Yesterday I went for another Croquis Cafe session, trucking along with my figure- and gesture studies.
Larger resolution
Today I decided to do the SketchDaily theme. Since the theme for today was the author H.P. Lovecraft, my husband suggested I could do the Cthulhu. I had no idea what a Cthulhu is? But ok I’d give it a shot.
Searching information about this mighty beast I learned it is a scary horror beast, that’s supposed to be part octopus, part dragon with wings and spikes and tail and everything, and part human…
I have to admit I had trouble imagining that. And searching for references it honestly looked like I was not the only artist struggling. In various renditions I found the beast looking more like the flying spaghetti monster to me.
I was clearly on my own in this quest. So I started finding references for the various creatures of which the monster was a mix. I have to say the octopus is quite likely one of my favorite animals. So I knew I could not possibly downplay that part. I like dragons too. I had to let the creature have its wings as well, but where to stick them on an octopus to make it look somewhat natural?
Luckily I had the “human part” to save me. And with the memory of the scary Davy Jones pirate captain in “Pirates of the Caribbian: Dead Man’s Chest” I finally had an idea that might work out.
After many, many sketches I ended up with this version. It is weird as it should be and if not scary then at least alien. In spite of its weirdness I still feel it has personality. I think I might feel a bit sorry for the Cthulhu. Perhaps it’s not evil at all, just misunderstood?
