Track Time : 5 hrs 10 m

Strokes total : 5012

App : Procreate

*ੈ✩‧₊˚ Who’s going to see the Michael Movie again 😛 ? What’s y’all’s favortive song ?

🎨 Check out more of my digital illustrations and leave a review : https://byzahraartz-shop.fourthwall.com/pages/gallery

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#MichaelJackson #PYT #michaelmovie #michaeljacksonfans #digitalart

I wanted it to feel calm and dreamlike, like the kind of place you find in your mind when the world finally goes still for a moment. The swan became a symbol of moving gently through deep waters, surrounded by softness, reflection, and quiet light.

There’s something about layered art that feels meaningful to me. Every shape overlaps, supports, and reveals another beneath it, a little like emotions, memories, or thoughts slowly unfolding over time.

This is the whole process, from sketch to final. I firgit to hit record on the timelapse option again 😅

Digital Illustration done with Sketchbook for Android

All comments welcome! Would love to hear what everyone thinks!!!

We’re really happy you’re here! ♥️

This is a cozy, creative corner of the internet where we use creativity for learning, play, and wellbeing.

If you feel up for it, we’d love to hear a little about you 👋

Where are you joining from? Is there something you love making, or something you’ve been curious to try?

Before painting, select a story

My story:

A swan stands at the edge of an ocean, ready to fly toward the unknown. A peacock, radiant and joyful, tries to hold it back—celebrating comfort and beauty in the present moment. But the swan chooses the harder path. On the other side of the ocean, it discovers a serene, heavenly land filled with other swans. A quiet reminder: the difficult path often leads to the most sublime destinations.

Step 2: Plan Composition for Story Flow

Plan the composition according to the story either build a single storytelling landscape or a panel sequence that unfolds like a visual poem.

I have illustrated my story in two panels

Panel 1: Temptation & Choice

Peacock dancing (comfort, beauty, distraction) And Swan watching (inner conflict). There is a ocean visible ahead (unknown journey)

Panel 2: Journey Fulfilled

Swan reaching a peaceful land Where there are other swans (belonging, reward), Calm, divine atmosphere

In my first painting peacock is placed in foreground (vibrant, eye-catching), Swan slightly turned toward ocean and the ocean stretching into distance. This creates tension: stay or go?

On the other hand the second painting is calm and balanced. This creates peace and completion.

• Use diagonal flow → from peacock to horizon

Step 3: Paint the Base Layers

Choose your preferred art medium and Start simple—no details yet.

• Paint sky gradient (soft sunrise tones)

• Add rough land shapes

• Block trees and path with basic colors

👉 Focus on big shapes first, not details.

Step 5: Build Depth (Make the Story Feel Real)

Divide your painting into:

• Foreground → darker, more detailed

• Midground → softer, less contrast

• Background → light, hazy

Create mood and time

Mood = story emotion.

• Dawn light → new beginning

• Mist/fog → mystery

• Warm light on temple → hope or discovery

👉 Keep lighting consistent, this ties the whole story together.

Now enhance storytelling by adding atmosphere and emotion. Characters are the emotion carriers

Step 8: Connect Both Panels Visually

Even though they are separate, they should feel like one story.

• Use similar color undertones

• Maintain consistent horizon level

• Repeat subtle elements (sky tones, water texture)

👉 This creates continuity.

Hence, the painting is ready.

My paintings depicts story moral “Sometimes the most beautiful destinations lie beyond the path we hesitate to take.”

Start with a strong idea that naturally transforms when flipped.

Example (like Step 1: Concept & Dual Vision Planning

Start with a strong idea that naturally transforms when flipped.

Example (like my painting):

• Waves → Clouds

• Sand → Galaxy

• Birds → Tides

👉 Think in shapes, not objects. Ask:

• What shape can become something else upside down?

• Can movement lines work in both directions?

Make quick thumbnail sketches and rotate them 180° to test the illusion).

Step 2: Create a Rotational Sketch Grid

Lightly divide your canvas:

• Mark the center axis

• Ensure visual balance from both orientations

Sketch loosely so forms remain adaptable when flipped.

Tip: Frequently rotate your canvas while sketching—it’s essential.

Step 3: Design Ambiguous Forms

This is the heart of the illusion.

• Paint waves with soft, cloud-like edges

• Shape birds in flowing curves that resemble splashes

• Texture sand with speckles that can double as stars

👉 Avoid overly literal details. Suggest forms instead of defining them.

Step 4: Establish a Dual-Meaning Color Palette

Choose colors that work in both interpretations:

• Blues → water & sky

• Whites → foam & clouds

• Gold/Beige → sand & stardust

• Deep indigo/black → ocean depth & galaxy

Blend transitions smoothly so no harsh “directional” lighting gives it away.

Step 5: Paint the First Orientation

Start painting with one scene in mind (e.g., seascape):

• Build layers: base → midtones → highlights

• Add movement with brush strokes

• Keep edges soft and adaptable

Don’t over-detail yet—leave room for transformation.

Step 6: Flip & Refine the Second Scene

Now rotate your canvas 180°.

Ask:

• Do waves read as clouds?

• Do textures feel celestial?

• Do shapes suggest new forms?

Enhance selectively:

• Add highlights that work both ways

• Adjust edges to support the second illusion

• Introduce subtle details that “appear” only when flipped

Step 7: Balance Both Realities

This is where most artists struggle.

Go back and forth:

• Flip → adjust → flip again

Ensure:

• Neither orientation feels like an afterthought

• Both scenes are equally readable

Think of it as two voices in harmony, not one overpowering the other.

Step 8: Add Optical Flow & Movement

Use directional strokes that:

• Guide the eye in both orientations

• Create rhythm (waves ↔ drifting clouds)

This enhances the magical transformation effect.

Hence the painting is ready.

You can try other subjects like:

• Ink spill ↔ Foggy sky

• Everyday Objects ↔ Natural Forms

• Tree ↔ hand

• Road ↔ river

• Reflection in water