passing to eternity

When I saw this fabulous image by Concetta Kilmer for Sweet Pea, I had to buy to it.

I love sugarskulls. Sugar skulls have lot of meaning in Mexican culture and they are the main symbol representing Dia de los Muertos or Day of the Dead. Ancestors who have passed away are represented by clay molded sugar skulls which are painted and decorated, the names of the departed are added to the forehead of the skull and then the skull is placed on the grave stone to encourage the departed loved one to appear on the Day of the Dead. The skulls are not frightening or morbid, and they generally contain a lot of colours. The tradition of sugar skulls helps to let the living know that their loved ones have found peace. The souls of the departed have moved on to a higher existence free from any pain, suffering or anxiety that they had to deal with in the mortal world. The skulls are designed to be bright and cheerful, being a celebration of the life that once was.

Off course I coloured this wonderful image with my Copic Markers.

The quote is by Shakespeare. 

The background is made with Dylusions inks and paints and Dylusions stencils. I left the face white, because people that dress up for the day of the dead, wear a sugar skull make up too. I just added a few shades with BV0000 and 01.

The eyes are coloured with YG05,17,67 and 100 (black). The white in her eyes is done with some Copic Opaque white. The fleshtones in her eyes are coloured with RV 11 and 13 the shades with BV0000 and 01.

The lips and flower are coloured with RV04,06 and 09.

Her hair is coloured with a whole variety of black and grey colours. I used 100 (black) and C00,3,5,6,7 and 9.

Her bow is coloured with YR07, 15 and 16 and the dots with RV06 and 09.

  

The Skulls are coloured with black and grey colours, 100 (black) and C00,3,5,6,7 and 9.

The leaves are coloured with the same colours as her eyes, YG05,17 and 67. For the flowers I used RV04,06 and 09 and for the small ones Y13,15 and 17. The tiny raindrops at the end of the swirls are done with YR7 and 16. 

The cute little hearts are coloured with R35 and 39.

For shading the skull I used the BV0000 and 01.

A close up of the eye. 

A close up of the hair. 

See you later this month with a tutorial about the use of the Copic Opaque White

have a colourfull day 

Miranda