooting black-and-white portraits, using a high ISO isn't necessarily an issue. It may even be something you decide on. Changing a noisy, high-ISO color image to black and white can make it easier to work with. It has the power to transform an ordinary photo into an artistic masterpiece.

Final Thoughts

As any portrait photographer will tell you, when done right, black-and-white portraits can convey much more than you’d first expect. By following these tips, you can shoot your own black-and-white masterpieces.

If you’d like your black-and-white portraits shot professionally, don’t hesitate to contact me about your photoshoot!

[fireintheflames]

An IRL Update!

Just a general update on things, and some fun life hacky adjacent type things!

It's been a busy summer for sure, been trying to find something fun to do every weekend so I can hibernate guilt free in the winter. Some highlights:

Concerts! Including Styx in the rain, which was very fun! Learned that earplugs at concerts are 100% a must for anything inside, if only for the crowd noise. We used cheap Harbor Freight ones, like $5 for 100, worked pretty good!

Camping! which was delayed due to a combo thunderstorm/flood. We made hobo pies! Recipe: 1 cast iron pie iron (~$20) 2 slices of Hillbilly (TM) Bread, or similar soft wheat/white bread (think wonder bread texture) Fillings (i highly recommend PBJ for sweet, or cheese and pepperoni for savory, melty is ideal) Optional: Non-stick cooking spray (Spray inside of pie iron), put bread in each side, add filling. Clamp pie iron. Place in hot coals for about 5-10 minutes each side, flipping once. The edges should be dark, but not actively on fire. Remove iron from fire and unclamp, turn pie out onto plate and let cool until heat comfort level is reached. Eat!

Gardening! My lobelia, obedient plant, vervain, verbena, harebell, and anise hyssop flowered! I picked blueberries! My petunias have lived! I successfully transplanted lemon balm from cuttings (to a pot, the stuff is very aggressive and I'd like to bring it inside in the winter)/I somehow kept the "finicky" plants alive, but killed a nanny-berry (a notoriously hardy viburnum variety). The squirrels keep digging up my wild bergamot! But a 100% increase in bees and bugs, as was the goal! We have fireflies in our 1/4 acre city lot, which is very nice! (to see more bugs/birds, find out your city's grass cut limit and hang tight to it. Where we live it's a pretty generous 10", so lot's of "weed" plants can come up. We actually need to remove a lot of the beech and maples that are growing in places they really shouldn't (like 6" from the house foundation), but we've let all the clovers/violets/asters hang out. We also use a push reel mower and an electric weed whip instead of a normal two stroke mower, which both do a worse job of mowing grass but a better job of not annihilating the things we want growing!

Art fairs! I bought so many mugs, I'm going to need a second mug hutch! (My first mug hutch was the first piece of furniture I bought because I wanted it, not needed it. It is red, with dark green insides. The doors stick and the glass is cracked, but I adore it!). I collect mugs, but I may need to purge if I keep this up. I also bought a "rice vest". It's like a hot sock, but a vest. It has a bunch of little sections full of rice so the weight is evenly distributed. You can microwave it or freeze it. Great for my tense shoulders! I love it so much, I attached a picture!

Art classes! I took multi-media storytelling, which was basically working with collages! I made some pretty cool pieces, and it inspired me to start cleaning my side of the basement for an art studio. I'm going to sign up for more classes in the fall, see if I can get into the pottery courses (our local art center has all sorts of classes for adults, but the pottery ones are the most popular and actually have an order you need to take them to unlock them in). 100% recommend, it was nice doing something creative with other people.

Birding! Not too seriously, but I got a pocket guide and Miles bought some nice binoculars (the lad loves optics and lenses, it's the fun part of photography for him) and we take 'em on hikes! Highlights so far are some cedar wax wings (not uncommon, but not something we see a ton around where we live), a bald eagle, several great blue herons (the nature center by us is a big river/wetland, so lots of birds stop over), and a black crowned night heron. We also got caught in a surprise thunderstorm while looking at some red-winged blackbirds, which was an experience!

That's really for it, it's just been a busy time and I wanted to share! Have a wonderful day!

