Aries. Character loosely self-portraited (I'm an Aries myself).

Ruled by Mars, goddess of war, color : RED. Fiery, passionate, impulsive, impatient, hasty, forceful, courageous, confident and strong-willed.

She's far from perfect and full of contradictions. I wanted to portray that in this painting.

She looks ahead in a sure gaze paying no mind to her surroundings and while she exudes courage, passion and confidence (exemplified by her fiery red hair, also symbolic of a 'headstrong' Aries), there are softer elements to her (the green and the blue, representing other astrology signs like water and air, usually the more sensitive/emotional types).

Rarely, she's also susceptible to outside influences, particularly those on the darker side (the more depressing colors creeping up on the sides of her) and might even harbor a little bit of darkness herself (single strand of black hair on her right).

But as always, she looks on. Regardless of contradictions (the clash of warm + cold colors), obstacles, positive or negative influences, her gaze is steady because she is sure and lives with no regrets. She knows, whatever the future holds in store, she'll take them on with the same enthusiasm, courage and passion that's in her nature and with that, nothing stands in her way.

Medium: really crappy watercolor pencils, first time I've used watercolor pencils actually =/

Time: 6-7 hours.

WIP: [link]