Mr. Toad, The Tortoise.
I needed a builder. I needed a wise builder. I needed an older character that had been through the wringer more than once. Mr. Toad, the tortoise was born through that need.
Okay, that is a lie. Originally he was called Toad the Turtle. There! The truth is out. Why did his species change you might wonder? It was all @Brisby's fault. Yup, blame her for making me research! I know, but I still love her! 😻
The original sketch
Brisby was subtle in wondering if he was really a turtle or a tortious. I do not think she knows how that compliment, on my sketch I sent her, niggled at the back of my brain. Finally, it niggled so much I went to visit my best friend Google and...errr....Google.
Did you know most tortoises have some yellow on their faces?
Tortoises have more rounded and domed shells where turtles have thinner, more water-dynamic shells. Turtle shells are more streamlined to aid in swimming.
One major key difference is that tortoises spend most of their time on land and turtles are adapted for life spent in water.~Nashville Zoo
The colored pencil alone was looking...like a colored pencil. Markers fixed this.
Learning that turtles live mostly in water surprised me. Who knew! A water-dwelling character was not what I needed or wanted at this time. Tortoise it was! Now if tortoise was as easy to spell as turtle life would be much easier. 😹
Adding colored pencils on top of the marker brought Mr. Toad to life.
To learn more about Mr. Toad I took a side trip to his home to see what he liked for himself. I already knew he is very innovative in his building technics for others but I wanted to see where he lived.
He lived a simple life in the first house he ever built long, long, long ago.
Please do not tell him it is a tad crooked.
It would hurt his feelings. 🙄
Late last night I put the finishing touches on Mr. Toad's portrait. I could not be happier with how it turned out!! He looks just like I wanted him to. Wise.
Ancient and Wise, Mr. Toad is the catalyst for many people to come.
Deep breath
You have now met another character I have made. I hope you will learn to love him as much as I do when you meet him in the months? Years? to come. He holds a special place in my heart for many reasons. One being I finally had to courage to share him in a post.
Thank you all for your support in everything I do. You all give me the strength to go outside my comfort zone to learn new things each day. Without you all, I would not still be here. Thank YOU so much for that!!
Help someone smile today. It can not hurt you.
Snook
All photos are mine unless otherwise stated
