I like this idea much better @NoWayMe ...the story of what she is trying to do, with the bear in pain, and the cubs watching, is all really clear even without the rendering. I think it is stronger in some ways than having the paw in the trap...because you can see even more of the story this way. And with this version you don't need to render the trap 'cleanly' yet without excessive blood/gore which might be a more realistic way of doing it, but would be less palatable for a children's book. Will be great to see the next version

I love this @Kevin-Longueil! The storytelling is great, it works so well already - love the merman with his flipper feet and the extra story you've told us in the comments - very poignant - I want to know more, and how it ends!

And - drawing is fantastic. Can't wait to see the end results!

@Lee-White I would love to sign up for a Tier 3 package, I've been looking forward to this announcement ever since you mentioned it a few months back. But I have a question about the scheduling:

If I sign up, is there a given time frame for completing the multiple online meetings? As I've just signed up for the Illustration 1 course, I've already maxed out my personal art time for the summer, and I don't want to sign up for something else if I can't give it 100%... But, I'd have more time after it finishes, say from mid-September, even October. Is that too far away to sign up for this now? Should I wait until later?

It would probably make more sense to do the portfolio review after doing Illustration 1 anyway, because I'd hope that there would be some art growth along the way.

@DOTTYP Having done a few SVS live critiques before, they are normally done with GoToMeeting software. It's free for us SVSers to use, you just download it and install it. Then when you click on the link given to you by SVS, it takes you to an online meeting where you can see the instructor's screen and watch their drawovers/listen to what they are saying about your work. If you want you can share your microphone and chat when it's your turn. The critiques are very useful, would recommend them for sure

So very glad to hear that the surgery was a success! Hope that your recovery goes just as well and that it gives the results you hope for.

@Lee-White Just following up on @Ben-Migliore's comment upthread - is it true that there's a new forum coming and if so, that our posts on the existing one will be erased? If so, would be good to have a heads up so we can save anything needed...

@Mara-P Just got back and checked the number underneath...Yes it's that same model

I have a Wacom Intuos Pro Medium, and I love it! I upgraded two years ago when I decided to try digital painting properly...my previous tablet was a small entry level 2008 Wacom Bamboo. Those are the only two I've used, so I don't have much to compare with.

I use it with my iMac (or with laptop) and it works great. Everyone's different of course, and other artists here are really happy with their own favourites. But quality-wise it's been great (both tablet and pen have been carted about a bit, when I've stayed in other places and wanted the option to draw...) it's had a lot of use and two years later it's still fine.

Hope you find something you're happy with

I love the idea of a new monthly challenge, this is great. It's great that SVS is doing something new to encourage us to post and get involved in the social media side of things...I'll try to find the time to enter this.

Love the idea that the winner of each month's contest gets to illustrate the next one too! (wondering whether you'd need to stagger it, so that each winner gets enough time to do a decent illustration...I'm sure you'll figure it out though

@Charlie-Eve-Ryan Oh my goodness - I'm so sorry to hear that you've been going through this. You come across as really strong and positive - and I'm sure that will serve you well. All fingers crossed that the surgery goes well - sending hopeful thoughts your way!