//tragic + a song translation 'Il Canto' Italian to English//

*** this sort of is a spoiler for a book that will be finished someday. But not too bad. I mean if you're reading this blog you probably already know about it.***

I call this a tragic. It's like a comic- but not comical.

I'm not sure how many hours it took, but I've been working on it since yesterday. I took probably 4ish hours yesterday, maybe more, and probably around the same today. So I'd say between 6 and 9 hours. And it could be refined quite a bit. O-o But I'm proud of it. I worked from a variety of reference material- why don't I more often? It turned out so much better than normal. But now I'm really tired.

Drawing should not be as exhausting as it is.

And, since the text is in Italian, I will now translate.

'Il Canto'- Italian to English translation

Copyright:

Writer(s): Raffaele Riefoli, Luca Barbarossa, Alfredo Rapetti, Romano Musumarra
Copyright: S.I.A.E. Direzione Generale

La notte qui non torna piu                      The night doesn't come here anymore

dal giorno che sei andata via                   Since the day that you went away

Ed il cielo smesso di giocare                  And the heavens have ceased to play

con le stelle e con la luna                        With the stars and with the moon

E le nuvole sono ferme qui                     And the clouds are still here

Come lacrime che non cadono                Like tears that cannot fall(or, that I cannot cry)

Vedi, come il tempo                               You see, as the time

Perde anche il ricordi                             Wastes even the memories

Resta solo il canto                                  Only the song remains

di un amore che non muore                    Of a love that cannot die

Prendi la mia mano                                 Take my hand

Danza con il vento                                  Dance with the wind

Apri la mie ali                                         My wings open

 Posso solo amarti cosi                           I can only love you this way

Vieni, vieni via con me                          Come, come away with me   

That's my translation, with help from google translate and Ryn. It has a repeat but it doesn't fit into the tragic and so I didn't include it. I'd like to attempt a rhymed version sometime. Is it not sad? Is it not beautiful??

If you have a chance to listen to it, you should. Il Volo's version with Placido Domingo is what inspired this, but I know Luciano Pavarotti does it, I believe Maestro Domingo does it solo, Paul Potts and Katherine Jenkins also do it I think. I haven't personally listened to any of them, but I'm sure any version would be lovely. If you try any of them let me know!!

Have a great rest of your day(if the tragic didn't... tragicize you*evil smile* and yes I see that isn't a word but it's in the Nina dictionary so there.

            

comic dump + a couple random sketches

Hello!! I really am trying to be more faithful to my blog and since I a. Have been on an indefinite major break from Pinterest and b. am including it as part of school, it's been much easier to get around to posting.
Anyways.
So today I have some comics, all new ones never before seen;)

        Gio- "How's the food?" Romeo- "Terrible, worst thing I've ever eaten."            Violetta-"How's the food?" Romeo-"Wonderful! Best thing I've ever eaten!"

also I was told that Eva in the second frame down looks just like me. I'm... not sure how to feel about that but I guess it's good?

 If you can't read some of it due to photo quality or someones bad hand writing, let me know. Also note I do not approve of this song, I think the lyrics are awful and not at all God-honoring, so don't think I listen to it! That chorus is just really, really, really, really catchy;)

And some random sketches, idk.

And that's it for today!!!!
Oh and if you ever have a suggestion for a comic, tell me!!! Please! I'm always looking for ideas for them:)
Bye!!

30 day OC challenge- Romeo Conti

found on Pinterest

So. I've attempted to do a 30 day drawing challenge at least once before. However, due to varying factors(such as- my lack of drawing ability at the time, my lack of any sort of deadline keeping ability at the time and a terrible horrible very bad webcam,) it was a major fail. I don't remember how far I got, but.... I also have attempted a couple of those Pinterest ones where you pin your favorite things from a given fandom, or post an outfit a day,but-blah. Failed those too. Besides how on earth are you supposed to pick-for example-your favorite Disney hero? I mean if I had to I'd probably go with Rodger Radcliffe as he is pretty perfect, but still. But that's only because Wall-E probably doesn't count, in which case they would tie. 

ANYWAYS enough rambling. The point is that, as of yesterday(which was 3 days late since I was trying for the month of August but oh well)-

I FINISHED A 30-DAY DRAWING CHALLENGE!!!!!

So without further ado-

Romeo Conti- age 19(ish), Male, Sicilian. Lives in Chiaro, Sicily(which by the way is a fictional place.). His cousins come from America to visit him and his family, and the rest is history.

Day 1- Bio sketch. You probably can't read the notes, so I guess I'll type them.

Despite how he looks, he's extremely intelligent. If only he'd use it...

