Chow 121 :: Icarus

[daestwen]

http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii293/chowarchive/CHOW-LINES/CHOW-LINES-MEDUSA.jpg

ROUND #121 :: ICARUS


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DESCRIPTION

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Icarus (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Icarus)

Icarus! HOWEVER, can be any version of Icarus *except* the original Greek Mythology version.

Feel free to play around to make things interesting, but make sure to stay true to the original idea!

NOTES:
No, I does not have to be a literal retelling. Aka, you don't *need* to have wings. But you WILL want it to read as belonging to the same story/moral. For example, the soldier one is probably too vague - could relate to absolutely anything, there's nothing 'Icarus' about it in particular. The one with the boy on the edge of the cliff is much closer to what I mean. (But I think I will still have wings in mine anyway. :) ) Keep in mind that if *I* can't see the Icarus in it, or Oreg can't, it won't be going to poll. I know it's a tough order, folks, but I also know you can do it!

Yes, He has to be male. Sorry! I love love love gender-switching and all that, but Icarus is pretty specifically male. :)

No, the image does not have to involve the fall. Necessarily, anyway. But his fall *is* the most obviously recognizable story-point, and if you're diverging far from the subject matter, you'll want to keep as many cues as possible. If you were, however, taking Icarus literally and putting him simply in a different period, you could even just having him standing around - other visual cues will give us a clue to who he is.


Open topics like this are always hard because you have to figure out your interpretation yourself, and if you have any specific questions about your piece that you don't want to ask here, feel free to PM me or Oreg.
________________________________


:right: FOLLOW THE TOPIC.

:right: POST YOUR FINAL IN THE FINALS THREAD.


:right: SAVE YOUR FILES IN THE FOLLOWING FORMAT. Chow##_Nickname
example: "CHOW#100_Oblio.jpg" ;)

:right: PLACE THE IMAGE IN A FRAME WITH YOUR NAME/TOPIC

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i222/ChowPics/frame.jpg
(you can add CA logo, etc).

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DEADLINE
SUNDAY, August 10th, 2008
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 evening my time (GMT - 8 ) yet I'll have a look at the last entries.
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POST YOUR FINALS IN THE FINALS THREAD!

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.

_____________

BE PROFESSIONAL - only finished and good quality entries will be taken to the poll. Oregano and Daestwen (yay!) will make the selection.

[McLean]

Icarus! HOWEVER, can be any version of Icarus *except* the original Greek Mythology version.

Feel free to play around to make things interesting, but make sure to stay true to the original idea!

Hey, could we get a little more info/clarification in that department? Maybe I'm the only one who's confused, but a little more elaboration there might be good. Thanks!

[S.C. Watson]

There's a wikipedia link that's posted for you. Please read it.

~Oreg.

[andyhunt]

Hey, could we get a little more info/clarification in that department? Maybe I'm the only one who's confused, but a little more elaboration there might be good. Thanks!

I think they're saying stick with the theme of someone rising above their limits and facing destruction for it, but shy away from little greek boys in beeswax coated wings.

[McLean]

andyhunt- gotcha

[andyhunt]

shy away from little greek boys

It just really occurred to me how good my own advice is.

[magichappens]

hmmm should be interesting to play around with...

[SephyCloneNo15]

Not sure what the rules are regarding this, but it's rather convenient. I've had an "Icarus" floating around in my head all summer, and I just started trying to draw him with a reasonable degree of success when I got my tablet a couple days ago.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v215/TonyS37/icarusWIPa.jpg

I'm going with kinda a techy-superhero version, not that you can really tell (aside from the mask) at this early stage.

[Rogzilla]

This could be a lot of fun. Don't know if I can finish it as I am moving soon (fiance and I are getting a place together) but this should be a lot of fun. I think I might take it in a different way, that perhaps Icarus is a young boy who dabbled in the occult and sank too low, so to speak. I have this image of him burning alive in horrific pain but now a demon with great wings of fire.

[Hexism]

Steampunk icarus!

[WTFsteph]

My Icarus is a junkie. The legs feel weird man..and its kind of looking like a bad abercrombie and fitch ad at this stage. ._.

[Hexism]

@ steph , legs are looking odd because of the small torso. torsos are around 2 1/2 heads :
http://img232.imageshack.us/img232/4946/home001yf5.jpg



and here's what I have so far:
http://img383.imageshack.us/img383/2759/icarus1av9.jpg
Haven't added any steampunkish elements yet XD


any comments and criticisms would be much appreciated

[Kian]

I've got an idea for this, I just hope I can get the time.

[daestwen]

I think they're saying stick with the theme of someone rising above their limits and facing destruction for it, but shy away from little greek boys in beeswax coated wings.

Pretty much. Though you're perfectly welcome to do the actual story and place it in a different time period/genre.

[WTFsteph]

Ahhhh thanks Desvia. That was bothering the crap out of me.
I think i've got everything about the size it should be now..

[Cup_of_Tea?]

I'm joining in, for my first CHOW. looking forward to getting started.

[Wiggers]

I don't think i have time for this one.

[Rist]

So to be clear on this weeks objectives:

You must create a character that has been given a gift, but this character misuses this gift and gets punished for it?

OR:

Create an Icarus character that has wings and flies to his death.

I just need a clear head before starting this... haha

[ikuru]

"Some people think the moral of the “Icarus” myth is: If you fly too high, that will be your folly,” and that is probably one common interpretation. But the reason many of us love and remember Icarus is not because he was foolish; but rather, we love and remember him because he failed while trying too hard to be a good son, aspiring to escape with his father from where they were imprisoned.

Icarus and Reeve were harmed while they worked hard, flew high, and aspired to be involved in activities on the edge of human capabilities, expanding the potentials of humanity."

http://sexualityinart.files.wordpress.com/2007/01/mourning-for-icarus.JPG

[elfworks]

i think i'll love working on this one.i just missed the batman session so i'll give this a go.just have to go gather references now...

[grenogs]

not sure if im going in the right direction here, trying to keep it simple with the flight idea and child, with the characters ideas and infusiasm getting the better of him, but at the same time keeping it light hearted and not so deep meaning.

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x279/grenogs/icarus2.jpg

[indus]

first rough.
http://in2thepaper.cdn2.cafe24.com/chow/pre_icarus.jpg
...
and it is not fun.
I think I should focus more about the 'boy'

[Cup_of_Tea?]

1st sketch.
The idea was about a boy who has a false sense of ability. In this case, he is still falling from a great height and he has realised, all too late, that he wasn't as capable as he believed.

http://i212.photobucket.com/albums/cc68/weeewilla/CHOW121-1.jpg

[SephyCloneNo15]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v215/TonyS37/icarusWIPb.jpg

Been working on the man beneath all the machinery. I think I've got a good feel for his anatomy for now. I'll need to go into a bit more detail, obviously, but all-in-all, I think I'm off to a good start.

[Rist]

That arm is way too long. Pelvis is too large for the body. In fact most of the proportions are wrong. A suggestion would be to avoid going into detail until you have fixed what you have.

[feifeicreate]

I like this CHOW...has a lot of room for interpretation. I have 2 questions:

1, Does Icarus has to be male?

2, Is it has to be the moment he falls? I mean, that's definitely the most dramatic moment, but is it OK to draw him before or after the fall. Come to think of it, is it has to be a "great fall" involved? I'm not sure where I'm going with this, just open up some options here.

[englishduke]

I dont wanna stray too far from the original idea, but this is my interpretation of bravery/stupidity vs. sensibility. The idea evolves from one soldier engaging the enemy in the midst of a retreat. I hope I stuck to the specs of the brief a bit better this time but you never know lol. It's only in its rough stages so let me know what you think. I'll change anything

http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r180/englishduke/CHOW121icaruscopy.jpg

[Demo]

I think i have a good idea for this but i think i owe Fozzybear a better go at Cow.
My idea was a teen getting put into a police car in a suit that he made to be a hero but insted he is causing destruction idk kind of hard to describe but mabey illl get a finished piece ready

[DefiledVisions]

Its fun to see so many different interpretations of the topic! and what a topic it is..!

