12/31/2012 | By: Alex

December 2012



I did these for work, before Christmas, when it was my turn to work on Sunday. I actually had fun at work that day. I mostly just did these then and afterwards I sprayed them on the windows of the office. They were a success!:D I used some images from the internet as ideas and made these by hand. They're made on cardboard, A3 dimension (roughly).
Also on cardboard, but more like A4 and A5 dimension.

Now, I've bought myself, as a X-mas gift, some acrylics and brushes and tried my hand at those. First pieces sucked, but I got some decent ones lately.
Painted on wood:
Trying acrylics for a first time after years. Was fun to paint clouds, kinda sucked at the rest.
Tried to draw a waterfall, which turned out decent as a first try, could have been better, and a tree which... didn't turn out at all, on a rock/cliff, whatever.

Fishies.... It's... um... bright?
Wolfie sketch on wood before painting.

Finished painting
My mom wanted something with warm colors for her kitchen wall. I don't particularly like this but she does so whatever, I got some practice with painting bodies.

Well, there are guests coming in a few minutes so I'm uploading this and going. See you next year!


EDIT: Forgot to say: I'm uploading the first chapter of the second part of TWH in the first week of January.
Also, sorry for the crappy quality of the pictures, they were taken with my phone, since I can't scan them and I forgot to buy batteries for my camera.
11/20/2012 | By: Alex

Magic Globe

Puppy-Dragon

Finished this. Sort of. I've tried to color it a bit differently. I'm not sure this works for me. I'm not entirely satisfied with this. Looks unfinished somehow. Ah well... practice makes better.
Cheers!

p.s. expect the next chapter of TWH around Friday. I do believe that's when I scheduled it. Maybe Thursday? I forget. I'm pretty sure it's Friday but I'm too lazy to verify right now.
10/06/2012 | By: Alex

The Tarot Café

The Tarot Café

The Tarot Cafe is a manwha written and drawn by the amazing, Korean Park Sang-sun.
 The story is compiled in seven volumes, also released in English in the US by Tokyopop.

It centers around a young woman whose story starts in the Medieval Era and continues throughout history until today. The woman, named Pamela has supernatural powers and runs a cafe during the day and caters to otherworldly clients after closing. Raised by a dragon and made immortal through him, she makes a deal with a devil (Belial). Now Pamela searches for the pearls from Belial's necklace to fulfill her part of the contract. In exchange she wants to be a mortal again. Throughout the volumes she encounters magical cats, fairies, vampires and other devils who help her along the way. By her side she has Belus, a young man who saved her life once and has been next to her ever since.

I was first attracted to this series because of the art. I still flip through the pages and just stare at the lines hoping one day I could be at least partially as good. The story hooked me as well. Underneath all the searches, the despair, the hope and the fun there is a genuine love story with a bittersweet open ending.

Good Points: Belus, the art, the story, brooding Alecto, Belus again.
Bad Points: Seven volumes seems a little too short and I could have read at least seven more. However bittersweet, I loved the ending. It seemed somehow fitting after all that happens.

And now here is some eye candy to make you go and read and enjoy it:




And this link is for those that need to read before buying (I am among that type of people so I get how that is).
10/02/2012 | By: Alex

Sketchdump summer edition

July-August-September-Octomber

I need to calm down right now... I had to add only ONE... ONE!!! effing sketch and save the *^%*$( thing... and, stupid being that I am... I pressed X... And then "don't save"...>_> I feel like kicking myself. Over and over and over and over.. And over.

*sigh*

I compiled the file again... but... arghhhh....

*sigh*

Here you go:

It's a big ass file. Tell me if you can't open it or if there's anything wrong with it.
Cheers!




EDIT:
Since what I'm seeing of the fullview here on blogspot sucks, here's a link to this sketchdump on my dA account: http://morana2006.deviantart.com/art/Summer-Sketchdump-330348505 You can download it there and see it better.

Update

I'm not dead! Just in case you were wondering. I was however, rather busy this past month, with work and friends. Come to think of it, august wasn't any better when it comes to updates. You could say I took almost two months off Zombie Desk.
It doesn't mean I haven't been productive. I still sketched almost daily although I threw away almost half of those since they turned up awful. The other half will be put together in a (kinda) large file later today. I'm still scanning. I didn't wrote as much as I wanted, mostly just a few pages at some stories that aren't being published on Zombie Desk. I'll try to catch up on Mesmeria this week since I have a few days off work anyway and update in a few days.
I've also read a LOT! Got some extra money last month and spent almost all of them on books. I still have almost 30 unread books on my bookshelf, waiting, BEGGING to be read. :) In case some of you didn't know, I have a little (not little but nevermind) obsession with books.
Moving on... Expect an update with sketches later today, some updates with stories this week and hopefully, if I stop procrastinating, an update with a colored drawing maybe on Saturday or Sunday.
Cheers!

