Beginner's Corner

[PaTXiNaKi]

Indigo i agree with bot grenogs and greenjack, i started my digital painting with photoshop, that was the first one that i was able to use. After a few years i have started with Painter 9, and it was very hard to me the coloring process (im not used with the way it manage the layers). But was perfect for the lineart, i think it fits better with my tablet.

Anyway try one and practice as much as u can

[ChopperDave]

I have a question that's somewhat along the same lines.

Should I consider getting myself a tablet and either photoshop or painter? Currently I'm doing standard paper/pencil and scanning it in, and I'm wondering if I should just stick with that.

If you think I should get a tablet, what's a good type that's not overly expensive? (I figured I should ask this before Black Friday ;)).

[bobot]

Okay guys, sorry for the complete muck-around with all the business with changing threads etc.
I've fixed the links so they will now link directly to posts from this thread so please disregard the "beginners corner - projects listing" thread, as it is no longer relevant. I will simply let it drift off into oblivion.

This will make things much easier for everyone. Hope I haven't confused you all too much... :x

[grenogs]

chopperdave if your concidering doing digital art, then yes, you should realy concider getting a tablet, Any of the Wacom tablets are good, even the very cheapest (50gbp). But If your seriouse and have some spare cash, roughly 150gbp then you can buy the smallest wacom intuos 3 tablet. This is what i'm using and its very good. Of course though if you have more cash,then some people think the larger tablets are even better, plus theres the large lds versions, basicly the dog bo***cks of tablets, but they do have a heavty price tag attached. Again i think it all comes down to personal preferance. Check out the wacom web site for more information. As for software, buy any creative type computer magazine and there will be a free demo version of some kind with it. Their usualy full working programs, but the save options are missing or maybe it'll be a 30 day trial only version. And the other alternative is to go directly to a specific softwares website like corel or adobe or any other, and often they will have a free download version of usualy a slightly older version of the software. Though i have had a fully working new version of xsi sent to me once, again it was only a 30 day trial. So if you don't know what program to choose, simply get a demo version, 30 days is more than enough time to realise its potential and whether or not its suitable for your style.

[Greenjack]

I have a question that's somewhat along the same lines.

Should I consider getting myself a tablet and either photoshop or painter? Currently I'm doing standard paper/pencil and scanning it in, and I'm wondering if I should just stick with that.

If you think I should get a tablet, what's a good type that's not overly expensive? (I figured I should ask this before Black Friday ;)).

It's all personal preference but using a tablet/software does have a number of advantages:
* You can do a lot of things that it's really difficult and/or time consuming to do with traditional media.
* You can work anywhere. Until I went digital I was into airbrushing and that needed a 'studio' to be able to work effectively.
* You can work in low light conditions.
* You can work in layers. Until you've done it you won't appreciate the usefulness.
* You have an UNDO feature. Very important if you're like me.

The downside is the price. I would seriously recommend against buying a cheap tablet, I had one manufactured by Trust and I had to give up with it, it was a complete waste of money. Buy a Wacom, they are the market leader and for good reason. It will probably cost you $300 (mine cost twice that at current conversion rates, but we just get screwed in the UK).

It's all personal preference at the end of the day. Nobody is going to hold it against you if you produce art with pencils, paint, crayons, elephant dung, etc.....as long as you're producing art.

[grenogs]

yes, i totaly agree, keep away from the cheap trust tablet, a defenite no no.
Also another advantage is if you have a laptop with yor tablet, then you realy can work anywhere. Any room in your house or even any country, especialy if your freelance. All you need is an internet connect, one thing i noticed as even in a 3rd world countries like Tanzania, there are internet cafe's everywhere, your only drawback then however is that you have no excuse for not getting art finished and sent on deadline even if your on holiday on the other side of the world.
But as greenjack said, art can be done in any medium, even if you go digital, its still very important to keep learning with traditional techniques, pencils, real paint, etc.. Also there is still a huge market for traditional. Digital is only just another tool like a pencil or a paint brush, and not all clients will like it.

[stormrider85]

the new thread work ok just i think you shouldve named the officail project thread , something like beginners corner finals thread, thats the only thing that makes it confusing

[Rist]

Hi guys I hope I can join in!

A little about my background. I started college in 2003, taking Art and Design for 2 years and specialising in Fine Art. Then I took a Foundation course and specialised in painting. And in September of 2006 I started University and specialised in Graphics and Painting.

I do a lot of digital work now, but also traditional when needed. For instance, when i first make up my ideas and the 'line' drawing, I like to do it in pencil and fine liner so that my brain work harder (difficult to take away mistakes).

I will post some traditional work first. This first lot are 'freaks' of nature, weird little things that should not belong in existence.

I used a 2b faber-castell lead holder, 3mm fine liner, and prismacolour pencils. I will see about painting them again in photoshop in the future.

The point of the images? To create weird things that influence each others development.

Please feel free to visit my sketchbook's which has lots of work there (older pieces at CGTalk!). The CA one is the only one I update now! So if you wish to see how I developed over the last 2 years, the cgtalk sketchbook is best!

CA.org (http://conceptart.org/forums/showthread.php?t=95746)

CGtalk (http://forums.cgsociety.org/showthread.php?f=200&t=358836&page=1&pp=15)

So here are the images I have been working on.

Thanks, i will get back to you once I have browsed this thread some more.

PS, I will see what I can do for the project! ;)

Okay reading the project i have partly done it. I have posted more than three because these work as a series. I do not know if I consider these my 'best' works, but they ARE my latest.

I will post critiques when i look further through the thread.

PPS, do I crit the latest work or the project 1 work?

[immortalindigo]

Hi Guys,

I've got a scary chicken and two more observational drawings. I really like this chicken. It took a long time to draw, but I have to be honest... I didn't come up with the idea for this chicken. I found it in one of my notebooks when I was looking for ideas for how to make my previous chicken more zombie-like. I'm going to try and combine the lizard chicken and the zombie chicken together tonight and tomorrow.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2393/2045239660_ff6cf734a5.jpg

On another note, I was at a public garden today and did some observational sketches. I tried to pick some cool angles, but I don't think it worked out as well as I had hoped. These were my first "out in public" sketches. I wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. Granted because it was cool as #%&&$ outside there weren't a lot of people. I'm definitely going to do more sketching in public. I can see why it's recommended. People kept walking away before I was finished, or they looked at me funny people I was looking at them, or I was in their way and they needed me to move. You have to really sketch fast, get the important things down, make notes, and do the details later. I didn't get all that this time, but I'm learning right?

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2053/2045239282_40e6690220.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2338/2044447995_8315e28f08.jpg

[tsabu]

Looks like that could be a god place to introduce myself.
well i feel mostly as a painter i love painting and i gonna probably painting at the rest of my live but i also like to draw some fantasy worlds, creatures,knights, dragons itc. :)
Last time i had a longest breake in that kind of job because of my college but now i have more time and i am seriously think about learning how to make some god stuff using computer programs - the problem is i am a little week at these kind of tricks and need to learn almost from the very beginning :/ i am looking for some constructive critic :) and maybe some advice with the tricks i could use on the photo shop or painter for create some better fantasy world.
here some of my draws i made few years ago... but soon gonna put some actual work on my sketchbook here:
http://www.conceptart.org/forums/showthread.php?t=111117

[ChopperDave]

Thanks for all the info guys, much appreciated.

I'm actually a programmer, so I have no intention of doing art as a profession -- this is strictly for myself as a hobby. The main reason I was asking if I should invest in a tablet and software is because I'm wondering if it will not only help me stay more motivated to draw (b/c I have access to all sorts of neat tools) but also if it might help make some tasks of drawing a little bit easier on me (like you said, I can use layers and undo is very helpful).

Since I'm not going pro, should I stick with a basic Wacom and see where it takes me?

[grenogs]

i would stick with a basic wacom, no point waisting money if you decide you dont like it, and you only use it 2-3 times. 100 dollers is not a big loss, you can always upgrade later if you want

[Pandragon]

Is it to late to join? I was looking for something like this but guess I am a little to late.