[teravarna0]

The Beauty of Landscape Art: Capturing Nature’s Essence on Canvas

"Art is not what you see, but what you make others see." – Edgar Degas

Whether capturing the beauty of a rolling hill, or a misty morning, landscape art has been a cherished genre for centuries, offering artists a canvas to interpret nature’s beauty through different styles and techniques. From the serene strokes of landscape watercolor painting to the bold expressions of abstract landscape art, this genre continues to inspire creativity. Whether you’re an aspiring artist or a seasoned professional, seeking to participate in a landscape painting competition organized by esteemed art galleries and organizations like TERAVARNA, this can be a fantastic way to showcase your talent. In this blog, let’s find out why this particular genre of art has captivated the attention span of jurors, artists, critics and viewers for ages!

Explore the Timeless Appeal of Landscape Art

Landscape has been the most popular surviving genre of art. This art transcends cultural and historical boundaries, capturing the majesty of mountains, forests, seascapes, and cityscapes. There is no dearth of landscape artists who have experimented with various techniques, creating everything from modern landscape paintings to black and white landscape paintings to evoke nostalgia and emotion resonating long after the reality fades out.

1. Large Landscape Paintings: What Makes them Grab All the Eyes

A large landscape painting has the power to transform any space. No matter what medium of expression you choose, oil colors, acrylic, or watercolor, the grandeur of an expansive landscape captivates the viewer, making them feel as if they are stepping into another world. Most art collectors and art enthusiasts seek large-scale works to bring an immersive experience to their homes or galleries. These artistic expressions add a feel of a dreamlike scene to enchant the minds of the viewers. That’s why large landscape paintings have sales potential more than the smaller ones.

2. The Modern Approach: Moving Away from Conventions

Modern landscape painting breaks away from traditional techniques, introducing new perspectives like the urban-scape, bold color palettes, and experimental compositions. Contemporary artists often use unconventional materials and digital media to capture and romanticize nature’s landscapes, giving this classic genre a fresh and dynamic appeal.

3. Black and White Landscape Paintings: A Study of Monochrome Magic

Quite used in ‘plein air’ techniques, working with light and shadow, there’s something incredibly striking about black and white landscape painting. Without the vibrancy of color, these works play in contrast, shading, and composition to convey depth, and emotion. They can be rendered in graphite, ink, or charcoal to create stunning monochrome landscapes that have a timeless elegance that resonates deeply with viewers.

4. The Serene Magic of Landscape Watercolor Painting

Another popular approach to this art is landscape watercolor painting, a delicate and fluid approach to depicting nature. Artists use this transparency of watercolors to capture light and atmosphere in ways that other mediums cannot. This fluid and transparent technique is often used for impressionistic interpretations of landscapes, making them feel dreamlike and ethereal. We can see some of Helen Frankenthaler works with such atmospheric and abstract landscape feel.

5. Abstract Landscape Art: Beyond Realism

Artists who like to go beyond the set limits of realism and explore the unknown realm of abstract ideas and expressions, there are avenues to tread. Abstract landscape art offers endless possibilities. Moving away from the realistic details, artists play with abstract landscapes using shapes, colors, and textures that evoke bizarre emotions and impressions of the natural scenery. Through abstract sceneries, an artist can interpret This genre invites viewers to interpret landscapes in a deeply personal way.

What are the Benefits of Taking Part in a Landscape Painting Competition?

So, if you are someone intrigued with landscape and nature depictions more than anything else, or if you are passionate about portraying the beauty of a mellow setting sun or a shady hunt, entering a landscape painting competition can help you gain exposure and connect with other artists who share your passion for nature art. Physical and online art contests organized by reputed organizers and art platforms like TERAVARNA provide artists fantastic opportunities to challenge their skills, receive valuable feedback, win cash prizes and the much-needed social media exposure.

What are the Takeaways:

As an artist, you can get the much-needed recognition and exposure as these platforms will help you showcase your art to a wider viewership.

As you can see the works of other participating artists and learn from their skills and experiences, you can hone your own skill as a landscape artist.

Get excellent networking opportunities to connect with the jurors, collectors, critics, collaborators, and fellow artists that can boost your PR skills and overall build viable connections.

Winning competitions is always something good to cherish. It will help you in career growth as an artist, boosting your visibility as an artist.

The Journey of Landscape Art will Take You to New Heights

No matter if you are drawn to the vastness of impressive landscape paintings, the expressiveness of modern landscape painting, or the simplicity of black and white landscape painting, landscape portrayals showcase endless opportunities for creativity. You can experiment to your heart’s content, try different styles, mediums, such as landscape watercolor painting or abstract landscape art, and bring out things that are unique to you. Contests and shows related to these artistic expressions will take your passion further. So, join the popular online landscape painting competition held by platforms like TERAVARNA and take a step towards greater artistic recognition and success.

