HOME | DD
equine-whisperer β Web of intrigue
Published: 2013-03-20 05:17:13 +0000 UTC; Views: 4326; Favourites: 223; Downloads: 0
Redirect to original
Description
'EVERY FAIRY TALE NEEDS A GOOD OLD-FASHIONED VILLAIN'I know this is a long description but, if you would, please read or I will silently judge you if you say something that shows you haven't read
Inspiration: =agnes-cecile
watercolour, white gel pen, way too much time
I am hopelessly obsessed with BBC Sherlock at the moment (SEASON 3 HAS BEGUN!
) it was a only a matter of time really, but this was unexpected on so many levels. About the piece
Before I started, there was almost no doubt that this would be a portrait of Sherlock and only Sherlock (Benedict Cumberbatch is just brilliant) so Moriarty was truly an unexpected turn. Never would've thought I'd make a tribute to Moriarty, but when the idea dawned, why not? So THAT is how, once upon a time, Moriarty made his way onto the page... midnight blue, black, and crimson blooming, almost like bruises, across his face. Crimson because he has made countless individuals bleed without the slightest hint of remorse. Midnight blue and black allude to the blackness of his soul? So cliche OTL Ah, and the hint of a spider web left of his face in reference to Sherlock calling him a spider.
But the piece seemed a bit empty with just Moriarty being all sinister, "calm before the storm" mastermind... so Sherlock and John in lighter colors and yellows in salute to their 'good guy' statuses!
As you Sherlockians know, Sherlock and John, especially in 'The Great Game' found themselves caught in Moriarty's intricate web of crime and Moriarty's a tricky one, a worthy opponent. Thus, I specifically chose references to show their desperation, if you will, to put an end to Moriarty's 'reign'. I mean, in a way, Sherlock and John were just as much victims of Moriarty's cruelty as any of those who unfortunately lost their lives--it's painful knowing that people are still dying/suffering as you attempt to close in.References:
Moriarty
Sherlock
John
Comments and interpretations much appreciated! Love to hear your thoughts! And suggestions for future Sherlock endeavours also welcome
Related content
Comments: 168
I LOVE the web. This episode of Sherlock is awesome and how you've represented a scene from a Sherlock episode in your own way is gorgeous.
π: 0 β©: 0
Thanks!
π: 0 β©: 0
Amazing! The colours are enchanting, I love how confidently you paint with watercolours, it's so difficult to achieve this effect. Wow!
π: 0 β©: 1
Aw thank you lots for your praises!
π: 0 β©: 0
I think this is wonderful, truly a wonderful work!
You have a good technique. all of them, Moriarty, John and Sherlock are very well portrayed, and I know for experience that painting anything close to reality with watercolour is really hard, and you made a fantastic job! Not only that but also the details with the white lines, Don't know if you did it with a white pen or you were really careful while using the watercolour, but if gives a distinctive style to your artwork, not only that but also the way you use the watercolour that seems like it's melting and exploding. (also, the detail of the spider web, amazing!)
The composition was cleverly arranged. Moriarty on the top in the big picture, looking calm and serene, it seems almost like he knows what he's doing, controlling the game, making John confused and Sherlock desperate, worried.. actually both Sherlock and John look worried, Sherlock, because he wants to end it, he doesn't want to lose and he knows he's clever, he knows he's better than Moriarty.. but John, he just looks terrified, scared , almost. At least, that0's the way I see it.
Sorry for the long comment. Cheers.
π: 0 β©: 1
No need to apologize for a long comment. I love long comments!
Thanks for believing in my mediocre watercolour skills.
As for the white lines, they were done with white gel pen; I'm not careful enough to have that be the white of the paper. While I'm glad you like the white and the handling of the watercolour, I really can't take the credit, for that's agnes-cecile's style. This is simply me attempting to imitate it. Her watercolour work far surpasses mine.
Your interpretation is spot-on.
π: 0 β©: 0
This is a really well done piece. I love how you used primary colors and how you executed the values - breathtakingly stunning. I also love how you used the pen to create the lines - not too bold but gives the piece that extra 'oomph'.
As I said, excellent job. I wish I could do something like that in watercolor but it's hard for me. 
Oh by the way, do you know when the first episode of season three is supposed to be aired? I keep looking around the internet and they haven't said when it's supposed to air.
π: 0 β©: 1
Aw many thanks to you and your lovely praise! You're too kind. I really owe it to agnes-cecile and everyone who has made--and is still making--Sherlock possible as my prime inspiration.
Hey, you've already got drawing skills. With some practice, I'm sure watercolours won't be as bad. You've nothing to lose.
Well, I don't know specifically what day; as far as I know, there is no set date yet. All I know is that it's probably premiering either end of this year or beginning of the next: December or January.
π: 0 β©: 1
Okay, thank you!
π: 0 β©: 1
No problem
π: 0 β©: 0
I really love your use of color, especially in Moriarty. It depicts his personality quite well, and I really love it.
π: 0 β©: 1
Thanks a bunch for your comment! It's too lovely to hear from you. Again, I'm flattered.
π: 0 β©: 1
Sure, no problem! ^^
π: 0 β©: 0
Pretty darn good. And don't worry about the colour description for Moriaty. They're not clichΓ©. It adds to his dark atmosphere perfectly. ^^
π: 0 β©: 1
Thanks!
π: 0 β©: 1
No problem, keep up the good work. ^^
π: 0 β©: 0
I absolutely love their facial expressions, especially John's and your color choices are really good!
π: 0 β©: 1
Thank you! I spent quite a bit of time finding appropriate reference photos and I've always been interested in colours and what they can convey. Glad you approve the expressions and colours!
π: 0 β©: 1
Your hard work payed off then ^^ I really like it!