[Wade h]

Is it to late to join? I was looking for something like this but guess I am a little to late.

Yeah i thought the same thing, i would like to have a crack too..
;)

I have been studying a few book's and wouldnt mind trying my hand at a challenge and trying some things out.

[grenogs]

well we're only in project 2 right now, but i think if you post your 3 best images for project 1 here, plus if you can give some crit on the other images. then join in the fun with project 2 thats running now, im sure stormrider wont mind. Everything is still runing pretty slow at moment, so if anyones going to join, now is probably a good time.

[Greenjack]

Let me get this straight, before I go and do something stupid (or more stupid). I start a sketchbook and put my chicken concept and some studies there, which I've done. I also post the chicken AND THE STUDIES in the Official Project Thread........Right?

[saamsaam]

@Greenjack
I believe it's more appropriate to post your ongoing studies in your own sketchbook and post your final chicken concept in the official project thread.
http://conceptart.org/forums/showthread.php?t=110699

[Greenjack]

@Greenjack
I believe it's more appropriate to post your ongoing studies in your own sketchbook and post your final chicken concept in the official project thread.
http://conceptart.org/forums/showthread.php?t=110699

Then I'm good. Cheers

[stormrider85]

you need to post all the things in the finals thread which includes the chicken observations and the studying your weaknesses, many people have forgot the last one or havnt mentioned it. post all the work listed in the project anything i list is considered a final

[saamsaam]

@stormrider85
oh right, thanks for clearing that up :)

[ChopperDave]

BTW I'm not going to have my sketches posted by the due date. I've got them pretty much done, but I'm at the parent's house for Thanksgiving and they don't have a scanner :(.

I'll upload them as soon as I get back to my place (should be early next week). Sorry.

[bobot]

BTW I'm not going to have my sketches posted by the due date. I've got them pretty much done, but I'm at the parent's house for Thanksgiving and they don't have a scanner :(.

I'll upload them as soon as I get back to my place (should be early next week). Sorry.

Welllllllllll, wasn't that the whole point of me setting up the Projects thread early? The issue was brought up about Thanksgiving. I'm not going to have my sketches finished but I'll still post what I've done.

[ChopperDave]

Welllllllllll, wasn't that the whole point of me setting up the Projects thread early?

Partially. That would have been the case if I had time to do the sketches before this week, but I didn't.

[stormrider85]

tsabu,immortalindigo, Rist , your all on the list now so you know i think you all have done the first project well now try get the second done

[bobot]

Partially. That would have been the case if I had time to do the sketches before this week, but I didn't.

Well I haven't had time either, so why do you feel you're entitled to an extended week to finish your work and noone else does? Deadlines are there for a reason. Submit what you can.

[ChopperDave]

Well I haven't had time either, so why do you feel you're entitled to an extended week to finish your work and noone else does? Deadlines are there for a reason. Submit what you can.

Which would be nothing for reasons I already stated. I never asked for an extension -- I flat out said that I won't be submitting it until next week. I realize we're trying to have deadlines to keep people focused, so I have no problem taking an 'F' or whatever you want to call it for this project and not waste time submitting it next week if submitting something past the due date offends you. I did the sketches, so for my own personal gain the project has done its job.

[bobot]

Which would be nothing for reasons I already stated. I never asked for an extension -- I flat out said that I won't be submitting it until next week. I realize we're trying to have deadlines to keep people focused, so I have no problem taking an 'F' or whatever you want to call it for this project and not waste time submitting it next week if submitting something past the due date offends you. I did the sketches, so for my own personal gain the project has done its job.

It doesn't offend me, I guess I just didn't see why you would need to submit late when I thought we had already sorted out the Thanksgiving issue.
Anyhow, enjoy your holiday!

[stormrider85]

i had heaps of time to do my project but ended up still posting late, kept trying to do the chicken one but im getting frustrated, i end up with something im not happy with because i never know how to start my artwork not the techniqle side but the colour selection side, i dont know what to do to get over it. ah well ill just have to post a black and white or just a sketch done the observationals though

[stormrider85]

im really interested to see how the rest of you approach your colours cause im pretty much lost right now

[grenogs]

if anyone wishes to finish their chicken images then i think theres still time, deadline i think has already passed, and if you havent even started then nows a good time:)

stormrider the way i approach colour is simply 1st ill start with a grey background, and roughly block in my image in black(no sketching) and just add basic patches of white to work out my light scource.
2nd, ill then block in the basic colours on top, adding shade to give form then highlighting to achieve a more 3d look. but if my colours are all off in the beginning, ill often use a colour layer or in painter i use a light effect over my image. Depending on your style, especialy if you have a detailed style then i would advise on layers, it can make things so much easier if something goes wrong. On average ill use around 20 layers for my detailed images, all depends what im doing though. But the b&w stuff im doing now, im only using around 3 layers, again all depends on my detail.
Have a look at oil painting books, and basicly thats a similer way to how im using digital lately

[stormrider85]

so then you do all the values in black and white then add a colour layer to select the right colours, then repaint on normal layer for highlight shading etc, it that right?

[grenogs]

basicly yes, i myself dont concentrate to much on a value study first, though others say its better. Personally i think it takes to long. A good example is the half done image below. Basicly all the black and grey would be my basic tonal study, all on one layer and done very quickly, and no real detail or blending concerns, the brown shell is another normal layer ontop, where i've just blocked out in brown, then added the shade and light and any other type detail ontop. The eye is then another layer, same precedure. I then would add a seperate layers for the legs, arms, back arms, neck and underbody. Mainly becouse if i mess up one area, or maybe think the legs or head are in the wrong position, then i can easily change it without disturbing the rest of the image. I would normally have added a background in the beginning, except for this brief, an all white background was asked for. If however i was doing a much looser image, where the edge of the line isn't as important, i'd probably only use 2-3 layers. Or if this image was going to be in a night scene, the whole image would first have a deep blue tone layed over it, and then all the detail and effects would be added on top. But basicly, you just got to find your own way, whats quickest an easiest for your style.
http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x279/grenogs/maintenance-droid.jpg

[Pandragon]

Hello!

First let me say thanks to StormRider for allowing me to join this group! :)

Here is my first project.


And now on to the critiques! (I will try and fit everyone in!)

stormrider85 - My favorite part of your first peice is the right eye. Nice job with the detail!
Metal-Mike - I am really diggin the shadowing on the skull. The only thing that I can see right now is that the lower jaw bone looks a little slanted to the right for a straight on view.
Ampersand - I'm really likeing your coloring style and creature concepts! The left arm seems to be a little smashed on th creature in the first peice. I would like to see him trying to grab the fish ;)
Nigh7shad3 - At first glance, I was a little confused as to what that large grey block was next to your futuristic woman; then I figured out it was her weapon. Perhaps a little more detail might bring it out a little more. I really like the way you rendered the ground.
Jake Korbin - Keep studying that anatomy! I know I have to do the same!
bobot - Nice abstract paintings. I really like the negative space on the mouse peice.
viran - Love the contrast of the colors on the last environment!
qbertp - It's hard to tell where the guys face begins and his beard begins.
Imnop - Nice work with the photoshop image. Seems like a nice foggy morning on the harbor.
saamsaam - The persepctive is off with your spaceships.
realitycheck - Love the 'death' image.
Krigbann - Love the coloring on the car. Although I think the edges to the colors should be more crisp, right now it is making the car look distorted.
Anthis - Nice concept with the musroom!
Myszt - Holy crap! That third image is amazing. Nice work with detailing the face.
grenogs - The scarecrow is awesome. The only crit that I have is that he seems to be floating rather then attached to a pole. Maybe have the pole more visible in between his legs?
Chopper Dave - Not sure if you were going for correct proportions or not on the man sitting in the chair. But I am really liking the abstract feel to it.
Mischieviant - The detail on the banners surrounding the red woman is amazing. Although, the focal point of the image, the woman, lokks a little flat.
Greenjack - Think you were going for the pin-up feeling for the last peice. To me it kinda looks like the girl has a pretty bad black eye.
PaTXiNaKi - Perspective seems a tad off with the upper body of the sword man.
BalanceSheet - Third characters clothes are blending into the background to much.
dan.man.86 - I love the rat creature!
jiga - Anatomy is looking pretty good, but the shoulders are off with the Britany Spears image.
Nightblue - The futuristic woman is amazing, but she is isn't standing on anything!
LooneyMann - The third peice is interesting, but I'm not really sure what the angel is warning you about.
Pyroclasm00 - Absolutely amazing job on the old man portrait.
Beeker - Nice poses!

