Oh? What's this? Maybe some art? <3
 

I'm new around here, but I figured a good ice breaker onto the forums would to be to post a little art. I'm known both as Tsuruko and Shavera, I guess those names are my alter egos. Tsuruko is my Japanese interests name ( and the name I use on my own forum, ookini! ) and Shavera is my arts name. I've been a little off the art scene, my deviant art watchers are all wondering when I'll ever post a new piece. . . Been too busy with college and such, yet, I have a small break, so I thought it would be fun to sign up at a forum.

This piece is a few months old, and it's kind of a combination of fantasy and traditional Japanese clothing/culture etc. The character is an Empress or a Queen, but the inspiration to the character design is of an Oiran. An Oiran was a high ranking courtesan of Japan, prior to the 1950's. They're not to be confused with Geisha, whom were dancers and entertainers. : )

That is a very good piece of artwork, I especially like the detail of reflection of the hair and the colours you have used. Would love to see more of your work!

wow, tsuruko, you're really talented :O

MissMisa, thank you for your words, I am glad you like the details. : ) I will hopefully post more, probably things relating to Japanese Culture. I do have a deviantart, but I don't know if it is O.K. to post the link to it. : /

Katchan6, Ookini!( thank you ) I feel have much improvement yet to make, but I appreciate your words very much, none the less! <3

Wow that's very good. You put a lot of work into it, I can see. I'm pretty sure you can post your deviantart but don't quote me on that :P

Shiningmonkey, Thank you. :) Your words are most encouraging. I will allow a few more posts to decide whether it's safe to post a deviantart or not. . . << >>

Oh wow.
That's beautiful.
You're very very very talented.

Ah! ::blush:: Ookini! ( thank you! )

EveV, I appreciate your words so very much!

You deserve it


What's your deviant page?
I love that site.
So many talented people.

You must be rather popular on there!

Are you majoring in art in college?

EveV, again thank you. <3

I guess it should be okay to post my deviantart. It is just shavera.deviantart.com

I am too much of a hermit to be popular! XD

I'm actually an anthropology major, and my field of study is the Geisha culture of Japan, actually. ^^ I do really enjoy art, but it's so very personal for me, I don't think I have the patience to do art as a career, and I'm so selfish about my art, that it just wouldn't be a good idea, methinks.

I am planning to write a book on Geisha after I go to Japan next year to study in Kyoto. ^^

Oh wow everything blends so perfectly in all your art.
My favorite was " With Eyes of Fire"
I don't have an deviant but my boyfriend does.
Tyrien on deviantART
It's mostly photography.
But he has a few drawings there, though he's not near as professional as you.


What an interesting major. It sounds fun.
I'll be looking forward to that book. ^^

xD I just keep chatting up a storm with you all over this forum.

Ookini! EveV

I'm not at all professional, there's so much more for me to learn, but I really do appreciate your words, they're inspiring to me! I'm always happy that people think I am a decent artist, as I try very hard to make good art!

I would say that it will probably be at least three years before I can put out my book, I will be a year before I can leave, and a year of study in Japan. It may just be a photo book, or it may be a novel or a reference piece, it depends how rooted I can get into the Geisha culture.

The Geiko-san, Komomo, just published her book, it's very good, but not much reading material, mainly photos, but none the less, it's a beautiful book. : ) You can probably find it at Barnes and Nobles, it's called, "My Life as A Kyoto Apprentice."

Your deviantart is amazing Tsuruko!

May I ask which program do you use? I usually use Photoshop but they like they have been done on something like Painter. I'm trying to get the hang of painter myself!

MusicLuver, Ookini! ( thank you )

MissMisa, thank you, too! I do use painter over photoshop. But generally, I do employ the use of both of Adobe and Painter, they both have their perks. Which version of painter are you using, I might be of a bit of help, at least I hope. I only use two 'paint' tools in Painter, that's really all what you'll need. I find the simplest of methods are the best. I use "Air Brush - Fine Detail Air." It has no gradient and goes on smooth. The other brush is use is "Blenders - Just Use Water." I do all textures by hand, no reliance on any other brushes. ^^

Photoshop I use for fine highlighting and darkening. Adobe's dodge and burn are far better then painters, but painter's blending engine is a thousand time better then Adobe's. :)

I drew a little oekaki yesterday! I used to do oekaki a lot, but these days, I might do one once a year. . .