Torments and joys

I have vivid memories of the first lockdown during quarantine. I spent two weeks at home, playing The Witcher 3 non-stop. Despite the chaotic situation with the pandemic, those two weeks became a cherished oasis and created some of the best memories for me. Over the next three years, I faced many challenges, and whenever things got tough, I found myself reminiscing about those two weeks.

Towards the end of 2023, fate gave me a wonderful gift - Larian Studios' game Baldur's Gate 3 and the fascinating character of Astarion. It's hard to put into words the mix of emotions I experienced while immersing myself in this game. The joy and excitement were so overwhelming, especially amidst my own mental struggles, that it felt like a storm of energy was raging inside me, seeking an outlet. By chance, fate also led me to discover a stunning 3D fan art by a talented young artist, Nee Arts, which resonated deeply with my state of mind. It was as if the art, like my own longing, yearned to break free from the confines of computer graphics, seeking its own release.

After several months of work, the painting was finally ready. The fictional boy came to life, and I felt a sense of stability.

There were many challenges encountered while painting this picture, such as identifying and correcting anatomical errors, including twisted and broken collarbones, dislocated shoulders, and disproportionate arms. There was also amusement around how unnaturally tense the muscles appeared in this pose. Working with chiaroscuro presented its own challenge due to the complex but beautiful lighting. Without attempting to create an exact replica, the painting naturally reflected some of my own features onto the character's face, perhaps only understandable on a subconscious level.

I am grateful to all the people who contributed to creating the game, the character, and the overall atmosphere.