Bright Glasses, signature spiky black hairstyle, talented singer, muscular physique(a great pride), his fashion sense is basically non existent, at least to onlookers. But he actually is fairly fussy about his messy(on purpose) appearance. He loves flashy shoes. Well, actually flashy everything.

Day 2-color portrait

Day 3-eating his favorite food-sushi. He has a lot of food allergies which limits what he can eat.

Day 4-cosplaying my favorite character-I had to go with Marius Pontmercy from Les Miz... He's not necessarily my favorite but then I don't really have favorites. He just seemed like a good choice.

Day 5- a 15 min. sketch, I did it from reference.*see note at bottom of post marked with asterisk

Day 6- In evening wear

Day 7-sleeping(that ones really awful:/)

Day 8-Playing a sport, tennis.

Day 9-street style, His typical hair and bright glasses, bright plaid shirt, big watch, distressed jeans and favorite sneakers, of course.

Day 10- favorite animal. I thought about it for a while, because I knew it had to be something weird. Then I hit upon a duck-billed platypus! They are so smashed together and cute and also very unique. It was very fun to draw and I think it turned out adorable:3

Day 11- at the beach. 

Day 12- In Kigurumi- I had to search this one. I had a vague idea it was dressing up as an animal, but these huge sleeper things are awesome! And very him-ish. I did the flying squirrel because it was JUST SO CUTE. My mom said "He looks like a little boy." and he does. Also his legs are too short even for himself.(He's very short.)

Day 13- Favorite season which is summer.

Day 14- with a weapon. He looks amusingly like my dad when he was younger. My mom agrees, Of course Romeo looks a lot like my dad anyways...

Day 15-on a bike. In the notes I put that I'm not being very faithful to the daily idea, and I wasn't. I kind of did these in bursts. But I did them all and that's what counts. Next time I will try to be more daily, and the time after that better still, so eventually I might succeed fully.

Day 16-without glasses. :3 I just used a total ref. for this, I wanted it to be good and anyways.

Day 17- Angry, but he really looks more disgusted.

Day 18- Happy. Looks sheepish.

Day 19- Scared. I don't even know. He looks more appalled.

Day 20-Sad. And I think at this point he's just disgusted with me  at the other 3 horrible attempts. He's saying, "Seriously, Nina? You can't even draw me sad? And I'm cuter than that when I smile, too..." Me- O-O "Sorry..."

Day 21- Daily activity, playing the piano. He's very very VERY good at it.

Day 22- running. I actually used a photo of captain america I found online for pose ref haha. 

day 23- in a school uniform(Japanese style). Romeo:" I have no idea why I'm wearing this. But I'm rocking it, of course."

Day 24-with a pet, his girlfriend/wife, Violetta. She's reallllllly annoying and I don't know why he likes her other than that she's a model in looks.

Day 25- what he does best- singing(at church) I pretty much copied a ref. for this and added the background.

Day 26-reading. Ref. and thanks to Ryn for posing for the hands and arms lol.

Day 27- playing a video game. From ref. and thanks to my younger bro for informing me on the fact I originally had the hands too far apart. I never play video games and actually neither does he but what and ever.

Day 28- listening to music.

Day 29(mistakenly mark 28 again)- with me <3 used ref here too, I guess I was getting a little lazy. I mean I used ref. for most of them but here I was basically relying on it.

And Day 30- my choice. I did him doing a funny/kissy/goodbye face and peace sign for no reason.

SO THERE YOU HAVE IT!

I'm pleased with it. I can see the faces improving as I go along, whether that's from using more ref. down the line or not, I don't know.

*Where I used ref. it was found online, either Pinterest, google or Twitter. Also, a singer by the name of Piero Barone, of the band Il Volo, is Romeo's inspiration and face. Although, in character he has deviated quite largely and in various ways, so if you ever read/see this Piero don't be... too offended by the undeniable oddness(but inimitable awesomeness!) of the character you (at least mainly) inspired XD

Tell me what you think! Critique is as always welcome. And if you've ever done one of these challenges, I'd love to hear about it!!!

\I have a few more posts planned in the near future, such as some short stories I'm working on, some more art ones and who knows what else. I'm working on an online college class this semester, but it shouldn't cause the posting to be any more far between than normal!

As always thank you so much for reading. I do hope you enjoy what I post even if it is quite random.

I hope you have a wonderful and blessed day!

Nina

Hi!!!

comics I did, it's my latest obsession... esp. ones based on actual things my family says...

Hi everyone! I'm sorry I've not been doing anything on here, I haven't had anything to post:) However I have been working, you can see some more artwork on Pinterest on my OC artwork board:) AND I've started a new book that I'm excited about:) Among several other WIPs I have going... I may post more about it at some point... so far I've written 8,181 words!! Around 5,000 of those I did in one day XD other than that though I haven't been up to too much... hence the lack of blogging. If you ever have anything you'd like to see a post on, PLEASE tell me, I'd love to try!! Well, I just wanted to post, so there you go! That's it! Hope you've been having a wonderful several weeks!!!

