CHOW #93 - The Apple Gatherer

[S.C. Watson]

http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff185/CA_Chow/ChowLines/chow-lines-1.jpg

ROUND #93

HALLOWEEN TOPIC: THE APPLE GATHERER


Time period: Turn of the century (1900's England, Northern Europe or North East U.S.).

The Apple Gatherer is an outdoor bogeyman. Sublime, subtle, deceitful and malicious. He is known to keep company with goblins, kobolds, redcaps and other foul ferries. He is especially fond of children, small dogs, and farm cats.
Seen most frequently in apple orchards, he haunts only during the twilight hours, when he is most likely to catch a farmer's child lingering unawares.
Focus on the psychology and emotional impact of the character. He needs to be believable and frightening* - NOT just some monster slammed together.
---
DESIGN NOTE: This brief is specific. You WILL NOT make it to poll if you do not follow the brief. Be creative within the parameters you have been given!
*I want some serious freak-factor going - not horror or blood and gore.
_________________________________
Now concept!!





:right: FOLLOW THE TOPIC.
:grandpa: You will receive votes for every successful representation of the topic elements. The ammount of votes will be listed in the round topic. Description is optional.

:right: POST YOUR FINAL IN THE FINAL BURNING THREAD.


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http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i222/ChowPics/frame.jpg
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DEADLINE
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 22
The way the deadline works: if deadline is on a Sunday and your image is posted on that Sunday 23:59 your local time it's a good entry.
In fact - as long there is Sunday somewhere on the planet your entry is ok. I will make the poll sometimes Monday afternoon my time (GMT +2) yet i'll have a look at the last entries.
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There are new rules.

POST YOUR FINALS IN THE FINAL BURNING THREAD!

also - remember to include your nickname in the filename.

About quality - as general rule: if your shapes and values are not decent - you are out. watch proportions, perspective etc. we need perfectly readable shapes and coherent, consistent values.

_____________
Please try to save your progress - maybe a nice tutorial is coming out.
BE PROFESSIONAL - only finished and good quality entries will be taken to the poll. The host will make the selection.

[JessiBean]

Hopping in early because while reading the brief an image popped into my head... rough little sketch just to get my idea in the queue, throw in my hat, whatever you want to call it. The sublime bit really got me, I went for the inspiring awe; impressive. definition.

219040

AWESOME topic (yet again)... More soon!

Some updated progress... working out the lineart (making him lean less so he doesn't fall over... scary bogey men don't fall over) Size is exaggerated (because I'd feel more scared if I was her and I stumbled upon a ginormous thing like him in the dark orchard) Coloring will be dark and spooky, methinks. C&C always welcome. Oregano has me worried about the too-person looking thing...

219294

Side note: I got to meet Brian Froud this past weekend, talented guy, looks like an accountant.
:^^:

[grenogs]

some realy nice topics recently, :)

[CarolineBradley]

I'm in early too on this one... I found myself chopping and changing to make it less like other entries last time so though I'd get my idea down on paper and up here asap :D

Sublime, subtle,... I though I would use his clothes for this and have researched some 1900 sublime mens fashion (Teddy Roosevelt)..
deceitful and malicious.. in his features and hands and feet.. hes a wolf in sheep's clothing so to speak. With his little gobliney friends having breakie.

Have an apple-"Kitty had not come home, and it was getting dark, the farmers child, despite warnings, snuck out to search for her beloved moggie. She encountered a delightfully dressed stranger whom offered her an apple, it was getting quite dark and she just couldn't make out his features...."

Now I'm off to fix all the faults, take ref of holding an apple and other various things :D

[S.C. Watson]

I just want to post one quick clarification - he's a bogeyman. Not human, per se. More twisted faerie than anything else.

See if you can find Brian Froud's and Alan Lee's book of Faeries for reference on this one.

Cheers,
~Oreg.

[Sorknes]

Maybe you should change the text inside the post to CHOW # 93 instead of 92 as well? ;)

[dCepT]

Oregano... dude... I'm gonna have to join in on this one! Thanks for kickin' my ass over here from my SB! :D

[Jason Strutz]

when you say fond of, do you mean he eats them?
sorry got sick on the last chow and Im on planes this weekend. might be a different look from me this week, if I can get it done.
http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd155/strutzillustration/apple.jpg

[S.C. Watson]

when you say fond of, do you mean he eats them?

I'd say that was a fairly accurate interpretation >:D :$

Maybe you should change the text inside the post to CHOW # 93 instead of 92 as well? ;)
Don't know *what* you're talking about... (whistles and walks away) >:|

[grenogs]

just a quicky to work out lighting and mood, ill work on the detail later, once i had a better think. clothed or no clothed? not sure yet, also still tinkering on whether or not to kill the dog ;)

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x279/grenogs/apple-gaverer.jpg

[Stephan_R]

Oh man, I HAVE to force my hand to the tablet on this one. Too awesome to pass up! Great topic.

[Mythlore]

Love the topic Oregano!

This is a real fun one. I love seasonal topics one can find inspiration everywhere. This is just a quick 5 min sketch/ place holder.

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff121/MythLore/Chow93_wipcopy.jpg

p.s. Wow Jessie great line work as usual. May I ask how you do your line work? Is it traditional then scanned? Also congrats on meeting a legend, Brian Fraud. I've got to meet Tony DiTerlizzi on a couple occasions now and always feel lucky. :)

*Update
Not much of an update but wanted to show some refined line work before I get coloring. Its not the best line work. Really trying to get the wacom mastered and using nothing else for the entire process.

The Apple Gatherer, bogyman after catching his victim/child returns home where he then stuffs this child into his open abdomen cavity which then begins to feed off of the child. After feeding for some time the bogyman then grows a new apple. These apples live just as long as the life of the child and then rot and fall off, making the Apple Gatherer hunger for more.
http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff121/MythLore/Chow93_wipcopy-1.jpg
P.S. Some C&C on the perspective of the child would be great.

[S.C. Watson]

Oregano has me worried about the too-person looking thing...

Nah. You're fine. I just wanted to make sure that everyone understood that he wasn't human. He can look human, just not be human. If that makes sense... :[

~Oreg.

[JessiBean]

Nah. You're fine. I just wanted to make sure that everyone understood that he wasn't human. He can look human, just not be human. If that makes sense... :[


Clear like mud. ;)

mythlore: LOVE the glowing apple skulls, very cool character design

[PowleyMan]

From Wikipedia.

The bogeyman, boogyman, bogyman, or boogeyman, is a legendary ghostlike monster often believed in by children. The bogeyman has no specific appearance, and bogeyman can be used metaphorically to denote a person or thing of which someone has an irrational fear. The bogeyman legend may originate from Scotland, where such creatures are sometimes called bogles, boggarts, or bogies.[1]

The most common childhood conception of the bogeyman is that of someone (usually a monster) lurking in bedrooms (e.g., behind the door, in the closet, or under the bed), where he lies in wait before attacking the sleeper.

