Valor and Stonie–or, developing a relationship

Second pass. Couldn’t do it in one day, so even though it’s the second pass it took three days.

Initially for this pass I worked mostly on the background. As I went along it became apparent that I had better figure out what Valor was going to look like so that I could tone Stonie down accordingly. Did I mention Stonie is supposed to be a sort of “ghost” figure appearing out of the mist? Right now he looks as alive as Valor, so of course we can’t keep him that way forever.

Even though Valor has a lot more color in this version, he is nowhere near his final appearance. He needs a lot more color saturation and more contrast. But that’s OK–it all fits in with my usual process when painting. I do think I am chickening out somewhat in spite of all my lovely logic–I’m leaving the “ghost” effect for last because I’m not quite sure yet what I’m going to do with it. I’ve had several ideas in my head and keep changing my mind. I figure when the Valor and the landscape are in balance I will instinctively know how to handle Stonie.