So in getting ready to finally do the package of issue one of the comic, I decided I wanted to do a short scene with one of the villains. Now, I had the aesthetics figured out (I posted her portrait before, as well as the Duke) I still didn't really know the character herself. What is she like? I figured she's the Princess' older sister, but that was it. She seemed ok with Duke sending his men to kill her sister, so she's probably involved/behind that. So, I had to ask "Why?" and this led to a couple days worth of playing around with various elements, and to this render. Which I did in iray because I was again practicing not just lighting, but compositing within GIMP. This particular piece has some simple composition, but it is a lot more than I would have done had I not done the practice. That's pretty much been the goal with the whole comic. Learning new things. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Marah is a powerful woman. She's proud of her body, and flaunts her scar. Her goals are more than simply becoming Queen. To the court, she is the Duke's royal plaything. However, it's all an illusion. In this she manages to both draw attention, and hide her true nature. Satisfying that need to be admired, while none are the wiser. She often dresses in clothing that would be unbecoming on a Duchess, and it is implied that is how the Duke likes it. The truth is, their alliance works on deception. He bears no illusion. She holds the reigns. And he has profited very well from it. Now, why is it she's ordered her sister's death? Only time will tell, dear readers! ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Now, we've got the old "Castle Courtyard" as our background. Fantasy Castle Alcove as our room. Marah is a Gen6 character by Fred Winkler, with gen4 hair (Dragonkeeper hair) Everything converted to iray. And in the background is a Gen7 - Fuko for Kenji 7. (I recycled my vampire hunter named Buddy) Two spotlights and an HDRI provide all the lighting.