Bogeyman tales vary by region. In some places the bogeyman is male, in others, female. In some Midwestern states of the U.S. the bogeyman does not enter bedrooms but instead scratches on the windows. It is said that a wart can be transmitted to someone by the bogeyman.[1] Bogeymen may be said to target a specific mischief – for instance, a bogeyman that persecutes children who suck their thumbs – or just general misbehavior.

Bogeymen are depicted as tall, rangy, hairy beings who are vaguely apish. They hide under beds, behind doors, and in closets, for no reason anyone can understand, or at least no reason they are willing to disclose; in Ankh-Morpork bogeys sometimes pop off to Beirs for a quiet drink. In Ireland they were a type of faerie that lived in the bog and kidnapped children so they could play with them. They made them stay a year and a day.

Thought it might help, cool topic!

Cheers and Happy Halloween!
---------------------------------------------------------------

The Evil orchard faerie licks his lips as the mesmerized little girl comes for his apple.

BAM!

"Lunch Time Boys!"

[dabble]

I wasn't sure I was gonna like this one based on the title, but after the reading the brief " I likely very much". Nice description of what the apple gatherer is Oregano. Okay, here's my wip. Hope too see you all at the finish line.

The story: This deceitful bogeyman first sets his trap by stealing little children's toys. Do you remember when you was a kid and could have sworn you left you favorite toy by the bedside window, you looked for it and it wasn't there. You find your toy somewhere that it should not be. That was the bogeyman taking it, only to lure you alone and snatch you away. Night is about to fall and mum says to be home before dark. You are running home along the apple orchard when for a split second you hear a noise that sounds like your toy. You look and it's your missing toy. "How did it get there?" you think to yourself. You go to investigate, you find your toy and a nice surprise of candy apples at the base a tree. Good night young conductor.
http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x18/dabble21/ConceptArt/CHOW/93_wip.jpg

[Pezzle]

This is my first CHOW that I will have ever participated in. I realize I may make mistakes and probably will not make it to vote, but I wanted to stake my spot. I have been to nervous to participate until now... I've realized that even if I don't make it, i should have fun along the way.

I did a 30 min rough sketch in photoshop to establish just how I visualized this devious fellow. This is pretty tough, working only from my mind! I might have to get someone to model the pose for me so I can tweak it!

Backstory is basically that I envision this fellow reaping apples from the trees and gaining the childrens' trust by dropping the nice, shiny, red apples to them. Little do they know that it's a mere distraction, for his fearsome rending talons are soon to follow. He then disappears into the woods once again with a full belly, eagerly awaiting his next hunt, for these hunts are the Apple Gatherer's Playtime!

http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee236/berserkerp/CHOW93pezzleWIP.jpg

I hope that the lighting and facial expressions I later introduce will help build the psychological atmosphere.

[CarolineBradley]

I have put him into the computer and have started colouring, but had a play and inked the sketch, put in just a miniature amount of colour, thought I'd show the lines...

[nuru]

aaww i wish i had time to enter this one.... :(

[Chronoperates]

Here I thought I was going to make myself do other work rather than hop on another one of these, but the topic got me really interested this week and stuff just started coming into my head and forced me to do it...

So here is the linework so far, still debating on whether to keep it in the final or cover it over when I paint it. I went with the same kind of vein as Caroline because when I read the "subtle" and "sublime" I gathered moreso the type that would look somewhat trust worthy at first only to turn into something much uglier later. I originally thought before going through the rest of the thread to have him holding out an apple, but after scanning through I saw that being used as a lure a lot so I went with something different. I figure a farmer's kid can have an apple whenever they want, they work in the orchard, so a shiny coin might do the trick a bit better. :P

His horns are going to be like wood growing out of his head and that texture on his chin and near his scalp are going to be more like woodgrain blending in with flesh...kinda hard to get across with just lines for now.

Critique welcome, and what do you guys think, leave the lines in, or cover over them?

[Poshspice]

Some top sketches coming through. I don't have time this week... :(

Bluefooted should be here... this is right up her street! :)

[cowboy surfer]

here's my wip... wondering if i've gone to far from human??

still need to add children, small dogs, and farm cats!!.... any feedback is appreciated.

http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l319/cowboy-surfer/applepickerroughs.jpg

oh and chronoperates -my girlfriend thinks i look like your guy (without the horns of course) in my haloween outfit from last year lol.

[daestwen]

I'll give this one a shot, but... scary and I don't mesh well, haha..

Edit: ... Never mind, I already did a sketch right after I posted this.... I don't know how scary he looks, though... I'll post when I can get to a scanner.

[Sorknes]

I foresee a lot of nice Halloween pics here. :) I'll try to participate this time as well, started out with a few sketches.... They're not anywhere up to par yet tho, so I'll see if I get the time.

Solorpower - Nice piece you got going there. Waiting to see it coloured, I think that can be an awsome piece with the right mood. Waiting to see how you're gonna do the trees with the pumpkin faces in.

Jason Strutz - I think I need to something more detailed there. Something about the lower "body" seems a bit off to me. The kids in the foreground looks like it can make it nice and "creepy gathering" kinda thing.

grenogs - NIce composition as far as I can tell, so far it looks a bit more like a tree than anything else, can't wait to see what else you're gonna put in there :)

Mythlore - Nice thing going on there, I love those glowing apples! The kid hanging upside down and all, it's the first one here so far depicting it after it managed to lure it into it's "embrace".

PowleyMan - nice goblinish creature there. Creepy in the old fashion Halloween way. There's something off with the kids pose and face though, the knee in front is awkward and the tears looks off.

dabble - don't know if you're gonna mend the apple gatherer in the tree or not. Good so far, need to see some more to get an idea of how it's gonna become. Watch the kids legs.

Pezzle - I really like this one. Get it going, and start worrying about it being good enough later. Looks like a goer at the moment. Like the horns and shoulders a lot.

Caronline Bentley - Watch the face there, it looks a bit skewed. Often happens when one does eyes like that. Like the creatures on the ground there.

Chronoperates - one of the best so far in my opinion. I thought about the twisted fairies the moment I read the ChoW, and that looks like a typical British twisted fairie before he shows his real self to me.

cowboy surfer - thought it was gonna be a little more, I wouldn't say "human", but less "animal". I might be totally wrong though, and if so that's a nice creepy one you got.

Can't wait for the rest. Hope I didn't forget anyone.

[JessiBean]

Progress! Sort of... lots more painting to do, trying to experiment a little...