Review: Lacybourne Manor


Lacybourne Manor
Lacybourne Manor by Kristen Ashley

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



I haven't read a book as good as this in months. I rarely give a five stars rating to a book because I'm picky about what I read and like.
But this... this was amazing. I believe in reincarnation and so this book was perfect for me. There was a little part almost before the end when I wanted to know the ending so badly that I almost skipped to the final (good thing I didn't though). There was also one moment in the book when I thought I'd throw the book out and kept thinking "WHY MALLORY?!!!" But I kept reading and reached the epilogue... And oh God... I laughed! I did not expect that particular ending but it was all the more refreshing and better.
I'm already putting in my to read pile the other four books from this series and, if I'll have time (if I won't I'll make some), I'm going to try other series by the lovely Kristen Ashley. She is of now, among my favorite authors.



View all my reviews
8/20/2012 | By: Alex

Review: Cinder


Cinder
Cinder by Marissa Meyer

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



This was amazing!

Cinder is a new, original approach on the Cinderella tale, only here, the main protagonist is named Cinder and she's a mechanic... and a cyborg. Living in the Eastern Commonwealth, Cinder spends her days repairing things in the market. It's there that she meets the Eastern Commonwealth crown-prince, Kai and where the action begins.
I liked how the story flowed in this book. I started reading it fully expecting disappointment after I've read another book recently which really let me down. Instead I found I loved this book. I've spent the last few hours reading it fervently. I couldn't put it down because every time I thought I knew how the story would progress, the author surprised me and dropped another plot twist in my lap.
It's a refreshing take on an old story and I'm glad to know that there will be a continuation. Can't wait to read that one as well!



View all my reviews
7/28/2012 | By: Alex

Music for your Muse no. 5

Bon Jovi - Misunderstood
Queen - The show must go on
Queen - I want to break free
Skid Row - 18 and life
7/27/2012 | By: Alex

TWH lucky chapter



Ok... so it's raining outside and I'm writing like crazy. Must be because in the last few days I haven't been able to write anything... It just built up. Kinda like the heat. Now it's raining and I'm writing.

I'm going to keep the lucky chapter short. Don't want to make many mistakes in the plot with this one. I'm kinda superstitious and since it's number 13 I'm afraid I'm going to let on more than I want to.:)

Anyway, chapter 14 is almost ready to be put online, maybe later this week (Sunday?) or at the beginning of next week. There will also be a new part of Royal Pain tomorrow.

Enjoy!
7/14/2012 | By: Alex

Music for your Muse no. 4

I wrote my best pieces while listening to this song. Magical. How I wish I could go see Ireland and listen to this song while enjoying the scenery.
Another beautiful song from Loreena McKennitt. I'm in the mood for this type of songs right now. Yesterday I listened to '80's songs. Tomorrow it's probably going to be Finnish rock.
Blackmore's Night - Way to Mandalay
This actually turned into a very good drinking song one time...:))

Enjoy!
7/08/2012 | By: Alex

Stress relief

Butterflies
Lately I've been drawing a lot of butterflies... I dunno why... Maybe in my mind they symbolize spring. And spring I like the best (it's too freaking hot in the summer).
Oriental dancer
Because I've been practicing a lot with drawing movement. Can't say I've advanced much. Mostly I threw away the sketches because they were awful.
Pond
I'd kill for a swim in a beautiful pond... Now if I could only find a pretty pond. And learn how to swim...
Queen
I've played Nancy Drew: The Tomb of the Lost Queen yesterday. Inspired me somehow.

Sorry for the crappy quality of these drawings. I don't recommend you click on the pictures. A larger, crappier image will show up. Sketched them yesterday and filled them with color today (literally filled them with color, I was too lazy to use even the brush tool in PS). These were done for stress relief. I feel better now.
7/03/2012 | By: Alex

Review: Strange Angels


Strange Angels
Strange Angels by Lili St. Crow

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



This book made me remember one of my favourite shows, Supernatural. It has zombies, loup-garous, dhampyrs, vampires and a whole assortment of supernatural beings which is really cool. Besides that though, it has a lot of funny moments and some lines that made me laugh out loud.
I look forward to the next books in the series and I'm going to search other books written by this author.



View all my reviews
6/18/2012 | By: Alex

Shadows






Yey! I finally read Shadows by Jennifer L. Armentrout, the prequel to Obsidian.
This is the story of Dawson, Daemon's twin brother (just as hot!) and also a Luxen alien.


