Screenshot

I have always been fascinated with the intersection between scenic and abstract expressions. While my previous endeavors have mostly concentrated on darker color schemes, I wanted to try adding a pop art twist to my exploration of the realistic style. My ultimate goal was to create a piece that is forward-looking without being futuristic.

Abstract
For the abstract component, I focused on establishing movement throughout the wall using shapes and integrated text. To that end, I chose curved lines to separate the abstract and realistic sides and added white space to allow for sufficient transition between the two ideas.

To add more depth, I used homemade textures inspired by designs often used to fill space in doujinishi and mainstream manga scans. They seem more like brushwork than the paper/grunge or patterned textures that have seen better representation in the walling community. Their more organic designs, combined with integrated text, help generate flow.

Realism
On the realistic side, I wanted to capture Akira Amano's high-exposure color compositions, but with a distinctive oil-painted quality. In a community where detailed painting has become a universal aspiration, I instead aimed to maintain a simple style defined by its lack of well-characterized brushstrokes. Hence I concentrated less on technique and color, and more on creating a texture.

Because the abstract elements featured bright, highly saturated colors, the painted part necessitated a subdued approach. By coupling pastel tones and intense whites, I was able to both contrast and complement the pop art style. Additionally, I chose a cooler shade of teal to offset the warmer colors.



Going forward, to better position the character, reconstructions will have to be made. More importantly, the textures should be redone with more deliberate considerations. Further incorporating clean text will also help give a more professional finish.

While the walling community often characterizes abstract with simplicity of design or chaos, and realism with complicated technique and composition, I strove to challenge that notion. The result has helped me further my understanding of texture and depth, as applied to both abstract and realism. It has also proven that when worlds collide, magic really happens.