PHEW!! Think I got everyone. I hope all the above crits make sense. Man, this is gonna be a long post............ Actual artwork at below!

[stormrider85]

man what the hell still waiting on all these people to post for second project, how many of these people have still been even keeping contact with the group i think alot just got lazy.

2 MeTaL-Mike
3 Anthis
4 Mischieviant
6 Nigh7shad3
7 krigbrann
13 viran
14 lmnop
15 saamsaam
18 Myszt
21 dan.man.86
22 jiga
23 Beeker
24 LooneyMann
25 Nightblue
26 immortalindigo
27 Pandragon
28 Rist
29 tsabu

i dont remember hearing from alot of the begging people i think they just pissed off somewhere else i guess.

[stormrider85]

btw everyone check out the stuff that HAS been posted, interesting to see different peoples approach and different skill levels, im pretty much happy with all of it but some people did slack off toward the end including me

[grenogs]

I think its got to do with the length of projects, i think becouse their usualy quite long, people think they got plenty of time so they leave things for a few days, then all of a sudden their rushing at the end, and basicly all enfusiasm has disapeared. I think shortening the deadline could be better, and whether or not anyone has posted anything by the deadline, still go straight onto the next projects, becouse i find the ones who did bother to get things on time get frustrated and then themselves loose interest because it almosts seems unfair becouse the lazy ones get the extra time. I say dont bother waiting for people, just get on with the next project, and those who realy are interested will stay and keep posting.
Otherwise this thread will sooner or later die, in the same way nightmare of the week seems to be doing at the moment for basicly the same reasons.

[saamsaam]

:mod: im still here.

ill get mine posted soon (in next few days).

grenogs has made some very good points, by all means feel free to move on to the next project, I'll work to keep up.

[MeTaL-Mike]

Guys i'm so sorry i haven't been around. i didn't have the time to do anything for the second project because i am working on a project for a rock band and don't have time to draw at the moment. i will be running behind on this i'm afraid. sorry i will try to make it up as soon as i can.

[dan.man.86]

Sorry from me as well. I regretably have to resign. My workload at the studio has been way too much lately, and I don't want to tick you guys off and hold you back. Sorry again, and maybe when I have more time in the future I will join back. Thanks for the help though, even if it was short.

Take care.

[immortalindigo]

sorry,

I decided not to post for this project because I couldn't figure out how to combine the zombie chicken and the lizard chicken into something that was cohesive by the deadline. As you can see from my sketchbook, I worked on the ideas, but I couldn't get it done in time. I thought I'd just wait for the next project.

When I get back from class tonight, I'll post this week's two drawings for the ongoing, permanent project.

-Indigo

[grenogs]

no probs guys, totaly understandable, buisness comes first, especialy around this time of year to, its always a buisy time. And if you do decide to come back later, hopefully things will be running a lot smoother then ;)

immortal, dont worry so much about your concept, its only a chicken, plain and simple, no need for anything special.

[realitychek]

I think its got to do with the length of projects, i think becouse their usualy quite long, people think they got plenty of time so they leave things for a few days, then all of a sudden their rushing at the end, and basicly all enfusiasm has disapeared. I think shortening the deadline could be better, and whether or not anyone has posted anything by the deadline, still go straight onto the next projects, becouse i find the ones who did bother to get things on time get frustrated and then themselves loose interest because it almosts seems unfair becouse the lazy ones get the extra time. I say dont bother waiting for people, just get on with the next project, and those who realy are interested will stay and keep posting.
Otherwise this thread will sooner or later die, in the same way nightmare of the week seems to be doing at the moment for basicly the same reasons.

Agreed. I know I'm one helluva procrastinator, so shorter deadlines help me realize I've only got so much time to do something.

[Nigh7shad3]

im lurking but busy with life and school :)

[Greenjack]

Still here, but a load of work commitments. Post another project and I'll try to have a crack at it. Weekly deadlines I struggle with, as I'm sure do many, but no reason to make them longer than a couple of weeks. Needs to be at least one full weekend in there somewhere though.

[stormrider85]

ok Grenogs i hope you get a chance to read this , im gunna need you to post the next few projects for begginers corner because i just started working for the holidays full time and because of the heavy lifting my fingers have no strength in them for now so i havnt been drawing which sucks, anyway yeh hopefully you can think of the next cool projects and post them also try shortening the deadline aswell like you said and ill try to post whenever im not sleeping or working.

my next idea for a project was going to be something along the line of "starting from the begginning" such as observation figure and skeletal anatomy drawings, so post what ever you like something maybe more fun then that. doesnt have to massive but just come up with something short,

thanks

[stormrider85]

not saying you have to do all of them just like maybe come up with the next 3 projects if its not to much trouble

[ChopperDave]

Well, since Christmas and New Year's is coming up, may I suggest we do a holiday-themed project?

[grenogs]

stormrider no probs, and as for skeleton theme, yeah i think i can come up with something, give me till end of day and ill have something foe you all

[grenogs]

Project #3

Ok, Stormrider is buisy for next few weeks so i'll be giving you a few projects.

This is the new project, ill try and keep this simple, ill also add in some proposals that have been asked.

Theme : Chistmas

This is open to interpretation, you can do anything you wish, colour, black and white, line, digital, any medium except photography. But your image must have all these:
1. There must be a skeleton in the image, animal or human(NO ALIEN)., can be alive or dead
2. Must also have some kind of christmas theme
3. Must also have the colour red in it somewhere, can be a little or a lot, its all up to you. Even if your doing black and white or simple line drawing, it must still have red somewhere. Be creative, think of movies that have done similer.
4. As normal you must say which software or brushes have been used for your image, (i know its a hasle, but i think its important, it's just so people can learn new techniques, and maybe encourage people to experiment with other techniques for later images)

Also this isn't a must but can everyone please let me know what 2d programs they use or have, just so i can work it into some future projects.

Deadline Tuesday 11th december

Thats 1 image, in just over a week, more than enough time to get something done.

Remember to post your finals in Beginners Corner - Official Project Thread http://www.conceptart.org/forums/showthread.php?t=110699


Project #4 will be given wednesday 12th, try to check in here, becouse it may be a very short one ;)

[ChopperDave]

can be alive or dead
Lol.

Yeah this is definitely doable. I'm on board.

[grenogs]

anyone still alive out there?

[Greenjack]

Still here, still playing. Here's what I have in mind.

Bit of an update wih some colour - Using Painter, sponge tool for background, chalk and tinting for forground........

A bit more detail on the skull and a bit more work on the hand......

Finals up in official project thread......

http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o21/greenjackCA/Begineers/christmasbonesprog.jpg

[realitychek]

Interesting assignment.....I think I'll be having lots of fun with this skeletons and Christmas thing

[Jasper_]

Yeah, I've got an idea for this one, but I'm sure there's going to be alot of similar ideas as well. Hopefully I'll get started on it soon.

[grenogs]

nice start greenjack, looking forward to seeing it finished. my only crits so far is maybe make the hand a little bigger.

pyroclasmoo, dont be to sure, at the moment the image i got stuck in my head is the skeleton of the rat/rodent from terry pratchets discworld, which takes over the job of the grimreaper man when he goes on vacation.

[Pandragon]

Yup, still alive over here. Will be posting the second project today hopefully, and coming up with ideas for the third. I joined the group a little late so give a guy a break on the second project =) It WILL be up today, or first thing tomorrow.