219955


Also, AWESOME drawing, chronoperates, just make sure you play up how scary he is (bogey man, afterall) cowboysurfer: great critter, like an evil fairy iguana. are those apples he's surrounded by? pezzle and dabble: digging the sketches, both full of personality, looking forward to more. I might suggest changing compositions a little? so the scene is less straight on/more dynamic? mythlore good update, coming along quite nicely... and for your question, I usually tackle the lines with a 2H and HB pencil on Bristol, then just scan in and color in Photoshop. (harder pencils smudge less for me)

Happy CHOWing... :^^:

[Pezzle]

@JessiBean:

I'd love to, but I'm so terrible with my foreshortening, I'm lucky I'm pulling the outreached hand off. Maybe if I can get this one cleaned up tonight, I can re-create the character in a more dynamic pose.. I tend to do lots of drawings to get a feel first.

[Chronoperates]

So here's with a very quick color wash to get a better feel for the tone. Helping with the creepiness factor?

[Jake Kobrin]

Cowboy surfer, that's not a character it's a creature. A character is something with close to human intelegence that can use equiptment and wear clothing I think it has to be bi-pedal but correct me if I'm wrong.
Jake

[cowboy surfer]

Jake Kobrin - Cowboy surfer, that's not a character it's a creature. A character is something with close to human intelegence that can use equiptment and wear clothing I think it has to be bi-pedal but correct me if I'm wrong.

although my 'gatherer' is particularly creaturefied, he is in fact a bi-ped. i just chose to give him anamalistic tendancies(as all the best faeries have) and his relaxed posture upon the rock is 'supposed' to indicate this... he pounces, he stalks he swopps in on prey etc

i was very much thinking brian frouds dark crystal type of stuff when conjouring him, he is very much a calculating, evil, reptilian, avian, faerie bretheren.

maybe the addition of weapons, decorations etc would humanify him more??

any other thoughts out there?
personally i am pleased with his creapiness and faerie quality, and the character now has a personnality and attributes in my mind that are giving me hard times when i try to redo him... maybe its his faerie magic!!lol

and yes JessiBean he is surrounded by apples.(hoping to come up with a way to paint them that wont take all year!)

thanks for the feedback peeps.

[MarkWinters]

Chronoperates - The brief mentions the character only haunting during twilight hours so be sure your coloring reflects that.

JessiBean - Nice work! I kinda want to see the light from the lamp be a little warmer to really contrast with the blues and purples.

I hope to get a rough posted later tonight and some comments if I can!

[Chronoperates]

MarkWinters - I was actually going for more of a firelight burning off to the side in the forest, hence the brighter yellows. I toned it down a bit and out of curiosity went and looked up the exact definition of twilight to get a better idea of the exact time of day. The dictionary.com result:

1. the soft, diffused light from the sky when the sun is below the horizon, either from daybreak to sunrise or, more commonly, from sunset to nightfall.
2. the period in the morning or, more commonly, in the evening during which this light prevails.

So it is actually a brighter time of day than I originally thought, and I figured some other people might want to know that it is a time of dusk and not night by definition.

[S.C. Watson]

Cowboy surfer, that's not a character it's a creature. A character is something with close to human intelegence that can use equiptment and wear clothing I think it has to be bi-pedal but correct me if I'm wrong.
Jake

This is an interesting perspective that has developed with the CHOW, and I'm not sure where it came from.

A character, technically, can be *anything*. So long as it has a personality that is somehow displayed. Cowboy Surfer's entry is fine, so long as he exhibits some sort of personality through the creature (after all, what are we but tool using, fabric wearing primates? Nothing more than a creature in the final analysis). And so long as it matches the brief.

We often associate characters with human traits because we see ourselves as the pinnacle of evolution - We are the measure. So, it follows that anything else with even a wit of intelligence will exhibit human qualities in some fashion or another, right?

Well, not necessarily. However, we are prejudiced by our very nature to expect it, so it typically works in art to show some form of recognizable (i.e. human) trait. This can be anthropomorphic upright stance, the set of the eyes, hands, whatever, but something undeniably human in order for us to recognize personality or intelligence in the subject.

In fact, intelligence ultimately has very little to do with personality. My cats exhibit more personality (and sometimes more intelligence...) than several of my co-workers. Just because we use tools doesn't mean we have a character, personality or are intelligent.

From Dictionary.com:
char·ac·ter –noun

1. The aggregate of features and traits that form the individual nature of some person or thing.

There are other definitions as well, but for our purposes here, that will suffice.

Also from Dictionary.com
per·son·al·i·ty –noun, plural -ties.

1. the visible aspect of one's character as it impresses others: He has a pleasing personality.
2. a person as an embodiment of a collection of qualities: He is a curious personality.
3. Psychology.
a. The sum total of the physical, mental, emotional, and social characteristics of an individual.
b. The organized pattern of behavioral characteristics of the individual.

As for the subject being bi-pedal, or humanoid -- only if the brief says so. :) Too be fair, this is sometimes implied in the brief, so it's important to read it carefully.

[zeitgeist]

awesome topic.
in the topic description your apple gatherer is gender specific (he). Can it be of the female persuasion... or "genderless"?

[PuppyKitten]

I prolly won't get time for this one, but I am liking everyone's so far.

JessiBean: Holy crap you are a fast one. I like it so far! Very clean. Colors fit perfectly.

CarolineBradley: Definitely digging the character design and all the little dudes behind him. Can't wait to see it more fleshed out! Right now he looks like he's in daylight. Are you going to work with that or put him in a night-time setting? (just curious)

JasonStrutz: This is good and creepy. I like it. Some of it is a little hard to see but I think that may add to the creep-factor (plus it's just a sketch)

Grenogs: I think the colors will be neat when you're done. Don't kill the dog ;_; Kill the kid, sure. But leave the precious puppy alone. :(

Mythlore: So far this is looking friggin' great! Love the hands-for-feet. So sorry I can't help with perspective on the kid. It looks fine to me right now.

PowleyMan: Love the Apple Gatherer himself, but that child needs some work. Her legs seem short and her arms seem long and lumpy. I'd get a ref for her. Her hair looks great though, especially for braids.

Dabble: Liking it! Still too early on this one for crits I think.

Pezzle: Looks cool so far! Welcome to CHOW (last week was my first CHOW ever, pretty scary huh?)

Chronoperates: So far you have my vote. He looks creepy in a sexy, 'he-can-gather-MY-apples-any-time' sort of way. Love the bg so far :D

Cowboy surfer: Looking nice. Kudos for really going in a non-human direction.

[S.C. Watson]

awesome topic.
in the topic description your apple gatherer is gender specific (he). Can it be of the female persuasion... or "genderless"?

If you have a valid reason that you think it would work better that way, sure. Go for it.

