I did a lot of researching and checking to make sure everything matched up. I looked up pictures of Chinese people, Chinese hair styles, referenced color, clothes, jewelry etc. It was difficult, especially since my original machine would crash in the middle of making her and the edges would stutter from the computer just not being able to handle it. Ironic since this is supposed to be the goddess of mercy, art and give you a sense of purity and peace.

A friend looked at this and said it was accurate. (The symbols, and she looked Chinese enough.)

Thus I started in January 2007 and didn't finish until June 2008. It took 6 months, a new computer and Adobe Photoshop CS3 Extended to finally get her to satisfaction. (I might tweak it a bit though.)

Willows, dove, the lotus are all signs of this goddess. White and lavender are used because those are the colors of the maiden and of this goddess. She is often compared to the Virgin Mary in China.

BTW, pen and tablet definitely work better in CS3.... especially on the Mac.

Materials:
-Pencil (Initially)
-Pen (initially)
- Adobe Photoshop CS 2
- Adobe Photoshop CS 3 Extended
- Wacom Pen and tablet (9x12)
- Mac Intel, Power PC 2001

Previous Versions:
-Initial sketch
-Version 1
-Version 2
-Version 3
-Version 4

Credits:
Flaming Pear--Gold texturing using Super Blade Pro
stock.xchngThe pattern on the frame (heavily modified) and the dove (various doves)
Hanfu Dot Org--hanfu reference, hands reference
Guan Yin--image and symbolism references, Chinese character reference.

Symbols I found from other sites and reading. (Such as the willow, lotus, dove, color theming, etc.)