[grenogs]

pandragon, i don't know if stormrider will agree with me here but, if i was you, i would concentrate more on the 3rd project, then when you get time you can go back to do the 2nd project, otherwise you could end up being late for each project everytime. Also the 4th project is going to be very short compared to whats been done so far. However if you think you can do them all in order, then great. But ill leave that decision up to you, your choice. ;)

[grenogs]

Just a reminder to everyone, the deadline is the 11th, so if you plan to submit an image then please do so by then. Even if theres no images in here, it will be going to the next project Sorry if im asking to much from you guys, but i have an enlarged ego and I have the power, lol:ilaekae:

[bobot]

Unfortunately I will have to sit out of this project. I've got to focus on my traineeship schoolwork for this week so I can have a job settled by the 14th. I will definitely be partaking in future projects but I just don't have the time until that's over.

I really hope this is okay...

Ps. Grenogs - I'll add the new assignment to the projects thread soon.

[grenogs]

yeah no probs bobot, i think the whole next month it'll be quiet here, with christmas and everything. Good luck with the job, and thanks ;)

[grenogs]

a quick wip so far
http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x279/grenogs/xmas-pudding.jpg

[grenogs]

pandragon very interesting approach to your chicken concept, and quite clever :) i hope your planning to join in project 3 also, only one image this time, so i think it'll give you a little more time to experiment

[Pandragon]

Thanks! I orignally wanted a live chicken flying the jet, and a good sky background; but then the whole image kinda crapped out on me :) I am definitely looking forward to posting something for project 3.

[stormrider85]

hmm i might try to get something done for this porject too although i crap with colour

new member added btw Thunderrobot

[stormrider85]

heres my wip for new project, still struggling with how to refine the blurry colours to something smooth and clean

[grenogs]

thats evil stormrider, and only a few more weeks till xmas to. As to your problem, ? try a different brush, also try knocking up your opacity, I also fine brushes with a slight texture are often much easier to blend.

[grenogs]

ill be making the next project roughly at 5.00 am gmt on the 12th,(tomorrow morning) . so you still have time if anyone wants to finish theirs or if anyone is still concidering if they want to join in. The next project will be very short compared to anything so far, probably only 2 days, so have a look in early to make sure you have time to complete it. wont be to diffecult, more of an observation study , possibly :)

[ChopperDave]

I'll try to upload my image tomorrow night. It won't be anything great considering I spent most of my time screwing around with my new (and first) wacom.

But only 2 days for the next project? Dunno if I'll be able to pull that off. My weekdays are totally shot with work. I may have to skip out on that one.

[grenogs]

if you need an extra day to finish, then i'm sure i can stretch it, anyone else need some more time?

and as for the 2 days, by the time i actually make a specific time, itll probably end up being 3, lol

[grenogs]

Nice to see some people are still participating in these. Well done to all those that have. I hope the coming hols arent going to be to much a distraction, :). Anyway heres a few crits to those who made the effort. If you disagree i encourage you to argue your point of view,;)

Greenjack nice happy image, the missltoe is a nice touch, maybe make the fur trim on the hat a little thicker and furrier. Also dont be afraid to use reference, even on something as simple as a skull.

qbertp i kinda like the simplicity on this, reminds me of the old rubarb and custard cartoons years ago. Beware of your colours though, they looked rushed and not realy focused, Give yourself some focus time before you actual start on the colour, and just think carefully what would work and what wouldn't. Putting green or yellow next to violet is always a tricky one, often colours will clash. My advise is to look at a colour wheel, or read up on some information on colour theory.

me i am my own worse enemy, image is rushed, i wanted to experiment with a new style, but i should have given myself more time. Im quite happy with the colours, but the line is bad, and i didn't experiment with patterns near enough as i wanted to.

pandragon is this flat? yes, but it still works, looks very much as a vector image. I think a background colour would have been nice, plain grey makes it look unfinished. Also the horns dont look right, at the moment they look like false horns have been put over smaller ones. If you made the black part and the white base of the horn the same thickness it would look better. Again reference on the skull would have been a big advantage for you.

realitychek nice idea, but i dont think you pushed it as far as you could have. i like the idea of the deer being a skeleton, but is there a reason you never done the whole deer in skeleton form. At the moment it just looks unfinished. the black line onj the mountains in the background look to strong, next image try making your distant objects and less important stuff with a finer line, and only yor more important and very close features with the thicker line. The solid black on the reaper/rider is to strong, it distracts the eye a little. Try drawing a detail of a scull there instead or if you just want a plain shadow, use cross hatching technique. Have a look at comic art and old etching technique for some good tips on how to do line work.

chopperdave go to the back of the class for being late, otherwise im glad you decided to post, though i do suspect you rushed this one. Anyway, im glad to see you hot yourself a wacom, if you realy like your art, then itll be money well spent. And from the look of your image, im guessing you may be using painter, or very similer. Ok some crit, :) try to get into the habit of working on a mid toned background instead of white, you'll find it easier to work out your colours and values. though you will find watercolour brushes dont work so well on coloured backgrounds. Also experiment with the blender brush, but all depending on your style of course. Again, reference, next time you do a skull or anything, even if it sounds realy simple, have a look for reference, theres plenty around, google images is a great place.

Well done everyone.
Thats all for now, if theres any more images today, ill gives some more crits. Sorry if i've been a little harsh on anyone, my intentions arent to be brutal,just trying to help out any way i can.


One more thing everyone, dont be affraid to use reference for your art, everyone uses it, even top professionals. Also if your looking for good animal reference, my advise is to look for it in photographic nature books. Illustrated books or how to art books arent always the best places. Yes they teach you valuable information on how to draw or paint techniques, but to get proper detailed reference, you can't beat actual photography or real life situations, like drawing your pets.

[grenogs]

Project #4


Theme : My Hand

This is an observation project. I want your to draw your hand in 2 different angles, but these are the rules:
1. 1st angle must be a palm view
2. 2nd angle must be from the side
3. Both hand images must be in the exact same position as one another, so for example, if your drawing a your palm view like a claw, then your side view also has be in a claw, or if your doing a clenched fist, they both must be clenched fist, the position of your hand is your own choice

4. You must add shading or colour, i don't care if you paint them as gold, silver, robotic, glass looking, or simply your hand, again thats your choice, just make sure it has that 3 dimentional form to it.

And thats it, 2 images on 1 sheet, in 2 days, should take you 30 minutes minimum, 2 days max.

Deadline Friday 14th december


Remember to post your finals in Beginners Corner - Official Project Thread http://www.conceptart.org/forums/showthread.php?t=110699

[Greenjack]

Project #4


Deadline Tuesday 13th december



Hey grenogs.....reckon you're doing too much weed, you mean Thursday, right? Can't do this one I'm afraid, travelling on business, no tablet or scanner until the weekend.

[realitychek]

Definitely fair enough amount of time to get something like that done....as long as you're meaning Thursday ;)

[Pandragon]

pandragon is this flat? yes, but it still works, looks very much as a vector image. I think a background colour would have been nice, plain grey makes it look unfinished. Also the horns dont look right, at the moment they look like false horns have been put over smaller ones. If you made the black part and the white base of the horn the same thickness it would look better. Again reference on the skull would have been a big advantage for you.

I did draw it from reference. From the Animal Anatomy book that that I talked about in my final project 3 posting. Project 4 sounds like fun!

[grenogs]

lol, sorry guys, yes your right, Thursday, weeed? mmmmmmm... if only

sorry you cant join us greenjack, maybe the next one you can, i'll see if i can come up with a longer brief for the next one

Pendragon, i'm glad to here your using reference, but try not to rely to much on artistic images for reference, especialy for animal studies, Their not always the best when it comes to wanting highly accurate detail. Photographic is always better.

I just extended project 4 to the 14th, sorry for the confusion, i've been stuck indoors for the last 3 days so i forgot what day it was, haha :p

[Pandragon]

It was from a photograph, I just suck =) And the horns do over lap the skull like that. I will post it as soon as I can.

