INFO

This was the first digital painting project I completed in Digital Illustration class at University of North Georgia in the Spring of 2025, and also my first ambitious step into digital painting at this caliber. This was entirely created in Adobe Photoshop from scratch while observing a reference photo of a Malayan horned leaf frog. I used canvas staining techniques and value studies, then sketched my subject. I painted on just a few layers, but updated my work based on the day – so I could reference my progress. Much of the painting was repainted and rendered in various ways before completion, much like a traditional painting. My professor felt my color usage was the strongest aspect of this work, and told me it reminded him of Frank Frazetta's work in a way. Frazetta happens to be my favorite artist, and while I could never be him, the compliment emboldened me into a new niche. Before this work, I was mainly into traditional illustration and digital graphic novel inking.

This digital painting was featured in two exhibitions. University of North Georgia's Earth Day Art Show and Trees: Hal B. Rhodes III Annual Student Exhibition during the Spring 2025 semester.