"Relapse"

Ever get that gnawing feeling deep down inside? My take on the well-worn "psychiatrist couch" gag. Sometimes I think I need help, someone to talk to... but remember: it's just one day joke at a time. 

What with such a relatively complicated/detailed background, the process of preserving clarity in the composition was of concern. So various tricks of the trade are employed, like for example varying line weight (relative thickness/boldness of lines) to demarcate areas of different depth in the picture plane. Another technique is using a “broken line” in inking so as to help set foreground objects off against the cluttered backdrop, though this subtle method effectively vanishes with the application of shading. 

The value process works in successive waves of applying areas of tone: after establishing the values in the foreground objects, 1st lay down a neutral 50% tone, a really big, discreet area, then push back a couple layers of values, using polygonal lasso tool and working only on areas as opposed to individual shapes (objects). Since the details (individual objects) aren’t clearly delineated, more sketched, suggestive lines as opposed to closed areas which would be simple to click on and adjust shading relative to surrounding values (ie contrast), it’s easier to treat the panel in terms of areas. This in theory maintains an overall value to the entire composition., so as to facilitate easier an visual “reading” of the panel. Then pull out selected highlights, and finally drop in some gradients for finishing touches as detail work.