[grenogs]

sorry my mistake, it wasn't your drawing i was comenting on, because the horns overlap like that it looks strange, so i just thought maybe the reference you copied it from was a sketch and so i automaticly thought maybe the other artist himself got it wrong. But it would defenetly be interesting to see the actual photograph.

[qbertp]

Grenogs About the colors, I've always loved the clash of purple and yellow. Just a personal preferance and I know I need work on color along with numerous other elements. One thing i've been messing round with lately is the multiply function in painter. It seems like a great way to add shadows.

[grenogs]

qbertp, i to like them 2 colours together, and on a standard colour wheel, they do compliment one another. But you have to be carefull with them, as any other primary and secondory colour, becouse they are so vibrant they have a tendancy to clash. So im not saying dont use them together, just be carefull with such colours and if anything play with them and experiment with them. I to am discovering the multiple function lately, painter seems to be one of those programs where you learn something new all the time. creating my own paper textures to create cloth patterns (dragons, or bunnies for pyjamas) is my latest joy:)

[DrDotPepper]

Hi all! My name's Rich
I'm awfully new here, and i'm prepared to get bollocked if i'm posting this in error. I'm just too late for project#4, so i will go ahead and post my 3 pieces of recent art.
I'm in awe of everyone else on here, i actually can't believe there is so much talent, and it all seems to congregate here!
Anyway, I need a lot of improving, i'm not too desperate to become the next shit-hot artist, as drawing has always been a hobby for me.
Hope i'm not breaking any rules by posting, I will try my damndest to crack on with project#5 when it comes out!

ps - i recently installed vistah, and my graphics tablet has stopped working with it, i am also in possession of a rather unstable scanner, so that will probably be my means of digitalising my work. (I'm off to america for christmas, and i'm HOPING to get myself a toshibaR25 tabletPC over there!)

Beautiful forum :) :asslick:



EDIT: btw, if you look at the filename of the portrait on the right, it's called handsomerich.jpg, yes.. this is me, but i didn't draw/scan it, my friend did, and she titled it so. just thought i'd clear that up incase anyone put 2 and 2 together :)

[grenogs]

welcome aboard drdot. Actualy your not to late for project#4, i myself havent even started myself yet, and i probably wont get #5 up until late tonight or even early tomorrow. So by all mean, if you have a spare hour, then you can give it ago.:p

[grenogs]

drd, can you post your image in the link provided above, its just we're trying to keep this thread for just crits and stuff :)

Here some added crits for project #4.

realitychek nice sketch, this angle of the hand can be quite awkward, done youve done it pretty well, your thumb on the side view though looks a little small, at the moment its the same thickness as you index finger.

drdotpepper dont feel to bad,. everyone here is out to try and learn something new, whatever their ability. You have quite a heavy hand with your sketching, try a more softer approach with a very soft pencil, like an 8b or even an e. Also ttry using charcoal. you may find by drawing more softly that your sketching skill will improve.

qbertp Better late than never, nice sketch, and i can also see some drafting lines within your images, very good.

Just a quick note, for those of you who joined in for this one, congrats. It was a short one, and the fact that you joined in, says a lot about you, so well done. I'd also like to add, that these sketching projects, don't be afraid to try new things out. Also dont worry about working out or drafting lines within your images. Have a look at how to sketching books approach the subject of drawing, theres many out there, and theres also many different ways and technique, basicly try them all to see which suites you best. Some of the best books i found are the andrew loomis books, also jack hamm. some links for good books :
http://basangpanaginip.blogspot.com/2006/01/figure-drawing-for-all-its-worth.html
http://basangpanaginip.blogspot.com/2006/01/drawing-head-and-figure.html

[grenogs]

Project #5


Theme : Sub Surface

Produce 1 image of some kind of liquid environment
Rules
1. It can be any kind of liquid as long as you show the view from underneath, within the liquid.
2. There must be some kind of reflection in the image
3. There must be a trianguler shape in the scene, (man made or natural)
4. It can be man made or natural environment (so anything from a natural underwater reef to a liquidizer filled with petroleum) if you do decide to go liquidizer or goldfish bowl route, i dont want to see it from the outside looking in, the viewer must be placed withing the actual environment.
5. It must be full colour, or black and white. No line work


Deadline1st January

I figured since christmas is literally around the corner, i'd give you some extra time on this one, so heres your chance to come up with something extra special. be creative, even if your idea looks totaly bizar and surreal, just make the image believable looking. And most of all, have fun:)


Remember to post your finals in Beginners Corner - Official Project Thread http://www.conceptart.org/forums/sho...d.php?t=110699
__________________

[grenogs]

Jello is also acceptable as liquid, however it must be able to show some kind of movement within it. Ice cubes are not classed a liquid however.

[qbertp]

Hazaa!

Edit: Had a question about your crit of the hand sketch. What did you mean by drafting lines? I assumed it meant the underworkings of the picture such as a stick or basic form figure. Is this correct?

Thanks

[Korovyov]

Hi all, I'm pretty new to the site and would love to participate. Should I submit my best 3 pieces on this thread or simply dive into project 5?

-Korovyov

[grenogs]

Hi korovyov, welcome aboard, to be honest i'm not sure myself. You are supose to add your best 3 pieces, the reason 3 pieces were asked just so you have a starting point, so later on you could look back and see if or much you have improved later on after doing so many projects. Stormrider who set up this thread original, but is away at the moment, would probably like it if you would. But my advise would be for you to make yourself a sketchbook thread and add your best 3 images in there. Otherwise the weekly thread here is going to get all messy. Then just dive into project #5. Also make sure your final image goes to the beginners corner -official project thread .
Roughs and wips however can be posted in this thread only.
Any more questions, and ill try to help in any way

[Korovyov]

Sketchbook is up:
http://www.conceptart.org/forums/showthread.php?t=113723

the first two are recent enough to get an idea of where I am with my art, the rest are too old but give a good idea of the progress I've made so far. I think the last two are 8 years old lol.

as for the current project, I'd have to say I'm a little intimidated. I've never really dealt with liquids to this extent in my art before, any suggestions for where to start?

[grenogs]

lol, i like the rhino image, theres something quite freaky about, which made me smile :)
i'm glade your intimidated, thats the whole point, to push you somewhere you normally wouldnt go towards. As to where to start. Well that depends on the type of liquid you want, and whether or not its clear or coloured. Look at reference of underwater scenes, tropical reefs, swimming pools, still water, running water, like in a river, look at how things sometimes warp in shape slightly or how light effects objects underwater. Theres lots and lots of reference you can find on google images, type in underwater or liquid. Also remember gravity is very different, a good example is how fabric/clothes react under water.

[Korovyov]

here's a concept sketch I threw together for this one. I intend to go back with more reference material to get a more realistic look, and then try adding some color. I'll post another update at that point.
feedback/crits/suggestions encouraged!

[Vyliss]

I'll try to join in on Project 5 though it does seem hard! I guess that's the point though. :P

[grenogs]

vyliss its only hard if you let it be, also if it wasn't hard or wasn't a challenge, then it would be boring. And if you fail, then you fail, what have got to loose?

korovyov definetly an interesting image, very surreal:) try working out you shadows, get a couple of small boxes or block, set up a lamp or similer, and then study how the shadows look, how dark they are? how soft or how sharp the edge of the shadows are in caertain areas? also what angle the shadows are pointing towards? is there more than one shadow coming of an object? Also since your in a liquid atmosphere, are there any bubbles? but so far, i like it. Keep it up:)

one more thing karovyov and anyone else. If you look at some underwater photographs, the underneath of the serface also has a reflection. Its another quick and easy way to portray a liquid type scene. Also you then dont have to worry about adding some other kind of reflective object within your image. But remember this kind of reflection can only been seen from a certain depth, so no reflection if your image is 6miles down in the atlantic ocean;)

[Pandragon]

Hi Guys! My apologies but I have been pretty busy at work getting things done before vacation; and I will post the hand sketches by friday..... I promise! When is project #6 going to be announced? Because I will also be posting late for project #5 because I will be on vacation for the holidays. Because of that I will probably post project #5 and #6 at the same time =)

[Kai Black]

I'm going to jump in here with korovyov if that's ok : )

[Kai Black]

Here is a quick sketch (3 min)..the snakes are supposed to be made out of water...kinda along CHOW ideas.... The final is going to be in pencil because I don't use pen really ; / any ideas would be really appreciated...specially on making the snakes look liquid : p
Ha ha scratch it, I need to pay more attention : p


could someone direct me to a thread where they explain posting images?
Thanks

[Korovyov]

Kai - post images by going to the advanced post mode and attach the photos using Manage Attachments

Here is my redraw and initial color assignment.
for my redraw I looked at an image of a real skull on google image search and realized that the cheekbones were way too low as well as a couple other details I fixed. I also corrected the one point perspective to be more accurate.

