Chow 129 :: "It's Elementary ..."

[S.C. Watson]

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

ROUND #129 :: SHERLOCK HOLMES

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DESCRIPTION
Sherlock Holmes (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sherlock_Holmes) - keep him to his period. Inclusion of other characters, such as Watson, or Moriarty, are optional.
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: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

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DEADLINE
MONDAY, October 6th, 2008
Deadline is Monday, at 5pm Pacific Standard Time.
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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.

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

[S.C. Watson]

Please review these helpful reminders if you have not done so already.

:right:ON GETTING TO POLL (http://www.conceptart.org/forums/showpost.php?p=1891823&postcount=15)
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:right:NEW ROUND RULE: WIPS PLEASE! (http://www.conceptart.org/forums/showpost.php?p=1910999&postcount=27)
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:right:SUBMISSION FORMAT REMINDER (http://www.conceptart.org/forums/showpost.php?p=1911002&postcount=28)

[Max Martelli]

Cool.

I immediatly thought of his drug addiction.

Here's my first sketch.

[amaliax]

...the final won't be this cartoony, I promise. I was really surprised at how quickly I got what I thought he looked like, because I've never been a big fan of Holmes. But I like these! I may have to start reading those again.

Good topic! :D

[Aly Fell]

Of course this is open to interpretation, but this is the book description of Holmes:

This is a brief biography of Sherlock Holmes-The Detective created by the writer Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.

Sherlock Holmes was born around 1854-son of a country Squire, Grand-Son of the Sister of the artist Vernet.
Holmes has an Older brother-Mycroft, who also is something of a detective-assisting in a few of Holmes's cases.

Holmes-his Physical appearance.
Holmes is tall and thin-he himself claims to be 6ft tall-but his friend Watson claims he is over 6ft.
He has black hair and grey eyes, thin lips and 'a hawk-like' nose.
Holmes has a strident voice.
Although Holmes has never excercised for the fun of it, he is always fit and ready for the action that takes place in the stories, and is ready to see off
his attackers with either boxing or Baritsu-a form of martial art. He is also proficient at single-stick and fencing.

Holmes-the man.
Holmes stays up late and gets up just as late. He is a smoker, and when a great depression sweeps over him, he has been known unfortunately to indulge in Cocaine-injecting himself with a 7% solution. Watson has tried on many an occasion to stop Holmes from continuing with this dangerous habit-and once suspected (wrongly) that Holmes had moved on to Opium.
Holmes is scrupulously clean and is always dressed neatly-seldom wearing a Deer-Stalker cap.
Holmes is known for his energetic approach to solving the cases which are presented before him by the many people, from many walks of life-from the lowest to the highest in the land, but when he is not involved in a case-he can become lethargic-and slip into the depression mentioned earlier.
Holmes is a Music lover-going to various concerts and Operas, and of course he himself is a Violinist, prefering German music.
Holmes seems to be an un-loving person at first glance- but he is not. He cares deeply about his friends and is concerned for Watson-especially when Watson's wife dies.
As for women-Holmes could never get over one in particular-Irene
Adler. She would always be 'the woman' to him.


More information can be found here:

HOLMES BIOGRAPHY (http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/h2g2/A2773415)

[Daray]

Aly - I expect to see something from you, you nail his Era down perfectly :D Shall give this a go, but Im already working on two websites this week ;)

[Aly Fell]

Thanks - I'd love to, but I really wanted to do the 'heart' one and couldn't find the time. I look forward to seeing what you do too Daray!

Edit: Picked up my copy of Sherlock Holmes: Long Stories and felt a burst of inspiration. He's ended up staring at the photograph of Irene Adler, 'the woman'! As a kid my favourite Holmes was Basil Rathbone, but the best was undoubtedly Jeremy Brett. IMO...

Edit02: Worked on the first a bit more in line. Thought that if it was possible it might be 'period' to do it like a Charles Dana Gibson drawing. And looking around the net I found this pic of Arthur Nikisch, the conductor. I liked the pose so thought I might use it... or not!

