iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Anything worth doing is worth doing //*math_noises.mp3*// is worth doing eighty times. Prepped out the pages one night, got paint on two sheets yesterday. Plains page needs another coat or so of paint, beige page is good to go in the Blank Bank. #art #mtg #acrylic #alter #mtgalter

Image shows cards being taped to pages in a two by four layout. All stages are shown, blank sheets, stack of cards, partial sheet, painters tape, and full pages.

Image shows the mental state of the artist-- wait no I mean image shows ten pages of eight cards each. Five pages, one of each of the basic lands, the other five pages of booster chaff / arena ad cards.

Underpainting values on a sheet of plains. Diy wet pallet, brush w/rest.

One day's work, two pages shown. Top page is the underpainted plains and needs another coat of paint for chroma, bottom sheet is all flat colors and is good to add to the bank of blanks.

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xaM @maxeart.bsky.social · 09/10/2026

We begin to understand our misunderstanding of geometry in the hell between worlds. The steady stream of souls pass under a portal, a wicked hole punched into the illusion of reality. Above we see the counter point, where two grand magi siphon power from a higher plane. #art #painting #hellscape

The second of six hellscapes.

It seems strange to see devils working together which gives rise to the thought of why. As the souls stream through so too do drops of power drip through the rupture in the sky. The magi hold the demons bound to lead the souls to their demise. The wheel turns and the sands pass through the hourglass. Greater loci dredging ectoplankton and accumulating value, using the flow of time with advantage.

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xaM @maxeart.bsky.social · 08/10/2026

Vanilla chai with maple syrup and cream because I'm a heathen. Realized sitting on the porch requires pants so that part can also wait until tomorrow. /sips/ Ahhhhhhhhhhh

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xaM @maxeart.bsky.social · 08/10/2026

Today's Technique: Take a Break The work will still be there tomorrow. Take a break before your body breaks you, before you break your body. Make a nice cup of tea and go sit out on your porch wearing a comfy sweater and dual wield the mug, take long sips and go ahhhh a bunch. #art #mtg #life

My work strewn about my living room. Woke up with a sledgehammer headache, threw up, managed to doze for an hour or two, head is still killing me. Genuinely physically can't get anything done today. Hoping the tylenol kicks in soon. Maybe you'll get a spooky painting tomorrow. 💚

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xaM @maxeart.bsky.social · 07/10/2026

Meow~ Painted this a looong time ago but thankfully I still have the original photos! Not available, fairly certain my sibling has this one. #art #acrylic #painting #halloween #october #fall #autumn #cat #pumpkin #spoopy #spooptober

A black cat peers out from a pumpkin patch

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xaM @maxeart.bsky.social · 07/10/2026

Souls of the damned mill aimless, some drifting towards the piercing light in the distance. Lesser devils flicker through the twisted blood bog, seeking to tempt individuals, but the giant sanguipod patiently awaits a larger meal. Acrylic and Posca on Canvas 16"x20" #hell #art #painting #hellscape

The first in a series of six hellscapes I painted. This one depicts a shallow plane, the damned souls trudging through knee deep blood bogs. Shadows of devils flicker through the image, seeking to capture one soul at a time. Patiently the giant sanguipod waits for larger prey. And yes even just painting it gave /me/ the creepy crawlies

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xaM @maxeart.bsky.social · 04/10/2026

In the hell between worlds many foul fauna graze on the steady streams of souls passing through. Seen here a symboparasitic demon, the lesser bloodwurm piloting the carcass of a greater grisequis like a cadaverous marionette. Available Posca/Acrylic on Canvas 16"x20" #hell #art #spooky #painting

A symboparasitic demon, the cadaver of a greater grisequis being puppeted by a lesser bloodwurm. The wurm eats its fill of human souls while the beast tramples through the leftovers. Belly and mouth filled, the flickering echo of consciousness never thinking to chew the one thing keeping it subservient and malnourished. The stowaway on a long forgotten meal now fattened first mate to a dying captain aboard a rotting ship.