The last thing Dawson Black expected was Bethany Williams. As a Luxen, an alien life form on Earth, human girls are…well, fun. But since the Luxen have to keep their true identities a secret, falling for one would be insane.

Dangerous. Tempting. Undeniable.


Bethany can’t deny the immediate connection between her and Dawson. And even though boys aren’t a complication she wants, she can’t stay away from him. Still, whenever they lock eyes, she’s drawn in.

Captivated. Lured. Loved.


Dawson is keeping a secret that will change her existence...and put her life in jeopardy. But even he can’t stop risking everything for one human girl. Or from a fate that is as unavoidable as love itself.



6/11/2012 | By: Alex

Review: The Summoning


The Summoning
The Summoning by Kelley Armstrong

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



This was a much darker story than what I've read in a while. But, while the beginning wasn't exactly my cup of tea, what followed was great. A really good story, with really good characters. The idea of making a sanatorium the main location for the story is brilliant!
I recommend this book and look forward to reading the next in the series.



View all my reviews
6/08/2012 | By: Alex

Music for your Muse no.1

I'm going to start this thing where every Friday I'll post some songs/videos here that I like and inspire me, sometimes in a good, sometimes in a bad way, or just songs/videos that simply make me laugh.

This week's songs are:

Hellsing Ultimate - Evolution

Jessica Jay - Casablanca 

Strays - Wolves Rain

Black Lab This Night 

Naruto - I want curry 

Narwhals 

 

6/07/2012 | By: Alex

Dreams/TWH Trivia

I have the weirdest dreams!
And if dreams are supposed to be a reflection of our subconscious mind I'm screwed. In. So. Many. Ways.
I never have nightmares though so I guess that's one point for my odd wired brain. I can watch a ton of scary movies, get scared daily or read horror stories. I never really get nightmares. Vivid dreams yes but nothing really scares me inside my mind.
If I read a lot of the same thing (like a really thick book, say Tolkien's LOTR) I usually dream myself inside the story (The Shire), not necessarily as the main character but sometimes just a bystander or I watch the dream from a bird's point of view. Same with movies, say Supernatural. I remember watching the first season in one day. I dreamt a lot of weird shit that night but nothing scared me.
I also remember my dreams, most of them in the morning (or if I wake up in the middle of night). If I wake up before the dream is over (don't ask me how I know it isn't over, just a feeling), sometimes, if I fall fast asleep right after waking I get to continue my previous dream. Which is really cool but doesn't happen often.
I remember a lot of my dreams, even some I've had years ago, probably because they were so special they stuck around. I also had recurring dreams which is awesome because when I have them I become aware I'm dreaming and know what will happen next.
The really good dreams I write down in a notebook so I don't forget ever. Most times I turn them into stories. The Witching Hour started initially as a dream. Completely different from what it has become, but still a dream.
In my dream, I was in a bed with a wolf and my alarm clock sounded. There was an earthquake and I knew we were being attacked. I ran out and started climbing on the mountain (it was a dream, the mountain was conveniently located outside the house and was extremely easy to climb) because I knew I had to get to the top where the Ninth Circle was located (I kid you not, in my dream I was thinking with Capital Letters:P) and warn the mages there of the impeding danger.
You see, for the first year after creating the story, TWH was named The Ninth Circle and had a mountain with nine circles of magic (I kept the mountain in the last version too but with no particular interest to the story). Shortly thereafter the ultimate mage that was seated at the top was killed and his body impersonated by a demon (sounds familiar?). Cassie was born at the same time as the mountain and her name remained the same all throughout the struggles of me creating the story. I needed a hero for her so Aime came to life. His name changed for a while to Remy but that fell through and he became Aime once more. He was a werewolf for a few months until I changed my mind and cut that part out. Lena appeared from the start, and also kept her name from the beginning. She was the sister, the friend, the sage and now became the maid/best friend. There was at one point a Michael since I wanted someone in my cast human but he didn't last long (don't worry Mickey, I'll get a spot for you somewhere, not gonna let you die). Evell appeared around the fourth or fifth version as the prince's sidekick, an episodic character, but demanded a life of his own, so I made him the illegitimate son of the elves' dead King, step brother of Leithas. He somehow still manages to charm everyone, more than any other character of mine. Let's see, who else do we have? There was Arakay, a Fire Wizard, who became someone completely different in my latest version, but fear not he's cooler here. Taegan is a late addition, less moronic as the story progresses which is a surprise since I made him an idiot at the beginning. As is Kasdethion. Kas was an interesting character to create and I still don't bloody know if he's gonna turn evil or good at the end. He's just that annoying, refusing to tell me his story. There will also be two more characters (at least) appearing in the story later on which are seriously just made up (as in I thought about them for some months now but created them last week). There are also Cassie's dad and mom. Her dad dies in EVERY version of this story. I'm not really sure what that says about me. I love my dad. Anyway, her mom only dies in a few versions... which is weird. Anyway. Gabe, Aime's brother is also a late addition, like two drafts ago addition because I needed a reason why Aime would want Cassie's hand in marriage when her country isn't even near his own. And if he was the crown prince it would be kinda awkward to travel between countries to govern them. So I made him a second son so he can marry a princess and rule his own country. I don't like how much of a pussy he turns out to be in this version. I swear he was hotter and cooler in earlier versions. Which is way I'm going to change a few stuff, dialogue and whatnot in the earlier chapters of TWH latest version so Cassie can fall in love with him (cuz so far he just doesn't cut it for her). Yeah, major spoiler? I want Cass to fall in love with Aime and him with her. BUT.. they're just so damn stubborn, I might not make it and Cass will fall for someone else (NOT Evell - Evell is SOOOO completely NOT for Cassie - I have something else in mind for him).
Right... Ending this long rant about TWH and dreams, let's continue with the dreams and other stories of mine which have spawned from my ever boiling imagination.
There's A Dragon's Tale, which takes place in Ylenea, way before Taegan ruled there (maybe a thousand years or so). I don't remember what I had been reading but I remember dreaming of a knight and a pair of twins and dragons and a wild dragon lady and a witch and it kinda stuck. So, obviously, I made a story out of it.
Captive Magic also started with a dream and changed from there.:) This girl is taken captive by a magician and has to dig a well over the course of one night otherwise she dies. She is helped by every servant because she kinda helped them somehow too (I have no idea how, I'll make something up; in the dream I knew the servants owed her their lives). So she manages to dig the well overnight. The next day she goes surfing (yeah, it was a mixed dream, this part will not get in the story... probably) and then break the mistress' hold on the magician's heart and frees him. I have such a convoluted mind even I don't understand myself sometimes.:) Anyway, the story I made from this changes (duh!). There is a poor country and a queen with three daughters and there's an all powerful magician who asks as tribute one of the queen's daughters. The queen sends her youngest because she's the weirdest of the bunch. And that's kinda the furthest I got with that particular story. Had some stuff drafted out somewhere but I can't find the papers and can't really remember everything I wrote there.
Anyway. Witch Dream is one of the stories that I'm writing in my own language. It's a blend of steam punk, victorian era houses and dresses and a lot of egyptian lore, magic and stuff. And to think I dreamt all this shit in one hour of sleep in the afternoon... The human mind is odd.
The Sleeping Beauties is a twist on The Sleeping Beauty story that I dreamt a few years ago. It kinda turned into a parody though, nothing really resembles the dream anymore.. or much of the story.:))

Yeah, lately I've been having this apocalyptical dreams, with zombies and shit. Here's a preview into my brain:

I dreamt the end of the world. I was with other people and family and friends somewhere next to a bridge filled with gargoyles and angels. There was a ship nearby. A lone, deserted ship with nobody on board. But as we stepped on the bridge the gargoyles and angels came alive with the lost souls of the people on the old ship. Their faces were white with hollow eye sockets and mouths that wanted to suck our souls out. We ran as fast as we could but more of them followed us. More of them came to life. They were gaining on us when we jumped on the black soil that covered the damaged concrete on the other side of the bridge. They took some but most of us got safely on the other side.
There was a child there that stole my silver rings and ran. I couldn't catch up and I knew that now I was doomed. I ran after him anyway. There was someone with me who got us a very old motorcycle with an attachment to it. We jumped on and while he/she tried to start the engine I looked around and what I saw was sad. Mud and weeds, black soil filled with sharp rocks. And all around, small animals, chickens, cats, dogs, foxes, ferrets, writhing on the ground in agony after they had touched the soil.
We left in a hurry, me trying to no end to let my family and friends know not to step in that putrid soil, not to eat or touch anything that had once been there. People were trying to get underground to protect themselves from the lethal air and the larger mutated animals and humans. There was a conveyer belt going deep inside a mountain, transporting both people and food and other things, like clothes, books and different substances. Large electronic objects were also transferred inside the mountain.
I saw the child who had stole my rings and finally caught him. But I was too late. Even with the rings on my fingers there was nothing I could do anymore to stop what was already put in motion. I grabbed the child from the oncoming waves of terror and despair that the undead were bringing and I fled.
Weird huh? This is the kind of stuff I write to not forget my dream. Anything and everything that I can remember, images, sounds, smells, sensations, etc. And I dream these stuff on a weekly basis at least. It's cool though, it feels like I'm inside a story every night.

