Okami - Yamata no Orochi

Here's my tribute to (another) game that's managed to deeply touch me. I really loved playing Okami. I promised a few people I'd make it some fanart, so voilà.

For those unfamiliar with the game; this is a scene from the game's prologue which can be seen here: [link] It explains a bit of the story if you're interested. If you don't want it spoiled all you need to know is that the white wolf is Amaterasu, the Japanese Goddess of the Sun. The other is the eight-headed serpent Yamata no Orochi. I've listened a lot to the beautiful music of Okami's OST during painting.

I was particularly amazed by the art-style of the bestiary in the game (if you've played the game you'll know what I mean) I did my very best to recreate a scene from the game's prologue in that same style. Of course I loved the in-game style just as much, but I know tons of other artist who master that style a million times better than I ever could

I used this reference for the borders: [link] (the layout) and this: [link] for Orochi (the serpent). I wanted to have a similar design, but I don't think I succeeded all that well. At some point I had a moon, a couple of mountains and bamboo in the BG, but I scrapped them in the end. They were a bit too distracting I guess.

Things I like about it is Amaterasu (close-up posted here [link]) and the BG (scroll). The rest (read: Orochi) was pain-stakingly difficult for me to paint.

If you haven't played the game, please play it. I need to rant to someone about its awesomeness.

~Vyrilien

Medium: As always, Painter 2, but this time with a little more help of Photoshop CS2 than usual (thank you, color burn)

Time Taken: eons, maybe 20 hours or so

PS: Sorry it's fanart this time, I hope to come with something better next time.