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xaM @maxeart.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

I am /beyond/ wiped out but wanted to post the last of this batch:: the full set of full text Counterspells! Those of you who are familiar know I work in batches so I won't be doing the full month of Octoken, but I'll post more spooky paintings to fill in. #mtg #magic #alter #mtgalter #mtgalters

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xaM @maxeart.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cultiva... "For the person sometimes called 'cultivator', see 'farmer'. A cultivator is a piece of agricultural equipment used for secondary tillage. One name means a frame with teeth that pierce the soil." Acrylic on Canvas 20"x20" Available #art #acrylic #painting #gold

I wanted to know the name of the item used in home gardening, the sort of claw thing with three tines, and the term I came across was 'cultivator'. The painting pictured in this post is a square 20"x20" canvas painted gold with a skeletal figure holding a polearm sized version of one.

Hidden secret meaning don't tell anyone:: it's a commentary on the human experience as a counter motif against the imagery typically associated with a 'reaper'.

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xaM @maxeart.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

Welcome to spooky month! νεκρονομικόν (Necronomicon) "Book of the Dead" Acrylic on Canvas 9"x12" Available for bookings, Commissions Open #art #acrylic #painting #necronomicon #hell #spooky #october #halloween

νεκρονομικόν (Necronomicon) *I will neither confirm nor deny the allegations regarding the use of so called "face leather" in the fabrication of this product.

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xaM @maxeart.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

DUMPSTER DRAFT!! Having some friends over for a Dumpster Draft tonight and figured I'd share the fun with you. Format details and the night's updates to follow. 1/? #mtg #magic #dumpster #trash #draft #sealed #pauper #cube #chaff #slag #free #fun

Feels weird just taking a picture of a box of cards but that's what it is.

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xaM @maxeart.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

Every journey a destination, every destination a journey. If you're not where you need to be - keep going. Human life is more valuable than money and if you say otherwise I don't trust you. Commissions open #mtg #magic #alter #proxy #mtgproxy

Misty Rainforest Proxy. The rainbow comes after the rain ❤️🧡💛💚💙💜🤎🖤🩷🩵🩶🤍

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xaM @maxeart.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

This was sitting in my backlog and got picked up with the tide on my latest commission. Getting towards the end of this batch (12 of 15) and am running low on things to share, should I do a deck tour or a binder tour next? For Sale, Commissions Open #mtg #magic #alter #mtgalter #mtgalters

Viridian Shaman Art Extension, forgot to double back and clean up the text boxes but otherwise happy with it

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xaM @maxeart.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

Anybody else pronounce it Culti-va-tay or is it just me? Available! Commissions open #mtg #magic #alter #mtgalter #mtgalters

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xaM @maxeart.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

Another great example of slapping goofy faces on proxies! Didn't make the cut for the tournament last weekend, but still in consideration for next month. Essentially I cut Neoform effects for "safer" 2-for-1 tutors like Survival of the Fittest. #mtg #magic #alter #proxy #mtgalter #mtgproxy

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xaM @maxeart.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

Destroy Target Artifact Or Enchantment Wanted to see how they'd look without priming/underpainting as opposed to the playset of counterspells I knocked out. Really happy with how they turned out!! Available! Commissions open #mtg #magic #alter #mtgalter #mtgalters

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xaM @maxeart.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

It's a lot of fun to slap goofy expressions on universes beyond proxies! This one did not turn out silly enough for my tastes but I still played it. Is there any interest in me doing a deck tour or do people prefer to see these one at a time? #mtg #magic #alter #proxy #mtgalter #mtgproxy

Wan Shi Tong, Librariano Significado wait don't listen to me I don't speak Italian. NOBODY POINTOUT THE TEXTCRAM ALSO I SEEBLUE SKYHAS NOTFIXED THEISSUE WHEREALT TEXT SEEMSTO IGNORESPACING I'MNOT ANGRYYOU'RE ANGRYBUT ALSOYES I AM ANGRYABOUT IT

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xaM @maxeart.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

Did I win a cedh tournament this weekend? No. No I did not. Did I have a great time? Abso-fucking-lutely! Available, commissions open, check out my profile and drop me a line! #mtg #magic #alter #mtgalter #mtgalters

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xaM @maxeart.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

I know Kung Fu! Getting ready for my first cedh tournament tomorrow, swapping out Thousand Year Elixir to slot this in. I need to hit the goldfish one last time and finalize my list but otherwise I'm good to go! Really looking forward to it #mtg #magic #alter #proxy #mtgalter #mtgproxy

I know Kung Fu! Shang-Chi proxy on a stripped foil.

