BLACK IS THE NEW DIAMOND (CELEBRATING MY ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY)

YES!!! YES!!! YES!!!

20TH OCTOBER WAS MY ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY ON STEEMIT...

It has been a lovely ride here, I've met so many awesome and lovely people, that have affected me consciously, subconciously, and unconsciously.

Have learnt so much from people like @samstickkz, @ogochukwu, @tojukaka, @stellabelle, @greenrun, and @surpassinggoogle. Also @dunsky who ushered me into the world of digital art. Studying his art inspired me to do more. I can actually say i'm getting better.

I won't forget numerous upvotes from @slothicorn, @kaylinart (she has been a darling, I can't forget that money he transferred to me), @steemgigs, @artzone, @currie, @steemstem, @esteemapp and others too numerous to mentioned.

I also want to thank @ned @steemit and the numerous witnesses for believing in steemit and making it reality.

THANK YOU

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Mehn!!!, when I got to see this skintone for the first time, I was exhilarated because I have never painted a dark-skinned tone like this. So I was anxious, scared as well, because I wanted it to come out great as well.

Then I put my fears down, I took it as a challenge, now I feel great with the result.

ALL I SEE IS CHOCOLATE!!!...WHO IS WITH ME, LET'S LICK SOME?

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TOOLS USED:

• Adobe photoshop
• Hp Laptop
• Mouse

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SKETCH

• As always I used my customised hard-edged brush that I created for my sketches; setting up the guides that will help in the painting.

COLOURING

• I used the pen tool to outline the whole feature, then I filled it up with a base colour.

• Then I started the painting proper. I started with just blocking the basic highlights and shadows of my muse, and then the red hair.

• Then I started rendering and blending using the smudge tool and the mixer brush. Most times, I just reduced the opacity of the brush, and used a soft round brush to blend.

• Here, I blended softly most part of the face, you can see the difference from the one above, and I was getting to the neck and body area.

• Then I started detaling, adding the earring. Also, I wanted the flower to look like it's pierce through the ear. But in the reference image, there's was a pendant that was there, so I actually replaced it with the flower.

• Here I was not satisfied with hair, so I added texture to it. I also started painting the dramatic backdrop.

• Finally I added some smoke to the backdrop, to make it a smoking hot chocolate.

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Here is the design on a tee...If you want it let me know, in the comment section below.