Here's my go, a sketch of a sketch based on an idea of another sketch.. or something.

I have yet to find a story to adapt the piece to, but I've given it some thought. So far it involves a young man, shooting up the hights of his career. In a very short time he gets a great position in the enormous buisnesscomplex called "The Sun". Eager and naive he is blinded by the freedom of being the head over others, wasting company resources etc.

Metaphoricly speaking "the sun" burns his wings of ambition and the young man falls down into misery and poverty.

[Cup_of_Tea?]

added colour, but i need more detailing to tell more about the story i guess.
criticism/help greatly appreciated as usual.

what are the most important aspects in creating a picture like this? creating a story, creating a personality, creating something amazing?
what makes the difference between good and 'oh my god, that is f*ckin' amazing'?
http://i212.photobucket.com/albums/cc68/weeewilla/CHOW121-2.jpg

[Thujon]

Hey there

I think Ill participate on this one... I dig the subject!
So far its still a WIP of course.
I have to give more tought to the compostition, the sillhouettes and the lightsources...:rolleyes:
The explosion is too blurry right now...its need more hard work I guess...

I tried to make Ikarus a normal dude that one day decides to do something spontaneausly... and of course as so often spontaneus deeds tend to be dangereus and stupid... and my Icarus here gets to feel it...:xpld:

Any opinions would be great...:teeth:

Best of wishes

[MJ_Alcazar]

http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk153/Seloh_Eft/scan0002-1.jpg

Ok, my outlook on Icarus. A test pilot for the military, tries to go higher and push the jetpack harder and harder, until it eventually gives out on him. I'm trying to get better at telling a story through a picture, and poses and everything, while keeping my mind on anatomy and all that. If I should slow down, or stick to static poses for awhile, please feel free to tell me. :)

[dustinner]

Hmm...i have two very different ideas for this one...One is far far more futuristic ..the other is a take on mental instability...hmmm? what to do ...what to to????
I suppose the question is how far can we push the boundries of the word "character" ...does this mean it has to be human or atleast humanoid?

[Johann de Venecia]

WaW, new topic! The Batman topic was hella fun and this sounds like its gonna be a blast too. Lots of room for interpretation. Cheerzzzz

[Razorleaf]

The way I see the story of Icarus is that he was simply not happy enough that his father had found them an escape, he was also captivated by the lure of greed. The higher he flew the freer he felt until eventually it brought about his downfall - like the moth to the flame.

So, this is my first sketch/idea for such an interesting topic.

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm260/Razorleaf_album/Icarus.jpg

[daestwen]

Okay, as this has been asked a couple of times:

No, I does not have to be a literal retelling. Aka, you don't *need* to have wings. But you WILL want it to read as belonging to the same story/moral. For example, the soldier one is probably too vague - could relate to absolutely anything, there's nothing 'Icarus' about it in particular. The one with the boy on the edge of the cliff is much closer to what I mean. (But I think I will still have wings in mine anyway. :) ) Keep in mind that if *I* can't see the Icarus in it, or Oreg can't, it won't be going to poll. I know it's a tough order, folks, but I also know you can do it!

Yes, He has to be male. Sorry! I love love love gender-switching and all that, but Icarus is pretty specifically male. :)

No, the image does not have to involve the fall. Necessarily, anyway. But his fall *is* the most obviously recognizable story-point, and if you're diverging far from the subject matter, you'll want to keep as many cues as possible. If you were, however, taking Icarus literally and putting him simply in a different period, you could even just having him standing around - other visual cues will give us a clue to who he is.


Open topics like this are always hard because you have to figure out your interpretation yourself, and if you have any specific questions about your piece that you don't want to ask here, feel free to PM me or Oreg.

[MJ_Alcazar]

Ok, this is probably going to get me horrified gasps from most of the people on here. But, hey, you don't know until you ask right? Ok, here it goes. What is PM?

[Rogzilla]

Private Message. Click their name and a menu will drop down, you will see the option to do so.

[MJ_Alcazar]

Thanks Rogzilla! I didn't know you could do that! I feel silly now.

[Demo]

Herezs a quick sketch i hope iv put enough of the character in but i feel like since its about taking the path of icarus then the composition playes almost as important role as the character
http://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd17/Demo_09/Icaruswip.jpg

[keyu6215]

not sure where i wanna go with the head but for the over all character design i have a good picture some where in my head.....

[Decepticon217]

im kinda at a loss on this one..

[Kaizer]

I've got the idea of a boy trying to do trapeze like his father, but ends up over-exaggerating his movements, and misses the rope.. >3

[Aly Fell]

Really nice starts here. I fancied doing a Robot Icarus, but it's kind of been done before... hmm... Might go back to the drawing board, but not sure I'll have time this week.

Edit: Still playing with compositions when I should be choosing one. I'm definitely not going to finish this though. Maybe some other time.

[Hexism]

Added colors wayy too early ..

http://img363.imageshack.us/img363/4919/icarus2wk9.jpg

I just have to finish this as fast as I can , I have mid term exams this week but couldn't get this out of my head :S

[Wiggers]

I hope you can do one of those Posh, Robot works really well, i'm stumped at what to do for this CHOW, the whole thing seem really up in the air(no pun intended) no focus.

[UCT]

i dont even ave an idea, well i do, but now possible composition or clear narative.so basically, idealess. will mull it over.

[braidens]

Hi all after the Dark knight round, i got hooked here is my sketch of my Icarus ... hes the guy on his knees... he didnt adhere to the principles of combat and now he has to pay the price ... much like Icarus...hence the label...

anybody know of where i can read tutorials for how to paint digitally with a mouse???

Please if give me some suggestions, im so keen to learn!

[Aram]

Hi Guys,

Her is my first sketch of Icarus. I'm totaly in to greek mythology but i always imagined Icarus and his father as inventors so i'm more on the technological side here.(rocketeer like)

http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj193/Aram_ZV/icarus-1.jpg

The picture is a bit blurry but that's only a clear sign for me to buy a new scanner :-) can't help it at the moment.

[ikuru]

"anybody know of where i can read tutorials for how to paint digitally with a mouse???"

braidens, There is really only one way to do it. You save up and get urself a wacom tablet (intonious 3 or similar).

[Anid Maro]

anybody know of where i can read tutorials for how to paint digitally with a mouse?

Look over in the Photoshop (http://conceptart.org/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=78) forum for the "Digital Painting" threads. Granted it's generally assumed that you have a tablet, but everything they talk about (with the exception of pressure settings) is applicable with the mouse.

Generally speaking if you're going to paint with the mouse get used to working much larger and sizing down (which is smart to do anyways), get used to undoing and repainting the same stroke over and over trying to get it "just right" (the mouse is notoriously imprecise), and get used to having to spend a lot of time "shaping" your strokes (using the eraser to get a thin-to-thick effect). In short every stroke will take at least twice as long to place, it's a real pain in the ass. :P

Here's an example (http://conceptart.org/forums/showpost.php?p=1203050&postcount=967) of what could be achieved with a mouse if you still wanna go that route. It is worth mentioning, however, that I've since limited my digital coloring to flats and now prefer to paint with watercolors.

[Shard]

my 2c :painting:

[DefiledVisions]

Desviaciion looking good! reminds me of a batman vilain lol :) looking forawrd to see where you go with this.

also like yours Poshspice. Only thing that strikes me is that the robot appears more feminine than masculine in my eyes.


Pretty much done with composition, approaching rendering. I guess I'm a bit Batman inspired aswell when choosing seting.(Saw the dark knight some days ago, absolutelely mindblowing)
Still have a story to write though :)

[Aly Fell]

also like yours Poshspice. Only thing that strikes me is that the robot appears more feminine than masculine in my eyes.


