An old piece of teen Lloyd and Arin for my au 💚🧡

Hey everyone! I'm so thrilled to share a bit more about the inspiration and process behind my Ninjago AU fanart piece featuring teen Lloyd and Arin. You know how sometimes you just get an idea that sticks with you? For this alternate universe, I really wanted to explore a more tranquil side of their lives, away from all the intense battles and villain-fighting. Imagining teen Lloyd and Arin in a peaceful, natural setting felt so right, almost like a much-needed retreat for them. When I started sketching, I envisioned a serene forest stream, almost like a hidden oasis where they could simply *be*. I spent a lot of time focusing on creating a truly immersive environment. I wanted the surroundings to feel incredibly 'lush green,' with towering trees, delicate vines intertwining, and scattered small white flowers adding a touch of magic to the scene. Drawing teen Arin sitting by the forest stream, with that gentle, content smile on his face, was a particular joy. He often carries so much responsibility, so seeing him relaxed and simply enjoying the moment was a key part of this vision for my AU. His dark curly hair and yellow shirt stood out beautifully against the greenery. And then there's teen Lloyd, peacefully floating face-up in the water, eyes closed, completely at ease. It’s a rare moment of calm for him, isn't it? I really enjoyed rendering the reflections on the water and making sure the lily pads looked just right, gently cradling him in the stream. I even made sure to include his signature green pendant, a subtle but important nod to his ninja identity, even in this wonderfully peaceful scene. His blonde hair gently fanning out in the water adds so much to the serenity of the moment. I also considered the subtle hints of the wider magical world, like the faint red dragon-like figure in the background, adding a layer of mystery to their peaceful escape. This piece is really about capturing a moment of pure, unadulterated peace and connection between these two beloved characters in my alternate universe. For me, creating Ninjago fanart, especially for characters like Lloyd and Arin, is a way to delve deeper into their personalities and imagine scenarios that bring them joy and a bit of respite. It's a nod to the quiet moments we sometimes wish for our heroes, showing them as vulnerable, yet utterly content. I often think about how these characters, especially as teens, would cope with their world, and peaceful moments like this are my way of giving them a break. What are your favorite peaceful Ninjago moments? Or what kind of AU would you love to see for Lloyd and Arin? I’d love to hear your thoughts and ideas!