Illustration Friday-Smitten

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This is my entry for Illustration Friday's "smitten". I first consulted the dictionary, "strike with a firm blow" was the first entry. Reading about the origin of the word, it seems to come from another word based on "smear". So a squashed mosquito seemed to fit the bill. Originally hailing from Minnesota, I have indeed squished many of the these buggers.

I created the background by printing out a texture (thinking about a flyswatter or a tent screen), distressing it, and painting a wash over it. I drew the mosquito in Freehand, printed the image, and transferred it using Contact Paper, which caused the distressed look. I then mixed up red paint and made squished marks with my finger onto white paper (doing my best to imagine real, juicy mosquitos...because I want my work to be AUTHENTIC!). I then compiled the three pieces via scanner and Photoshop, tweaking as necessary, plus a bit of magic.

This is posted late, after the week was over. Oh well. I think this will also be the inspiration for this week's entry of "ghost", so be prepared for another verision.

Feedback welcome.