And this is just some of the stuff I write about after I DREAM about them. You should see the weird stuff I invent when I'm bored. Dragon girls, japanese culture kitsune monsters, pirate stories (cuz I WANT at least one pirate story), vampire stories (same reason)... My imagination knows no boundaries. I swear I can see a story everywhere, in every little thing. If there isn't a story I make up one.
I guess it's true what they say, all storytellers are really liars in disguise. Because, let's be honest, liars don't... lie, they make up stories.:D And I'm a HUGE liar.
Right. Now... to really end this awfully long post:
Cheers!

Review: The Initiation


The Initiation
The Initiation by L.J. Smith

My rating: 3 of 5 stars



Interesting book and a great start to a series. I like how the author created the characters, very different from each other, somehow as if they complete, create a whole only by being together.
I've read this series a few years back and then watched the series on TV. Not exactly the same and I have to say, the books are vastly different than the TV-series.
This is a book I'd recommend if you like love stories and witches.



View all my reviews
6/05/2012 | By: Alex

Seraph Inn - Inverloch

Inverloch

The story of Inverloch centers around a young man named Acheron, from a horned wolf-like race called the da'kor. After a chance encounter with an elf, he finds himself setting out on a seemingly innocent mission - that of trying to locate Kayn'dar, another elf who has been missing for the past twelve years.
Meeting up with new friends and companions along the way, he quickly begins to learn that the world is not quite the peaceful place he believed it to be - embroiled with prejudice, racial segregation, and hidden danger. And the truth behind Kayn'dar's disappearance is something none of the party would ever expect...
Start date: June 2004
Approximate size when finished: 750 pages
Estimated end date: Mid 2007

Author Bio

Name: Sarah Ellerton
Country: Australia
DOB: 27th September
Occupation: Unix/Windows Systems Administrator
Email: artsangel@gmail.com
Click here for my blog!
I'm a self-confessed computer geek with a passion for games, comics, and drawing. I ventured into the web in the late 90s to showcase my amateurish Wheel of Time and Final Fantasy fanart, eventually deciding to experiment with the world of web comics and create my own characters and stories. My ultimate dream would be to see one of my stories adapted into a game or movie some day :)
~ from the author's website (link in the title)


 This is one of my favorite webcomics so far. It has love, suspense, magic, elves, thieves, fighting and all the other ingredients. In addition to the story it also has beautiful artwork. Across the 5 volumes you can see the author's style change, become better, the strokes more definitive, not wavering, the colors more... there.
This is a funny, charming story between a da'kor and an elf (not the average love story - bonus points for that). We have the journey, the friends, the enemy. It's like a fairytale for older teens and, well... for people in general (I'm not exactly a teen anymore).
Enjoy!
6/04/2012 | By: Alex

Game of Thrones Season 2

I can't believe it ended! And exactly when it was REALLY interesting!
I enjoyed the last episode of this series. Dany got a backbone and there were a lot of scenes with her dragons, Theon got knocked over his dumb head and there was a really sobbing scene with Tyrion which I liked. Shae became a very likable character.
But it annoyed me soooo much that I'll only get to see the next season NEXT YEAR! Why? Do the actors need vacations?! Damn! Work for your fans and forget vacations!:)

Obsidian








Starting over sucks.
When we moved to West Virginia right before my senior year, I'd pretty much resigned myself to thick accents, dodgy internet access, and a whole lot of boring.... until I spotted my hot neighbor, with his looming height and eerie green eyes. Things were looking up.
And then he opened his mouth.
Daemon is infuriating. Arrogant. Stab-worthy. We do not get along. At all. But when a stranger attacks me and Daemon literally freezes time with a wave of his hand, well, something...unexpected happens.
The hot alien living next door marks me.
You heard me. Alien. Turns out Daemon and his sister have a galaxy of enemies wanting to steal their abilities, and Daemon's touch has me lit up like the Vegas Strip. The only way I'm getting out of this alive is by sticking close to Daemon until my alien mojo fades.
If I don't kill him first, that is.


