Originally created for a Black Forest Gateau Stout, this piece finds its strength in the tension between traditional and digital mediums. Ryan begins with ink on cartridge paper, establishing a foundation of gritty detail seen in the barren branches and ancient fortress walls, before applying digital color via a Wacom Cintiq to create a vibrant, otherworldly atmosphere.

The landscape is framed with the narrative intent of a comic, capturing a moment of spirited adventure as a lone figure faces the unknown. By balancing artificial light sources against a deep, moonlit environment, Ryan evokes a sense of folk horror that feels both grounded and deeply surreal, turning a commercial commission into a rich exploration of the spirited frontier.