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xaM @maxeart.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

Counter target spell. Did a batch of these, I always debate whether to post them as a group or just highlight individual pieces. Available - Commissions Open #mtg #magic #alter #mtgalter #mtgalters #calligraphy

An altered Counterspell with the rules text "Counter target spell." in large calligraphy. Didn't realize that one guideline would still be so obvious but oh well.

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xaM @maxeart.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

SNOOOORLAX Super excited to finally share this!! Picked up this commission a few weeks ago and am so grateful, it was a lot of fun to work on! NFS - Commissions Re-opened #mtg #magic #alter #mtgalter #pokemon #snorlax

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xaM @maxeart.bsky.social · 06/09/2026

Today's Technique: One Drop If you're working on a small canvas, with small brushes, or doing small detail work, you might only need one drop of a given color. You can pour more out but you can't put it back in! Bonus Tip: reserve paint in the same order as the palette. #art #mtg #alter #mtgalter

Wet palette demonstrating the one drop technique.

Negative points minus points so many deductions to anyone who points out that one blue that double dripped.

Been working on a commission and have a backlog of cards to finish/varnish. Hoping to have new work to show soon!!

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xaM @maxeart.bsky.social · 21/08/2026

My hubris lies in using pigments that don't photograph easily and then being surprised when the finished painting doesn't either 🙃 Acrylic on canvas 18×24" Available, Commissions Open Happy Friday! #art #acrylic #painting #abstract #landscape #abstractscape #metallic #opalescent #iridescent #uv

Oof like I know my walls aren't white but like double oof wait no I mean I'm supposed to be talking about thispainting butalso whydoes the alt textkeep not giving mespaces when I type out wordsit's really drivingme crazythat my swipetext isn'tauto populating spaces very frustratingsince it worksfine in the bodyof the postit's like everythird word forgets it happy Friday

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xaM @maxeart.bsky.social · 16/08/2026

Today's Technique: Straight Lines Getting straight lines is all about removing wobble. Take deep breaths to help regulate your heartbeat. Breathe in, and then draw your line as you exhale, smooth and consistent. Notice the mechanical interaction between your arm, pen, and paper. #art #imperfect

Tracing the lines on ruled paper feels like cheating until you get the courage to try between the lines

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xaM @maxeart.bsky.social · 14/08/2026

Sooooool Rabbit Hip hop it fri day, time to make some bad decisions Been leaning pretty heavy on poscas, aiming to get back to the brush in the next batch or two Available, commissions open #mtg #magic #alter #mtgalter #mtgalters #rabbit #hare

The hip the hop the hippy the hoppy it don't stop. Sol Ring rabbit alter, cropped a little tight around the ears eh oh well

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xaM @maxeart.bsky.social · 13/08/2026

FORG - Poliwhirl Pottery As I get more eyes on my work I'm curious, what do you like/dislike about hand made proxies? What do you want to see next? I've been focusing on my cedh deck and it wouldn't hurt to shift gears, I'm thinking more reserve list staples. #mtg #magic #alter #proxy #mtgproxy

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xaM @maxeart.bsky.social · 13/08/2026

I'm worried that my therapist had a stroke today. I did everything I could but am still left with "could I have done more?" I'm essentially in the dark til next week. None of that has to do with this alter, it's just weighing on me. Tell the people in your life you love them. #mtg #magic #alter

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xaM @maxeart.bsky.social · 11/08/2026

