renlo

[renlo]

Some Procreate doodles! I recently realized that I can (sort of) apply the same logic that I use when shading in MS Paint to other programs, and now drawing is a little bit more fun!

Also, a deep heartfelt thanks to everyone who left congratulations on my last post! If I don't reply, please know that it's just because I've been distracted by Adult Duties™ (and I'm also terribly shy, lol).

[renlo]

This is a couple of weeks late, but I'm extremely excited to say that I've completed my master's degree! After a lot of headache, prayers, and sleepless nights, I'm so thankful that this chapter is finished. I'm still working on getting fully licensed (which is a headache in itself :'D ), but I'm trying to let myself sit in gratitude.

Fun fact, I not only forgot to draw a tassel in this drawing, but I forgot to bring mine to graduation! It wasn't as embarrassing as I thought it would be.

[renlo]

I recently got a retwist and despite it being my thousandth time doing so, I'm still surprised by how flat my locs get afterward.

[renlo]

Old MS Paint art to celebrate the last little bit of Black History Month!

‘Worthy’.  Microsoft Paint + Pixlr E.

Happy New Year!  We’re a month in, but the year is still fairly new I think.  The New Year brought on the start of grad school, some battles with mental health and wellness, and surgery for my little puppy (she only got fixed, nothing serious!), so my schedule has been a bit rough.  So finishing this was such a relief!  I’ve been enjoying the vintage, orange-brown 70′s aesthetic and wanted to incorporate that into this piece.

(To anyone waiting on responses, please don’t worry - I will reply soon!)

[renlo]

Rest Awhile. Microsoft Paint.

I realize I draw a lot of sleepy girls, which may be due in part to my own chronic sleepiness.

Speaking of - please be sure to take care of yourselves! Rest when your body needs it, stay hydrated, and spend time with people who make you feel loved.

[renlo]

Resharing old MS Paint for Black History Month!

Fruitful.  Microsoft Paint, 2019.

Long time no see!  I've had to take a break from creating art for a little while, but this was something I managed to finish somewhat recently.  

Available on RedBubble! 

[renlo]

Oodles of doodles and comic WIPs that may or may not be finished.

[renlo]

Life has been a little hectic (and I'm still sorting out my schedule and obligations), but I'm thankful for those blessed windows of time when I can just spend time drawing/gaming with my husband and puppy (and any other loved ones).

[renlo]

Despite the Rain. Microsoft Paint.

Happy New Year! 2024 was a tough year, and the last few months in particular have been full of long nights, headaches, and desperate prayers. Though I'm still frustrated by many things, I'm also thankful to walk out of this year with so many loved ones and friends.

Thank you for checking out my art. I pray that 2025 is gentler on us all. <3

[renlo]

Drawn after having an unexpectedly (and satisfyingly) productive evening.

As someone who struggles with (a very mild) chronic illness and depression, mustering the energy to crawl out of bed can be challenging at times. This is made worse by the lack of sunlight and some of the challenges life has brought (mostly dealing with grad school).

But whenever I manage to get up at a reasonable time and do just a few things on my checklist, I feel proud. I'm also learning to forgive myself for the days when I lack the energy to do what I want. Doing a little bit is better than none at all.

(To those who have sent messages - thanks for being so patient! Life has been a lot recently, but I'll try to respond soon!)

[renlo]

Breathe. Take deep, slow breaths.

If you're able, please get something yummy and filling to eat. Let yourself cry. Hug someone who loves you. Let your body rest. Please have grace for yourself. It's hard to function in chaos, and it's okay if you aren't 100% right now. Lean into your community.

It is hard and unfair. It hurts. But you're still worthy of existing.

[renlo]

I know it's been a minute since I've posted art, and there are some messages in my inbox I need to respond to (thank you for being so patient with me!) but I just can't understate how important this election is.

To those who are able, please vote. Please do not be swayed by the people who insist that your vote doesn't matter. They wouldn't be burning ballots, advertising Tr*mp and propaganda on Twitter, and disrupting voters' rights if your vote didn't matter.

Sincerely,

a queer Black person in a swing state.

[renlo]

Some rendering practice on Procreate between case studies and work!

[renlo]

I drew this with a sore mouth and a dose of antibiotics! I had my bottom wisdom teeth removed recently and I've been learning to cope with being unable to eat without being uncomfortable.

The extraction went well! I'm just excited for the chipmunk cheeks to go away.

[renlo]

Happy Bi Visibility Day! (I never finished Mass Effect 2...)

A redraw of this comic because I really didn't like how it looked and wanted to see how much my style has changed with Procreate! My style shifts pretty dramatically from one medium to another (e.g., Procreate vs. MS Paint vs. traditional art), so it's nice to see that I've made some growth!

I spent the last two years or so watching my husband play Mass Effect and got Legendary Edition for myself a while ago when it went on sale!

(Also, I've decided to romance Garrus in Mass Effect 2, though this will require breaking Liara's blue, nerdy heart.)

[renlo]

I don't like this too much, but I figured I wouldn't ever be really satisfied. I'll probably tweak this a bit, but have a Procreate doodle I've been fiddling with!

[renlo]

Some Procreate doodles! Life has been busy (though fun!) so it's nice to be able to squeeze in a drawing or two. I miss drawing on MS Paint regularly, but my iPad has been far easier to tote around than my Wacom tablet and laptop!