{fanart} Merlin's Favorite

[altocello]

Do I really need to warn for crossdressing art on my journal anymore?

Drew this for Challenge #5 over at merlin_ficart. There were so many prompts I wanted to take but, alas, I only ended up having time to do one. But this is the one! Here is my illustration for the lovely "Gray Lace and Satin Roses" by riventhorn.

Beta'd by the ever amazing reni_m, amphigoury, and gfeather, with serious support from the folks at gsdmerlin.



Graphite on grey paper.

Comments

[riventhorn.livejournal.com]

THIS IS SO GORGEOUS. I love Arthur's pose, and the way the shoulder strap is slipping down. Oh--and the way the fabric is draped around his legs, too--GUH that is sexy. And the expression on his face--he looks so peaceful, which is how I imagine him. Also love the little hint of art deco(?) design on the headboard--it looks very 1920s.

I think my favorite thing about it, though, is that you didn't feminize his body. He is still very muscular and broad shouldered. That was such an important thing for me in those stories--that Arthur didn't want to be a woman in the biological sense of the word or even with feminized mannerisms--but that he loves the clothing that has been gendered as "female." (Ugh-I find the terms "masculine/male", "feminine/female" very problematic, but hopefully I've gotten my point across). Anyway, I just really love that you picked up on that and drew him like this. ♥♥

I'll add a link to this on my story!

Thank you, thank you! :)

[altocello.livejournal.com]

I'm SO glad you like it! :D It's always a bit nerve-inducing, creating a piece for someone; you never know if your vision is the same as their vision.

And I keep trying to write a cogent response to your comment, but haven't had any success, lol. A brief summary would be, "YES, THAT!" to all of your points, because they are exactly what I hoped you would take away from it. Especially the one about him still being very much a MAN in a dress. <3