When Watson first meets Holmes, Holmes is about 24, so over the 36 odd years of Holmes adventures it's possible to present him at almost any age.

[Foofea]

oooh I may have time for this, assignment handed in, no formal piece for this semester excellent

[t i m]

zooom.

cool topic.

[Clochette]

OOooh so cool !!!
My favorite book hero! :P
I'm in!

Did you know that the 221b Baker Street, London, is now a Sherlock Holmes museum (http://www.sherlock-holmes.co.uk/home.htm)? It's still a Victorian flat.

[Clochette]

I will represent him on his "lazy period", between 2 cases. Smoking opium, playing violin...
First step.

[Gezzunder]

I promised myself to have a go at a cow, wasn't expecting to do anything like this though. I'd appreciate it if you'd pick my work to pieces - I'm a late starter, but a starter nevertheless. I love the work you guys are putting out and would appreciate the input. :)

http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii297/darcydugganx/wipholmes30sep08.jpg

[dirkvandulmen]

Nice topic, again, Classic stuff! Here's my sketch, hopefully I can throw some nice colours in there this week...enjoy!

[madhatter106]

I will represent him on his "lazy period", between 2 cases. Smoking opium, playing violin...
First step.

I like your visual research; it backs up the fact that Holmes described his lifestyle as "bohemian."

However, I would be careful on the whole "opium" thing - we do know that he used morphine (a legal opiate) as well as cocaine (as at the start of The Sign of Four), of which Watson disapproved. Holmes did not approve of the use of opium in the traditional sense, since it was illegal at that time.

I'd persuade against depicting him as an opium smoker, especially for this reason. Plus, opium usage was more likely to occur at a run-down den in Limehouse, where it could be purchased and used on the spot, rather than at one's own home.

But, if you still wanted to continue on the whole opium tack, you need to change the style of pipe in which you have him smoking...you can't smoke opium from a calabash pipe. Also, if you stick with the "opium smoker" Holmes, you would need to provide a chaise or couch in which he could recline almost horizantally on his side in order to smoke. He would also need the additional necessary paraphernalia (opium lamp, needle, trays, etc.) at the table in front of him.

Check out the book Opium: Portrait of the Heavenly Demon, as well as wikipedia and the website Opium Museum (http://www.opiummuseum.com/) for more research.

[MJ_Alcazar]

Cool topic, I may have time to do this. Gigantic test on Thursday, but we'll see. :)

[Bolo]

Hey Everyone,

Kinda new here, thought It'd give one of the challenges a go. Mainly competing against myself :)

My initial sketch w/ Holmes finding the smoking gun literally. Or he just shot someone, whatever you want to take from it :) Thanks

[Bolo]

sorry didn't know the pic would be so big :(

[Adele]

ooooh Poshspice...hes a handsome old fella! Nice pose, love the line work and the crosshatching shadow on his face...I can see where you are going with this...hard shadow.

Not sure if I have time for this, even though I was extremely excited as soon as I saw the title!

[S.C. Watson]

Posh - I've seen precious few of any film productions of Sherlock Holmes, but the I did enjoy Matt Frewer's portrayal.

~Oreg.

[Bolo]

A more full sketch.

[DeeLock]

Not sure what to do with either the costume or background...grrrr...

[mr. m]

woooow! the hero of my childhood! thanks Oreg! :bow:
I hope I gonna have time to make this one!

[madhatter106]

Posh - I'd recommend swapping the side on which your vest buttons - especially since it's double-breasted. Men's jackets/vests should button on the wearer's right side, like in the attached period pics...it might not seem like it matters, but from a fashion standpoint, it's kind of like drawing a person's thumbs on the wrong side of their hands. ;)

The button-down collar corners I suspect is also a design/drawing flourish, and not historically grounded in fact. (Would be curious to see a picture of it if you were basing it off actual photographs/research.) I especially like the inclusion of the woman in the mantel photograph - it was something I was also considering doing. (That and a "Moriarity Still On The Loose" headline on a newspaper sitting on the desk, heheheheh.)