Cheers! Yes, you're right. I'll have a play with that. :) Your composition looks fab! Interested to see what you do with the expression.

[Stoat]

Okay, so what you're saying is, my jet pack idea wasn't all that stunningly original? Fine!

Actually, my original idea was a spaceman literally falling into the sun and disintegrating in a burst of flying, molten vertebrae and smoking skin but a) I'm not that good and b) I figure it violates the 3/4 rule when half your character has evaporated.

Sadly, I don't think I can play this week. I have an all-day meeting tomorrow.

[DefiledVisions]

Cheers Posh. Going for a kinda melancholic expression, thoughtful and sad.

When I re-sized it I realized the feet are too big, the thighs lack definition and the arm to our right is a bit small.. gotta fix that too. Man I love working on this picture! and I know before it's finnished I'll deeply hate it.. it allways ends that way :oneye:

[Stephan_R]

Definitely in, kicking myself for missing a great round on Batman Villians. I really enjoyed that thread.

[Thujon]

Hello
I made some major changements on the Icarus Char.
I think the pose is much better now... and his cape gives him a feel like wings
( Crazy? :wtf: )

I m still not sure of the overall concept.... does anyone have a suggestion?


I apprecieate it..

PS: Costume will follow.. BG will be a huge explosion... as for the story behind the piece...thats the weekest point I guess....I have none so far... :-(
Regards

[SephyCloneNo15]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v215/TonyS37/icarusWIPc.jpg

Been trying to tighten up the proportions a little bit, as per Rist's crit. I'm not really seeing what was wrong with the pelvis (unless it was in that weirdness in the distance and weird way it tapered up towards the chest...). Hopefully that looks a little more....human. Proportions are always problematic for me. I need to remember to force myself to work on that in the future...

[Troubadour]

sephyclone: i can only advise to find a ref shot to help you more, find one online or get a friend or yourself to pose it out.

theres a problem area around the neck and shoulder and the chest is too much of a circle.

the pose looks very unnatural right now.

[daestwen]

Sephy,

I think a lot of the issue lies in the fact that you're not really thinking about the underlying skeletal structure. As far as I can see, you have no rib cage in your figure, and you're not really sure where his spine is. Your legs aren't really the issue - the problem is just compounded because of the back/shoulder area.

If you can't find a reference photo, do yourself a favour. Grab your sketchbook, and head to the bathroom. Stip down to your shorts, climb up on the counter, take the pose you're trying to do and take a look at yourself in the mirror. Trust me, you'll have a much easier time seeing where the issues are if you can see it.

(And of course, if you have someone else who is willing to pose for you, then all the better!)

[keyu6215]

for the time being i am going for a sci fi-ish them for the icarus story. the image will be flipped upside down and instead of wings will be these machine electricity coupling type thinggy. Really should do some thimbnails to see what i can develop from what i have. I also made the arms more dynamic as opposed to kind robot stiff. well more to follow.

[feifeicreate]

Here's one of my ideas...I have several directions at this point and I'm not sure which one I'll go for...This idea is dealing with the machine and humanity. The machine is granted with the gift of "humanity" as in he took the human form, and try to reach to the point of being human. And as he fly high, his "human" form breaks down, and he falls.

[Vulgar`]

Icarus fell... and fell...

[Casandra]

My idea's a bit like Genogs, sorry for that, great minds think alike! The legend of Icarus is a story of wild ambition that ends badly.:batgirl: http://www.whalley100.com/icarus.jpg

[braidens]

THANKS ikuru & Anid Maro looks like a wacom is the best option save my wrist and time as well... also another question do you use Illustrator or PS and which programe has the best/versitile brush options to get textures and details across??!

[The Whistler]

Mmmh. I'm afraid I have no ideas about this one. First things I thought of were either a kid or a robot but looks like they're taken. A wizard trying a fly spell feels kinda too cheesy... If I think of something else I'll give it a go, but I doubt it. :(

Nice work up to now though :)

[Aly Fell]

Mmmh. I'm afraid I have no ideas about this one. First things I thought of were either a kid or a robot but looks like they're taken. A wizard trying a fly spell feels kinda too cheesy... If I think of something else I'll give it a go, but I doubt it. :(

Nice work up to now though :)

Nothing's 'taken' Whistler. Do whatever you like! :)

[Shotgun Baby]

Nice work everyone , I dont think I can get this one done either, I am in crunch time on a project :(
Will try to do a quick doodle at the weekend I have an idea that wont stop rattling around inside my skull;)
Look forward to the finals.

[Thujon]

Hmmm I dont get it...no one to say something about my piece?
Is my spelliing that awkward??
Or am I that impacient?!

Your works rock...keep it on...!

[UCT]

Thujon - I noticed something in your work last night but was too tired to write it up.

Its a god concept and design however the cape should wrap around the body and not point in the oposite way of movement.

[Kian]

Heres my shite sketch attempt. I really dont think I can manage this one :(
Shame really, as its gonna be a good one!

My inspiration was a daftpunk style Icarus. Then I saw Alys robothead ¬_____¬
:P

[Shard]

thats a cool sketch kian!! really like the pose and feel its got..you should find the time to work on it a little :)

[MrAnimation]

Hay Eye-popping artists! Here's the start.... would love some crit attacks :D

SephyCloneNo15 - thats going to look SO Hot!

keyu6215 - ..... you better be watch out, your going make a fan out of me :)

Kian - I am marveled, as always

braidens - Oh wow! I love the sumuri take, cant wait to see the fin!

431334

[braidens]

Hay MrAnimation
you better have a good costume for Dustinners ballito blow out party !!!

[Aly Fell]

Lovely sketch Jon! ;) I'm unlikely to finish this one though... :(

Casandra - Smashing sketch too!

Feifei - Love the take on Icarus! The disintegration of humanity... Say more later...

[keyu6215]

i am hoping that i will have time to finish this project. i will definitely work toward comp[leting it even if for whatever reason i do not meet the deadline..

[Kaizer]

My first sketch. Done at work on a napkin with pen. Which is why the anatomy is made of epic fail. lol.
I'm having trouble finding good reference pictures, though.. D:

[LeanneMGardner]

An inky Icarus threatening to climb off the page.

431398

[Thujon]

I changed Icarus a bit anf gave him some clothes.. :rocker:
Any crits would be great.

Thx

[MJ_Alcazar]

Some really awesome takes on here!

Thujon - I think that maybe the legs and arms are a bit too long maybe. And, his pose is a little stiff. Like the action going on though, keep it up. :)

Poshspice - yay! robots, I'm really liking your idea.

IssyLMG - I like the flying boat thing, one thing strikes me. The boy doesn't look like he's on the boat, he looks a little like he's floating above it.

Mr. Animation - I like the perspective of watching himself fall. I know this is just a WIP, but give him some type of costuming (that's probably not a word) because right now I think he's too much like the greek boys we're all supposed to avoid. :)

Kian - awesome sketch, I love it! I hope you're able to get it down anyway. I'd love to see it finished. :)

feifeicreate - you have just awesome ideas. I love your take and what you're doing. Keep it up!

Kaizer - umm, yeah, definitely find a reference. I was googling images to try to help out, but yeah, everythings either too far away, or not what you're looking for. :( If I see anything, I'll definetly post it. I like the idea! :)

Casandra - awww, wonderful sketch. :)

keyu6215 - cool! I like the idea, and the sketch looks good.

Defiled Visions - love the concept and how you redid the story to fit. The sketch is looking good. Can't wait to see more.

[UCT]

One quick question - HOW THE HELL DO YOU DRAW FOOOKING FEATHERS? I cant make anything seem realistic at all, at the moment Ive pussed out a manipulating the grass brush like a right looser.

[Thujon]

One quick question - HOW THE HELL DO YOU DRAW FOOOKING FEATHERS? I cant make anything seem realistic at all, at the moment Ive pussed out a manipulating the grass brush like a right looser.

