In the June 2016 issue of The Artist’s Magazine we profile Amanda Penley, whose personal story compelled us as much as her subtle and absorbing digital art. A Harry Potter admirer through and through, Penley uses details from the books to recreate some of our favorite magical landmarks. Below is more about the artist, and a few more pieces of her work. Visit the artist’s website to learn more about her, and don’t forget to order your copy of the June issue of The Artist’s Magazine!
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft & Wizardry (digital) by Amanda Penley
“I studied at the Savannah College of Art and Design, in Georgia, and graduated in June. I love the Harry Potter series. This might sound terribly cliche, but Harry is my favorite character. We share the same birthday, and while I don’t share his absolutely terrible past, I did lose my father when I was very young. He became a character that I could really relate to since we shared similar issues.
The Burrow (digital) by Amanda Penley
I was sitting at home one day in October and Harry Potter was playing on ABC Family (now Freeform), and that feeling of old parchment and warm Butterbeer helped me realize it was time to pay homage to something that was so near and dear to my heart.
For the Harry Potter Illustrations, I start off with a reference photograph, then get to work on Adobe Illustrator and start blocking out shapes of the buildings. I also work with a limited color palette, and I create all the scenes of the locations at night for contingency. For example, with Malfoy Manor I decided to create Malfoy Manor with a blue tone because Malfoy is described as loving Peacocks. I wanted to subtly hint to that. Once I flesh out the building, I start to add shadows and figure out how I want the piece to animate. From there I bring it into photoshop where I add textures and halftones, among other elements.
Malfoy Manor (digital) by Amanda Penley
With digital art, opportunities are endless. Firstly you have the ability to completely correct your mistakes as if they never happened. Secondly, once you know how to use the tools, it becomes the only toolbox you need. With Photoshop Brushes you can create realistic looking gouache paintings and overlaying textures. Other than digital illustrations, I really enjoy just using pen, ink, and gouache paint. They help keep me grounded from all the technology.
The best advice I can give is to create art that you love, but also art that will inspire and capture others. I wanted to create fan art to share my love for Harry Potter, and from there you never know who will be looking–say an editor for a magazine!”
Gringotts Bank (digital) by Amanda Penley
The post Let’s Get Digital: Digital Art with Amanda Penley appeared first on Artist's Network.
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