Get ready to hit your canvas with a brand-new landscape in the making!

[wallartideas]

Modern Home Decor Items That Will Be Big in 2024

Home decor trends are constantly evolving, bringing fresh, exciting ideas into our living spaces. As we move into 2024, modern home decor is taking on a new vibe. With bold colors, sleek designs, and unique elements, it’s a year of transformation for how we view and style our homes. Whether you're redesigning your living room, sprucing up your bedroom wall decor, or looking for something special to hang on the walls, this year promises to bring a whole new perspective to home decoration.

In this blog, we’ll explore the modern home decor items that will dominate 2024. From wall hanging ideas to aesthetic room decor, we’ve got a range of suggestions to help you create a stylish and cozy environment that reflects your personality. Let’s dive in!

1. Sleek and Contemporary Wall Hanging Ideas

When it comes to modern home decor, one of the easiest ways to update your space is through wall art. Wall hanging ideas for 2024 focus on unique textures, minimalist designs, and a bit of a twist on traditional art pieces. Forget the generic framed prints and opt for something more bold and expressive.

Sculptural wall art is becoming a top trend in modern homes. Think of three-dimensional metal pieces or woven fabrics that add texture and depth to your walls. You can also go for abstract artwork with geometric shapes and neutral colors to add sophistication. For those looking for a spiritual or cultural touch, Shiva Wall Decor is a beautiful way to merge spirituality and modern design, with elegant carvings or prints of the god Shiva bringing peace and tranquility to any room.

If you’re a fan of eco-friendly decor, MDF wall decor is gaining popularity. With its clean and modern look, it’s a fantastic material for creating stylish wall hangings that are sustainable and versatile.

2. Bedroom Wall Decor: Minimalism Meets Comfort

Your bedroom is your sanctuary, and this year’s modern home decor trends are all about creating a serene, minimalist retreat. In 2024, we’re seeing a move away from overly busy and cluttered spaces, with a focus on calming colors, subtle designs, and aesthetic room decor that emphasizes simplicity and relaxation.

For bedroom wall decor, floating shelves are a hit. These shelves are not just functional but also stylish, allowing you to display plants, photos, or your favorite books while maintaining a clean, uncluttered look. Additionally, large statement mirrors are another great way to make your bedroom feel larger and more inviting.

If you want to bring a touch of nature indoors, consider using wall-mounted planters or wooden wall art. These options bring an organic feel to your space, making it feel fresh and soothing. For those seeking something more bold, oversized black-and-white photography or abstract paintings can create a focal point without overwhelming the room.

3. The Rise of the MDF Lamp: Functional and Stylish

When thinking of modern home decor, it’s easy to focus solely on furniture and wall art, but lighting plays a crucial role in setting the mood of your space. MDF lamps are an exciting trend for 2024 because they combine style with practicality. These lamps, often made from medium-density fiberboard (MDF), offer a contemporary twist on traditional lighting solutions.

What makes MDF lamps stand out is their sleek, minimalistic design and their ability to blend seamlessly with other modern decor elements. Whether you're looking for a statement piece for your living room or a subtle lamp to add warmth to your bedroom, MDF lamps fit perfectly into any room. Their versatility allows them to be used in a variety of styles, from industrial to contemporary, so you can find one that suits your taste.

For extra style points, look for MDF lamps that incorporate sculptural elements or geometric patterns. They can add an extra layer of sophistication to your decor while still offering the practical lighting you need.

4. The Magic of MDF Wall Decor

When it comes to modern home decor, it’s not just about furniture and accessories—it’s also about creating interest on your walls. MDF wall decor has made a significant comeback, offering a range of possibilities that combine both form and function.

One of the most exciting aspects of MDF wall decor is its versatility. You can use MDF for everything from wall panels to intricate wall art pieces. If you're looking to add dimension to your space, consider opting for MDF wall panels that add texture and depth, creating a statement feature wall in your living room or hallway.

Another popular trend is custom MDF art. Whether it's geometric designs, abstract shapes, or personalized quotes, MDF allows for endless customization. Plus, it’s an affordable way to add a modern touch to your home.

5. Aesthetic Room Decor: Bold, Yet Cozy

In 2024, aesthetic room decor continues to be a major trend, especially as people seek to create spaces that reflect their personal style while also feeling cozy and welcoming. The idea behind aesthetic decor is to combine beauty with comfort in a way that feels effortless.