[daestwen]

Okay, so... after I said I wouldn't try this weeks, here's my first sketch:

http://www.daestwen.com/gallery_pics/apple_sketch001.png

[scottmcd]

Some comments and a WIP:

JessiBean: Having the lower legs be the tree trunks is a great idea. The green man face looks a bit like a twisted version of the Guy Fawkes masks from V for Vendetta. The safe town at the end of the path is a nice touch too. I do think the color choice is a bit dark - it's a tough call since it's supposed to be twilight, but I could see adding a touch more contrast to some parts.

CarolineBradley: Is the circle behind him supposed to be a tail? If so, have the tail end before it reconnects with the jacket. It'll introduce an interesting negative space pattern and be easier to read. His left cheek seems stretched and not quite right. I'd keep it round but fill it out a little bit. I like the feet. Finally, the light source is from the left side of the picture, but the heaviest lines are also on the left side. On his leg, for instance, put the heavy black line away from the light source and he lighter black line close to it. That goes for the rest of the figure, the tree, etc.

Jason Strutz: It's very hard for me to tell what's going on from the picture.

Grenogs: I think the interaction between them could be a little more dynamic. He could loom larger over the boy, who should either exhibit surprise or fear in his posture. As it is, he's just standing there. I do think the lighting is effective, and I like the moonlight effects.

Mythlore: Really cool so far! The child's perspective looks OK to me, but there's a possible tangent between the child's head and the gatherer's back foot. Either separate them or more clearly establish the overlap.

Powleyman: I like the creature. Is the kid just a placeholder? She's in a completely different, stiffer style than the gatherer.

Dabble: I like the way he wraps around the tree.

More later as I time permits. Here's mine. I plan to try a different inking style this time - more shading and finer cross-hatching than I've done before. Always assuming I have time to finish. :rolleyes:

[wiggum]

This is just a quick sketch, any C&C will be most helpful and appreciated.
220185

[mrbo18]

Here's my sketch so far. Not very evil right? I'm planning on making his half in shadow be more demonic and the side in light be angelic. At least that's the plan, but I don't know how it will turn out. When I looked up images by Brian Froud and Alan Lee like Oregano suggested I found things that were along these lines and thought they were awsome. It wasn't until I saw what others had posted that I realized I might have misunderstood the brief. Anywho there's still plenty of time. Any ideas on how to dress him up a bit?

[reebles202]

PowleyMan

Your pics look really great but I think there is something missing here and in a few of the other pics posted. The genious of the brief is the scariness inherent in the seemingly innocuous and subtle. No child would approach something that looked like that for an apple. It just wouldn't happen.

Part of the allure for those who pray on children is their "freakish" fondness for them (loving the early renditions of the "puppet master for instance) and for the "hunt". There is an extrememly compelling component there that this brief is just screaming to have addressed. The fact that he eats children is far less interesting than WHY he chooses children and sweet domesticated animals or HOW he lures those who are usually the most suspicious and well guarded among us.

I have no artistic tallent of my own (drat) so I really look forward to seeing you all go after these breifs every week but this brief is very deep in nature and I would like to see more insight into the psychological aspects of the subject matter.

[mrgrumble]

what an amazing topic! i feel like this needs some classic arthur rackham illustration to define it :)

[Sorknes]

I just realised the "he"......

Mine is a woman........

I still don't have a single sketch I want the public to look at tho, so doesn't matter. >.<

[S.C. Watson]

I honestly do not know if I will have time to finish mine this week, but I wanted to post the pencil work at the very least.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v25/Oregano/chow_files/CHOW-93-lineart.jpg

Cheers,
~Oreg.

[reebles202]

JessiBean

Love what you are doing here. Kids being short, would never notice what was about to befall them. This handles my HOW very well. Makes the WHY less troublesome for me!

Kudos

[S.C. Watson]

Mine is a woman........
Don't worry about it. Go with what you've got.

Cheers,
~Oreg.

[Howie]

Mythlore- really like the idea of a wooden exterior and a skeleton interior, but I'm not so keen on the apple skulls

dabble- I like what you have so far

Oregano- Wow, love the costume and the expression on his face. Great technical skill as well.

Here is where i settled, kinda of a variation of the left middle guy. I tried to give him a hump back but i think i need to exaggerate it a little more. I was going for a crazed greedy kind of character similar to Smeagol from Lord of the Rings. The one you pointed out Oregano felt too slow and calm.

FINAL
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v676/Internalcow/Chow93_howie.png

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v676/Internalcow/applewipcopy.png
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v676/Internalcow/applewip.png
big thumbs http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v676/Internalcow/thumbsApple.png
page of thumbs http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v676/Internalcow/thumbsapplesall.png

[S.C. Watson]

here are the rest of my thumbnails if you are interested
Actually, the thumb that has the most potential in my opinion is the one directly below the top guy you have checked on the left in your big thumb page.

[Pezzle]

http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee236/berserkerp/CHOW93pezzleWIP2.jpg

So here's more of a WIP, I didn't work on it much today since I had D&D and a loooot of phone calls to make (what a day!). Trying to keep the colors dull, even the apples, though theyre just blocked in at the moment. I should probably work on getting better at this "rendering everything all at once business" but I tend to get very bored that way :\

I am hoping his smile conveys something of a false trust, but I'm not sure if I've quite captured it.

[S.C. Watson]

wow. I just had my painter program crash on me.

I could just...


scream.

[zeitgeist]

wow. I just had my painter program crash on me.

I could just...


scream.

!!!

you too!?

I wonder if... when painter steals a picture from us... Andrew Jones grows more powerful...

[Sorknes]

Posting one of the horrible sketches I have........ Just for good measure.....

I've kept the bg and trying out different chars.... The reason the hands and feet are missing is because it was horribly off.

I *DID* have a more skeletony body at first. Where the head matches. Now the body is turning into a fullfledged woman, and the head is totally not fitting.

I keep redoing several parts of it, but it still is so way out there. Help? If anyone can spare the time? *lol*

[reebles202]

daestwen

The more I look at your sketch, the more I love it. It shows the childish nature of the preditor, the bait, just enough of the child to make you squirm. It shows me the middle of the story with enough leads to capture the beginning and end. The psychology and emotion is evident here and this pic most closely reflects the brief. I can't wait to see it finished!

love, love, love it.

[Evui]

!!!

you too!?

I wonder if... when painter steals a picture from us... Andrew Jones grows more powerful...

Hahahahahahahhahahahahhahahahhahaha omg amazing

*cough* Everything is looking amazing! I'm lookin forward to seeing the final products!

[wiggum]

daestwen & Oregano-you guys are my favorites so far.

I did a little more work on this, I'm trying to give it the look of an old Children's book illustration. It still needs to be touched up a little bit, and I would like to do something cool with the background.

It is still a little rough around the edges, if you see anything I can improve, let me know. But it's past one a.m., so I'm off to bed
220266

[Jake Kobrin]

This is an interesting perspective that has developed with the CHOW, and I'm not sure where it came from.