Slight changes... and some random thoughts

Hi! Just a quick note about the changes to the look of La Blog. I changed the header... and the background. Which is fairly obvious. I just thought I'd make note of it. Nothing else will change, and that includes the erratic posting schedule. Haha:)

The picture is in colored pencil and is by me. It was a self portrait but it ended up... not. That is not what I look like. At all, really. I don't know what happened.

I like the finished project, though! She looks so pensive... and seems as though she should be in cool colors. And yet that wouldn't be as effective, somehow. I think the red makes you feel like she has some sort of internal turmoil, despite her stony gaze. (I just analyzed that as I wrote it. I've been trying to lay my finger on it since I drew it. Anyways.)

I like color theory and how it relates to emotion. We learned a little about it in class, and I'd like to learn more...

Ok this is not where I planned on going, this was just meant to be a quick thing. I'm sick and bored, though, so...

Ok I'm going to stop. Bye!

Watercolor Tree-Class project

Hello! I decided to share a step by step of a tree painting I did over a month or so, in watercolor class. It is in Ravello, Italy. I'm not sure how many hours it took-maybe 6ish? I really don't remember! Anyways, here goes!

I did a wash first, which I didn't take a picture of:/ Then I started on this first layer. I started with the background, then the did the tree. I have the values mapped here, but they are not dark enough. I do have lots of colors.

My teacher helped me darken my values, particularly in the tree. I tend to be a bit scared of color and value- not punching either enough. I'm getting better though:) She also helped me a lot with the sky.

Here it is almost done. I worked on the buildings on my own first, but again, they are not dark enough, or detailed enough. Everything else is pretty much done though.

And its done! I finished the buildings in class. I also darkened the water, and added detail to the grass and the mountain. I am REALLY happy with this painting, its one of the works I am most proud of. I really really REALLY want to go to Ravello, Italy and see this location in person... someday:)

Last call, 2013!

Well, everyone, it's almost 2014!!

I apologize for not posting since the ninth- the holidays kept me busy, as I'm sure they did you!

Hw about a few notable things for me from 2013? No real order!

1. My first musical production at our local theatre
2. I watched/read LotR/The Hobbit for the first time:)
3. I started my blog, and got on Pinterest. Because my Family got hi-speed internet!
4. The Hobbit pt. 2 and Frozen came out in theatre
5. Read The Chronicles of Prydain for the first time!

Not an exhaustive list, but what comes to mind!

I just thought I'd post a few random sketches that don't need a post, but might be enjoyable!
And say Happy New Year!!!

 Elsa from Frozen

 A cute little Faun smelling a flower:)

 A Flying Donkey. Because Flying Horses are so mainstream;)

And, part of a copy I did from a old book, by Barbara Leonie Picard called 'The Faun and the Woodcutter's Daughter'

The original illustrator is Charles Stewart.

Happy Happy New Years everyone!!

Eilonwy- Travel dress, The High King

Hello! Today I am featuring another dress for Eilonwy. Be prepared, there are quite a few to come! Eilonwy is one of my favorite book heroines, and one of my dreams is to play her in a film version of Prydain:) Did I mention I love acting as well as designing?

Sorry the photos are rather poor- I don't have a scanner. I know a woman who will let me use hers- the problem is actually getting around to it. Well...

This dress is one of the few Prydain costumes I've designed without a specific sewing pattern in mind to make it by. And, I must say, this is one of my very favorite designs:) 
It is, I think, somewhat 14th century in style. I'm going by Dovers Medieval fashion coloring book by Tom Tierny to get that estimate. However, as Prydain is a fantasy realm, it gives you so much more liberty to mix eras. Generally for Prydain I try to keep the designs earlier in origin- 10-12th century. But this dress is one she has brought home from Mona, so I think its slightly later design fitting. Enough rambling- the Specifics!

The underdress is ivory muslin or linen, slightly gathered, peasant style, but with out the fullness. The over dress is a mustard-y, ochre kind of color. As for type of material... I'm not sure:/ I picture it soft, almost velvety, but sturdy, as it's a travel dress. Suggestions?? I'll keep thinking and update this post when I decide! The style is a fairly straightforward, closefitting, long dress. One of my favorite features is the lacing up the sides. Brown leather cording is used for this.  Where the lacing ends at the hip, there is a panel in the skirt to make it fuller. The neckline and sleeves are trimmed with brown. The lacing at the neck is also brown leather cording. She has a brown leather belt with a metal cap at the end and a simple buckle. It could be long or short- as you can see, my drawings vary. Her shoes are soft leather chukka style boots. Her cloak, seen in the topmost picture, is greens, gray, ochre and brown.I have a scrap of upholstery fabric that I picture it in... someday I may add it here. Her hair is braided- in a few of the pictures it is two braids, but I decided on one, more intricate braid. It's not in the pictures, but she would, as always, have her crescent necklace and fair folk ring.