[MJ_Alcazar]

Ok, well, Photobucket is messing up on me again. I'll get a sketch up as soon as I can, I was really needing feedback on it.

Looking good so far guys!

Bolo - I'd like to see his face. :)

Poshspice - oohhh, cool idea. Looking good so far.

t i m - I think is lips are too pink, they stand out way too much. :)

[madhatter106]

Kicking this around...hope I have time to finish.

[Adele]

here are a couple of sketches came up with....dont think ill be in this round...but I wanted to do a scribble for brain practice.

Im looking forward to the Guy Richie film with Robert Downey Jr as Holmes!

[Darlene]

I would love to give this one a go. :) I just finished the adventures of Sherlocke Holmes book... It was a book from the 60s.

[duckyfeets1]

sketchy sketchy.

Hopefully Ill be able to finish this weeks. Plan on making it a bit more cartoony, so we shall see.

Too bad Adele, I really liked your concepts.

[MJ_Alcazar]

http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk153/Seloh_Eft/scan0032.jpg

Yes! FINALLY. Does the head look to small? I was trying to draw him as a sort of larger than life type, but it looks really odd to me. I don't know if it's because I usually go much smaller, or if it really is odd.

Adele - awww, I loved your initial ideas. They look good.

madhatter106 - I like your sketch.

Sry my crits aren't very in depth. I really must study for this 17 chapter test, and my brain is shutting down as it is. :P Looking forward to seeing more!

[thesaint]

Thanks a lot Poshspice and Madhatter106 for the resources :D I'll post my sketches soon ;)

[Adele]

MJ_Alcazar I recommend adjusting the size of the head (larger) in photoshop so you can see what it looks like.
If you look at the feet in comparison to the head, you will be able to tell that the head is too small. I believe as you have drawn it (im assuming from the head down) that you have gotten larger as you went down the body. I think what would be good to do is place a sheet of paper over the drawing so you can still see the character from the waist up, then redraw the legs and feet again...to save you redrawing the head and body detail. If you do that, you should then be able to compare your original drawing against the new waist down and see the difference.

good luck.

[Max Martelli]

Looking good everyone.

Here's the sketch a little more in depth. I'm still working on it.

Oregano!

Before I work any more I want to know if there is enough of the character in my pose. I have him pretty much cut off at the waist, should I add more or am I ok?

Thanks

[S.C. Watson]

Looking good everyone.

Here's the sketch a little more in depth. I'm still working on it.

Oregano!

Before I work any more I want to know if there is enough of the character in my pose. I have him pretty much cut off at the waist, should I add more or am I ok?

Thanks

I think we need to see a bit more. I'd recommend adjusting the pose so we can see him from the side if you're going to have him sitting at the table, or move the table so we can see him from the front (as if he has turned away from the table).

All the best,
~Oreg.

[Uglyographer]

Hello hello!

Good morning from Brooklyn. I am going to attempt to finish this one. We'll see! Here is my rough sketch, I would like to add a background, BUT again, we'll see! All help and crits welcome...especially anatomy help...Thanks!

http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m246/uglygrapher/Holmes_Ugly.jpg

My best,

j

[Aly Fell]

Ooh! Great work coming through!

Oregano - I didn't know Matt Frewer did a Sherlock Holmes. Just found it online. It was The Hound of the Baskervilles (what else!). Thankyou!

Madhatter106 - The 'button thing' comes from me constantly flipping my images as I'm drawing in Photoshop. I forget which way round I started! And yes, the button down collars might be on the way out! Cheers! :)

[Adele]

i decided to have a paint...I prefer the up close Holmes...how about you?

I need to put a light source in there...