A character, technically, can be *anything*. So long as it has a personality that is somehow displayed. Cowboy Surfer's entry is fine, so long as he exhibits some sort of personality through the creature (after all, what are we but tool using, fabric wearing primates? Nothing more than a creature in the final analysis). And so long as it matches the brief.

We often associate characters with human traits because we see ourselves as the pinnacle of evolution - We are the measure. So, it follows that anything else with even a wit of intelligence will exhibit human qualities in some fashion or another, right?

Well, not necessarily. However, we are prejudiced by our very nature to expect it, so it typically works in art to show some form of recognizable (i.e. human) trait. This can be anthropomorphic upright stance, the set of the eyes, hands, whatever, but something undeniably human in order for us to recognize personality or intelligence in the subject.

In fact, intelligence ultimately has very little to do with personality. My cats exhibit more personality (and sometimes more intelligence...) than several of my co-workers. Just because we use tools doesn't mean we have a character, personality or are intelligent.

From Dictionary.com:
char·ac·ter –noun

1. The aggregate of features and traits that form the individual nature of some person or thing.

There are other definitions as well, but for our purposes here, that will suffice.

Also from Dictionary.com
per·son·al·i·ty –noun, plural -ties.

1. the visible aspect of one's character as it impresses others: He has a pleasing personality.
2. a person as an embodiment of a collection of qualities: He is a curious personality.
3. Psychology.
a. The sum total of the physical, mental, emotional, and social characteristics of an individual.
b. The organized pattern of behavioral characteristics of the individual.

As for the subject being bi-pedal, or humanoid -- only if the brief says so. :) Too be fair, this is sometimes implied in the brief, so it's important to read it carefully.

Oh wow thanks for that dude! That really gives me a whole new perspective. I've actually read books or seen movies were a character can be not even living. A great example is the van in little miss sunshine.

[PowleyMan]

Thanks for the CC! I know the girl stinks :( i need to get a reference. i hope i can make time to get this finished up by the deadline.

As far as practicality Reebles i imagined him Mesmerizing the children, Lets say that any child who ate from his orchard can be influenced by him. Thats why i added the tears, shes in terror but she has no control of her actions.

Pezzle, funny i had D&D today too! our DM pussed out luckily we have a backup! anyhow... Im diggin your character though he seems to be off balance?

Oregeno very cool and creepy.

Daestwen awesome concept! *starts singing master of puppets*

Alot of great and creepy work comin out keep it up!

Cheers!

[Xol]

Well, this is my first go at a CHOW, so I hope I make the grade (and yeah, I know I need to put it into the Final Burning thread, but I figured I may as well put it in here and see if you guys had any comments or suggestions). Oh, and I hope you can forgive the over-long writeup, I kind of got carried away...

CHOW # 93 - Apple Gatherer
http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd104/pixolotl/CHOW93_xol.jpg

"Ho Trav'ler, buy an apple fram me basket - they're redder'n yer true love's lips and sweeter'n honey fram th' hive! Not hungry? Well, what if I tell't ye these apples are good fer keepin away more'n them sawbones what haunt th' towns... have ye hear'd o' th' Gatherer?

Th' Gatherer's th' reason no honest folk fram these parts'll travel th' forest road after sundown. It comes up on ye out o' th' dark a'tween th' trees, an' it don't look like much but a little bairn - a boy no older'n four or five, but fer its lips are blue, an its eyes are cold like death. You'll know it, too, by th' shadow it casts, what'll be too big fer a little child like that.

So it comes up on ye out o' the dark, its shadow dancin' behind, an' it'll sing t'ye this rhyme:
'I asks me price, I asks me price,
An apple for me table.
If ye haven't me price, If ye haven't me price,
I'll take whatsoe'er I'm able.'

Oh, ye ain't afear'd o' children? Well I'll tell ye, th' Gatherer be older'n it looks... older'n the town fer sure, maybe older'n the forest even! An' if'n ye don' have th' price ready its shadow will billow up like smoke aroun' ye, an' ye won't be able t' see yer lantern e'en if ye hold it up t'yer eyes so y' feel the heat on yer face. Then when th' shadow leaves ye, you'll find somethin's missin' - an' believe me, it won't be somethin' ye c'n do without. The Gatherer only takes somethin' what's beloved - it might as easily be yer fav'rite dog or cat, or yer weddin' ring, or yer first an' only born son. Whatsoe'er it is, it'll be somethin' beloved that will leave an shadow on yer heart f'r th' rest of yer days.

But th' wise trav'ler will be ready for it. Th' wise traveller will have at hand a ripe, red apple (just like th' ones here in me basket) an' will hold it out to the creature an' say in a loud, clear voice:
'Ye've asked yer price, ye've asked yer price,
An apple fram me hand.
I have yer price, I have yer price,
Leave me free t' walk th' land.'

Oh, ye'll take four apples? It's only tuppence fer six... Lovely! You won't be sorry, they're just as good in a nice hot pie..."

[Daray]

wow. I just had my painter program crash on me.

I could just...


scream.

*pats* It's ok hon, I've just lost my entire laptop :(

[longwrat]

First time CHOWer, hi there everyone!

WIP of what I have so far for this cool topic, I got to go to work now but I'll be back to comment properly in this thread.

cheers,
wrat.

[matias]

Hey guys, heres my little guy, let me know what yiou reckon, not totally happy with his legs but am happy with his face.
http://members.optusnet.com.au/matias.jakku/Linking%20Files/Chow%2093%20apple%20picker.JPG
I grew up as a kid with the Brian Froud book of faeries and also the Gnome book, I cant remember by whom, they were so magical and also had dark elements (as well as nudey bits! :P) so a young boy was alway pretty magical and spooky to! Great topic!
Oregano I think your brilliantly chanelling the spirit of Brian Froud's faeries there, awesome!
Jessibean very nice work, super stylish as always! Colours are looking like they'll be coming out really superb!
Chronoperates, nice work, really like the rendering style, although I have to say my favourite part are his little minions by the barrel, so full of wholesome evil mischievousness.

Cheers guys
Matias

[Benjamen Christ]

Wip

http://community.imaginefx.com/fxpose/christismellows_portfolio/images/57620/original.aspx

[ValkyriesBard]

Well... I guess I'm going to hop on this thread... My version of the Apple Gatherer. WIP crit welcome.

[grenogs]

wow. I just had my painter program crash on me.

I could just...


scream.


mine is always crashing, if i didnt save almost every 5 minutes, id have nothing to show. :(

[grenogs]

a new update, my mini ent like character still needs work, also the child still needs to be worked on, to make him looked startled or afraid, also im still pondering on the dog, if i get time, i think ill have 2 version, dead dog and not dead dog version:)

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x279/grenogs/apple-gaverer2.jpg

[solorpower]

Very nice concept Jessi......its a bit like what I had in mind but different.