I guess make a feather brush yourself....
Use some photoreference...
Example:

http://www.themodernapprentice.com/feathers_contour.jpg

Have patience..

Hope this helps... Cheers

[MJ_Alcazar]

http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk153/Seloh_Eft/scan0003-1.jpg

An updated version. I wanted to make it seem like he was in the air, so I thought, birds! I'm not entirely sure at this point whether they detract from the picture or not.

http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk153/Seloh_Eft/scan0004.jpg

Ok, I redid the birds. Made them smaller. Better, worse? Still detracting? Forgive the weird shadows or whatever they are. I can't figure out why my scanner is doing that. :(

[Kaizer]

MJ_Alcazar Maybe make the birds smaller. They do distract some from being so large.

[MJ_Alcazar]

Thanks Kaizer, I'll go draw them smaller, see how that looks. :)

[Zombunny27]

Casandra That's pretty funny.

feifecreate I like the concept

Poshspice Great robot. It has this sweet childlike ambitious feel, I guess that's the point...haha.

SephyCloneNo15 I tried taking this pose myself and notice that because he is essentially flat on his feet, his thighs probably shouldn't be parallel to the ground. Even with the upper body shifted forward my knees were at a higher angle than my hips, leaving not much of a gap between my thighs and stomach. Try it yourself. If his weight was on the balls of his feet with heels up the legs can appear closer to what you have there.

Kian Very pretty. Is he still soaring or starting to fall? He appears a bit weak/defeated.

braidens Great samurai. I like that even with that many arrows in him he can manage to still be up on his knees.

Thujon Nice progression though I'm not sure the lighting on the ground is consistent with the explosion. It might be nice to bring us all a bit closer to Icarus too. I get wanting to show the scene but at that distance I feel a bit detached from what's happening.

Desviaciion Interesting pose, I'm anxious to see more and get a better feel for him.

IssyLMG The boat seems to be at a sharper angle than the boy...which could be fun if he was clutching onto the wheel for dear life. Nice idea.

Grenogs Very cute! Though I'm surprised that kind of machinery doesn't crush him before he's gonna crash...hehe.

indus I dig the angle. His expression seems perfectly over confidant.

englishduke Maybe to make the concept more clear you can actually show how he's thrusting himself into a situation bigger than what he can handle...like toward a tank or wide line of fire...I don't know.

DefiledVisions You've made a very relatable Icarus, good stuff!

I really like this topic. It's fun to see where everyone's taking it. I'd like to make it my first CHOW...have to work on that pesky manifesting ideas onto paper though.

[feifeicreate]

Here's my second idea about Icarus--mourning father.

The idea is, in the future, people will start combine themselves with machines, so their skin and bone structure would be stronger, they'll live longer...and they can attach whatever mechanical parts they want, implents, wings... but all of these has to happen after a certain age. Icarus, however, get impatient, so his father attached a small size "practice" wing so he can have a taste of flying. The smaller wings can lift him off the ground, but can not fly high and still keep balance. He tried to reach too high yet doesn't have what it takes...So he falled.

So...now I need to decide which idea I'll go with...hem........

[vandalfish]

The first thing I thought of in relation to Icarus was moths. I tried to go further and think of something more epic or more of a parallel to the Icarus story, but I ended up deciding that the Moth idea would be fun and ultimately more original than my other ideas, in a simple sort of way. So anyway, he's just a moth guy, who battered himself against the lamp light until he knocked himself out and his wings were singed beyond use. I have a lot of trouble when it comes to perspective and foreshortening of figures when I don't have a reference of the exact pose, which is why I chose to do this pose knowing I couldn't find any exact reference :) Critiques and constructive criticism is awesome, and draw-overs are good as well.

[bluemoon]

This my first participation in anything at conceptart.org, in fact this is my first post ever. I'm taking a more majestic approach to the idea of icarus, seeing him as more of an angelic figure without the fatal plunge of the original greek character.

[bluemoon]

...there was supposed to be a picture attached to my post above, lol. Can somone explain how to post images please? I used "manage attachments" but i guess didn't load, help

[Kaizer]

You're welcome, MJ. ^ ^

[Kaizer]

...there was supposed to be a picture attached to my post above, lol. Can somone explain how to post images please? I used "manage attachments" but i guess didn't load, help

You can upload images to Photobucket, or another image hosting site, and then use the little yellow square with the gray mountains and sun on the gray box surrounding your post to upload via URL.

[MJ_Alcazar]

Are you using photobucket.com? If you are, all you have to do is, copy and paste the [IMG] code. Which would be the bottom code and put it into your post. That's what I always do anyway. Hope that helps!

[feifeicreate]

Vandalfish: I totally love your moth idea! the perspective and composition is strong and dramatic. The lighting is great too (from what I can see now). I think that's what I need to improve a LOOOOT for my art: dramatic composition and lighting that creates mode. My composition is always just so balanced and plain, and so boring...

The only thing I can think of for now is the left hand index finger, a bit off...I know I'm just being picky...LOL...Great work, looking forward to see the final version.

[bluemoon]

thanks Kaizer and MJ_Alcazar. I started a photo bucket. I'm working on getting the anatomy correct. IMG]http://i531.photobucket.com/albums/dd357/fleetingreverie/Cloneofcannibol.jpg[/IMG]

[JSpayde]

WIP
I missed the part about getting too close to the actual story that everyone knows. I still need to change a few things but I have a pretty good idea where I'm going to go with this.

Updated The idea was that Icarus wasn't reaching for the sun but instead he saw a woman. Could use some crits.

[bluemoon]

thanks Kaizer and MJ_Alcazar. I started a photo bucket. I'm working on getting the anatomy correct.
http://i531.photobucket.com/albums/dd357/fleetingreverie/Cloneofcannibol.jpg

[Casandra]

Thank you, struggling at the moment with some new brushes that make Photoshop crash. Great to get some encouragement in the circumstances.

[strybjorn]

time to jump back into chows - i had no real idea what to do for this...at all. im leaning slightly towards steampunky stuff....but i dunno. not sure what direction ill let it take me in when i start rendering...it looks a bit dull at the moment...

meh, its late and i need sleep. crits are definately welcome - ill try and lay some crit down tomorrow as well as im a bit too incoherant and tired right now. :zzz:

+UPDATE+

first stage of rendering i guess...oh yeah and i fixed the placement of head - damn anatomy!

gah really trying to make sure i can get this finished, but unfortunately i have to go out for the night now - hopefully ill be able to sort it out tomorrow...

[armando]

wcW_Ygs6hm0

[Zombunny27]

So I'm actually taking my first stab at CHOW. Here it goes...

[scottmcd]

First time in a while I've had a chance to sneak one of these in. I'm off on vacation for the rest of the week, and unfortunately I don't see a finals thread. Assuming this qualifies, would daestwen or oregano move this over when it appears? I'll check in the morning and do it myself if it's there. Many thanks!

Icarus: Prelude to Rosetta Stoned

[feifeicreate]

Another take on the subject. I know it's probably not "Icarus" enough, because he doesn't fall...But my interpretation for this idea is to create a young and ambitious kid, he's overly confident yet not quite live up to what he wants himself to be. So without planning ahead, somehow I end up with 3 different idea, depict Icarus before the fall, during the fall, and after the fall lamented by the poor daddy... This is fun... :D

[Djinn]

feifeicreate: I love it, can't wait to see more.

So I just got my shiny new Intuos3 Tablet today, and I couldn't wait to get started. My concept is this: Icarus as a philosopher was pondering the meaning and mysteries of life, and came too close to the Truth, the sheer force of which, began to tear his mortal body apart in a blinding flash.

Obviously I have a ways to go here, but I wanted to post my WIP and ask for a few crits.

Edit Made some anatomy corrections and got a better overall feel going, figured I would post the corrected/updated one.

[Zombunny27]

feifeicreate Wicked costuming.

Djinn Interesting idea. His head seems a bit small and maybe the hips are a bit wide, not sure about that one though.

