Escapist

Escapist
July 10, 2011
Ink on drawing paper
Colored in GIMP

A nightingale in a golden cage
that's me, locked inside reality's maze.
Come someone, make my heavy heart light,
come undone, bring me back to life.

This is who I am: Escapist, Paradise Seeker.
Fare thee well, now time to fly
out of sight, out of time, away from all lies...


OTHERS IN THIS SERIES
AMARANTH
ESCAPIST
THE SIREN
MOONDANCE
EVER DREAM

You can listen to the song here with lyrics: Escapist

This one was a lot more difficult than the Amaranth one. It was close to being finished for days but something wasn't right and I couldn't figure out what it was. I ended up changing the color of the border from off-white to a champagne color and erasing the inside details of the black triangle borders at the top because it was too busy and took away from the focal point. I still don't like it quite as much as "Amaranth" but I still don't know why--maybe the colors are still off (I was going for a split-complementary palette with yellow, yellow-green, green, and red-violet) or maybe I screwed up the entire composition (which is also entirely possible).

So, why is she a red-haired Elf? Well, she's an Elf because I draw pointy ears better than round ones, and she's a redhead because I thought it would look nice with the colors, but maybe it's too strong. I should probably go back and make her blonde.

I have a tattoo design inspired by this song as well, you can check it out here: Escapist Tattoo Flash

CREDITS
Girl with Cage by Jozsef Rippl-Ronai (apologies for not having the proper accent marks, I have an American keyboard... )
Texture 63
065 Manila
Swirls and Flourishes Brushes Swirls - Flourishes II
Font is Cloister Black

Thanks to Tuomas Holopainen and Nightwish for their music and to Alphonse Mucha for his style!

Comments and constructive critiques are welcome!