Arlon and Liliana - 20250818
Once again, I found myself returning to digital art, and this time, I created another piece featuring my OCs, Liliana and Arlon. These two are more than just characters to me—they’re mascots of my ideal romantic love, the kind of love that feels pure, gentle, and enduring. Every time I draw them, I’m not only practising my art skills but also exploring how I imagine love should look like: innocent, supportive, and filled with quiet moments of connection. This artwork is also part of my baby steps in learning kidlit-style illustration, a style I admire for its warmth, simplicity, and storytelling charm.In this piece, I illustrated Liliana and Arlon as children, sharing a quiet and tender moment at a wooden picnic table in a lush garden. The scenery is soft and colourful, filled with bright greens and floral shades that suggest a warm, sunny day—perfect for a small afternoon snack outdoors. The wooden table and chairs have a homely, rustic touch, grounding the scene in a natural simplicity that fits the childlike purity of the characters.
On the table sits a delightful little snack: sandwiches stacked neatly on white plates, filled with layers of greens, tomatoes, and cheese, giving off that comforting homemade feel. Next to the plates are cups of water, clear and plain, simple yet refreshing—the sort of detail that ties the whole picture together in its everyday innocence. Food, after all, is often a symbol of sharing, and here it becomes a bridge of connection between the two children.
Liliana sits with a sweet and gentle posture, her hands resting on the table, her gaze fixed intently on Arlon. She’s wearing her usual outfit that I’ve come to love drawing her in: a simple white strapless romper paired with white flip-flops. Her soft brown hair flows around her like waves, and a single white flower tucked in adds a delicate charm. Her large, sparkling blue eyes are wide with attention, and there’s the faintest blush on her cheeks. That blush is a subtle but meaningful detail—it hints at her secret crush on Arlon, a tender feeling she’s not quite ready to speak aloud but is visible in the way she looks at him.
Arlon, on the other hand, is animated in his expression. Dressed in his white shirt, khaki dungarees, and grey slippers, he sits opposite Liliana with one hand gesturing and the other near his chest as he speaks. His wide brown eyes shine with excitement as he shares something that clearly matters to him. The movement of his hands reveals his autistic hand stimming, something very dear to how I’ve envisioned his character. For me, showing Arlon’s stimming is important—it reflects his natural way of expressing joy and focus, and it’s presented in a positive, affirming light. In this moment, he’s not holding back; he’s simply being himself.
What touches me most about this scene is the way Liliana looks at him. She isn’t distracted by his stimming or trying to change him; instead, she’s captivated by him—listening, watching, and quietly cherishing the moment. Her blush makes it clear that her feelings go beyond simple friendship. She admires him, not in spite of his quirks, but because of who he is as a whole. That small detail—the meeting of their expressions—carries the heart of the piece.
Looking at the finished artwork, I feel it turned out fine overall. It captures the warmth I was aiming for, with that mix of innocence and romantic undertone. The kidlit style is slowly seeping into my process, though I still see many areas where I need to improve. My characters are beginning to have that soft, rounded look I want, but I know I can push further in terms of consistency, polish, and expression. The backgrounds are becoming brighter and more inviting, yet I think I need to experiment more with textures and little whimsical touches that bring kidlit art to life.
Still, each piece is a step forward, and this one feels like a meaningful step indeed. Liliana and Arlon, chatting over sandwiches on a sunny day, remind me of why I create art in the first place—not only to practise my craft but also to tell small, tender stories that reflect the kind of love and acceptance I believe in. As I keep learning, I’ll hold onto moments like this, knowing that every drawing, no matter how simple, carries a piece of my heart.Aug 18, 2025
#kidlit
#kidlitart
#friends
#boyandgirl
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