Showcasing My Latest Creations: ‘Stone Hold,’ ‘Pulled,’ and ‘Looker’”

As an artist, every piece tells a unique story and carries a part of the journey that shaped its creation. In showcasing my latest creations, “Stone Hold,” “Pulled,” and “Looker,” I explore themes of transformation, inner strength, and mysticism. These works represent a deeper dive into my artistic process, and here, I’ll take you through the inspiration, design process, and meaning behind these three pieces.

1. “Stone Hold”

“Stone Hold” is a powerful visual narrative that captures a moment of eternal stillness and strength. This piece depicts a figure encased in stone, gripping a sword that symbolizes unyielding resilience and vigilance. The character’s eyes and ethereal aura hint at their mystical origin, suggesting they are more than just a sentinel, they are a guardian of timeless power.

Inspiration

The idea for “Stone Hold” was born from the concept of perseverance and the weight of responsibility. The stone encasement represents the burdens we carry, while the light emanating from the character reflects the inner strength required to endure and protect what matters most.

Design Process

I began by painting the piece in greyscale using Clip Studio to establish the composition and values. Then, I used Photoshop to add color, incorporating a cool, muted palette with highlights of glowing white and blue to emphasize the supernatural elements. The detailed textures of the stone contrast with the soft glow of the sword, creating a balance between raw strength and divine energy.

2. “Pulled”

“Pulled” is a haunting exploration of duality and the interplay between control and chaos. The character is caught in a surreal state where their form begins to fragment and merge with an otherworldly force. The cascading flow of purples and blacks represents an ominous presence, while the character’s golden skin adds a sense of vulnerability amidst the chaos.

Inspiration

This piece explores themes of internal conflict and the feeling of being pulled in opposing directions. It draws on personal experiences of navigating between stability and the unpredictability of external pressures.

Design Process

I focused on creating contrast between the fluid, chaotic background and the sharp, stoic form of the character. The use of purples adds depth and mystery, while the minimal lighting highlights the figure’s introspective pose. The goal was to evoke an emotional response that captures the tension between surrender and resistance.

3. “Looker”

“Looker” is a visceral and evocative portrait of a being whose fiery aura and intense gaze dominate the composition. The character’s hair transforms into streaks of molten energy, radiating both warmth and danger. With its smoldering tones and piercing white eyes, this piece captures the essence of raw, unbridled power.

Inspiration

“Looker” reflects the concept of transformation through fire, symbolizing destruction, renewal, and rebirth. It’s inspired by the resilience required to face life’s most intense challenges and emerge stronger.

Design Process

This piece was created with a warm palette dominated by fiery oranges and deep shadows to emphasize the character’s intensity. I layered dynamic brushstrokes to create movement, particularly in the energy flowing from the character’s head. The white eyes act as the focal point, drawing viewers into the character’s mysterious presence.

Themes Across These Pieces

Each of these pieces, “Stone Hold,” “Pulled,” and “Looker,” stands alone, yet they share common themes of transformation, mysticism, and inner strength. Through showcasing my latest creations, these works weave a broader narrative of characters navigating moments of intense change and self-discovery. Together, they highlight the profound emotional journey that defines their essence, blending storytelling with stunning visual artistry.

Engage with My Work

I’d love to hear your thoughts on these pieces! Which one resonates with you the most? Let me know in the comments or on social media.

📸 Follow me on Instagram: @tiagoaleixo
🐦 Connect on Twitter/X: @tiagoaleixo
📌 Find me on Pinterest: Tiago Aleixo

If you’re interested in learning more about my process or purchasing prints of these works, feel free to reach out. Thank you for supporting my artistic journey.