[Flipnastywebby]

I do not usually do this much but heres the WIP.
quite frankly I like to keep close to home when it comes to posting in the CHOW until the final.... and rarely do I know if I want to do these before 9 am Sunday morning.......but its on now!

medium so far ::: drafting pencil sharpened with a Bowie knife on velum paper.....but this will be painted in either photoshop or painter X.....I am really starting to love that program.

:pirate:

first one to the finish eh?

[Sforza]

Alright, first CHOW for me ;), and here's my first sketch:
http://i437.photobucket.com/albums/qq92/lra_b/sketches/sherlock_wip.jpg

I'm trying to go for slightly stylized with exaggerated proportions. I don't want to picture him in cliché Sherlock garb, so it's going to be "Victorian gentleman" What do you think - hat or no hat? I think I'm happier with the hatless one at the moment, even though it's not exactly historically accurate.
Do the proportions work?

[edujante]

hi!!

This is my S.Holmes and his "partenaire", Mr Watson...

[tomwaits4noman]

Max Martelli
I like the idea but I think the pose is some what passive, maybe have him look at the viewer either strung out or with a defiant look on his face, also i think background props such as violin and hat and magnifying glass might help clue the viewer in more as to the idenity of the character


amaliax I really like the one in the bottom right hand corner

Posh the right one is cool he has an air of authority while still relaxed..

Tim nice start but i think you need to build up the form and shape of the body more and the perspective on the houses seems a bit off in relation to the character, maybe add fog for dramatic effect and just show basic outlines of buildings

Clochette like it so far

Gezzunder there are few anatomy and perspective issues but the angle you chose is kind of tricky try get some photo references

dirk I think you need to bend the knees slightly the pose seems very stiff, the arm with the magnifying glass is a bit too long, but I like the image and the idea behind it. Nice to see you try a more painted style.


Bolo the only problem with obscuring his face is that it looks like he has something to head by the image alone he looks more like a criminal than the hero.

DeeLock love the face design but his body is a bit squashed, you should be aiming for 8 head heights

Adele
Love the top image, can’t wait to see more of this
Post the finished one in revision thread

duckyfeets1 think you need to build up shapes more and work on the underlying construction of the characters, not bad start

MJ nice start, think you need to work on the shape of the pipe.
Agree with Adele that the head is a bit small
It looks like a doobie


Uglyographer nice pose is a bit stiff could loosen it up a bit

Flipnasty reminds me a bit of Richard E Grant in Withnail and I
“ I demand more booze”
Nice sketch

Sforza good start

__________________
One for the revision thread for me....

ok finish rushed finished the sketch I drew the image that popped into my head when I heard Guy richie was directing the film. Holmes as a chav dressed all in burberry

Its a magnifying glass in his hand Ducky... yeah i knw not very clear, but quick sketch

[Clochette]

Edujante : OOOH so cool !!!! Lovely! :D

I'm not sure about the framing, just added Watson, maybe I'll give him up...

[Wiggers]

edujante, that's wonderful!!

[S.C. Watson]

Oregano - I didn't know Matt Frewer did a Sherlock Holmes. Just found it online. It was The Hound of the Baskervilles (what else!). Thankyou!

Actually, in addition to The Hound of the Baskervilles, he also was in The Case of the Whitechapel Vampire (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0310851/), The Sign of Four (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0270645/), and The Royal Scandal (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0281173/). What little I saw of the series was, in my opinion, very good. Of course, that could just be age messing with my memory :P

All the best,
~Oreg.

[dirkvandulmen]

blocked in some colour... let's see if I can finish this one for a change...
(thanks tomwaits4noman for your comment, tried to apply it in a way)
.. enjoy!

[madhatter106]

MJ Alcazar - I won't speak to the head issue, as Adele already addressed it. I can certainly comment on the clothes...