Eilonwy wears this when she and the Companions are traveling in the begining of The High King. She may wear it in the battle too.

I hope you've enjoyed reading about this design! As always, comments and constructive criticism is welcome!

~The Damsel~

A lovely website!

Hello! I apologize, it's been several days since I last posted... been a bit busy.

I decided to tell you about a lovely webpage, instead of giving you a costume.

dolldivine.com !

Obviously I take no responsibility for this site, but so far I have encountered no problems with it!
It is virtual paper doll dress-up, at a whole new level! Some of the games featured here are simple, typical ones BUT-

Enter Hobbit and LOTR doll maker! It is one of the most fun things ever(that's pretty big:)! It has an incredible amount of options and customizeability- Ok not a word but I'm blanking on the word I want:)- and I've found it a great tool for costume design and also a lot of fun:) There are several other beautiful games as well- the Erte elegance is another personal favorite!

I hope you take time to check it out, if you love costume/fashion design and/or fantasy/medieval fashion. Or any other era, because there is a game for almost every one, including the present!
Here is a scene I made on this site, using The Hobbit/LOTR scene maker, linked above.

Aren't they lovely?

Again, I TAKE NO RESPONSIBILITY for this site or offshoots of it, BUT they say they are devoted to making a safe fun environment for all ages, and I have found this true!  Naturally the dolls are in their undergarments to start of, but that, to me, is to be expected! I hope you find this helpful and fun!
Until next time!

By the way, I may do an article on Norwegian Folk costume soon, in honour of Frozen. No promises, but...;)

~The Damsel~

Queen Teleria, #1-Greeting Party-Castle of Llyr

Hello! Here in Maine, we finally have SNOW! Promptly on the 1st of Dec. Very obliging:)

Today I am doing a gown I designed for Queen Teleria from The Castle of Llyr. Click the picture to learn more about her!

This is the first dress she wears in the book, when she comes out to greet the arrivals from Caer Dallben. In the book, she is described as plump, with straw-colored hair, and wearing fluttering white garments. So, I gave her a empire-waisted gown, with a plunging v-neck and panel in the front. It has elbow-length sleeves, with sheer pendant-type sleeves that attach at the wrist. The upper sleeve is decorated with gold trim around the edge of the upper sleeve and up the arm to the shoulder. The neckline is decorated with the same gold trim. Over the ample skirt is a sheer over-skirt. The bodice is or a patterned or brocade white silk, and the upper-sleeves and under-skirt are plain white silk. The lower sleeves and over-skirt are of white chiffon or similar fabric. Her hair is in two plaits bound with ribbon-the same as the trim. For jewelry, she has a gold crown/circlet set with jewels, a heavy doubled chain necklace with a jewel pendant, and a large ring.

I am really sorry about the poor quality of the photos; I hope to be able to upload better ones:)

I hope you've enjoyed this post! As always, comment with questions, suggestions or constructive criticism!

~The Damsel~

Princess Eilonwy, #1- Return to Caer Dallben- The High King

Ok, so the pictures are backwards... Well, you can probably live with it. I can, so you'll have to!:)

This is a dress I designed for Eilonwy from The Chronicles of Prydain, by Lloyd Alexander(he's an awesome author, by the way). She wears it when she returns to Caer Dallben in The High King. The topmost picture is the sketch I then transferred and painted(picture 2). The 3rd picture is just another painting of the same. The belt in the last picture is incorrect with the finalized design(picture 2).

Picture #2 reads:

The dress is white, both in accordance with the books, which mention Eilonwy wearing white, and o show the change in Eilonwy since The Book of Three. When Taran first met her, she was wearing a simple tunic of white; now returning as a young lady her dress is again white silk- but now in an elegant rich style.
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Now, for specifics-The over dress is white silk, the underskirt, belt, and trim is deep blue silk with gold and red embroidery. She wears, as always her crescent moon necklace, & her fair folk ring. She has a (uncomfortable:) gold circlet on her hair, red stockings and T-strap leather shoes. There is gold cord laced at the neck and on her belt, which has metal caps at the end. On the end of the cording on her belt are two red beads.

I hope you've enjoyed reading. My inspiration for this design came from Butterick Pattern B4827
 and Lloyd Alexanders The Chronicles of Prydain.

~The Damsel