I'm slicking my Windows hard drive right now at home....so I hope to make it to this week's Chow.

Originally Posted by Oregano
wow. I just had my painter program crash on me.

I could just...


scream.

Dude, seems like its that time of the year for windows to bug on us! I'm re-installing everything!

It's not cool for your PC to crash when you're in the middle of painting.......very uncool. When's the last time you wiped your hard drive? If you need help doing that let me know.....

[Chance.]

prolly not gonna finish this, but what the heck. WIP

I hate color. I completely don't get it.

[Pezzle]

Pezzle, funny i had D&D today too! our DM pussed out luckily we have a backup! anyhow... Im diggin your character though he seems to be off balance?


Yeah, he gives that impression. I was trying to make him seem like he is shifting his claw so when the child jumps and grabs the apple he would strike- however, I've never been good at this action thing, so I probably didn't pull it off very well -laugh- it's going to take time and lots of CHOWs n' practice to get better with that.

Oh and our DM is my boyfriend. If he pussed out, I'd drive to his house and drag him over. =) Hell hath no fury like a woman without her D&D.

[MonkeYoakum]

Just want to make sure Im not wasting my time by not following the rules. 1. Does the char need to be human? 2. Does the char need to take up a certain portion of the screen. Thanks

[Chance.]

Monkeyoakum - Someone earlier in the thread posted the definition of a Bogeyman, look back there to find out what we are supposed to be drawing,

Usually in chow you need to have 3/4 of the character visible (wouldn't realy be a character design if you couldn't see the character)

[daestwen]

Okay, so... my two cents. :D

JessiBean: Your work has been so consistently strong the last three weeks. Your lines are really nice and clean and the colour (so far) seems to be setting the atmosphere well.

CarolineBradley: His right leg's (our left) thigh looks a little wonky. I think it's the really straight inner-thigh line from his crotch to his knee that makes it look off. Try to round it out a little more, it will help it from appearing too flat, and give volume and form to the wrinkles in the pants. Colour will help with this too, so. The little gremlins at his feet are neat, so don't let them be lost in the picture.

Jason Strutz: The initial sketch is a little hazy and crowded, so I'll have more to say when I see it done.

grenogs: I don't really know how much I can say yet.... I'll reserve my judgment till later.

Mythlore: I have to say, he does look sufficiently creepy. I'm looking forward to the colour. I love the kid's expression, but from this angle it looks like his left arm might be a couple millimeters too long? I could be wrong... I think maybe it's just the sleeve cuff is too high, it makes his left look longer than his right.

PowleyMan: My only problem with this one is that you went and made the gremlin's face so awesome and gnarled, and then the kid's face is really exaggerated and cartoony...

dabble: Not much to comment on so far. I think the kid's legs look a little unnatural - it's kind of hard to sit like that - but I'll reserve judgment for a later pic.

Pezzle: I like his cat-like expression. Waiting to see more.

Sorknes: I think one of the reasons her head looks weird is that the weird tree behind her seems to be growing out of it, and it's branches/leaves match her hair. I think the design is fine, it just doesn't seem menancing enough yet. Maybe have her bending toward the child? It's eyes are the most 'creepy' part of it, so eye-to-eye contact would probably be the scariest thing, so... if she brought her eyes down to the kid's eye level, it might be more aggressive and scary. I dunno.

Xol: Right now, I'm sorry to say, but I don't think it's quite ready for final burning. Two of the things that you mention in your write up don't even appear in your design - his 'blue lips' and his creepy shadow. I think you'd get a lot more power out of the drawing if you *showed* us that creepy shadow rather than tell us about it.

longwrat: Heh, I am oddly fond of this one. I don't really know if he's scary, though...

matias: He looks really mischevious, and he's got a great nose. Are you going to put more in the scene, or just him?

christ: Can't really read much of this one yet.

ValkyriesBard: I can't say too much of this yet. Colouring could tip it either way.



Chronoperates: I think I liked it better just the line art, at least with his face. (He lost a little bit of character, but.) I don't really think that the bright green makes him any more creepy (though I already thought that he was), and instead tends to distract. I think the creepier things are those little faeries with forks and giant grins...

cowboy surfer: I don't think it's the lack-of-humaness that gets me with this one... I just don't see (yet) the connection between the creature on the rock and a bogey man eating children. The apples are fine, but there's nothing there that says 'scary' to me instead of 'giant lizard that REALLY likes apples'.

scottmcd: Be careful with his hands. Even though he is Fae, his hands right now are 10x smaller than his face.

Wendigo: Okay, now that's creepy. It really reminds me of something, for the life of me I can't think of what.

mrbo18: I would agree, I don't think it looks evil enough yet. I think it's his expression, he just looks so... relaxed and peaceful, haha. Maybe it needs a hint of maliciousness?

Oregano: My only note would be that right now it looks like he's looking over her head. Otherwise, I'm liking it so far.

Howie: I would agree with Oregano on this one. The thumbs you chose out look a little too 'mindless monster' to me.

Chance.: I'm not sure if I can see where this is going yet... the shadows are too deep and too black to see much detail on the character.


reebles202, Wendigo, PowleyMan: Thank you so much. :)

Here's a piece of my updated WIP...

http://www.daestwen.com/gallery_pics/apple_sketch002.png

[deviousg]

christ - liking the earth golum take alot - it is hard to tell that it is a child eating creature at this point but like the novel direction.

Matias - great goblin sketch - looking forward to seeing him fleshed out.

JessiBean - nice fairytale approach. The only thing that sticks out to me are the green legs of the witch character - I know you are mid render..

Chronoperates - looking good. Nice rendering - I like the idea of having the sinister be conveyed with personality and expression

I am in - hopefully something tomorrow - (something wicked!)

[monstertree]

Hey all, saw this today and thought I'd give it a go for lack of inspiration! Here's the rough, maybe i'll get it done on time.

[Chronoperates]

Daestwen- Thanks for that, I reduced the saturation on the greens and it keeps them set back behind him better now. The coloring on the face has been changed a bit from that rendition too so I'll have to post another progress later to see how it works with the fully tightened color.

[scottmcd]

daestwen - Thanks. The hands are too small. It's supposed to be somewhat cartoony and is playing with proportions, but I suspect that even in cartoons the hands are usually distorted in size about the same amount as the face. I also just inked. :D Don't know if I'll change it in this one or not.

In the meantime, here's the progress. Rather than cross hatch, I'm going to shade with pencil.

[Benjamen Christ]

[QUOTE=(deviousg ) christ - liking the earth golum take alot - it is hard to tell that it is a child eating creature at this point but like the novel direction.