Went to a chaos draft last night and got second of four, first place landed a rav remaster blood crypt and I traded some alters for a thundy juncty dust bowl. All in, a good night. Definitely feeling the dip today but doing the thing and posting consistently. #mtg #magic #alter #proxy #mtgproxy

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xaM @maxeart.bsky.social · 10/08/2026

In the eternal words of Fatboy Slim, "life is too short to be unhappy". Did a ring pop alter a few weeks back and they keep showing up in my ads, so rather than getting upset I just made more. Free reference photo hack! Available, commissions open #mtg #magic #alter #mtgalter #mtgalters

Pictured: Arcane Signet altered as a green ring pop

Fatboy Slim - That Old Pair Of Jeans

All you used to do was put me down
But I found a way to pick myself up off the ground
And all you used to do was criticize me
But now I found the good and I emphasize it see
You would always get so sensitive
And try to turn your transgressions into my guiltiness
But now I'm certain of the way I live
And what I'm responsible for in this twisted game
And it's such a shame
That you try to make pain
Another word for my name
Whether giving or receiving
It's one and the same
Just one more link
In your long-ass chain
But it's time to break
This frame and my strengthful will
Time to jump off this negative cycle we've built
Gave my heart
But my self-respect you won't steal
Now it's time to let ya go if you can't hear or feel me go
So I asked my momma for her two cents
And then I asked my little sister and I asked my friend
Then I asked my poppa once and I asked him again
Came to the consensus from all them opinions
That life is too short to be unhappy
And since I know what I'm worth there'll be no settling for dirt
Knowing what I deserve is gold
If I want diamonds then I can't settle for coal
Maybe I was just too strong to let go
Maybe I was just too weak to let it show
Maybe I was just too stubborn to say "No"
But whatever the case I can't take it no more
Sometimes I think maybe we'll patch it all up
Like a favorite pair of jeans that you won't give up on
Or maybe one of these arguments will make up
And start again like when we started this up
Back when everything was fresh
And every moment a blessing
I'd laugh at all of your jokes
You'd listen to my suggestions
One mind, one soul,
One common destination
Now we can't help but fight over the direction
You've got to slow down...

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xaM @maxeart.bsky.social · 09/08/2026

Today's Tip: Sketch at Scale If you're gonna be working on a small scale, sketch on a small scale. Use a basic land as a template and get more pages per page! #mtg #art #alter #mtgalter #mtgalters

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xaM @maxeart.bsky.social · 07/08/2026

Sol Raven, Crow Ring The whole time working on this I was thinking about that Liam Lynch What's Up crow video, it's got a funky tune with two crows screaming what's up at each other-- wait what do you mean that video is nearly twenty years old nooo #mtg #alter #mtgalter #mtgalters #raven #crow

So it's got this funky tune and two crows sitting in a tree screaming WHAT'S UP WHAT'S UP YOU SAY WHAT'S UP I SAY WHAT'S UP WHATS UP WHATS UP there's more to it but you get the idea. Sol Ring alter with el birbo corvido

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xaM @maxeart.bsky.social · 06/08/2026

Survival of thy [[Slow Heavy Metal Music Plays]] These classic cards are a real treat to render! I can keep the illustration loose and still be recognizable #mtg #magic #alter #proxy #mtgproxy

Survival of the Fittest proxy, the under card is pretty beat up so that's why the blank got chosen for this project

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xaM @maxeart.bsky.social · 05/08/2026

Owl Ring - Bird is the word, bird up! Available, commissions open #mtg #magic #alter #mtgalter #mtgalters

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xaM @maxeart.bsky.social · 28/07/2026

I've lost track of what I have and have not posted, so anyway here's Wonderwa-- I mean here's Ancient Tomb. #mtg #magic #alter #mtgalter #mtgalters

I painted this a few years ago, I'm a lifelong artist and this was my first commissioned alter. I have nothing but gratitude to the individuals who see my work and trust me to create for them! These opportunities mean more to me than I can express. Pictured: Ancient Tomb alter with a zombie stepping out of a mausoleum/crypt