Soft, warm color palettes are popular for creating a cozy vibe, with shades of blush, terracotta, and muted pastels leading the way. To complement these tones, decorative pillows and throw blankets are essential for adding texture and warmth to your living room or bedroom. These simple additions help create a relaxing atmosphere, perfect for unwinding after a long day.

For a more modern twist on aesthetic room decor, try incorporating metallic accents, such as gold or bronze, into your furniture or decor. These small details can elevate the entire room without overwhelming it, giving your space a sophisticated yet cozy feel.

6. Shop Smart: Platforms Like MyStore and DBeautify

When shopping for modern home decor items, it's important to know where to look. Online shopping has made it easier than ever to find stylish decor pieces from around the world. Platforms like DBeautify.com offer a curated selection of modern home decor items that cater to a variety of tastes and budgets.

For those looking to launch their own online decor store, platforms like MyStore provide an excellent e-commerce solution, making it easier than ever to showcase your products to a global audience. With a user-friendly interface, you can sell everything from MDF lamps to unique wall hanging ideas with ease.

7. Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Decor

Another major trend that’s taking over the modern home decor scene in 2024 is sustainability. As more people become environmentally conscious, the demand for eco-friendly decor is growing. Reclaimed wood, bamboo, and other sustainable materials are becoming the foundation of many modern decor items.

MDF wall decor is often made from recycled materials, making it a more eco-friendly choice compared to other options. The same goes for MDF lamps—they provide a modern look while being kind to the environment. Additionally, many brands are now using water-based finishes and non-toxic paints, ensuring their products are safe for both your home and the planet.

Conclusion: Modern Home Decor in 2024

As we step into 2024, modern home decor is all about combining sleek design, functionality, and sustainability. From bold wall hanging ideas to calming bedroom wall decor, there are endless ways to transform your living space. Incorporating MDF wall decor, MDF lamps, and aesthetic room decor will give your home a fresh and contemporary look.

The key is to embrace the versatility of these modern decor elements, whether you're looking to create a tranquil sanctuary or a stylish, functional living area. With a little creativity and the right pieces, you can design a space that feels uniquely yours and stays on trend throughout the year.

Know more about wall hanging crafts

[happyhours--1]

Savor the Ultimate Combination: Coffee and Desserts at Our Café

Introduction:Coffee and desserts are a match made in heaven – a harmonious combination that has stood the test of time. Whether you’re seeking a sweet afternoon break or a cozy spot to unwind, our Coffee and Dessert Café offers the ultimate destination for those who appreciate the finer things in life. In this blog post, we’ll dive deeper into the art of pairing the best coffee with our signature desserts, and show you why this combination is more than just a treat, it’s an experience.

1. The Magic of Coffee and Dessert Pairing

The secret to perfect coffee and dessert pairings lies in balancing flavors, textures, and contrasts. At our café, we take the time to create delightful combinations that elevate each sip and bite. But why does this pairing work so well?

Flavor Pairing Principles:

Complementary Flavors: A rich, dark roast coffee pairs well with desserts that have deep, intense flavors like chocolate or caramel.

Contrasting Flavors: Sometimes, the best pairings come from contrasting flavors. A strong espresso with a citrusy dessert like lemon tart provides an exciting balance of bitter and sweet.

Texture Harmony: The creamy texture of a latte complements flaky pastries, while an iced coffee pairs well with chewy or crunchy desserts.

2. Signature Coffee Drinks to Enhance Your Dessert Experience

We’re not just about coffee – we’re about creating the perfect experience with every sip. Here are some of our signature coffee drinks, specially crafted to pair beautifully with desserts:

Signature Coffee Drinks & Dessert Pairings:

Espresso and Chocolate Soufflé: The bold, intense flavor of espresso cuts through the richness of a warm chocolate soufflé, providing the perfect balance of bitterness and sweetness.

Café Mocha and Red Velvet Cake: The deep, chocolatey notes of a café mocha bring out the tangy flavor of red velvet cake, making each bite and sip more indulgent.

Iced Coffee and Donuts: A classic pairing that’s simple yet satisfying – the cool, refreshing iced coffee complements the sweetness of a sugar-coated donut or cinnamon roll.

Flat White and Carrot Cake: The smooth texture of a flat white adds a creamy dimension to the spice of carrot cake, creating a perfect symphony of flavors.

