I woke up with an image reflected on my retinas. I had an overwhelming urge to realize the vision. It had to be dreamy-loose but also had to adhere to my vision.
I began with a watercolor sketch, but the color was too vibrant. It needed to be somber. I took a photo of the watercolor and opened it up in Photoshop, then decided to desaturate it. I painted a very simple back round so the bird-girl takes the spotlight. A new series is born.
The watercolor sketch:
Elenacaravela's Blog 
Elena, this is incredible! So light – fantasy and yet almost human and believable…innocent and yet not at all..a wonderful effect..
Thanks so much.
Vibrant and surreal!!
Thank you!
The black and white final image is so fully realized. The figure seems at once to have volume, but also to be almost vaporous. If you’ll forgive my projecting; it reminds me of my own dreams of flight: they are as frighening and frustrating as they are exhilerating. You are the queen of the complex emotional facial expressions.
Thank you Gabriel! Wising Smooth flights.
WOAH!
I like the vibrant little bird girl….taking flight to reach her dreams!!! Though she does look a little scared, but then aren’t we all…when we take our first “leap of faith”?
The first one is more “serious”…sombre like you said…I really like the coloured one though 😀
Thanks Shree. I appreciate your input.
I like the b&w. Am so impressed that you woke up with this image!!
A little creepy, but I’m grateful. Thanks Carol!
I love the somber mood of the B&W version.
Thanks Marcelo!
Wonderful editing! The before and after is striking and I love the outcome.
Thank you Allyson Marie! Glad you like it.
full of pathos, he feels like a sign of the times
Uncertain for sure.
Such a tender little bird girl, I love her little worried face, what is she thinking of?
I think worry has something to do with it. Vulnerable for sure. Thanks!
Brings to mind Peter Pan, Tinkerbell …. What wonderful realms of fantasy you evoke!
Thanks so much!
This is brilliant Elena!!! I love the girls’ wings, but her feet – wow, they haunt me.
Congratulations on realizing your dreamy image into a new series, you are incredibly talented. Can’t wait to see where you take the whole concept and series!
Many thanks Mary!
Love it! The black and white effect is brilliant!
Thanks Sandee!
OMG…I am so in LOVE with her!!!!
Thanks very much:)
Eerie yet cool – so cool!
Thanks!
This is so weird and wonderful and wrong and right at the same time – you took childhood awkwardness and gave it wings. I love it.
Thanks so much Richard!
Just cool as Hell! What do you suppose her thoughts are?
Thanks Christina:) Well, she’s wary, afraid, but determined to lift.
God willing, aren’t we all? xoxo
it’s more dramatic in black and white, very impressive. 🙂
Thanks very much.
So ethereal!
Thanks Micah.
lovely.
Thanks:)
Wow! What an excellent image Elena. Your talent never fails to amaze me. 🙂
YOu are so kind. Very much appreciated:)
Very beautiful pictures, dear Eleana! I like both very much! You have a very creative imagination!
Thank you for sharing!
Have a wonderful day and many blessings!
With much love, Stefania! 🙂
Thanks Stefania. Wonderful day to you as well!
Your creative mind works even in sleep too… This is amazing illustration, I loved both of them. Thank you dear Elena, love, nia
I guess so Nia;) Thanks!
I can’t describe the feeling that this image conjures. It is tumultous and withdrawn at the same time. Well done Elena.
Wonderful. Wouldn’t be the same with color.
Thanks Jill!
I like how her toes look like vestiges of roots are still clinging there…perhaps that describes the ambiguous look in her eyes…to be ripped from earth and take to the skies…how does that feel?
So glad the image conjured such ideas and emotions. Thanks Scilla!
When the child was a child
It walked with its arms swinging,
wanted the brook to be a river,
the river to be a torrent,
and this puddle to be the sea.
When the child was a child,
it didn’t know that it was a child,
everything was soulful,
and all souls were one…..
Peter Handke – Wings of Desire
How beautiful and appropriate. THANK YOU!
I prefer the print – especially the transformation of the facial features and body shape.
Yes. I’ll be starting with a watercolor sketch and refining and actually “painting” in PS.
Whoa! I can’t decide if it’s more sad or more creepy! But seriously cool and emotive either way. An orphan of the skies perhaps? Those feet are amazing!
Thanks Cindy. An orphan of the skies fits well!
Awesome. She is very mysterious…
Ominous
Thank you!
Fascinating and mysterious. Very nice!
Thanks Sofia!
I adore this, Elena! Especially the final transformation. She looks vulnerable and awkward like a fledgling, and so beautiful.
A new series, how exciting – what a great vision.
Thank you Karen! I’m excited to present the new work.
Incredible illustrations! 🙂
Thanks!