Thanks ! This is the best feedback ive got yet:}


Ben Christ

[Xol]

Okay, so... my two cents. :D

Xol: Right now, I'm sorry to say, but I don't think it's quite ready for final burning. Two of the things that you mention in your write up don't even appear in your design - his 'blue lips' and his creepy shadow. I think you'd get a lot more power out of the drawing if you *showed* us that creepy shadow rather than tell us about it.



As this was my first real experiment with alternate brush-types, I'm not surprised there are things to work on.

I do want to put in a spirited defense of my choice not to put any other colour in - I really wanted the apple to be the focal point by seeming brighter and more solid than any of the rest of the image. I'm more inclined to take the blue lips *out* of the story than jam them into the picture, when they were really only in the story to underline the unnatural aspects of the character. Maybe I could work on other ways to emphasise this too, darkening the rest of the image, adding some glow. Hmm...

What you said about the shadow is a pretty good insight though, I might have to experiment a little, see what I can come up with. Anyway, I really appreciate you taking the time to comment - this is a big part of why I posted in the first place. :)

- Xol

[daestwen]

I'm more inclined to take the blue lips *out* of the story than jam them into the picture, when they were really only in the story to underline the unnatural aspects of the character.

I'm almost inclined to agree with you. It wouldn't be necessary at all, if you brought out his other-worldliness in his shadow.

[Pezzle]

http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee236/berserkerp/CHOW93pezzleWIP3.jpg

Fixed the pose and tweaked the color a little. Miracle, this photoshop.. I hated having to rely on it, but I learned something about composition at least. I still haven't much time but I may get to work on it later, I have had a hell of a day.

[Kilow]

http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w61/kyronk/a1.jpg

Almost finished.:wink:

Salutti :)

[JessiBean]

221069

tried to push myself not to dawdle, have other things that will consume my life this weekend... looking forward to burning/seeing more.
:^^:

thanks to puppykitten, daestwen, scottmcd, reebles202, matias and everyone for comments, etc. Some REALLY impressive things here, particularly love Oregano's drawing which is SO lovely (though something about the shoulders/arm proportions seems a tad off, perhaps too small for his head?), daestwen's concept (that's a creepy puppeteer and the color is coming along very well, though I wonder if the composition is a little static? less cropping on the child also might help), matias you have a WONDERFUL character going there, very well drawn and designed, looking forward to your paints. Considering a background? Great wip from longwrat, looking forward to seeing more, are you going to add color? christ: you have a really wonderful composition going here, and I love the direction with the paint/colors, I would only caution to be sure your character shines through in the end. valkyriesbard: you have a very wicked character going, which is awesome. Just be careful with his anatomy, the hands and arms are off and his stance is a little awkward. grenogs, the paints are coming along very well, nice and moody. Chance I quite like the strong shadows, curious to see where this goes with the finished painting, I do kind of wish he was lurking more. A big old WOW to monstertree, you may have my vote already, I want to see more... pezzle, the rendering here is going well, I like the changes you've made so far. And Kilow, WHAT a character, very nice and love the crisp clean style.

Just my two cents... After all that, I'm going to go ice my hand. Happy Chowing and Almost-Halloween!

[zeitgeist]

great work so far guys.

don't know if ill be able to finish mine... so here it is so far. I really love the topic... hopefully i can find some time to finish it.

221084

[MonkeYoakum]

221135Dang, I like that last one, makes my WIP look like garbage.

[Chronoperates]

So I've been going along on this and I've reached a point for a tough decision. Do I keep the lines covered over by a layer of opaque paint and keep it more painterly, or do I let the lines go over top of the painted work. So I'm asking you guys, which looks better. The left one is without lines, the right one with them.

[Chronoperates]

Switched em top and bottom when it posted...top is left, bottom is right. :P

[MonkeYoakum]

left has my vote

[Benjamen Christ]

here is my update wip

http://community.imaginefx.com/fxpose/christismellows_portfolio/images/57790/original.aspx

[S.C. Watson]

Just a couple of quick comments and then I'm off to work:

Ms. Jessibean Very nicely done! I'm getting to the point where I really look forward to seeing what you come up with every week.

Chronoperates I faced the same dilemma with mine last night. I chose to lose the lines, as they, for me, were ultimately detracting from the painted piece. Tough call.

MonkeYoakum Drop the person in the forground and crop in on the snag-nastie there behind the tree. I like the composition as it is right now, but I think for what you are attempting to do it might go easier for you to just tighten up a bit and focus on the critter. Get yourself some photo reference to help you. You've got your basic shapes in and your lighting, so now it's really just a matter of refinement.

Everyone else is doing a great job as well. These are just the one's that jumped out at me on page 3.

Cheers all,
~Oreg.

[scottmcd]

Current version. Close to done. Slightly color shifted toward a more sepia direction, but I'll try to fine tune that as well.

[El_Khan]

Not sure if ill be able to finish for this one ...(Work trip)
a pity becouse i love Halloween Works XD

Descriptions later

http://www.spermio.com/elkhan/ConceptArt/Scrap.jpg

http://www.spermio.com/elkhan/ConceptArt/Lineart.jpg

well.. i think this will be the last one ... description on the Final Burning

http://www.spermio.com/elkhan/ConceptArt/ElKhan_CHOW93_TheAppleGatherer.jpg

[Daray]

hmm this is what I have, not sure that it fits so much. Not even sure if I can get it finished! Kinda cartooney for me too this time. Lovely job so far everyone!

221443

[JessiBean]

Thank you, Oregano... I think we have some mutual admiration going on here. Curious to see what you've done with your piece in paints.

Chronoperates: I'm gonna vote for line-less, I think (from what I have seen of your work) that the painterly thing is what sells you best (not that the lines are lacking). In the end, go with your gut. By the by, he looks like a very spooky, very slick salesman type... I love it.
:^^:

[Brunob]

Heyy people!! i get in .. this is the lines!

jessibean is owning in 3 weeks :O

[The Whistler]

Hey nice topic! Seems a bit more COWish though :) As I was away from home the whole week I have a day and a half to color the sketch I did... I'll see if I can make it...

Nice work everyone, daestwen, I love yours the only thing that bothers me a bit is that he seems taller than the puppet he's holding but it doesn;t matter.

Jessi, I don't even have to say yours is a great one ;)

[wiggum]

This pic is all but done. Like I said before, I'm trying to make this look like an old children's book illustration. I don't have the time or skill necessary to color this so I won't even try.
I'm still trying to think of a good background. If anyone can help me out, let me know.

edit: The one on the right is the one I put in the Final Burning thread, I'd love to hear what you think.
221522221739

[Arpad]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v81/Okami/applegatherersketch.jpg
sketch for my entry. i'm really excited for this.
while reading the description i immediately imagined like. . . decrepit Johnny Appleseed. .. i hope i can pull it off how i imagine it!

