She may be an android but she feels grief just as much, in her own ways.
My second entry for the EscapeMotions Fall Draw This in Your Style contest.
Based on art.benjaminpaulus‘ black widow, but reimagined as an abandoned android. She wasn’t built to pass as human; her parts were instead designed to be exposed, to compose her figure: circuits for slick hair, cables disguised as curls, a red indicator adorned as a glowing pendant. Built with care, yet still thrown out like a vulgar piece of machinery. Rusted, shattered, her only family ripped away from her. She’s red from rage, inside and out.
My vision was to repaint her as if she had always been an android in the original artwork, converting every elements into their mechanical counterpart. Her pale, lifeless face became a heavily sculpted mask with (literally) carved out cheek bones, and I covered the neck articulations in rust to bring in some of those bony colors. I made both of these decisions with the idea of leaning towards the dramatic, skeletal look in mind. Out of disgust for her creator, she scratched the maker mark she wears on her shoulder, a little details I thought would add depth to the story. The piercing eyes are meant to resemble hidden cameras for some more unsettling vibes. I also angled the little cables connected to the “necklace” in a way that is reminiscent of spider legs. It was very important to me to design elements with purpose. Michael Westmore’s wonderful creatures were a great inspiration. What stands out to me is how his designs brilliantly reflect the living conditions of each species. You can tell so much about them from sight only! Evolution adaptations, planet climate, strength… But also, it shows that they are carefully adapted to fit the facial structure of each actor which make them feel so much more organic and unique. His work is never random.
Final notes, it was my first time attempting to paint such a complex visage and deep expression. It was quite an ambitious project that I challenged myself with, with all those textures and tricky shapes and the lighting… I hope it shows in the final result that I put my heart into this. Thank you for reading… what was supposed to be a one liner!
Digitally painted. Contact me if you are interested in prints, a digital format, or have a special request.