- watch the jacket lapel - the notches are sitting too far low on the chest.
- it appears that you've drawn one side of the coat as a cutaway (where his hand is in his pocket) and the other side doesn't seem to match.
- the buttoned cuff tab looks more like that of a modern trenchcoat, and not something on a Victorian frock coat.
- his pants are high-water! heheheheheh, take a look at the pics I posted earlier, you'll see that we see little to no sock.
- I am torn on the idea of spats, if that is indeed what you have drawn over his shoes...while I love the idea and it's very much a British period thing, I don't know if it's too "dressy" for Holmes in this case. I always think of spats on the middle and upper classes as a sort of Ascot Fair/ritzy high society thing (think "black tie.")

to everyone - I'm attaching a few more pics, to further illustrate the above - you'll see that there is very little decoration at the jacket cuffs, usually it's just a straight sleeve that ends. Jackets and vests button high at this time period in both single and double-breasted, and vests are normally cut straight at the waist or with slight points or a slight angle. If we're talking the 1880's, look at movies like Topsy Turvy or From Hell, both of which are set during that time period. I haven't seen any of the Jeremy Brett Sherlock Holmes series in years, but I'm sure that would be another good resource to get the clothes right...

[Aly Fell]

If you were struggling to think upon whom you should base Dr Watson, Jude Law might be a good idea!!

>>LINKYWINKY<< (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/7646463.stm)

[Clochette]

Thanks for the ref!

Poshpiece : Jude Law? Huumm interesting... I always imagine him like someone a little bit more fat and shy. I'd never thought to Jude law. :) Your sketches are so good, awesome you find the time for this one too!

Update :

[Aly Fell]

I'm curious as to see how Robert Downey Jr portrays Holmes. He hasn't got the typical Holmes look, but he is a great actor and also a bit edgy. As for Watson, Jude Law could pull it off, but most people's Watson seems to be Nigel Bruce's bumbling version, which was never an accurate Watson, although fun. Basil Rathbone always had the perfect Holmes profile though!

[thesaint]

This is my first sketch of his face, soon I'll try to make a scene.

[Daray]

If Guy Ritche is making that film, I bet its more about his drugs passion ;)

Been suffering with infected wisdom teeth for the past three days, havent left my bed much due to no sleep. Hoping to get something drafted soon :) AND possibly leave some (crappy) crits. :D

[S.C. Watson]

it's funny, i've never imagined Watson to be the bumbling Dr. that he is often portrayed as, partly because we share the surname, but also because Watson had completed a tour (or more - I honestly don't recall) in Afghanistan. Reserved, to be sure, and certainly fascinated by Holmes' powers of deduction, but not stupid or bumbling at all, in my opinion.

~Oreg.

[Hideyoshi]

WIP, no ref. so far:

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd97/HideyoshiR/holmes_WIP4_s.jpg

I also have early progress shots which I will post along with the final once I am done.

[Adele]

edujante, thats so awesome!!!!!1 I was thinking about doing a toon version in my own style....but i thought for me personally, this si a good opportunity to try a man in a realistic style...because i always chicken out a do toon style....I LOVE WATSON! Brilliant use of textures on the clothes and smoke.

poshspice that man you posted with a profile is a handsome devil...i wonder when they will come back and replace all these guys walking around with popped collars and rat tail hair styles? :D

by the way, I read that the lovely Rachel McAdams will be playing Irene Adler...she is just a wonderful young actress...who didnt love her in the Notebook!

[Clochette]

Cool entries! :)
I like yours Hideyoshi! White chapel was probably just like this. Nice touch.

Here is my color wip... I'm not happy with it. :(

[Max Martelli]

Poshspice: Looking amazing as usual. Great work and I can't wait to see the next stage.

Bolo: It's looking pretty good so far. The hands are a bit too small, and the hat looks a little too much like it belongs on Robin Hood (needs a feather). If I were you I would get a picture of the stereotypical Sherlock hat and make the hat look more like that. Also I'd grab some reference photo's for your hands (specifically the one with the pipe) as this is the one that is looking a bit too small.

madhatter106: Looks pretty good. The violin looks a little chunky (thick). Also it seems like he has stopped playing and is looking off to the side at something. If you want him to be playing might I suggest to raise the arm holding the neck of the violin a little higher so he is holding the violin more horizontally instead of vertically. Also his fingers are not on the strings which contributes to the feeling that he is not playing. Otherwise I like it, nice look to the face and nice robe.

