DSL (2020)
This piece was my first deliberate step toward hyperrealism. I selected a high-resolution reference photo of lips to study surface detail, focusing closely on texture, cracks, and tonal variation. Working zoomed in at the pixel level on Procreate, I began organizing color and form across multiple layers for the first time. Instead of relying on Procreate’s blending tools, I challenged myself to define shape and depth manually, reinforcing color observation and edge control through deliberate brushwork.
The title is a playful nod to DSLR cameras and image resolution. The acronym itself isn't exactly PG-13, so I prefer to leave its full meaning open to interpretation. I later printed the piece on a 27x40 inch poster board — and, funnily enough, sold the original print for $5,000.
Reflections & Areas for Improvement:
Working across multiple layers helped improve my understanding of structure and color separation, but it also made real-time blending more difficult.
The decision to avoid automatic blend tools forced me to train my eye for form and undertone, though some transitions still feel overly sharp or abrupt.
This was the first piece where I felt technically challenged in a meaningful way, and it marked a turning point in how I approached detail work and digital layering strategy.