I will go back later and reintroduce some of the details that were left out of this incarnation, such as the goggles on the skull and the figure hung upside down on the left pillar.

for the next step I will deal with the basic light and shadow in the image, and set up a lamp as Grenogs suggested to get a better idea of the shadows on the geometric surfaces in my drawing. After that I may start on the textures of the water's surface or the sandy ocean floor.

[grenogs]

dont you just hate typing loads of stuff, then you loose everything becouse theres a connection problem, sorry guys ill add something more later

[DrDotPepper]

lol grenogs,
i know what you mean, plenty of times i've written a heart-felt and rather humerous emails/posts and it's all been lost!!!
There's that panic moment when you click 'back' and think 'ahh.. back isn't going to work, i'm still going to lose it anyway'

Korovyov Can we see some of that cool shading on the colour version?? :)

[grenogs]

drdot your so right there,and as soon as you start rewriting it all again, the enfusiasm has gone, and you just think f**k it, ill write something quick and simple,

so if i didnt get everything down, that is my excuse right now, lol, its a good job there still isn't around 40 people entering these, then i would get depressed:)

the quick version

Pandragon no probs, i still dont know when exactly project #6 will start, probably 1st week in the new year, and itll probably last for 2 weeks, as i'm going back home for hols around then, so crits and stuff from me will be to a minimum.

Kai set up an account at www.photobucket.com (http://www.photobucket.com), post your images there, copy and paste the image code from there to here, or any other thread you wish to join

korovyov keep up with the reference, its defenetly making a difference. Also which program are you using? and are you planning to use layers?
Dont forget some reflection on the underside of your waters surfave.

[grenogs]

just a quicky for anyone late

if your late, your late, theres nothing i can do about such things. I would much prefer if you got your deadlines right, but i'm not a client and so i'm not going to cancel your fee ( oh, and in a professional environment, they sometimes do this, no matter how long you had to work on it,) Also i know people have lives, and priorities, or at least i hope they do;), i know i do, so don't kill yourselves getting it done. My only advise is, do try and get your images finished by the deadline thats asked, for the simple reason that, when you start the next project your fresh and ready to go, and not all cluttered with to much going on in one go. Also if a project looks to difficult to be done in a certain amount of time, try a new technique, maybe a more looser aproach, afterall a hard edged style with lots of detail takes much longer than a looser impressionistic type style. Also your all here to learn, so experiment, if you create a mess, then so be it, you will probably learn more from that one disaster than maybe doing some of your best images ever.
But back to deadlines, if theres a lot of people needing that extra time then i will add a couple extra days, but i'm trying not to make it a habbit, simply becouse i don't want the projects to start getting stale with lack of enfusiasm.

But in the mean time, try and have fun, experiment, make a mess, whatever you have to do to gain something from these projects.

[Korovyov]

I'm using adobe photoshop and yes I am using layers. As of right now scanned pencil image is on one layer, the black lines are on another and all the color is on yet another. I plan to split up the color once I start shading, I was just trying to give a quick idea of what was what for this step.

[realitychek]

Oooh, tough new project, but it kinda ties in with what I'm doing for LMS, so it'll be good practice :)

[ChopperDave]

I am withdrawing from the Beginner's corner. My schedule is so completely random that I never have any idea if I have time to do the projects. Plus, what I really need is something where there's actually lessons and teaching of fundamentals and all that. I thought that's what this was going to be, and instead it's more like an assignment list. I know practice is key, but so is being taught the basics, and that's pretty much where I am right now.

I'll come back when I have time and a solid foundation built.

[Kai Black]

here is my second sketch...I have a horrible scanner...so the pencil looks like trash. Also, I hated what i had done for the triangle so much I skewed it with shoppy 7.

http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj318/KaiBlack/Untitled-1.jpg

[stormrider85]

just so you know chopperdave my intention is exactly that, although the first few have been just assignments to get you to start drawing and painting regularly i was going to start getting into the VERY basics and build our way up together, the only reason it hasnt started yet is because im still need to buy some of the books to help us get there and then start the exercises online so everyone can learn, i dont know if you reason to withdraw is because you think its just going to be random assignments every week but it isnt, the basics and tutorials will be coming up but still a bit of a waiting period on how to organise it properly and interpret it so i can explain how i understand it, etc. Im still buying books on anatomy and i know a little about pencil drawing to show others painting is still new to me though, but we will get on to everything one by one, theres no doubt about that.

[Vyliss]

I think project 5 might have intimidated him, but I see what he's getting at, for beginners some of the assignments seem kind of 'hard'. Beginners should draw from life as much as possible and really start with simple stuff to gain their confidence. You kind of need to hand hold them through the first few steps then they'll know what to do for the assignments that are more open for interpretation.

With that said i'm eager to see what you have planned and whats to come :)

[grenogs]

vyliss i understand what your saying, and to a degree i agree, however unless someone is pushed or challenged as i'm trying to do, then learning is realy slow. I know when i was in art school, i was constantly being pushed and challenged, and it was very hard, but in those 4 years i learnt more then than i ever have. Also i dont believe the projects are that hard, so far i've only asked people to do every day environments, ive not been strict about human anatomy or an image painted in one particuler style.

But if people want me to give projects which are very one directional and with less freeedom, basicly boring then im more than happy to oblige, To be honest i thought the hand project was a perfect example to help people learn some basics, and that in itself was a very easy project, and yet only 4 people joined in, including myself. The only difference between that project and if it was an art school project is, an art school would have wanted 10 more like that, all in different mediums and to be done in the same amount of time, if not less.
But like i say, if people want more traditional art school type projects, then i can do that also. And i can start from litteraly the basics. I just presumed everyone wanted more. So chopperdave, don't abandon us yet, In the new year, either stormrider or myself will come up with a different approach. Something that should fit both for those who want a more educational approach and those who want more freedom. But until then, if everyone lets us know how they want us to run this thing, then say, after all majority rules. But don't just say you want to learn how to draw, becouse its an extremely long process, and it does not happen over night.

A quick couple questions for people:

1. on average, how many hours do most people spend creating a painting/drawing?
2. on average, how many hours a week to people actualy spend drawing/painting?

Sorry about the questions, i'm just trying to figure out how far and how important art actualy is to them

[Kai Black]

2 hours/project
5 hours/week

A lot more now : )

[grenogs]

thanks kai, very much appretiated;)

[Pandragon]

I think this is a good idea. I really wish I had more time during the holidays though.

1. 1-2 hours per project
2. 5-10 hours. (I am including some digital stuff that I do.)

[ChopperDave]

@stormrider - That's good to know. That's the kind of stuff I need. In addition, a guy at work has a boat load of DVDs that I plan on checking out on a regular basis. Try to get my feet wet in different areas at least. (Even though they're pretty advanced in general). I might come back on occasion, but it’s the amount of free time I have that’s the main problem. I work at least 10 hr days, and on top of that I code for two other projects, so my time is limited. I’ll do what I can when I can though.

