FE SS: The Center

Here is my (Late as Late) gift for via 's Gift Exchange.
I'm sorry this is so late! Even with the extension, schoolwork and a lack of usable scanners in my life prevented me from getting this done. The lineart was completed a while before I painted it. I finished painting it around three days ago over spring break. On top of that I originally had another picture in mind back when it would have still been timely, but I got mad at it and started from scratch. Unfortunately I scanned it right before I left again, so I'm stuck with this slightly lopsided scan. I'll get a better scan in here down the line, but for now I just want you to know that I finished it, and I have not forgotten you!

I was in a big Archanea mood when I was drawing this. Sonicgal likes Shadow Dragon and Marth, so that fit right in. Not only is Archanea my favorite FE continent (even though FE9 is my favorite of the games), but playing Fire Emblem Awakening has put me in the biggest mood for the older FE games. That game is so nice to old fans. It spoils us with references and has fun with the history. I also really like how the DLC chapters pay tribute to past characters and games but is not afraid to affectionately poke fun at the characters in battle conversations and whatnot.

I wanted this to look like a poster. I don't know anything about poster art, so I just went for what I thought was visually appealing with a rougher more canvassy look. Moreover I used this as an excuse to experiment more with controlling watercolors and how I can get the paint to work for me. Some of it looks great, some of it looks... not so great... I still have plenty to learn but I had fun painting this. Hope it isn't too messy. My favorite part is his cape. Argh, the size of his head though...
Marth's all about being the charismatic center of his army. The compassionate commander and prince that values relationships and his allies above all else. While I personally don't think Marth is the best example of this in the series, this fact is a huge focal point of gameplay and main characters across the series, and it does have power. Marth is the original FE lord, so everything begins with him.