Gambit and Rogue commission (Carmen Carnero)

Ever since I first saw Carmen Carnero's color pieces on CAF, I knew I wanted to get a color commission from her.  I love the emotion she's able to convey in a piece, and with the way she does the outlines in color, her art has a softer feeling that complements the emotions on display.  I got on the waiting list for her commission list last year, and when Lake Como came around, I had an opportunity to get off the waiting list (after I also secured a Pepe Larraz commission).  Of course, I requested Gambit and Rogue and gave a couple broad ideas for the tone of the piece but let Carmen decide what to do with it.  For comparison, I think the Cyclops/Jean Grey commission that she did (not mine, but go check it out here) is absolutely amazing and a perfect example of her color work and ability to capture an emotion.  I tried to not have any expectations with mine, but it was hard not to with something like that in my mind.

In the end though, I shouldn't have worried.  Carmen took a slightly different approach here, but she went above and beyond with the details (and as usual, her color work is phenomenal).  Here we have a little romantic moment in the Danger Room (how do I have two of these commissions now?), with Gambit swooping in for a kiss while Rogue's leaning against a Sentinel head.  I actually didn't realize they were in the Danger Room until I saw the door in the background and the Sentinel hologram fading away (I thought Gambit was just trying to sneak a smooch on the battlefield, which is on-brand for him).  And I love how Carmen did Gambit's card charging energy effect and extended it up his arm and into his and Rogue's hair, emphasizing the connection they share.  It's a lovely moment (and lighting effect), and Carmen captured it beautifully.

Thanks, Icíar (and Carmen)!