This was the funniest book I've read in quite some time. Daemon, the male lead is sarcastic, ironic, funny, arrogant and a complete jerk sometimes. He's also nice and caring when the need arises. Also... he's an alien. :D PLOT TWIST! Yeah, it was really something to read about aliens. I think I've read about dozens of things as main characters (werewolves, vampires, ghosts, elves, banshees, witches, kitsune, and so on) but this is the first time I've read about aliens (and I don't mean here stories about UFO's and shit).
The female lead, Katy, moves with her mom to a backwater town where she meets her neighbor, Daemon and his sister, Dee. Dee and Katy become fast friends even if Dee's brother doesn't approve of this. In fact, Daemon tries to be as obnoxious as possible to drive Katy away. But underneath it all, there is romance, and while they fight and argue almost throughout the book, Katy and Daemon are so obviously attracted to each other that is kinda of annoying to see Daemon fight his urges to kiss and touch her.
Funny thing about this book: there are countless times where the author makes fun of the Twilight series. Now, I own and read the Twilight books and when I read them (I think I was seventeen) those book seemed perfectly ok. I was 17 with the need to read everything and like most things. So, while I occasionally make fun of some stuff, I also prefer to think myself capable of seeing both parts of the coin. I read those books and at the time liked them. Would I read them now? Probably not. Would I like them? Again, probably not. But J. Armentrout makes fun of those books while incorporating some similar stuff in hers so, it seems kinda ironic. I mean, Eddie sparkles, Daemon is a being of light. Similar. There are several instances where one character watches the other sleep. Kinda ironic you see?
Don't get me wrong, this is a GOOD book, among those I like. But it has some stuff in it that rubbed me the wrong way.
Either way, I recommend it (especially because of the half-naked scenes:P).


Here is a list of books written by the same author (Jennifer Armentrout):
 J.A. Booklist
I've only read Obsidian, Half-Blood and Daimon from that list but I'm catching up.

Layout change

So... I changed the layout. Got bored of the last one. What do you think? Did you find any glitches in this one? I'm too sleepy now to check for everything but I will tomorrow. If you find something wrong, tell me.
Cheers!
6/03/2012 | By: Alex

Sketches June 3rd

bunch of sketches 02-03. June 2012

Evell Fan Service:P

Fighting stance I guess?

The pose Cassie struck when she had to stay for her portrait (chapter 1 of TWH I think... maybe ch 2...)

Wedding to whom? Smexy bride.

Eydis, THE goddess


Shoulders look so bloody wrong but I'm getting closer to drawing the perfect Aime.:) ABS ABS ABS
I was going to watch the first season of Smallville (cuz I never saw ALL the episodes) but got bored after maybe 6 episodes and while the episodes were still running I just listened and started drawing (small attention span that way...). Good thing I can do multiple things at once (breathe, draw, listen to music, eat maybe?:P). I mostly watched Smallville for Tom Welling's anyway (terrible unsporting of him not to them more often).
A friend asked me the other day what I see first in a guy, I answered with the logical: "From the front or the back?"
And that is because I look at a guy's ass first (I'm a perv that way, yeah) and then back, shoulders, arms, legs, head, if he's from the back and eyes, abs, chest and the rest if he's from the front.
Maybe that's the reason I'm so fucking obsessed with drawing guys with abs lately (these two are only the latest attempts).
Hmm... Then I look for the voice. At the right timbre I melt.:)) And after he opens his mouth... I get to see if he actually has a brain and a sense of humor (those are required).
Ok, concluding this evening's pointless rant, enjoy the fan service (Sis, Evell's for you!:P)
6/02/2012 | By: Alex

Random Rant

I don't know why but every time I want to make a new post I'm at a loss for words. And right before bed I get these amazing ideas for stuff I could talk endlessly about. But right now I'm sitting in front of my monitor and can't think of a single thing to talk about.
It makes me remember a post I found on 9gag some time ago, about how we, humans are like a game of SIMS for God. And when we can't remember something is because God deleted that from our memory. Somehow it seems better than admitting I'm so darn forgetful.
Maybe that's the reason why I like lists. They bring order to my mind. Also... I like checking things off the list.
Anyway, since I can't remember what I wanted to talk about, I'll just name this post Random Rant and go on from there.
This week I found a great offer for books, 7 for like... 2 dollars each (the first 4 from the Vampire Diaries series and the Secret Circle trilogy), and I convinced some friends to also order so that I wouldn't have to pay the transport (it was an offer from a website). I'd already read the books but I have this glitch in my brain that makes me crave to hold the books in my hands and call them mine (Gollum-like obsession for books I guess). I'll soon need a new bookcase, since mine is already full.
Moving on... let's see... I also found someone willing to exchange a book with me. I have two copies of Tempted from the House of Night (moron that I am, I bought two by mistake) so I'll give one and get a copy of Untamed (which I'm missing). Yey!
Moving on yet again.
I'm looking for a new place to stay since I really hate the house I'm in now so I might turn M.I.A. for some time if I find something new (lots of stuff to move plus there will probably be no internet) but I'm jumping ahead, I haven't found anything yet.
Next chapter of TWH will be up tomorrow and the next on Wednesday. Still working on the rest but I did manage to get the following line in:


“Walk the plank, ye scurvy dog!”