3. Decadent Desserts That Will Make Your Coffee Moment Unforgettable

Our dessert menu is designed to satisfy every kind of sweet tooth – from indulgent chocolate lovers to those who prefer something fruity and light. Here's a closer look at our selection of desserts, each meticulously crafted to complement our signature coffees:

Must-Try Desserts at Our Café:

Chocolate Hazelnut Torte: A rich, nutty chocolate torte, ideal for pairing with a dark roast espresso or a creamy cappuccino. The toasted hazelnuts provide a delicious crunch to every bite.

Strawberry Shortcake: Light, fluffy layers of vanilla sponge cake and whipped cream, topped with fresh strawberries. This dessert is a dream with a smooth latte or flat white.

Pistachio Baklava: The sweet, flaky layers of pistachio baklava are perfect for pairing with a strong black coffee or Turkish coffee. The nuts and honey in the dessert complement the roasted notes of coffee.

Salted Caramel Cheesecake: The richness of cheesecake with the perfect touch of salty caramel is best enjoyed with a latte or a cappuccino, as the creaminess balances out the dessert’s sweetness.

4. Vegan and Gluten-Free Desserts for Every Dietary Need

At our café, we believe that everyone should be able to enjoy a coffee and dessert pairing, regardless of dietary preferences. That's why we offer a wide range of vegan and gluten-free options, so no one has to miss out on a delightful treat.

Vegan & Gluten-Free Desserts to Enjoy with Coffee:

Vegan Chocolate Cake: Made with plant-based ingredients, this moist and decadent cake pairs wonderfully with a black coffee or a coconut milk latte.

Gluten-Free Almond Cake: With its light, nutty flavor, this cake goes perfectly with an iced americano or a hot cappuccino.

Vegan Lemon Bars: These refreshing and tangy treats are great for pairing with a citrusy cold brew coffee or an iced matcha latte.

Gluten-Free Raspberry Sorbet: A refreshing dessert that pairs excellently with a sweetened iced coffee or a vanilla-flavored espresso.

5. Creating the Ultimate Café Experience

Our café is not just a place to grab a coffee – it’s a destination. Whether you’re meeting friends, looking for a quiet spot to work, or enjoying a date, we’ve crafted an environment that enhances the overall experience.

Why Our Café is the Perfect Spot for Coffee and Desserts:

Comfortable and Cozy Atmosphere: Soft lighting, plush seating, and an inviting ambiance make our café the perfect place to unwind.

Sleek and Modern Decor: From the elegant design of our furniture to the calming atmosphere, we’ve created a space that feels like home.

Friendly and Knowledgeable Baristas: Our baristas are more than just coffee experts – they’re passionate about helping you discover the perfect coffee and dessert pairing.

Free Wi-Fi and Work-Friendly Spaces: Need to work or study while enjoying your coffee? Our café offers plenty of spaces with free Wi-Fi for a productive and cozy experience.

6. The Joy of Sharing Coffee and Dessert Moments

Great food and drink are always better when shared. Whether you’re celebrating with friends, enjoying a family outing, or having a romantic date, there’s no better way to bond than over coffee and desserts.

Perfect Shareable Desserts:

Dessert Sampler Platters: A delightful mix of bite-sized treats that are perfect for sharing, from mini cheesecakes to chocolate mousse cups.

Fondue for Two: Melted chocolate served with a variety of dipping treats like fruits, marshmallows, and cookies – an experience that’s perfect for couples.

Macaron Tower: A whimsical and colorful display of macarons that pairs wonderfully with espresso or cappuccino.

7. Seasonal Specialties and Limited-Time Offerings

At our café, we love to surprise our customers with seasonal specialties and limited-time offers. Whether it's a holiday-inspired dessert or a unique coffee blend, we always have something new to try.

Seasonal Delights You Won’t Want to Miss:

Pumpkin Spice Latte with Pumpkin Cheesecake: A fall favorite that brings together the comforting flavors of autumn.

Winter Wonderland Hot Chocolate: A rich, velvety hot chocolate with marshmallows, served with a slice of spiced gingerbread.

Spring Citrus Blossom Tart with Iced Matcha Latte: A fresh and zesty combination perfect for the warmer months.

Conclusion: Your New Favorite Coffee and Dessert Destination

Our Coffee and Dessert Café is the perfect place to indulge in a cup of coffee paired with a delicious treat. Whether you’re a traditional coffee lover or looking to try something new, we’ve got the perfect pairings for you. Join us today to savor a combination that’s crafted to perfection and create lasting memories.

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