π: 0 β©: 0
This is absolutely amazing, incredible and stunning! Your choice of colours is very accurate and effective. I guess anyone even if they are not a Sherlockian would guess that Moriarty is cruel and is the "bad guy" and that Sherlock and John are very desperate.
π: 0 β©: 2
Aw, I can't thank you enough for your praise! I'm glad you approve of the colors.
π: 0 β©: 0
Please excuse my terrible grammar...
π: 0 β©: 0
This is very beautiful. You have payed so much attention to detail and i love the use of watercolour. The colours you have used to show Sherlock and John's "good guy statuses" and the dark colours for Moriarty are all very effective. I love the web as a reference to Moriarty being called a spider and the white lines making things more defined. Its all just gorgeous.
π: 0 β©: 1
Merci beaucoup! I'm glad you approve of my choices and appreciate my references.
π: 0 β©: 0
This is really stunning. I've spent some time water coloring and I'm pretty good, but this is just amazing. So much attention to detail, I can just imagine how carefully you must have done this!
π: 0 β©: 1
Aw merci beaucoup! 
π: 0 β©: 0
I wasn't going to comment, as I'm not terribly eloquent and everyone else here has expressed their opinions of this far better than I ever could, but I do love this!
I like how you've used colors so symbolicaly. Symbolism has never been particularily easy for me (and neither, for that matter, has color!), but you chose well, and even I understood the mood of it all. The colors boost the expressions you chose nicely. I caught that little spider's web immediatly too, and of course, grasped the signifigance. Nice touch that 
Technically speaking though- you got them each perfectly! With a tricky medium, and with unnatural colors no less. I really like what you've done with the gel pen too!
π: 0 β©: 1
Are you kidding? This is a very eloquent. Trust me, you did very well. Thank you such a thoughtful, well-written comment.
Color symbolism is my favourite. I'm more of a logical thinker so I like it when things make sense... like colors, for instance. I mean, I could potentially use colors that look good together, but why do that when they could actually mean something, yeah? Even if it's something simple like emotions: blue for sadness or red for anger. Color can be tough, but a little practice can go a long way. Continue working at it! I'm sure it'll pay off.
Ah, I'm delighted that you approve of my choices. Ultimately, it's not me up to me whether a piece is successful; it's up to everyone else. So thanks again for your praise!
π: 0 β©: 1
You're very welcome!
Sometimes I think my head is a little *too* logical and straightforward- I'd think, hey, a blue overtone would set the mood off nicly here, but my brain would say something like 'don't you dare, this room is red, so we're coloring it red' or somesuch. One part of my brain is obviously an artist, but the rest tends to rebel when I try too much artistic license XD
I occasionally work on coloring though, and while I tend to scrap most of it as rough practice I'd never post here, It will at least help. Maybe someday...
For now I shall just be inspired by stuff like this!
π: 0 β©: 1
Yeah, I understand. I can be very logical as well. It can be difficult to override that logic, but it's nice to let go every now and then. If it's going to allow you to have some creative fun, why not? Don't be afraid to be spontaneous: blow ink, allow it to dry, then try to make something out of the resulting shape. Trust me, it's therapeutic.
π: 0 β©: 1
I should try that! Me and my sisters used to draw little squiggles for eachother to try to make into pictures. Was always fun, and got the creative juices flowing! Its been too long since I tried
π: 0 β©: 1
Oh that sounds fun! Maybe I'll do that with my little brother X] Cheers to spontaneous artwork and no planning!
π: 0 β©: 1
Indeed, tis great!
π: 0 β©: 0
Aw thank you very much!
π: 0 β©: 0
Nice concept
I'm still only on series one but I'm working my way though
π: 0 β©: 1
Thank you! And though Moriarty looking down was purely accidental, glad you like.
Have fun watching the rest of the episodes! Season 2's great. Sherlock finds himself in some unprecedented situations.
π: 0 β©: 1
haha i'm sure he does
π: 0 β©: 1
Ah yes, of course. Can't go on Tumblr without seeing a few spoilers. It's unavoidable--especially Reichenbach. But no lie, season 2 is epic. XD
π: 0 β©: 1
Yeah
I think everyone on Tumblr knows what happened at the end of Reichenbach regardless of even being in the fandom
π: 0 β©: 1
Aw nice! Scandal's actually one of my favorites. Lara Pulver's fantastic Irene.
Yeah, you're probably right. I'm sure Tumblr must've DROWNED in tears when the episode first came out. X]
π: 0 β©: 1
Haha Waiting for the flood of posts to come when series three is realeesed
π: 0 β©: 1
Oh snap, YES. I can imagine the emotional tidal wave of Sherlock posts... it'll be massive. And I will probably be part of it. Sherlockians represent XD
π: 0 β©: 1
Haha
π: 0 β©: 1
Hmmmm yeah I think I'll do the same... or maybe I'll just quickly scroll past all the spoilers. I think I follow enough blogs so I won't be totally swamped with Sherlock? Er hopefully
π: 0 β©: 1
haha
π: 0 β©: 0
Really do love the colours of this.
An interesting thought- came from the yellow splashes across John's face-- but none of those colours touching Moriarty. He's too tucked away in the dark, with those dark tendrils spiraling off of him. But Sherlock seems to be in the middle-- with dark and light splashes combined... I like that- he's not totally lost in the dark like Moriarty...
I also love the web concept-- it really does add to this piece. As well as your choice in expressions... Telling moments that really show each character for what they are...
John - open, emotional, kind.
Sherlock - focused, determined, intelligent.
Moriarty - calculating, bubbling under the surface...
Overall, beautiful piece.
π: 0 β©: 1
| Next =>