Breakdown of 'Connection'

So, I recently participated in a challenge called "Manga Mania." I decided to rework an old dryad/forest spirit idea I had sketched out over 10 years ago.  I wanted to work in a background and flesh out the 'connected to nature' angle I hadn't captured before.

I had a great time with this contest - I haven't drawn "anime/manga" in a lion's age.  So, I have a few stages actually saved out, and you get to see the evolution of the image.  Enjoy!

The original concept - from the year 2000
(boots? Why did I draw her with boots?)

 

Initial sketch based upon the original concept and some other references. I wanted to stay true to the original idea for the most part.

(sketches from other poses snuck in here and there)

 

Some basic color blocked in, and the form more finalized

(I decided the vines should be living... and I reaaaaly didn't want to bring them all the way down the leg so... vine shorts)

 

Colors more defined and some initial shading happening 

(She's growing from the forest floor.  Not just because feet are dumb.)

 

A background worked out and a few extras starting to appear 

(my recent trip to a very foggy forest inspired my background)

 

 Starting to tie the composition together

(light rays are always good)

 

 Working with shadows and highlights

(trying to bring the colors into harmony- right now she's very green and the background is very teal)

 

 Trying out a different look - no outlines

(not working)

 

 Brought the outlines back, but refined for a better "manga" look

(also working with the colors and hating on the face)

 

Trying out a different idea for the arms 

(swoopy arm vines?)

 

 Ditched the conceptual lines, but I liked the idea.... so, they are making appearances elsewhere. Also trying to refine the face, especially the eyes.

(the swoopy arm vines didn't work for me - but the glowy blue cracks I like)

 

 Working on the entire composition, trying to tie it together better by bringing the glowy bits into the background

(more cracks! I'm trying to bring interest to the foreground rock too, without it becoming overwhelming to the figure)

 

 Added some more 'glow' to the glowy bits and elsewhere

(trees need glowy line love too)

 

 Final tweaks to nose and other areas

(and the time limit for the contest is up)

 

I'm thinking that I might like to take this from a 'manga' look to a more realistic look.  I only did the manga for the contest, but I still like the overall concept.  So, there you go!