On cardstock, with pen

Another from the past. On another forum, we had artist exchanges where we'd get assigned another artist's character along with a theme. I'm not positive, but I think the theme for this illo was the 1930s. Thinking that everyone would be concentrating on early WW2 or the Great Depression, I wanted something more upbeat. I figured hitchhiking on the newly-constructed Autobahn would do nicely.

This is Cleopatra's Tigress, who had quite a detailed list of specifications from her very unique markings & accessories right down to her clothing style & requisite animal companion. I looked through literally dozens of old fashions plates from this era before finally deciding to combine the styles of the '30s with Tigress's fashion sense. Unfortunately most of her pelt is covered by her clothing, but I did I try to incorporate one of her more distinct markings into the upper sleeve of the open sweater. I was sweating bullets, hoping that Tigress wouldn't be upset over the liberties I took with her clothing. Turns out she liked it--whew!

I spent a lot of time on this, but I also had a lot of fun. It took forever to scumble in the tarmac.