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xaM @maxeart.bsky.social · 27/07/2026

Thanks for everything you do for the community! Here's some of my work, more on my profile

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xaM @maxeart.bsky.social · 26/07/2026

Today's Technique: Practice Suffering Suffering is inevitable. Have you practiced? Is this suffering real or is it just practice? Take control of it and take a taste of it - what's a step that takes you out of your comfort zone? No mud, no lotus. #art #mtg #mtgalter #hell

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xaM @maxeart.bsky.social · 18/07/2026

Today's Tip: Quantity The effort that it takes to do something once is nearly the same effort it takes to do it ten times. I find I have to start five projects just to finish one! Build a process and practice it, doing steps in bulk helps build consistency. #art #mtg #alter

A glimpse into my process, stacks of cards mid alteration with strewn art supplies

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xaM @maxeart.bsky.social · 17/07/2026

The Cat Who Wore Sunglasses (1963) - I recently watched this fun whimsical movie and the visual motif is such a joy that I just can't help myself at this point ha ha ha Happy Friday! Ask yourself what is joy? Available commissions open #cat #mtg #magic #alter #mtgalter #mtgalters

The Cat wears sunglasses and then when you take the cats sunglasses off everyone turns techni colors based on their true nature

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xaM @maxeart.bsky.social · 16/07/2026

Such speak, much formid Working through my backlog, being vulnerable and posting the messy stuff Looking for Neoform tutor alternates that don't eat bricks 2:1 against counterspells 🙃 bonus points if in simic creature & artifact packages #mtg #magic #alter #proxy #mtgalter #mtgproxy #degenedh

Formidable Speaker proxy - no seriously I'm looking for niche cards: simic tutors for creatures and artifacts that are themselves creatures and artifacts. Saw a Neoform eat a turd and realized my fringe tempo deck can't handle that kind of loss (thankfully it was someone else's neof but also I milled an eldritch evolution at opponents eot and drew my own in the same breath on my draw soooo now I'm even reconsidering crop rot 🙃)

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xaM @maxeart.bsky.social · 15/07/2026

All it took was searching up one reference photo for the algorithm to be convinced I want to buy hundreds of them 🤦‍♂️ yaayyy technological dystopia Nostalgic, available, commissions open #mtg #magic #alter #mtgalter #mtgalters #ringpop

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xaM @maxeart.bsky.social · 13/07/2026

Sometimes you just gotta go for it Available, commissions open #mtg #magic #alter #mtgalter #mtgalters #cat

Sometimes you just gotta go for it - altered Sol Ring with cat

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xaM @maxeart.bsky.social · 08/07/2026

Gemstone Caverns [[illegible]] - really happy with how it turned out but maybe next time I won't do white text on a silver background ha ha ha #mtg #magic #alter #proxy #mtgalter #mtgproxy

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xaM @maxeart.bsky.social · 07/07/2026

A couple more fish for the pond - slowly working through my backlog and found these leftover from building my fish deck #mtg #magic #alter #proxy #mtgalter #mtgproxy #fish

One fish two fish red fish blue fish, a magikarp and gyarados as dandâns

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xaM @maxeart.bsky.social · 06/07/2026

Hey! Listen! - Elvish Spirit Guide alter featuring Navi from Ocarina of Time #mtg #magic #alter #mtgalter #mtgalters #zelda

Hey! Listen! Alter of Elvish Spirit Guide based off of Navi from Zelda

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xaM @maxeart.bsky.social · 04/07/2026

Mixed feelings on these, had a lot of fun but not thrilled with the results. Got done and remembered there's a whole other printing I could have referenced 🤦‍♂️ All good, it helps me rethink my process! Debating doing another with this commander or moving on #mtg #alter #mtgalter #mtgalters #edh #cedh

Altered Command Tower, Sol Ring, and Arcane Signet

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xaM @maxeart.bsky.social · 02/07/2026

More cats, more sunglasses One of my favorite pieces of advice is to give yourself permission to "make bad art" because it gives you space to ask yourself why you care #art #acrylic #painting #cat

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