I'm really proud of that because I've wanting to use that line in a story for some time but couldn't find a good reason to.
This part of chapter 11 will stand next to the Shovel part from chapter 5.

I'm going to end this useless post now.
Cheers!
5/27/2012 | By: Alex

Summer Fae

Faerie

Items used:

  • piece of paper
  • pencil
  • marker
  • a box of colored pencils found under my bed
  • scanner (that washed the original colors)
  • Photoshop (to restore the damn colors)

What can I say about this? I was bored... and it's raining... and I want SUMMER! I should've used more red...
Bye.
4/05/2012 | By: Alex

The dead and alive

As I lay on crimson roses I felt the sun touch my cheek with its warm glow and heat my veins with liquid fire. My limbs were not my own for I could see them moving in front of my eyes but I could not feel them at all. My eyes felt scorched and my throat parched.
It almost felt like dying…
Except…
I was already dead.

I rose from my grave on a hot summer day and set to find my first meal. A rabbit fell easily in my grasp and I drained him dry quickly.
Only when the moist of his blood touched my tongue did I truly felt revived.
I heard the laughter of humans. Poor, breakable, fragile humans, close by. But I did not follow. I was what I most desired to be, a vampire, but not a creature of the night for I had not taken any human lives.

I ran away from the humans and entered the forest. It was a beautiful thing… so alive, so full of life. I wondered through it for a while, until I realized my steps kept bringing me back to the cemetery, the place of the dead. For the dead. For me.
4/04/2012 | By: Alex

Bargain

The clouds caressed the blue sky above the barren lands.
A single tree, engulfed in dirt and dead branches stood like a lone warrior amidst the brown hills. No bird flew or sang and no beast left its print there.
Only the wind disturbed the silence, blowing through the branches, making them shift relentless.
No matter where he looked, the young man cloaked in black could not see anything beside brown hills and endless sky. He sat down and seemed to meditate because he stood motionless for a long time.
The clouds crowded above him and the sky darkened as if the night approached.
The first drop of water hit the earth and was quickly absorbed. The earth was thirsty and craved the water. Another drop followed the first, dying the same way. Soon the sky loosed its barrels and the storm howled with fury and rage.
The young man remained where he stood, moving no muscle, getting soaked.
The lands were satiated with water long before the storm ended. A last lighting crossed the sky. A last thunder made itself heard in the immensity of the land.
Then silence broke free once more and the young man rose to his feet searching the sky with curious and craving eyes. There was no evil in his looks then, only loneliness and grief. He had once been a handsome man, but worries and death had aged him before his time.
He closed his eyes and made a bow to the tree. Then he spoke in a low, modulated voice:
“I have crossed great seas and lands to come to you, Ancient One. The Crimson Lady told me much about you and told me to come here. You are the only one who can aid me. I am in desperate need of your guidance.”
There was silence at first, as if the entire land had been surprised by the sudden demand of the young man. No wind was blowing now and yet the old, rotten branches of the ancient tree rustled.
“What is your name, mortal?” a deep, old voice sounded in the silence. It was almost as the earth itself had spoken. No other voice could be so full of wisdom and power and no other voice could make the young man shudder so.
“I am called Seth”, the young man said. “I am a scholar of dark arts.”
The tree rustled once more but no voice came again.
Instead, the tree trunk opened.
The young man made a few steps forward and saw inside a small, green light shining in the darkness.
He reached his hand and grabbed the light in his fist. Opening his palm, he saw a small emerald flickering through its many mirrors.
Walking with his fist open, he entered the dark, lighting his way with the emerald.
He climbed down two pair of stairs until he found himself in front of a large, wooden door with golden runes engraved on its surface.
He tried reading them but the task soon proved impossible. They were as ancient as the tree, as old as the sky, as unknown as life. Written in the language of the earth, no mortal human could read them.
He raised his right arm and the emerald glowed strangely. Then he touched the door with the stone and it opened. The young man stepped into a crystal chamber where thousands of stones glimmered in the dark. There were rubies, emeralds and opals but by far the most amazing stone was a black diamond that flowed in midair in the middle of the chamber.
No light came upon it and yet an eerie glow came from it. It was like an endless pool of darkness in which, if you had dived, you would forever have been lost.
The young man however, did not step further, for he sensed a power far greater than his own that did not allow anyone in this sacred room.
He waited for what seemed an eternity and yet only a few moments had passed since he entered the chamber, before the same ancient, earthly voice spoke again.
“You are brave, mortal one, to step into the very core of the earth. You are small and meaningless and yet you come alone in the very center of the Ancient's den. Are you not afraid? Do you not feel the power that could kill you in an instant?”
“O, Ancient One”, the young man replied, “I am but dust in the face of your great power. I cannot say I feel no fear, for only a fool would do so. I am no fool but a scholar. And for the guidance I seek I would go to the Devil himself if he would tell me he had the strength to help.”
“But the Devil's power pales in front of your mightiness”, he continued. “Please, Ancient One. Give me the strength I seek.”
The diamond seemed to glow even harder at that moment. Then the voice spoke again.
“If you wish my guidance you need know it does not come for free.”
“Ask me anything, Ancient One. I shall gladly pay the price if I will acquire what I want.”
“The price I speak of is high and many that had come here, just like you, refused to pay it in the end. If you truly want strength, you will have to pay with your very soul.”
The last words were no longer muttered, but shook the entire chamber with their strength.
The young man took a step backward as their meaning slowly sank into his mind.
“My soul...” he whispered.
“That is the only price I require,” said the voice again.
A small shadow clouded the young man's forehead for a few moments. Then it passed, losing itself in the labyrinth of his thoughts.
“I accept!” he said, his voice a little steadier than before. “I accept the bargain. For the thing I need I shall gladly sell my soul.”
Silence followed his words and then, with a loud bang, the black diamond shattered in a thousand pieces. The scholar's eyes were blinded by the light and he felt as though a cold, evil hand was piercing his heart, imprinting it with a seal that no spell could break.
Then oblivion came, cloaking him in eternal darkness.



