This will go into scraps later, I just thought it was kinda cute and don't quite have the time to dress it up (which is why it doesn't have the usual "MP-Border" - I figure it just has to be fixed up more *period*, so that can wait). Yes, lined paper, 'cause that's what I had. I scribbled it rather quickly after having nightmares and then insomnia in the wee hours of the morning last night.... and the song "All For One" by Blackmore's Night came on the headphones. Tell ya, it's been forever since I heard this song.

Anyway, it inspired this fluffy image of Marijke... maintaining her dear umbreon by reminding him how much he means to her (no, not by sexing him up - even he has needs that a lusty romp can't solve). Plus, for all of his arrogant strutting about and generally acting otherwise, he does struggle with depression and feelings of inadequacy (not so much towards his fans or whatever, but towards his 'pack').


Erm, since I started writing the first bit of the story (after a certain cool someone expressed his interest in my characters and that I should write/comicbook this out...), I've been delving more into Blade's dark heart... putting more thought into what makes him tick, his insecurities and motivations - That he ended up smiling at Marijke by the time I was done with this scribble was unexpected - I'd planned for him to look meloncholy but.. with her caressing him and looking at him like that, even his bad mood caved in. I then decided: "Hey, that works. She should have a chance to be in the spotlight as the stronger one."


And before I get asked: No, this is not Blade being uncharacteristically tolerant about being beneath his partner - because this is not sex (and she hasn't triggered any form of claustrophobia or general feelings of losing control).


More little notes:
- Yes, her ears are too small - and I'm not certain, but I think his might be too (at least, the shape of his ears is slightly off).
- I am completely disatisfied with how I've been drawing his claws, so I'm in the process of seeking another way of drawing them. They are supposed to be almost fully retractable. I've so far been foiled by my reluctance to drop the "vampire fingernail" look - I'm searching for some kind of middle-ground.
- Another problem I still have is with drawing fingers running through hair. Occasionally, I get it.. But not as often as I would like considering the many opportunities his amazing mane provides. This attests to the fact that I do, actually, struggle a LOT with hands/paws in general, even though I know I usually manage pretty well and I do 'get it' most of the time, it's just not actually easy.
- And it's time to admit it: Yes, his nose is long and pointy. I'll admit this is MERELY because it just happens to appeal to me when it is drawn long from the side (whilst, otherwise, looking rather flat). In a way, it gives a little extra 'lack-of-perfection' to his features (it would probably be more beautiful if his nose didn't do that) and adds an odd quirk. I mention it, because I was, for a while, considering to drop it after I realised it didn't technically match up - and recently discovered I'm just plain attached to it.


Something that I've noticed with these two, is that many romantic images I come up with end up being profile-views... Guess it's probably because I love having these two looking straight into each other's eyes. You remember all the simply PASSION than Disney's Pocahontas conveyed in the romantic scenes with John Smith? I think that's kinda it. There's no better way to show two characters being completely swept away by the other than to have them looking into each other's eyes, and the best way to convey it from both of them is to do a profile shot... But, still, I feel like I should be able to achieve this from other, more dynamic angles and still get the same 'feeling'.

I will admit, though, that I especially love drawing Blade in profile-view.



Blade and Marijke belong to me.

(It ain't mature, it's just unfinished.)