Now, one of our 2013 League Captains (and Uproar Team Captain), Emtropy, was voted in as the featured poster girl for May.
Yes, May. Clearly I am far behind on this blog updating business.
Without further delay, here she is!
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| Bringin' chaos to the universe! #5X5 - Emtropy! |
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| Detail close-up! Look at all those shiny pyramid studs! And the shiny leggings! |
We actually just ended our official 2013 bouting season, so as you can imagine, I've done quite a few of these drawings by now. Even so, Em's drawing is one of my absolute favorites!
I think the reason why I love Em's drawing so much (besides the fact that it's of Em) is that everything about this drawing came together for me. And it's always satisfying when things work out even better than planned. But from the pose, to her face, to all the little details that make the image "pop," it all just fit together to make a really satisfying, cohesive drawing.
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| A detail close-up of her skates |
I always put a great deal of effort into these drawings. Always. Even so, I still often generalize certain aspects, like safety gear and skates. Em's drawing, however, was the first time that I really took the time to draw out all the hardware of the skates themselves.
Looking at the detail close-ups of the skates, you can see that I made the effort to accurately depict the boot style, plus the shape of the plates. I even drew in the trucks and the freaking bushings/cushions. It helped that I have the same skates, and therefore had a visual reference available. Otherwise I wouldn't have been able to get as specific as I did. I did leave out the laces/grommets, however, since most of the laces are completely invisible beneath the detachable overlay/lace cover.
I don't mean to toot my own horn or anything, but save for the logo that I omitted, I drew the skates accurately enough that anyone familiar with Riedell skates should be able to tell you exactly what model/set-up it is.
Seriously. Go ahead. 10 points to whoever can tell me what boot model that is.
(Disclaimer: Points are not redeemable for anything other than bragging rights. Okay, maybe a high-five.)
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| The final version of the poster featuring Emtropy |
Now, last night was actually Em's very last practice with us. I think I can speak for quite a few people when I say that I am ever so heartbroken to see her go because not only is she just a wonderful person, but her leadership has been nothing short of exemplary. Still, the heartbreak is made bearable by knowing that her departure is so that she can focus on beginning a new chapter in her personal life.
Em, you've been a truly amazing captain, and it's been an honor skating with you. When the overwhelming task of training everyone suddenly fell into your lap, not only did you pick up that responsibility with calm and grace, but you helped push us to excel even farther than I think any of us really knew to expect. And you did it while remaining humble, fair, thoughtful, organized (ironic, given your name ;P ) and remarkably patient. To merely state that I am grateful for all the time and effort that you've put into leading our league seems far too empty a gesture in return for everything you've done for us. Still, I hope you walked away knowing (and feeling) just how much we all truly love and respect you.
And if not, drop on by a practice soon so we can all swarm you with sweaty, smelly hugs :)
So much effin' derby love to you, Emtropy! And best of luck in everything you do!
-------------2014 Update! ----------------
I am ever so happy to report that Emtropy couldn't stay away for too long :) She's back to being a full-fledged member of our league, and we couldn't be more ecstatic!