[Brunob]

wip 2 .
Flat colors and iniciate rendering!

[Brunob]

Well done >D

Really fast dont?

[TB Elad]

I'm kinda new around and you all really rock,

here is one of my ideas...
hope you'll like.

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y258/etibi/chow9_TBElad.jpg

[LORD M]

Haha! Wow! I just love the one entdroid posted in the finals, it looks so cuddly.

[Flipnastywebby]

JessiBean :: your work for these CHOWs has been rocking my visual world.

keep up the great work


Slainte!

[khaosfire]

Wicked artworks, all! I suppose this is a good a time as any for a first attempt. :) Neat topic. It made me think of shrunken apple heads. Here's a WIP:

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y103/khaosfire/webdrawing.jpg

It's taken a ridiculously large amount of time to get this far. Now I really have to finish. I want to pull out the supernatural elements a bit more when I start colouring.

How's it looking to everyone else? I'm trying to keep it as realistic as possible.

[Chance.]

I wish I could take this further, but I don't think I will be able to.

[Benjamen Christ]

update. C+C welcome



http://community.imaginefx.com/fxpose/christismellows_portfolio/images/57946/original.aspx

[The Whistler]

Gah! I give up. I just noticed my character is way too stiff and rigid and blah. I should get back to practicing and leave photoshop for a while... Here's how far along I got though... I was going for the whole apple-eve-snake-chameleon thing but she turned out to be a freddy krueger... next time I guess...


Good luck to you guys!

[Daray]

Poo. It looks like I can't take part in this CHOW now. After a trip to the doctors I've been told my ligaments in my drawing hand are under strain and need a break. I already have had R.S.I for over 2 years, not fun :(

[deviousg]

Christ - looking good. Still not sure I would know that this is a child/cat eating demon without knowing about this contest - but do like the idea of a tree/earth golum that rises up and eats small things.

TB - I like the face of your character - his hand appears to be transfigured - is this to show that he is a demon? I think this could be emphasized, repeated somewhere else on the body, or maybe go for a human hand - just a thought. The anatomy and rendering in the lower part of the painting looks like you are mid render - you might have something planned?

Here is my entry this time. hope it reads well.

All input is greatly appreciated - been staring at this too long i thinks..

http://www.por7al.com/apple_gatherer_final.jpg

The Whistler - No that makes great sense! Here is an update. Still messing with it.

Small update. Trying to push values.

http://www.por7al.com/apple_gatherer_final2.jpg

[The Whistler]

*gawk* deviousg, yours is fabulous! I'd ditch the worms in the boobs though. And the kid's hair stands out a bit too much when compared to the rest of the body. Kinda takes the eyes away from the worm lady. But it's great. Creepy and zombie-ish...

[deviousg]

Thx Whistler!

The hair needs love - thx for that. What is not working with the body cavity worm for you if I might ask?

Is the dealine the 22nd or 21st - cuz sunday is the 21st, no?

[The Whistler]

What is not working with the body cavity worm for you if I might ask?


I don't know, those look kind of weird because there are no worms in her neck so it kind of seems to me that the worms you have in the body cavity couldn't support the breast, the neck and the head altogether, especially because they are visible only in one of her breasts... It could be just me though...

[TB Elad]

Christ - looking good. Still not sure I would know that this is a child/cat eating demon without knowing about this contest - but do like the idea of a tree/earth golum that rises up and eats small things.

TB - I like the face of your character - his hand appears to be transfigured - is this to show that he is a demon? I think this could be emphasized, repeated somewhere else on the body, or maybe go for a human hand - just a thought. The anatomy and rendering in the lower part of the painting looks like you are mid render - you might have something planned?




what is "mid render"? I'm not sure I understand, and yes an "evil" hand shape was where I was going...
any way, I had a different idea in mind for a scene with him inside, so that was just kinda fast blocking that I decided to upload for now... if I'll find time for the other one I hope to render it a little more then this one,
thanks for the comment

[Arpad]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v81/Okami/preCHOW.jpg
hopefully this will become finished in time!

[deviousg]

tB - It just seemed like there was more attention to the face than the rest of the painting. Did you update? It looks better now. Probably just me. It is a cool entry.

[longwrat]

My finished entry


The spirit of a child molester and murderer who was hung by the other villagers in the boughs of an apple tree on All Hallow's Eve, the "Apple Gatherer" is known in these woods to be a particularly malicious bogeyman. During the twilight hours he lies in wait for small children passing by his territory, taking on the guise of an old man, he tells them enchanting stories of the faerie lands to win their trust. When the child lets down their guard, and begins to visit him more often, on no less than the thirteenth visit he will whisk them off to his lair to be torn apart and consumed. After another thirteen days he will return, with a new apple growing from his horrible head, a red apple if his victim was a girl, and a yellow one if it was a boy.

[chaosrocks]

http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e181/chaosrocks/CHOWapple2w.jpg

close to finished. theres words dancing in my brain that go there
chaos

[solorpower]

Mine.......eh.

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b335/solorpower/chow93_solorpower.jpg

[edujante]

Hi everybody!

My entry:
http://edujante.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/10/apple_gatherer.jpg

[ACRO]

whoa.... some sick entries in here....
will vote when the poll is up... pz.

[rodriguez]

Hey everybody here's my final

Twilight isn't upon the land
Dusk falls into his hand
Cats and children play
Casually chasing the remains of the day
A whisper on a shadowy breeze
Look to him and your heart is sure to freeze
The Apple Gatherer comes for you
http://img158.imageshack.us/img158/4995/chow93rodriguezlg9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[Pezzle]

I want to apologize to everyone, I will not be able to finish my entry. I have been put on some new medication and it's affecting me very strangely. Next CHOW, perhaps.

[daestwen]

JessiBean: I would agree with you on how static it is... I did around twenty little thumbnails to find a way to make it more dynamic, but all of them meant I had to sacrifice showing him, or the puppet, so... I decided that even though it's boring, this way gets my idea across better... That, and I am way too busy and way too lazy to go do another one. :D I didn't want to show the child at all, but... I left the arm in just to have it in the scene, even if it's disjointed...


I posted my final in the final burning thread.

[S.C. Watson]

I'm out of time on this, so I'm calling it done. I'd like to take it further, but for now it's as done as it's going to get.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v25/Oregano/chow_files/CHOW-93_Oregano.jpg

~Oreg.

[S.C. Watson]

I will take care of handling the final burning thread tomorrow after I get home from work. So if you have last minute edits for your pic, I'd suggest you get on 'em!

Cheers,
~Oreg.

[Chronoperates]

Here's my final, I may still tweak it after this and turn it into a nice finished piece as some of it is still loose so any feedback would be appreciated.

[grenogs]

Still some things id like to change, if i have time today before pole, hopefully i can

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x279/grenogs/apple-gaverer4.jpg