Some Of You Might Remember That In My 2023 Art Summary The September Piece Was Pixeled Out Due To Being

some of you might remember that in my 2023 art summary the september piece was pixeled out due to being part of an unfinished project. this is the painting in question!

it's one third of a series of Essek portraits, inspired by a conversation with @saturdaysky about the universe needing more Esseks wearing fun colors. black & purple is a timeless classic, but i like to think that Hot Boi can and does rock colors outside of what would be considered nude tones for him 🤭

hence,

part 1: peach! 🍑

one of my favorite colors, and one that was a fun challenge to make work with Essek's lavender skin tone. as i was drawing i was thinking of Essek bringing a basket full of fresh peaches from his travels to his partner, and the kitties being the first to greet him as he arrived home 💜

tip jar!

With the conversation with the Arch Heart and some of the things brought up, I keep coming back to the idea of: You live in a world where Gods are fully confirmed existing beings. You are a cleric of Bahamut. You are a Paladin of the Everlight. You are a believer that makes small prayers to the Wild Mother for safe travels on the sea. You find comfort and solace in your faith and in serving the Gods.

Then one day, the gods are suddenly gone. The powers they blessed you with are gone. Perhaps on a random Tuesday for you. Perhaps in the middle of a battle when you needed to save your friend's life. You can no longer hear them. You're panicked, you're scared. You finally learned what happened and it is people saying "the gods left! we're not beholden to them anymore! We can live our own lives!" And your entire world has been ripped apart without anyone asking if this is what you wanted.

Out of Touch

as much as i understand being a hater you have to offset that shit with genuine, sincere enjoyment & wonder sometimes lest YOU become the one who is corny. and sad. imo.

Out of Touch

"do it scared" ok but I would like to do something some other way occasionally. Like at least once. For a change.