Tech : DEATHBOT in Snow ...(2 images)

[William b. Hand]

This technique is pretty much brand new to me... It's combining a couple approaches I've never really flat-out used, but I think I've begun to get a grip on. I'm pretty hopeful about it's applications for character concept pics.

What do you guys think - any remarks or advice?
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IMAGE UPDATE

http://homepage.mac.com/whand/.Pictures/Snow%3A2FLess%20Firey.jpg
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And a variation that's largely monochromatic (to be more forbidding), and in which I managed to remove the inappropriate shadow beneath the flame. I like them both.

http://homepage.mac.com/whand/.Pictures/NEAR%20DONE%3F%3F.jpg

[HardCoil]

Really scary. It has a "comic book cover" feel to it rather than a concept design feel, but that may not be bad. Which new techniqeus did you use if one may ask ?

[behemot5]

i think it's a little bit blurry but it's good ....

[William b. Hand]

Thanks HardCoil and Behemot5!

Well... basically I use a fat nearly black brush to make the sillouhette, and then use a coupla other layers to throw in lighter coloured detail, which flows very easily given the suggestions of form inherent in the first layer.

In this case, when I felt the bot wasn't bulky enough, I was able to create an additional sillouhette layer under the first, and then another detailing layer at the top. It probably wasn't even necessary to keep it on as many layers as I did, but it has preserved the "original", more diminutive, bot if I want it for some reason.

When I see fit to put it in an environment, it'll slide easily over one.

The other technique I referred to is more... more of a way of thinking, I guess.

Also, I've been trying to develop a method of producing an image of substance as quickly as possible, and I think I'll be able to boogie along with this fairly well.

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[EVIL]

exelent technique. I might try it out myself some time

[ljefe]

the toes, especially on the left foot, are blury--it's hard to tell what's going on structure-wise
same goes for the shoulder/upper torso area. mostly here because of the intense shadow
cool idea for sure

[William b. Hand]

Hammer_Stroke, and ljefe - Thanx for your responses!

Here's a slight reworking... Mainly on the feet and a bit of the shoulder area. See whatchya think.

Incidentally, the legs and feet are really just structural goofiness, and I'll certainly try to make them more believable in the future.

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[darkcult]

Nice one!

[ljefe]

nice improvement. and i wasn't gonna say anything, but yeah. structure looks like the equivalent of a balogna sandwhich hit with a hammer, and strung across a picture frame. but sweet, nonetheless. It's like a junk bot that's sorta building itself as it goes. or maybe it was made by gnomes. yes, robot-building gnomes...i'll shut up now

[William b. Hand]

HA HA HA :D ... Yeah ljefe, "bologna sandwich hit with a hammer and strung across a picture frame" ... I was thinking more "strung over a wire hanger" but we're on the same page, heh heh. The movie "VIRUS" really did a great job as far as I'm concerned, and this is me tapping into that melange aesthetic a little.

darkcult glad you like!:chug:

[William b. Hand]

Okay, I thought it was finished... but it wasn't. Originally I was gonna be lazy and not do a background, but I actually did do one - and I hope it's a happier deathbot because of it. I am :).
What do you think?

[Groover McNab]

Looks cool. It doesn't look like the light from the fire is affecting any objects around it though.

[bustabustu]

Looks good but groover has a point about the flame. You should also pull the flame out and away from the cannon and add some highlights on the surrounding objects. Nice job over all.

[William b. Hand]

Groover McNab and bustabustu, you're absolutely right about the flames not being reflected anywhere. The Flamethrower idea was sortuv an accident, and it was without serious consideration that I tossed it on there.

Here's an update... I actually have a coupluv other variations, but I feel silly enough that this "Finally Finished" piece has become such a w.i.p., so I'll restrain myself :D .

I'm still avoiding a critical lighting error. The shadow under the flame.:(

Lemme know yer thoughts!

[pstraub]

this just keeps getting better and better everytime I check this site. Keep up the good work William

[ljefe]

oh score. that is tight. be proud of this one:D

[ClocktowerArtworks]

the atmospheric effects are really well done and as well as the flame and the ambient glow on the metal surrounding it. nicely done.

[William b. Hand]

pstraub, ljefe, and Clocktower - Thanks for the replies, guys!

I'm definitely glad somebody's diggin' these.
I went ahead and included a secondary image here... see whatchya think about it compared to the first. The effect is pretty different, I think. I can't choose, though.

....So you choose.:D
If you choose the first one, then I'll go back into it and fix the shadow there as well. The way I did it was somewhat time-consuming, so I figured I'd wait to see what verdict was delivered before repeating the process unneccesarily.

I sure have learned a thing or two about putting something in an environment. And what can happen when you go and change that environment. Time-consuming things can happen.
I'm also somewhat impressed with the initial drawing's ability to be tossed into surroundings. I'd been focusing on producing free-floating characters... Putting them into their own little world was an untested hope. Worked out good.

FAT THANKS to everybuddy who saw fit to reply to this thread - Your interest and comments totally helped me push this one through.:chug:

[bustabustu]

Looks 110% better with the added highlights from the flame. GJ

[Johannes]

Awesome stuff. I really like it and I will try out that technique of yours someday. :)

[Hardcore]

Holy shiiizzz !!:chug: