Spikey's Blossom Station

[SpikeyBlum]

Hello, art forum! It's been nice to be back on here. This will be my new personal thread to showcase and document my art journey with sketches, WIPs, and complete pieces. A good place to remind myself that I will continue to grow and evolve as the years go by. With 2024 approaching, I am currently working on new concepts for projects to really help push my creativity and try new things. My next thread post will have a brand-new piece that I hope to get finished before New Year's Eve.

For now, here's my art progression from 2021 to 2023: the past two years since I've started uploading to NG on my old account. Thank you to those that have cheered and supported me on my old art thread. And to those who are new, welcome!

2021

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2022

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2023

[vlsrb]

Just came here to say that I think your art is lovely! As far as I'm concerned, it was already pretty great in 2021, but you've clearly been improving since then. A lot of care and love obviously goes into your pieces, the attention to detail is inspiring actually. Looking forward to seeing more of your art.

[XwaynecoltX]

Some beautiful art here love the portrait piece and nice use of color

~X~

[SpikeyBlum]

At 12/15/23 02:42 AM, vlsrb wrote: Just came here to say that I think your art is lovely! As far as I'm concerned, it was already pretty great in 2021, but you've clearly been improving since then. A lot of care and love obviously goes into your pieces, the attention to detail is inspiring actually. Looking forward to seeing more of your art.

I know this is a late reply, but thank you very much for your kind words. I'm still lacking some confidence, but I'm happy to see myself improving faster this year. And I also wanted to say congrats on getting your heartwarming comic on the frontpage a few days ago! Good stuff.

[MondoBilby]

Your line art is soooo good!! I love that Cartoon Network one, any artwork with a limited colour palette is always great!

Super cool stuff!

[SpikeyBlum]

At 12/16/23 10:33 PM, MondoBilby wrote: Your line art is soooo good!! I love that Cartoon Network one, any artwork with a limited colour palette is always great!
Super cool stuff!

Thank you! That means a lot to me because I love your work, especially your bold line art and warm color palettes.

I definitely want to practice with more limited colors in the future.

[OviManic]

Hope you’re planning to work on some real gems in 2024! 💎

[SpikeyBlum]

At 12/15/23 12:47 AM, SpikeyBlum wrote: My next thread post will have a brand-new piece that I hope to get finished before New Year's Eve.

I'm still working on it, but I'm happy with where it is right now. It'll be my first 2024 piece instead.

Definitely a weird piece. Here's a screencap. Until then, happy new year.

[SpikeyBlum]

At 12/31/23 03:36 AM, SpikeyBlum wrote:

At 12/15/23 12:47 AM, SpikeyBlum wrote: My next thread post will have a brand-new piece that I hope to get finished before New Year's Eve.

I'm still working on it, but I'm happy with where it is right now. It'll be my first 2024 piece instead.
Definitely a weird piece. Here's a screencap. Until then, happy new year.

> Around 90% complete

> Upload most likely on Sunday

[TheBestBroster]

woahhhh youve gotten so damn good!!

[RepriseAgain]

At 1/4/24 11:57 PM, TheBestBroster wrote: woahhhh youve gotten so damn good!!

Agreed!

[colorsCrimsonTears]

I've always loved your art , and I'm so glad to see you making it here again!

[SpikeyBlum]

At 1/5/24 02:37 AM, colorsCrimsonTears wrote: I've always loved your art , and I'm so glad to see you making it here again!

Thanks, Colors! <3 It's been really nice to be back on here.

[SpikeyBlum]

> 100%

[SpikeyBlum]

Did a quick drawing for fellow NG artist Beatumpop of their OC Caira. Planning on coloring it later.

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I also started working on my entry for the Adult Swim Collab. I'm doing that screaming gummy bear from Robot Chicken. Here are a few sketches for ideas. So far, the top right one is my favorite. Let me know if you think otherwise.

[SpikeyBlum]

> 75% -ish

[SpikeyBlum]

At 1/15/24 10:21 PM, SpikeyBlum wrote: I also started working on my entry for the Adult Swim Collab. I'm doing that screaming gummy bear from Robot Chicken.

> Finished the final drawing and cleaned it up. Made a transparent version. Time to color.

[SpikeyBlum]

At 2/2/24 09:39 PM, SpikeyBlum wrote: > 75% -ish

Update.

[SpikeyBlum]

At 2/20/24 01:28 AM, SpikeyBlum wrote:

At 2/2/24 09:39 PM, SpikeyBlum wrote: > 75% -ish

Update.

> 100%

[SpikeyBlum]

The Adult Swim Collab came out today, so I might as well post my entry here now.

Transparent Version

I wanted to do a background, but just didn't have enough time.

Here it is in an unfinished state.

[colorsCrimsonTears]

At 3/4/24 04:27 PM, SpikeyBlum wrote: The Adult Swim Collab came out today, so I might as well post my entry here now.

https://www.newgrounds.com/art/view/technocookie/adult-swim-collab

Transparent Version

I wanted to do a background, but just didn't have enough time.
Here it is in an unfinished state.

Gummy bear is a certified classic

[SpikeyBlum]

[WIP]



Based on this lovely animation:

[SpikeyBlum]

SpongeBob X Aerith

> 100%

> Will upload whenever Microsoft leaves the console business

[Nebulate]

At 4/1/24 03:04 AM, SpikeyBlum wrote: SpongeBob X Aerith

>100%
> Will upload in a few hours

Oh shit. I woud never predicted that you woud actualy draw that mess. Oh god. I am so happy yet so horrified that this exists.

[SpikeyBlum]

Has not been a smooth time returning to art pieces. With each attempt, I felt frustrated and bored with all the unfinished work and wanted to dump it all and start fresh. I've been feeling like that for my art in general. I don't feel like it has been evolving that much this year. That's what made me want to buy a couple of art books recently and return to DrawABox. I'm currently doing private studies on Lesson 3 learning to draw leaves. Also been leaning towards doing more realistic portraits and anatomy constructing. Not that I want to switch full time to realism, but it will be a way to help develop my drawings in a more interesting way.

The other book I got was "Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain" by Betty Edwards.

[SpikeyBlum]

At 3/24/24 02:51 AM, SpikeyBlum wrote: [WIP]


Based on this lovely animation:
https://www.newgrounds.com/portal/view/921146

Here's an update for this one.

[JurTheOrc]

At 5/4/24 01:46 AM, SpikeyBlum wrote: Has not been a smooth time returning to art pieces. With each attempt, I felt frustrated and bored with all the unfinished work and wanted to dump it all and start fresh. I've been feeling like that for my art in general. I don't feel like it has been evolving that much this year. That's what made me want to buy a couple of art books recently and return to DrawABox. I'm currently doing private studies on Lesson 3 learning to draw leaves. Also been leaning towards doing more realistic portraits and anatomy constructing. Not that I want to switch full time to realism, but it will be a way to help develop my drawings in a more interesting way.

The other book I got was "Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain" by Betty Edwards.

This comment may not be substantially helpful and it's easier said than done due to time and circumstance not always allowing one to hone their skills, but nevertheless I want to say that I wish you (and others in a situation of such dissatisfaction) good luck in growing and experiencing more contentment in your craft, with fun wherever you can find, make and share it.

May these books and other sources of advice, inspiration and exercise prove useful and fun.

[SpikeyBlum]

At 5/4/24 04:52 AM, JurTheOrc wrote:

At 5/4/24 01:46 AM, SpikeyBlum wrote: Has not been a smooth time returning to art pieces. With each attempt, I felt frustrated and bored with all the unfinished work and wanted to dump it all and start fresh. I've been feeling like that for my art in general. I don't feel like it has been evolving that much this year. That's what made me want to buy a couple of art books recently and return to DrawABox. I'm currently doing private studies on Lesson 3 learning to draw leaves. Also been leaning towards doing more realistic portraits and anatomy constructing. Not that I want to switch full time to realism, but it will be a way to help develop my drawings in a more interesting way.

The other book I got was "Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain" by Betty Edwards.

This comment may not be substantially helpful and it's easier said than done due to time and circumstance not always allowing one to hone their skills, but nevertheless I want to say that I wish you (and others in a situation of such dissatisfaction) good luck in growing and experiencing more contentment in your craft, with fun wherever you can find, make and share it.
May these books and other sources of advice, inspiration and exercise prove useful and fun.

I always appreciate people taking time out of their day to write an encouraging post, thank you. While I'm still feeling a bit down, the important thing is that I will be okay and continue to push myself not just artistically but develop as a person battling my own insecurities. No matter what, I'm not giving up.

[SpikeyBlum]

Gearing up towards making an entry for the Sonic 33rd Anniversary collab with some practice studies. I choose to do Sonic's look in Mania Adventures. Trying to emulate Tyson Hesse's style as much as possible. Needs a whole lot more work.

[SpikeyBlum]

Head studies via Sketchfab and Pinterest.