September/October 2024 Challenge: Pursuit of the Fountain of Youth

[The Elderly Cartographer]

Pursuit of the Fountain of Youth:

Genre: Skypunk Fantasy
Prompt: Encroached by tendrils of corruption

Why a floating octopus with a villainous city on its back? Don't ask. I am still wandering that myself. My first impression for the "Encroached by tendrils of corruption" prompt made me imagine misty/cloudy tendrils from below. But as I contemplated it, my thoughts shifted to the Rocktopus from Civilization: Beyond Earth (One of my All-time favorite games). If figured it would be more unique so I went that direction.

The clock thus far: 2:15

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Pursuit of the Fountain of Youth.png

[Chashio]

Okay, that's the most adorably grumpy floating octopus city. Love it!

[The Elderly Cartographer]

Thanks! It lacks something but I have no idea what to add. That Octopus was my last hurrah! Maybe even my undoing. Lol

[Chashio]

It's perfection! Smaller flying sailboats? Color? Story in the margins?

[The Elderly Cartographer]

Hmm... Those are some good suggestions. I'll give it some thought. I have been contemplating color but I can't decide what medium I should use.

By the way, does the "Floatopus" look like it is behind or above the Fountain of Youth?

[Chashio]

Watercolor/ink would look nice for color. It's behind the floating island and two clouds beyond that. You layered things well for distance, and the line weight is appropriate.

[The Elderly Cartographer]

Okay, great! I was trying to use the clouds for distance but I wasn't sure if that was readily apparent.

I'd like to use water color but I'm using printer paper. It might work if I'm very careful with the water saturation. But as I like to quote, "Thou canst but try. Anyone can not do it." (The Door in the Wall), which means I might scan it then see if the watercolor ruins it.

[Chashio]

You could try scanning and printing on thicker paper, even watercolor paper, if your printer can handle that. I would not recommend water media on printer paper. That's not gonna go well. There's also digital watercolor. The Rebelle 7 pro app is great for that and I've seen nice things with procreate as well.