[SephyCloneNo15]

MrAnimation, thanks. Not that all the critique isn't helpful, but it's really nice to get a vote of confidence or two, lest I think that all the technical flaws aside, I'd end up with complete crap anyways.

Hadesdream and everyone else who's tried to help me on the pose, I think I'm starting to get it. I took some reference pictures of myself in the pose, and differences in body size/shape aside, I think I can see what needs to change. Expect a revised WIP later tonight to sink your teeth into.

I suppose, I can take a shot at giving as well as I've gotten:

Djinn, I like where it's going. Kinda reminds me of the end of one of the Indiana Jones movies, either the guy opening the Ark in Raiders or Colonel Doctor Spelko at the end of Kingdom.

scottmcd, very nice. The drug idea popped into my head earlier today in case I couldn't make mine work, but you beat me to it. Is he shooting up? Because the syringe looks kinda weird, like he's giving himself a tattoo, and I 'm always willing to give props to a fan of Led Zeppelin.

bluemoon, off to a very cool start. Not much else I can say at this point.

vandalfish, love the moth concept, and a very nice, illustrative quality to it. Sexy.

MJ_Alcazar, I think it might work to just push the birds back a little, lighten 'em up a bit. If you had 'em on a separate layer on Photoshop, drop the opacity a bit. Pencil and paper, just run over 'em real evenly with an eraser for a bit (kneaded eraser if you got one). I think that might do the trick, since, if I understand it right, part of the concept is that he's flying so high he's right there with the birds, but as they are, they kind of distract, and changing the size will make them look not as close.

Thujon, I could be wrong, since most of my experience with bodies hurled by explosions comes from ragdoll physics in video games, but I don't think his arm would go up like that. That's the only limb that really bothers me...

IssyLMG, lovin' it. Can't wait to see where this one goes!

kian, off to a nifty start.

Casandra, very neat. Can't wait to see it once it progresses a little more.

Wow, crit-ing is harder than it looks.

[bluemoon]

ok, so I literally bought photoshop like a week ago and this chow is sort of a learning experience so any critiques and tips are welcome.
http://i531.photobucket.com/albums/dd357/fleetingreverie/chow121-1.jpg

[Djinn]

bluemoon Are you using a tablet or is the line-art hand drawn? Either way, I really like where this is going, it's got a really great mix of realism, comic style, and a totally original feel too. It's really impressive that you've only been working with photoshop for a week, (I'm guessing you have a background in non-digital painting?)

I'm fairly new to digital painting, but nearly every tutorial and bit of advice I've seen advises blocking in your flat colors, doing a quick run adding basic shadow/highlight values, and then clean up from there by utilizing paintbrush at varying opacity settings
(you can use the numbers on your keyboard to set these, 1=10% 5=50% 0=100% 4+3=43% etc.)
and making heavy use of the eyedropper color picker
(Hold alt while using the brush tool to pick a color already on your canvas)
to continually blend your colors until you get smooth transitions.

Keep it up dude! If this is what you can do after a week, you're going to flourish, I'm sure.

[Nightblue]

vandalfish: love the mood in yours. At first glance i went "oh noes! idea clash!" but on a closer look yours is really fresh and different.

scottmcd: what a dark take on the topic. Love the emotion carried by your line quality.

strybjorn: The pose and perspective look really good, such a hard angle too! I'm envious :)

=============

My take on the topic, "fallen Peter Pan". I felt compelled to do the topic because the Icarus story represents one of my deepest fears - the sudden fall from the peak of hope and joy.

WIP. Will try really hard to make the deadline.

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd214/lxc2000/chow121_pv1.jpg http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd214/lxc2000/chow121_pv2.jpg

[MJ_Alcazar]

scottmcd - Like the idea. The needle I think looks sorta like a scapel though. and with the lines, it gives me the idea he's cutting himself. So, define that a little if you have the time before you go. :)

Hadesdream - definitely got the confidence feel to it. However, I think his arms are floating too far out. And his legs need some work. Maybe spread them a little?

bluemoon - his head is a too small and don't crop the hand! It takes away from the overall picture. I like the fallen angel idea. Your doing great, I really love your style. :) I don't have photoshop or anything so I'll leave that to the others. :)

vandelfish - Nice idea! I like the story I'm getting from it too.

SephycloneNo15 - thank you, I ran an eraser over it and it gave it a completely different feel. :)

Just an overall question, with my drawings, if I put it in too light, it doesn't show up at all in a scan. :( Upping resolution helps a little, but for some reason my computer gives me the option of higher resolutions, but only accepts 600. Any ideas/suggestions?

[SephyCloneNo15]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v215/TonyS37/icarusWIPd.jpg

Overlaid a reference photo of myself before practically starting over. My Icarus is now standing up a little higher because he's based on someone significantly less flexible with a 3 second delay to try and get into the pose half a room away from the camera, but the proportions should be right, unless I've got some deformity that I didn't know about.

I think I'm ready to go and slap the detail in now.

[armando]

NightBlue: Very odd choice, representing one fictional character with another. It's Peter Pan.


[IMG]
I think I'm ready to go and slap the detail in now.

Judging by all that space you've got on the left of the character there's going to be a background. You haven't even added the basic shapes of the character, only a mannekin placeholder. You can't add any detail yet. What is the shape of the wings, pointy, round? Are they based on any specific animal, or machine? What values are the various shapes? Where's the horizon line?

[Nightblue]

NightBlue: Very odd choice, representing one fictional character with another. It's Peter Pan.



I guess that's just what the topic made me think of, a boy fallen from the sky. If the multiple layers of reference distracts too much from the Icarus theme, I can get rid of the Peter Pan reference, but to me the two character works together in an odd way. It could just be the sleep deprivation ;)

[feifeicreate]

I think the Peter Pan reference might work, depend on how you're going to present it. the symbolism of Pete Pan is forever youth, and the symbolism of Icarus (as I see it) is the youthful courage, which based on ignorance and vanity rather than truly understand the danger and still willing to face it.

So, in a way, it might work together, but I think you have to face the result that people will get confused, because there's just so much going on in the picture. From your sketch, I can't see Peter Pan, because of the mechanical wings. You might want to add some Peter Pan signature item, maybe even add a mourning Tinkerbell. That's just a personal suggestion. :D hope it helps.

[braidens]

MJ_Alcazar

Just looking at what you done, quick-like and i noticed just some mistakes that i make with proportion as well, just takes training and good tutorials helps fix this [check out this link for tutorials] http://www.conceptart.org/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=42

If you measure basically with a pencil shoulder to elbow and elbow to wrist they should be the same size. but if both your arms are the same size then theres no depth... ie. your dudes right arm should be slightly bigger [closer to the screen]...
hope this helps and have fun

[LeanneMGardner]

Thujon The explosion sounds like a cool idea. Maybe he is a scientist who pushed an experiment too far? His anatomy needs a bit of work: The arms are a bit too long and the muscle placement is off. (Editted-Jacket is a cool touch, have you thought of a story yet?)

keyu6215 I'm loving the pose, but the legs seem a little short. Perspective?

feifeicreate Cool concept! I like the connection that you show by having the falling robot reaching for the other human(?) figure's hand.

Casandra I like the take of Icarus as a little kid =3

Kaizer Robin, nooo! Google acrobats! You can find a lot of good references and poses to observe =) Also SXC.HU has free stock photos and may have more references to help you with your anatomy.

Kian Awesome sketch

MrAnimation I'm loving the composition from his point of view, keep going!

MJ_Alcazar I'd probably make the bird by his knee slightly smaller, and move it so that it's not touching the figure. By doing this, it would show Icarus as a lone figure in the sky, and the birds as just background. They command a bit too much of the composition as is.

feifeicreate Loving the wing structures and how you captured the look of sorrow and suffering on the father's face. Pay attention to anatomy nd proportions, though; the father's arm lacks proper muscle definition so it appears as if it's bending at an impossible angle. The length of the boy's thigh and lower legs also seem off.

vandalfish Icarus as a moth, why didn't I think of that?! Badass start.

scottmcd Very interesting take on a contemporary Icarus. I like the symbolism in the tattoos.

