Squall Leonhart

Final

Final

Sketch

Sketch

Initial Flat Colors

Initial Flat Colors

Overlay Layer Test

Overlay Layer Test

Overlay + Color Layer Test

Overlay + Color Layer Test

2 Overlay Layers Test

2 Overlay Layers Test

Rendering unfiltered colors

Rendering unfiltered colors

Final Fantasy VIII was my first Final Fantasy game, and one that has stuck with me my whole life despite its numerous flaws. Appropriately, this piece was a major turning point in how I approach texture and color in my paintings. For awhile, I had been using overlay layers on the brushstroke heavy patches of color I use as a backdrop. While doing this piece, I was curious what sort of lighting effects I could achieve by doing the same thing with the subject of the painting. This went through several iterations, trying to find the right balance of values and colors. I was very happy with the final result, and I've used this technique on nearly every painting I've done since.

Date
April 13, 2021