Far from the barren lands where a lone tree stood like a warrior from ancient times, in a country with few but brave men, was born a young scholar.
He was named Seth and his entire life he spent looking for strength to protect his people.
He was granted that power. Nevertheless, he paid with his soul.
By the end of his life, he had become a cruel man, hated by many. However, he was the only one that had searched, found and used the power.
He died on the battlefield, earning for his country the freedom he searched for himself.
When he died, it is said that an earthly voice, both wise and old, spoke in an ancient, unknown language the words that took his soul and sent it to the core of the earth, shifting it into a beautiful, dark, black diamond.
4/03/2012 | By: Alex

Words

It has been so long since I’ve written anything. Words have gathered and are stuck in my throat, refusing me the possibility of expressing myself. They have rusted and have fallen asleep.
I touch the snow white sheet of paper and behind remains only a dot. The words refuse to come out. They have run away from me and are hiding in a dark corner of my confused mind. However much I try to lure them out they don’t want to listen and party between them, leaving me behind.
I press the pencil harder on the paper but this just breaks the tip. He holds with those naughty words that don’t want to listen to me, their master.
I throw the pencil and want to take another but can’t find any. They’re probably plotting. They’re all in this together, with the words that keep hiding.
I wait a while, looking out the window. Who knows maybe one will come out to see if I’m asleep. But time passes and I really fall asleep. Then, like in a dream, I see them appearing from the corners, from the cracks in the wall and even through the keyhole. They dance above the paper and talk about me. A part of me is sleeping. The other hears them loud and clear.
I try to wake up but the words ignore me. They make funny faces at me and laugh heartily when the punctuation signs join them. The pencils start to draw figures on the white sheet that cries because her outfit is filled with dots and lines now.
Then someone calls me and I really wake up.
The words are gone again and the pencils have fallen everywhere on the table. The sheet is no longer white.
I start to read what it’s written there:

„It has been so long...“
4/02/2012 | By: Alex

Imagination

There was once a little girl who liked to make up stories. As she grew, she learned to put them into words, getting them out of her mind and on the paper.
She invented a magical world where she could run away to every time the world she already lived in didn’t allow her to spread her wings. Sometimes she ran in that world when she was scared or lonely or even when she was happy. All those emotions, she left in that world, coming back to this one with an expressionless face.
It was because of that that people thought she was weird. Her own parents believed she needed to separate herself from the magical world.
But how could she? That world was made from her emotions. Letting go of it meant leaving everything she ever cared about behind.
But, because she wanted to be accepted in this world, she let the other one go.
She became a normal girl, with little to no imagination.
As the time passed, she felt more and more hollow, like part of her was missing. But she couldn’t remember what it was.
Year after year, she grew more and more tired of life. And all the while people didn’t notice anything. They simply thought she was being normal. Being as everyone wanted her to be but not herself.
And she grew old and her heart was void of all emotion.
Then, on her deathbed, she saw a beautiful bird that nudged her to follow it. She saw a glimpse of the magical world and of the emotions, she had left behind as a child. But the road to that world wasn’t easy anymore.
Her imagination was so small, so empty, as herself.
She had barely come half way when she fell and died.
For it was too late to regain her emotions and imagination.