[Randis]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v215/TonyS37/icarusWIPd.jpg

Overlaid a reference photo of myself before practically starting over. My Icarus is now standing up a little higher because he's based on someone significantly less flexible with a 3 second delay to try and get into the pose half a room away from the camera, but the proportions should be right, unless I've got some deformity that I didn't know about.

I think I'm ready to go and slap the detail in now.


It looks much better to me now than the old versions however i think you should do it again and again.
It looks like the guy has only one arm and one leg, fix that.
Also take a closer look at his head/face there is something wrong going on, he looks like beavis and buttheads sister.
Never explain your images, they supposed to explain themself unless there is something wrong with the image.
Keep fixing till things are good enough to move on and there is no reason to ask for feedback after every second stroke. I hardly believe you that you can not see all the mistakes by yourself, as long as you feel its no good, keep working on it.

cheers

[Decepticon217]

had to scrap my original idea, i hope i get time to finish.. next up i tackle wings,
wanted to do a futuristic take on it with a solar powered flight suit..

[Phaethon]

Aw, man! I wish I'd checked this sooner. I did an animatic a few years ago that was a steampunk retelling of the Daedalus and Icarus myth. Maybe I'll have time to do a hasty redesign sketch...

[grenogs]

[QUOTE=Hadesdream;1872220]Casandra

Grenogs Very cute! Though I'm surprised that kind of machinery doesn't crush him before he's gonna crash...hehe.

Exactly , :)

[Thujon]

I worked on the background and the floor....
Thanks for the anatomy tip...Amazingly I didnt see it before..:wtf:
The arms were ( and maybe still are ) too long..

Explosions, as I found out ,are pretty tough to render... I really wonder what people think about it... so please give me some CRITS!!!!! :geekg:

Regards

[daestwen]

Final Burning is Up! (http://www.conceptart.org/forums/showthread.php?p=1873184#post1873184)

[oddy]

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x204/oddsbidikin/sweat.jpg
this is how i feel when i see the title.... first time to hear this guy and then i have to do some research....sighhh again...

====================

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x204/oddsbidikin/falling_icharus_wip.jpg

this is icarus i work up right now, i try to capture the moment of his death with my best not to draw real wing but bubbles. its such a pain in my ass... how the heck those people do underwater painting so easily... i have no idea will this turn out good :dead: the water surface really hard...how to make it look different to the underwater???

[dustinner]

432111

My take on the Theme of Icarus...
The little boy who falls because he doesnt think about the consequences of his actions till its to late.

Still just in the idea phase.Any ideas ?

[Casandra]

dustinner, love the idea!

[The Whistler]

Nothing's 'taken' Whistler. Do whatever you like! :)

Maybe if I... Hmmm... Now I just have to think of a sketch that does it for me and color it so it looks even remotely ok... in three days... not gonna happen :)

btw, strybjorn - awesome sketch!

[DefiledVisions]

Um I need some help here... I kinda started thinking big.. and I think I've put to much weight on my shoulders than intended.

My current take on the topic is a statue lol. I wonder if this is acceptable? thing is.. I couldn't put my idea in the right context. It's hard to depict icarus the way I want, so I thought having a kind of green marble statue memorial thing, inspired by michaelangelos masterpiece Two Pietas.

I am trying to have Icarus grief over his failure, his loss the same way mary is mourning.

so.. is this ok? if not, I might not finnish this week's chow :P

[Nike]

so many interesting attempts!

here's a w-i-p of my attempt...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v684/artofnike/chowicaruswip.jpg

[strybjorn]

lots of good stuff coming through! looking forward to seeing finished pieces!

indus - nice, a sort of tribal elf-y icarus? look forward to seeing it when you've fleshed it out a bit more

Cup of Tea? - really good pose -really captures the fear of falling nicely... i think maybe define the character a bit more maybe...at moment i dont really know who he is, why he's falling...if you get what i mean. i think this could be really successful if you can give a few more clues as to his personality and personal narrative. id empathise with him more then i think (even tho i do already empathise a bit - i hate falling off cliffs too :p)

Poshspice - hope you get to finish one of these as the robot concept is really interesting - im interested in why youve gone for robot wings rather than some sort of techno-flight contraption? i like both 5 and 6

IssyLMG - interesting use of media - i really quite like the overlaid floating collage as it makes the person seem slight apart from his surroundings - this could add a nice extra layer of meaning and interpretation to the piece - are you planning on extending that design so you have more stuff thats floating on top of paper?

vandalfish - really really like this - its got soul and the narrative is clear and concise...just reads really well i think. my only crit is about the mothmans right hand - but im sure you probably know this already...the face is spot on and really captures a kind of just knocked out feel...

scottmcd - cool concept and i really like the tattooed references to a more traditional interpretation. might be worth emphasizing the syringe more as i didnt really get what was happening until i read the blurb...

oddy - really like the dynamism of you piece man - the severe perspective is outstanding, and i really like the concept of drowning as opposed to just falling - looking forward to seeing how you flesh the character out as he drowns :needle:

Nightblue - thanks a lot - unfortunately i can only see a red x for your piece...ill try and get on it later on when the firewall is off

The Whistler - cheers! c'mon tho, you know you want to spend the next 3 days slaving over a chow! look forward to seeing what you come up with ;)

theres quite a few people whos work i cant see (goddamn firewall at work) so apologies to people that i havent critted

[Shard]

this is what i got so far..doubt i'll have time to continue this. damn 6 point perspective is a pain..

nightblue its looking great!! looking forward to see it finished!! ;)

[UCT]

shardana - thats beautiful. I love the skull type helmet to suggest impending DOOOM! get work.

I find this is a tricky one but everyone is pulling out get postures and actions movements with great stories! exciting round.

Will post mine soon, im close to finishing/getting massively frustrated by it.

[Thujon]

What do you think???

[armando]

I think the Peter Pan reference might work, depend on how you're going to present it. the symbolism of Pete Pan is forever youth, and the symbolism of Icarus (as I see it) is the youthful courage, which based on ignorance and vanity rather than truly understand the danger and still willing to face it.

So, in a way, it might work together, but I think you have to face the result that people will get confused, because there's just so much going on in the picture. From your sketch, I can't see Peter Pan, because of the mechanical wings. You might want to add some Peter Pan signature item, maybe even add a mourning Tinkerbell. That's just a personal suggestion. :D hope it helps.

No. This is a character design contest, we are reinterpreting and redesigning Icarus. We are not making an illustration of Peter Pan, or redesigning him. Many characters share similar themes, that doesn't make them interchangable.

[MJ_Alcazar]

http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk153/Seloh_Eft/scan0005.jpg

I think I may have jumped the gun and started adding detail too early. :( Is this called rendering? I can always redraw. Just need to keep reminding myself to SLOW DOWN! :)
Before I added the shadows, I shrunk his left arm, and moved the birds so they didn't touch him. I also lightened the birds up so they didn't immediately just pop out at you.

Thujon - the guy in the background looks closer to the explosion to me, yet he isn't affected. Or is he not close to the explosion? The main icarus character is also bothering me a little. Focus more on his anatomy.

Shardana - cool! I like the skull helmet and the wings. :)

Dustinner - nice idea! Poor bird, I'd feel bad too. :(

Oddy - nice direction, I'm liking it. I'm not good with water, so I'm sorry I can't offer any advice on it. But, it's looking good so far to me.

[oddy]

gyahh!!! i end up spending whole night to do this... those bubbles and palm really annoying...

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x204/oddsbidikin/icarus_greek_myth.jpg

probably this will be my final but there still room for improvement..hrm.. should get some sleep before going to work....

[UCT]

Any crits?

Icarus the god, story to follow in finals thread.

