Sunset Shimmer Four Ways -- Revised

Revision Notes (Jan 19, 2017):  Deadlines can be a wonderful thing.  Lord knows that I'd get far less done without them.  That said, sometimes they result in an image that I'm not overly thrilled with... especially when I bite off more than I can chew in the time provided.  The original version of this was a case in point...  I love Sunset, but my attempt to do her in a more "realistic" style just didn't work for me.  I didn't like the expression, or the proportions or any of it, really, but I wanted it done for the Shimmer Day celebration and so I was kind of stuck with it.  

But rather than be haunted by all of the things I didn't care for every time I saw it in my gallery afterwards, I just opened it up and started working on it again, pushing her more towards her cartoonish proportions, changing the expression, cleaning up the hastily done pony version of her.  Is it perfect now?  Hardly... I'm sure, given enough time, I'll see a ton of other adjustments I'd want to make.  But this version has enough that I like to be satisfied.

My apologies to anyone who didn't care to be dragged back by a notice to see an image they don't feel is significantly changed... I promise I won't make a habit of this kind of thing.  The original is now in "scraps":  

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So, which version of Sunset do I want to draw for Shimmer Day 2016, I asked myself.  Clearly, I was not able to come to a decision.  I do kind of like the idea of the raging she-demon and angelic Sunset as the classic whisper-in-your-ear shoulder angel and devil though, so indecision isn't all bad.  I still struggle with how to draw a more "realistic" version of the Equestria Girls designs, mixing it up a bit each time.  This one came out more Disney-ish, which maybe makes Sunset a bit too innocent looking.  I don't know.  Regardless, we're quickly losing daylight on this Autumnal Equinox, so I need to post this before her day is past!

Ultimately, I wanted to get in on the celebration of the character because I've grown to like her quite a bit.  She is still, by mane pony standards, a bit too thinly defined...  Most of the major (and even supporting characters) have a few more directly identifiable personality traits than Sunset does.  However, her journey for acceptance after her past misdeeds made for a compelling story that quickly got many fans rooting for her and invested in her, which is always a plus in a major character.  I'll be curious to see where they're taking her in the next film and beyond.  Hopefully at some point she can pop back to Equestria and reunite with Celestia...  I'd love to see more of pony Shimmer... But I'll take whatever crazy form they give her next.



After being told to do so numerous times, I have finally set up a tip jar at Ko-Fi:  ko-fi.com/harwicksart
If you're feeling generous and would like to encourage me, feel free to drop me a small amount... it would be most appreciated!