The Longing Archangel

"I saw the angel in the marble and carved until I set him free." ~Michelangelo.

This piece was inspired by the quote above and a random picture that was texted to me a while back of a figure being carved out of marble.  I wanted to work a bit with anatomy, and this angel (whoever he is), was the perfect subject for it.  I am always wanting to capture the mystique, majesty and intensity of angels, and it's been forever since I last drew one (the cherubim and seraphim picture that I did forever ago).  This started out as a shading piece, and like most of my other shading pieces...it turned out so much quicker and better than when I start with a sketch.  I don't get that. XD  Regardless, I am quite pleased with how this came out. ^_^

Done in about 6 1/2 hours over the course of 4 days.