[Sir_E_Pent]

I can give you the story. Do you have three more to go with him? Or two depending on what your going for. I would like to say his anatomy is a bit off. Mostly in shoulder-pec area. Then you would have to lengthen his arm to go with it. Not that I am a pro or anything but I do have an "eye" for such things. But he is bee-utiful. I'd do him. Even though he'd peck my eyes out.

[Nike]

little update...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v684/artofnike/chowwip2.jpg


oddy - great progress!

MJ_Alcazar - nice idea! His left arm that is reaching up bothers me a bit, though - especially the hand - it doesn't really seem to do something, but it looks rather cramped. Maybe take another look at your ref or try the pose yourself in front of a mirror, I think this can be improved :-)

Thujon - looking good! I think his hands are rather small compared to his face and feet though.

shardana - nice pose and angle!

DefiledVision - I like this approach a lot - and also technically a promising wip!

dustinner - awesome idea! :) Looking forwards to see it finished!

UCT - beautiful! Something with his right arm seems a bit off though - shouldn't we see more of his elbow in this pose? And I'd refine the feathers he has around his knee a bit more - just like the others on the other parts - but really beautiful piece, love it!

[feifeicreate]

No. This is a character design contest, we are reinterpreting and redesigning Icarus. We are not making an illustration of Peter Pan, or redesigning him. Many characters share similar themes, that doesn't make them interchangable.

I guess I could argue that design and redesign is to tear an concept apart, add something, take something away, and put it back together. So, it IS possible to design Icarus with a Peter Pan touch, for example, I could make Icarus reaching for a big boat flying in the sky. I could have a fairy reaching for Icarus when he falls...And still make him Icarus. IMHO, the basic element for Icarus is "wing", "reach beyond his ability" and "fall". You have all three, it's Icarus. If you're really good, you can have 2 or even 1 element, and still make him Icarus. The rest is for you to interperate however you want it. It's all depends on how you're going to execute your idea, how you're going to present it.

There's nothing new...in this Post-modern time we live in. Everything that can be done has been done, and there's nothing "original" per se. Everything we have is to distruct a exsiting idea, and re-construct it. So I think, we can combine different elements. as long as we're emphasize on "Icarus".

But then again, THIS IS NOT MY CONCEPT!!! LOL..., i'm not the one who designed the Peter Pan/Icarus concept, I'm merely providing my suggestion. So maybe you should address to the person who designed it. And......why so serious? this should be for fun.

[MJ_Alcazar]

Nike- I think you were talking to me. Thanks, yeah, somethings bothering me too. I'll go and look back and see what it is. It might be the fact that I was trying to put him in the process of reaching up, but I made it too stiff, but I'll go see. :)

Like your idea, how bright orange he is reminds me of the sun. Which makes sense, because the sun destroys him. Plus, the whole trying to reach the summit goes along quite nicely too.

[kontur]

After having stalked these competition-forums for a while I finally got myself not only inspired, but also actually working on an idea for this current topic.

The whole Icarus tale as such I find very interesting as it has so many different points from where to start an interpretation.

While there may be many ways to make Icarus-robots and Icarus-soldiers and Icarus-.... I think the actual circumstances are, what define the Icarus. The tragedy, the surprise, the fall. I tried to capture these into a surreal setting for my first try of Icarus.

This isn't finished, nor do I know if I might not even want to start again all different; and make one of those Icarus-robots or such...but: Your opinions are very welcome, naturally.



Of the previously posted images, I really dig Oddy's for the fact that he came up with a very different look at the subject. We all know Icarus as the guy falling from the sky - but that the sea he falls into is just as much of a factor than the sun that burns him; I like that notion. And of course, it has a capturing perspective.

[Djinn]

So my idea is coming together, but as I said I just got my tablet yesterday and I'm fairly new to the whole digital painting scene. I'd like to ask for some crits and advice.
Specifically: I'm having a hard time making him fit into the background and not look like he's pasted in on top of it, and I'm having the same issue with his loincloth and bag.

WIP: Icarus the Philosopher
(Full story in finals thread)

[ikuru]

kontur, I think your picture has a nice feel to it.

[armando]

Djinn: Definitely show the entire character, I wouldn't even know he was wearing a loincloth had you not said it. Getting the character to mesh with the background has mostly to do with having a consistent light source. My advice would be to forget about the background and concentrate all your effort on the character. He's got 3 articles: spear, bag, loincloth. Figure out ways to make those things interesting. A thicker strap for the bag would be good since you could then fit some designs onto it, magical looking figures and what not. Someone with a civilization advanced enough to make that sort of bag would have a more advanced looking spear. Since he has no clothes, you could give him tattoos that have some relation to his philosophy. Make the bag and the loincloth different colors, and different material, for more interest. Does he wear shoes, sandles, barefoot? How do all those things describe this character. Why would he be holding his spear while he's getting his mind blown by contemplation? I think it would make more sense if he were holding some religious beads, or a book, that would show that he's contemplating or thinking rather than getting laser blasted while hunting. Having him hold his forehead with his freehand would improve the pose.


feifeicreate: Sonic and Flash are both fast. If the challenge was redesign Flash, would it be valid to turn in Sonic? I think a lot of people use these challenges primarily as learning tools and tests of skill(that's what I do), just makes the most sense to adhere as close as possible to the brief.

[Kaizer]

Ugh.. As usual, work is causing me to not have a lot of drawing time, and with school quickly approaching, I'll have even less time..
Sadly, I may not be able to finish this time around, at least for the voting, but I'd still like to try this concept. I really like my idea, and I found a good reference picture that I can use for it.

[BadGeometry]

Here's what I got so far. I gotta give him some better colors, but he's coming along. :)

[bluemoon]

i know, i know the finals thread is already up and we only have a couple days but I don't have a lot of time and like to hear any critiques before i go into heavy detail and color... Yes, cause i know i'll hear it, the whole character will be in the final and there will be no cropping. But i'm down for any suggestions or mistake-point-outs
Also, everytime i open photoshop its basically a learning experience for me since i just got it so any tips are appreciated.
Thanks Djinn for the help and MJ_Alcazar for the critique
http://i531.photobucket.com/albums/dd357/fleetingreverie/fallencopy-1.jpg

[Thujon]

Thujon - the guy in the background looks closer to the explosion to me, yet he isn't affected. Or is he not close to the explosion? The main icarus character is also bothering me a little. Focus more on his anatomy.


He is closer...this was an experiment...in the final Burning thread is a version much better than here.... you are absolutely right...

Well the anatomy is much better than before I think.. his mantle is the problem!
It looks false..well Im not into it yet..

Overall I not too happy with the pic but I stayed true and worked hard on it..and its not too bad...;-) Good training exercise!!!

Thanks for your honesty!!!! :asspat:

[Thujon]

Thujon - looking good! I think his hands are rather small compared to his face and feet though.



Fixed it...thanks!!! :bashful:

[Villa]

dont know if i can finish it, all i can say is that i always try to put a lot of time on the illustration part, now i wanted to try and develop the concept part more.

first sketch, (thanks olimpic games) just messing around with the element of going far ahead of our own human limitations. an athlete that in a figurate way can "fly" thru the tracks has a near fatal accident losing all his limbs and then puts on bionic implants, obviously, he cant compete and gets banned from proffesional competitions so, its a downward slope after that, depression, using his habilities the wrong way etc, until he "burns" his body down on one big last run.

second one, its the "experiment gone bad", working with micro reactor techonolgy inside the suit an all, one day it all goes boom. once again exploring human boundaries, and then dark times when the good ol' doc cant handle not having a nose and a jaw because his face got burned to almost a crisp. the cool thing i think in this one is that his spine is on fire and can flow in the form of wings. yeah...wings. ;)

third one is a hole medieval thing, but i dont like it very much because it ended up looking too soul reaverish or prince of persianish, kinda. he has knives coming out like feathers on his arms.