@grenogs - It doesn't really have to do with pushing myself or anything like that. I'm still struggling with doing well with line drawings, so when you start listing "beginner" projects that involve painting water effects like reflection and refraction, that's way beyond what I can possibly do. It's not a beginner project by any stretch of the imagination because it requires a significant understand of light and optics, how do create lighting in a scene and color choosing. If you've noticed all my drawings up to this point, I didn't even bother attempting color because I'm still working on general form.

As for how much time I spend, I spend a couple of hours per project, I'd say around 2-3 at least.

[Aedant]

Hi! I just discovered this thread and wanted to ask f I could still join. So can I ?

[Korovyov]

1) 1-2 hours per day until its done.
2) All day long at the moment, once school's back probably 1-2 hours a day.

[Liquid Penguin]

Hello! Soz, I'm a noob and was wonderin' if we could still participate in this thread by puttin' up three works? Or is it a little too far past that now?

[Vyliss]

1. Depends on the project, I've spent 2 days on one, and others like 2 hrs or sth. But I'd stay if I'm serious about it about 2 days, if I lose interest than it's about 2 hrs. Others I just never finish :/

2. This changes, but when I'm really into it and I have the time it's 5 or more hrs a day.

[grenogs]

chopperdave, 10hour days ? ouch, ive done these myself, so now i totaly understand , the fact that you still kept up your drawing only proves how serious you are.

Thanks everyone for answering my questions, its made me realise a few things myself here. And obviously things need to change on our part with the projects. And come the new year, we'll start fresh, and get some more educational type projects going, but beware, it can get slightly boring, so to keep everyone happy, we will mix it up a little. Until then, i'll keep project 5 up as it is, but i'll also try posting some perspective stuff, which may help with certain things.

For those who want to join in, i think its ok, as you can see, this thread still has plenty of teething problems.

One last thing i want to say though, and this is the honest truth, and any proffessional artist or art teacher will say the same. In order to get much better, you literaly have to eat, sleep and dream about art. You can double the amount of hours you draw and it still isn't enough. Thats why art colleges are so hectic and demanding.

[grenogs]

some perspective stuff, people maybe interested in.

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x279/grenogs/Untitled2.jpg
http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x279/grenogs/Untitled3.jpg
http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x279/grenogs/Untitled4.jpg

[stormrider85]

thats cool i didnt know these views before now

[grenogs]

I'm glad you liked these, i got lots more like this, also some anatomy and lanscape stuff. And their all described in such a simple way, which makes them easy to learn from. And if everyone wants I'll try and post something here on a weekly basis, and if possible i'll try and keep it within the same context as the given project.

[qbertp]

May end up being my final or I may try something else. Any and all comments are helpful.
1. ~2
2.~1-3 hours a day during the week, much less on average during the weekend

http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t203/qbertp/liquidwip1.jpg

[grenogs]

thanks qbertp,
ok, first thing, where your trianguler object?
Also i think you need to add some more shadow, especially on the duck. At the moments, hes looking a little flat and lost withing the background

[qbertp]

Well the drain was four nearly triangular objects before I distorted them. As for shadows I agree and am working on it. Thanks!

[qbertp]

http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t203/qbertp/liquidwip1-1.jpg
More shadow and more triangles.

[Kai Black]

qbertp: looking good! I would distort the water around the drain more smoothly, and also still darken the line between the duck and its reflection more...at first I thought that it was just a messy coloring job. Keep up the pwn!

[qbertp]

http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t203/qbertp/liquidwip2.jpg

The latest iteration. Thanks for all the comments.

[grenogs]

qbertp to be honest , i think your earlier one worked better, the plug hole has gotten a little blur, Also try and add even more shadow to your objects, although its a liquid environment, the shadows can still be pretty strong.

[grenogs]

Just want to let everyone know that if your planning to do project 6, im away on hols for next couple of weeks so ill be posting it a little early. Its probably going to be simple multiple drawing excercises to do with anatomy of the head. i'll probably be posting this tommorrow, but don't start to panick thinking the current project has to be finished by tomorrow, thats still the same date. I just thought i would get the next one up incase i dont have time next week.

[worldofmyown]

just wondering if I could join too; do I still have to post 3 paintings? or is it too late? Can I just jump in and do the next project?

[Raven_Heart]

I would like to join also. If I post three of my drawings will you kindly let me know what I need to improve on?

Many Thanks!

267136
Fantasy Self-Portrait in Coloured Pencil.


267137
Frozen in the Moonlight in 2B graphite pencil.


267138
Jared Padalecki Portrait in 2B Graphite Pencil and 0.5mm Mechanical Pencil.

[UrbanKunoichi]

Aww, is it too late to join?

Whoops. Didn't know it was already asked.

[stormrider85]

its not to late to join,
Raven_Heart you seem to be slowly grasping tone but from the two figures you posted i would say you need to look at proportion and the human figure,
everyone else you can post your three if you want and then go into the current project.

[worldofmyown]

all right, 3 of my works. I've been working mainly on environments lately so here's two of them. crits will be very appreciated! I can't seem to figure out what I'm doing wrong with the environments, they just look too basic. http://img149.imageshack.us/img149/259/finishedworldofmyownbanjy4.png
http://img292.imageshack.us/img292/5388/finishedeowwe9.png
http://img247.imageshack.us/img247/3501/underwatersr4.png

[UrbanKunoichi]

Honestly, I critique the hell out of myself, so I know there are tons of faults with these already, but further insight is always awesome. It's rather late now, so tomorrow I'll start giving others critique.

I'm not sure if I can make the chicken project--I'm busy trying to get into college/finish my portfolio/finals in the next few weeks. I will definitely join the next one though.

http://img337.imageshack.us/img337/4056/glaredh7.jpg
This piece is from a few months ago. It's "complete." The nose and mouth are about two inches anatomically to the right of where they should be, and somehow during the progress on the sweater, it became... lumpy. And unpleasant. Spent forever on the hair but fudged the ends.

http://img178.imageshack.us/img178/5139/wtfflatsmallox7.jpg
This piece is mostly finished. I don't know what to do with the bg and I need to redo her hair and lips, which were rushed to make a deadline.

http://img235.imageshack.us/img235/4810/ninjess55wj.jpg
Oooollld, but meh. Generic floating head. I hated painting necks.

[qbertp]

world I think something you want to look at is saturation in your environments. As a general rule saturation should fade with distance. If the background is less saturated it gives your foreground more pop. I think you know this but maybe confusing value with saturation. You want less color in the background not just a lighter color.
And on your water piece you might think about letting the light show through the water more.

[Raven_Heart]

its not to late to join,
Raven_Heart you seem to be slowly grasping tone but from the two figures you posted i would say you need to look at proportion and the human figure,
everyone else you can post your three if you want and then go into the current project.

Thanks Stormrider, I think you summed up where I'm at pretty accurately! My proportion does tend to go a little awry, particularly the arms! I've decided to do the Character of the Week (CHOW) activity, Queen Medusa, so hopefully that'll help my figure drawing. Should I post what I do here as well so you can advise me if I'm going wrong, before I complete the drawing?

Many Thanks for your help!

[Vyliss]

K, I did this a week ago and let it sit a while before I added some more stuff to it today and thought I'd post it for some feedback.

http://img264.imageshack.us/img264/7576/underwater3uk9.th.jpg (http://img264.imageshack.us/my.php?image=underwater3uk9.jpg)

Not really conventional, but the light is the triangular shape. I've learned a lot doing this image since I thought it'd be a hard one to do from the beginning. But I just started painting and improvising and trying to capture that underwater look. Underwater environment basically means everything is blue and green and you can't see much in the distance like on land.
Not sure what kind of reflection that light in the image would give though, it's not the same as light coming from above the water so I figured it would work just as light on land would but just not as strong?

[realitychek]

I'm not going to be able to do up anything for project 5 for a little while- I really got nailed with home work over break, but hopefully I'll be able to come up with something this next weekend

[grenogs]

stormrider any chance you can put up the next project, im still on mu hold , and i will be for another 2 weeks, so getting online is a little difficult for me at moment

[stormrider85]

yer ill be on soon im getting everything together soon in about a week or two im going to stop working and buy some drawing books then this begginers corner is going to get overhauled so that we will all start from the basics LINE DRAWING stuff, plus i gotta update everything with all the new members and get rid of the old inactive ones.