And last one i just got frustrated i guess and wanted to punish this guy as bad as i could. This is after icarus dies so bear with me please. So, Apollo gets all mythological on Icarus ass and tells brother Hades that a "special one" is one the way. Gives him a pair of iron wings to crush Icarus back for eternity, burns his eyes saying that he deservers this for being a fool and flying too close to a god. got a few other suprises for this one so, i think this is the one im going to do. Although im a bit curious that this fits this weeks criteria and im not drifting away too much.

ill try to comment on everyone else's work once the poll is up. now, sleep. see ya there.

[kontur]

Love the chalky look in villa's sketches!

Thanks for the comments on my first sketch. Thought I try something else still today and it turned out quite good so far. However, now I notice that I put myself up for quite a piece, so let's see if I can even get it finished in time.

Comments and crits very welcome.

k.

[Thujon]

Villa:
I actually like the last one most....really really interesting...I would like to see it evolve... as for the Icarus story I guess it would be hard to fit it in..

Kontur:
Looking good so far. I like the composition¨¨
Its a bit messy with the colors...it confuses me... It would be looking way better when you get it clearer and more in focus aso.
Hope this helps!

[kontur]

Thanks for the input. What I tried to work on more now is to get the basic color areas set and the figure more detailed. Now that those are layed out, I want to add more detail, and of course the boosters and the gas-track needs working on...later tonight or tomorrow; also want to add some birds still, maybe. :)

Comments and crits welcome, still can fix stuff now :D

k.

[rodriguez]

Hey Villa nice work on those sketch's looking forward to seeing the finished painting

Here's my WIP

http://img514.imageshack.us/img514/3497/icarusxc5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[MJ_Alcazar]

Thank you everyone who have given me critiques. I greatly appreciate the help.

I fixed his hand, I'm hoping this pose looks more as if he's reaching up rather than just sort of being there.

http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk153/Seloh_Eft/scan0006.jpg

Villa - I'm enjoying the sketches. I really like the last sketch, although, I'm not sure if it will make it past the brief because of the fact that it's the greek mythology version. Can't wait to see your finished product. :)

Rodriguez - nice! :)

kontur - like it so far. :)

[grey]

been awhile since I've had the time to do any ca monthlies, and I don't think I've ever participated in CHOW (I like my creatures :perv: ), but I love checking the threads

my sketch, so far
http://www.greystudio.com/ca/CHOW_Icarus_sketch.jpg
a manned exploration of a mercury type planet, and the maverick of the group tries to push the limit of their jet packs in low-grav only to be incinerated when he clears the planet's limited protective magnetic field . . . or something like that, still sorting it out

great posts so far (as always)

[nemnomico]

my first chow!

[Thujon]

Thanks for the input. What I tried to work on more now is to get the basic color areas set and the figure more detailed. Now that those are layed out, I want to add more detail, and of course the boosters and the gas-track needs working on...later tonight or tomorrow; also want to add some birds still, maybe. :)


Looks much better already... rock on...will be alright!

Nemnomico:

Its looking awesome!!! Get it done!! Cheers

[Djinn]

I agree with Thujon:
Nemnomico I can't wait to see more!

[Cup_of_Tea?]

Nightmare, I don' think I am going to be able to finish it. When is the the latest i can submit? maybe, i can finish it up a little tomorrow after work? otherwise i will just stick with what i have got and make a better job of next weeks

[Nightblue]

I doubt this argument would even happen if I never mentioned "peter-pan". The reference is subtle and not intended to be the focus. The focus of my piece is the "fall", which adheres to the brief as far as I know it.

My piece is about a boy in green flying gear who tried to fly and got shot down. The additional references reflects what I think of the character. I enjoyed creating the piece, and if it gets disqualified simply because I mentioned Peter Pan, I'd be disappointed but it's not that big of a deal :)

Final:

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd214/lxc2000/chow121_final.jpg

[Johann de Venecia]

Every 6 centuries, in the 7th region of hell, a demon resurrects with a soul shard of the dreamer Icarus. Filled with visions of power and glory, the Icarus Anointed soars across the pits to challenge the Gate Keeper of Heaven. For to touch the pearly gates is to claim the diabolic throne of Proto Lucifer. Alas, no one has ever reached the price. Like a moth to a flame, he will burn his wings and crash down into the void.

http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l69/deceptant10/icarus_lukavi.jpg

Just a quick entry, I might work on it some more later. The Olympics has taken a hold of my free time >.<. Looking good everyone.

So far, I'm really liking the design and execution of the robot entry by Onionface in the final burning. Concept-wise, I think the entry of the drug addict with the Icarus tattoo by scottmcd is cool too.

Hope to see more eye candy. Cheers!

[DefiledVisions]

Oh man Lukavi! mind blowing! Great concept.

I'm struggling with mine, not even sure if I can finnish it. Ah well, took a peak in the finals thread, great stuff people!

[Djinn]

Well, as intimidating as Lucavi's entry is ( :wtf: ) I almost don't want to post my next WIP!

I want to thank Armando for his excellent input, (Quick Note: My original idea was an ascetic hermit philosopher who lives off the land, which is why he had such simple garments. I decided to abandon that because you were totally right, he was way too boring.)

So my concept has changed/evolved like crazy since my initial idea, but it's ok, this whole experience has been an extremely valuable learning process, I'm still working out the details of the new story for my Icarus, but I've got a couple ideas. For now, I'll just post my latest WIP, and ask for some last minute advice from all the amazing artists taking part in this CHOW.

Thanks everyone for your input!

(ALSO: Am I doing this wrong?? Should I post all my WIPs from an off-site host?)

[SephyCloneNo15]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v215/TonyS37/icarusWIPe.jpg

Don't know if I'll get much more done before the deadline. I got his anatomy as correct as I possibly could, albeit, it's still pretty rough. I started biting off more than I could chew with the feathers on his wings. I'd like to get in a whole lot more detail, and I eventually will, but stuff came up and I didn't work nearly as much as I should have (damn, part time jobs and social lives!). Beautiful work, everyone.

[Rodimus25]

Lukavi: wow cool take on the subject
David David: Love the sketch
Onionhead: thats one kickass robot

My take on the subject, more of a modern day daredevil on the tightropes.

[Djinn]

Podimus, Where can I get a pair of those shoes?

[septomin]

Well, this is what I've got at the moment. Think I need to take my eyes off it for a bit...

Here I have Icarus as an angel who 'fell' in prideful rebellion.

[DefiledVisions]

wow cool stuff! Podimus and Septomin, nice.

Oh man, I've not given up. But I am at the point where I realise it's too late, kinda. Even croped the image, but no use. I'm pretty sure I won't finnish... what I got so far

[Nightblue]

DefiledVisions: Yours look awesome so far. It does look like it's going to take a while to finish, but I hope you finish it even if it misses the deadline. Your lines and colors are beautiful.

[artiphats]

well guys about an hour left till midnight my time (PST - California), and I just posted this in the finals thread. About 3 hours of work and very fun, I will probably work on it more even after deadline, so crits are welcome :)

http://www.raysartonline.com/conceptart/chow121_artiphats.jpg

[daestwen]

Don't worry guys, you still have a few hours left if you're not done yet. Poll will probably go up around 5 pm my time (-5 gmt).

So if you're not done but want to make poll, work! ;)

Oh, and, um, here. (so far from done... but at least i'm trying again this week. :P )

434746

[oddy]

i'm done..just little edit from last piece.. hope this will be enuff :sungod:

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x204/oddsbidikin/chow_121_oddy.jpg

[Kreator]

. some cool entries here

didnt get time to finish ...next time.

http://img230.imageshack.us/img230/9899/icaruswipkreatorka2.jpg

[DefiledVisions]

Theres still time Kreator! .. oh and Daestwen.. before you make the poll.. relax.. get a cup of tea, read a good book.. pat the cat.. *cough givememoretime cough* :D

-5 GMT still gives me an hour and a half.. I think