[immortalindigo]

Stormrider,

That's great and perfect timing for me. The new semester starts again on the 16th and I've registered for Intro to Drawing! I'm hoping that learning the basics will give me a little more confidence.

-Indigo

[stormrider85]

so does anyone use cs3 to do their artwork not much people have said anything about it

[grenogs]

hey stormrider, actually ive just started using it, but my main tool is painter.

[stormrider85]

painter? i got painter aswell but i find it hard to use because i never know what media's to use, and the layers kind of confuse me the mixing pallete is cool though

[grenogs]

yeah painter can be sometimes, but its like any other program, you just got to put the time in to learn what it can do. I guess the biggest problem i find with painter though is that some of the brushes, especially the newer ones, are quite memory hungry, which can be a major problem if your wanting a particuler painting style :(. Also with so many brushes, it can take forever to find one thats realy suitable for your own style.

[qbertp]

I guess the biggest problem i find with painter though is that some of the brushes, especially the newer ones, are quite memory hungry, which can be a major problem if your wanting a particuler painting style :(. Also with so many brushes, it can take forever to find one thats realy suitable for your own style. Indeed.

So what's going on with this here thread? Is it relegated to the scrap heap? Or will there soon be a glorious reformation that will make all our hopes and dreams come true? Just curious.

[ChopperDave]

*Crickets*

Hello? Fearless leaders?

[grenogs]

stormrider, guys, im going to have to pull out of this for a time being. some things in my other life have arisen, so im going to have to prioritise and place my energies else where, so this thread and possibly even conceptart in general is going to have to take a back seat for an indefinate time. sorry guys and good luck for the future, seeya;)

[stormrider85]

well i hope this is a temporary thing grenogs not a permanent good bye because i do not plan to leave this thread at all guys, id like to give you all projects but like some other people said their looking for more of a how to then just constant hard projects, ive stopped working in preparation for my uni course, so i have plenty of time for this thread im going to buy some anatomy books and digital painting books and i will start posting projects from the very beginning, beginners corner is definetly not over if anything im going to start fresh and start a new beginning with different please pay attention to this thread and dont forget about it because there will be no point starting it with no members, in summary this is not over by a long shot i may need a new co leader cause of grenogs recent decision though................... any takers?

[stormrider85]

THIS THREAD IS NOT OVER,
:mod:
A WHOLE NEW BEGINNERS CORNER IS COMING SOON



NEED NEW CO LEADER ANY VOLUNTEERS????

[ChopperDave]

Might want to explain the requirements and responsibilities of the co-leader.

[Vyliss]

I agree. I want to see this thread going again. I've been going over form atm, I think that would be a good place to start?

[stormrider85]

basically co leader helps organize projects be able to explain diff drawing techniques offer advice basically a partner that does all the stuff i do, help with ideas keep shit organized , help run this thread

[Pandragon]

Just got back from vacation and just read through the last few pages of posts. I am really interested in where this thread is headed, and want to stay on board. Just wanted to drop everyone a quick note to let you know that I haven't dropped off the face of the earth.

[ChopperDave]

C'mon guys! Is anyone here capable of helping out stormrider?

@stormrider: Depending on how many of us are left there may not really be any need for a co-leader, at least not yet. But if you need to bounce any ideas off a true beginner, feel free to shoot me PMs.

[stormrider85]

yeh i just spent like a couple hundred on new anatomy books of both human and animal so im pretty prepared, you all better get ready to start from the basics

[ChopperDave]

A couple hundred?! Yeesh.

[stormrider85]

check out my latest beginners corner project post tell me what you guys think, im pretty sure i over did it

[grenogs]

stormrider, just seen your image, looking pretty good. Also better late than never.

Btw, you may be interested, but i'm thinking of creating another thread here. Due to circumstances in my own work, i've come to realise that i realy need to work on human faces. So basicly i'm thinking of creating a thread that deals only with head shots, a mixture of working from the basics structures, character features, realistic portraites, even animal characters, etc.. But what i was thinking was mixing it up, so one week may be like the spartant camp thread, another like chow, and possibly dealing with realistic images and characterised images of some famous people (these one would probably have a pole system also). I thought i'd mention it, becouse some of the weekly projects like the spartan threads may be usefull for beginners.

[stormrider85]

yer my plan for the new beginners corner is to start with pencil drawings , which includes line drawings, tones etc the basics and then while thats happening i want to to anatomy studies on the side first the skeletal system then muscles then face. the face study is going to be a long way away but you may want to pop in on this thread when we eventually get around to it, i have 3 different books that have plenty of material on the face so i will be scanning them and posting it up.

[stormrider85]

ok just a quick check who would like to be counted as members in "beginners corner"
????:ilaekae:

I need to update the members list get rid of non active members so i need to know,
projects will be starting soon and i dont know if theres enough people

post here to be counted for new members list if there even is anyone..........

[Fallimar]

well, I'm a beginner in the true sense of the word, so I'm probably a candidate :)

[ChopperDave]

I'm still here.

[macchan]

I think I would like to give being a member a try.^^;

[Phoren]

I'm a prime target for membership, I guess.

[realitychek]

I'm still in :)

[Vyliss]

i'm still in

[qbertp]

member

[stormrider85]

well that makes 7 members so far i guess were gunna have to go with that then , i think i might remake the thread cause this ones a bit messy and their are already heaps of pages.

anyone wanna help me come up with some projects?

new project should be coming this week after i remake the thread ill post it ill try post a kind of tutorial aswell well kinda, im not exactly a professional so i dont want to give out to much advice

get out the pencil and paper because i wanna start from the very beginning

[ChopperDave]

The best thing to do would be to come up with projects that go hand-in-hand with the tutorials you're doing. And not just content-wise, but also difficulty-wise. For example, if you were going to show us basic perspective, then the project shouldn't be "draw a perspective cityscape." That's far too much for beginners. It should be something on a much smaller scale, such as "find a table in your house. Put a few squarish items on it (squarish b/c straight edges are easier for beginners to draw), and draw it. Use x number of vanishing points, etc etc." Things like that.

Let's get this thing going!

[immortalindigo]

I'm still here too.

[Pelegrin]

i'd like to be in

[she-1000]

If I'm not too late, I'd like to give it a try too!

[Pandragon]

I'm still here. Is there a new beginners thread that I need to subscribe too?

I have to admit that I haven't been drawing that much recently due to my holiday schedule. But now that it's February , I am looking to get back into it a lot more.

[C0mBineD]

I would like to be in aswell :P if thats ok

[Mat Kaminski]

Eh, I'd be in! :)

[Nrx]

i'd love to be in, need somthing to motivate me!

[kizoku]

I would love to join!

[Eux]

If you start a new one I would love to be in :)

[Jools]

i'd love to join, too, if it's okay x)

[ChopperDave]

Bump. stormrider, you there?

[stormrider85]

yeh sorry just resently made my official sketchbook took some time ill recreate this thread maybe today with all the new members

[Puttrik]

I wanna join!

[Apts]

Hi, I just came across this thread randomly but it looks like it would be a great idea to help keep me motivated so if you don't mind I'd like to join your new beginners corner thread aswell, I can post a few of my pictures aswell if anyone is interested or I could just leave it till a new thread is created.

[Wythin]

I'm in like sin. I'll post some scans of what I think my best three works are as soon as I get my scanner up and running.

[Pandragon]

can anyone still enter? it had a deadline of october 2007, but the second thread claims you must post here to continue to the next one.

this is poorly organized. no wonder mods wouldnt aid it.

Iyami, I believe this thread is dead. Here is the link to the new forum, Beginners Corner 2.0:

http://conceptart.org/forums/showthread.php?t=118968

[Mat Kaminski]

Alright, I'm redirected!