MJ_Alcazar: The head is definitely a bit too small. Also I agree that you need to work on what he is smoking. Try making it a pipe instead of a cigar? (joint). I think you could also make his pant legs a little longer. They look like they are too short for him.

Uglyographer: Pretty good so far. The proportions are a little wonky. I'm assuming this is on purpose. The arms look too short but I think this is caused by the head being too big for the torso because compared to the torso the arms look ok. I would try to make the arms a little longer.

Adele: Close up is definitely the better one. It has a better feel to it. I like it so far.

sforza: I like how you don't have him in the cliche garb. If you want the proportions exagerated I think it is working. you could make his torso a little bit longer too make his legs a bit shorter. This can be done by lowering his waist line where his pants meet his shirt and to lower the pockets on his jacket.

edujante: I like the Holmes. I'm not too sure on the Watson though. I'm one of those who pictures Watson differently than what he is stereotypically. I don't see him as older or fat and bumbling. He seems to me to be younger, quite and reserved. Not stupid but quite intelligent. It is quite funny looking though. He's like a little egg. The only thing that's a little funky about him is that his "neck" is so long. See how it works with a smaller "neck".

dirkvandulman: I like this piece. the only thing that I don't think is right here is that he seems like he isn't in Sherlock Holmes own time. He just seems more modern to me. Maybe it's the boots and the tie. It's very nice to look at though.

Hideyoshi: I really like the atmosphere and texture going on in this piece. Keep going. I can't wait to see what comes next.

Clochette: I like the sketch but I'm not sure I like the color either. It seems too red. Maybe try it with some other colors. I can't to see how it comes out.


I reworked the pose but am unsure about what to put in to make him more identifiable as Sherlock Holmes. I'm sure that with a proper title it will put him into context but I don't know if I should put something like his instantly recognizable pipe or hat into the mix.

I'm not sure where it could go. There is always the background but I was also thinking that it could get in the way or become distracting. Alternately I could put something like a magnifying glass in his hand but I'm not sure if that is enough to make him recognizable as Sherlock Holmes.

I'm sure this would be enough here, givin that that is the subject and any slight hint to his identity would tip you off but I can't help but think about if someone were to just see this picture outside of this context. How would they know it's Sherlock Holmes without completely decking him out in the cliche garb?

Let me know what you think.

[duckyfeets1]

Adele: Def the top one. Dunno why, but the bottom seems a bit awkward. Maybe its how hes swinging on the ladder. The close up seems much more Holmes with the look on his face.

Max: I like him sitting behind something better concept wise. Or put him on a couch or in a chaise chair or something? Also the one eye open doesnt look very tweaker, which is technically what hes doing when he injects. Also remember that a person has to pop the vein in their arm, so you had that right with the bend and the clutched fist in the first one. Its a great concept tho for Holmes since he did like the cocaina in almost all his books.

Uglyographer: Very nice! Like the quizzical look on his face. The long jacket throws me off a little. Maybe its how the belt ties. It looks like a robe a bit.

Flipnastywebby: Love the comment update. It made me giggle. Thats how I draw too :-p. Maybe try scaling back the smoke a bit as well? It seems to engulf the head in the sketch, and your Holmes is so, well, English looking in it, for lack of better word, that it would almost be a shame to lose that in the puff cloud.

Sforza: I love the stylized bean pole look of him. And no hat is much nicer imo. I feel like the hat belongs on someone going to the theater or something.

Edujante: CUTE!! I love Watson. I always pictured a bumbling fat guy in my minds eye for him too.

Tomwaits4noman: Whats that in his hand? A needle or something? Curiosity is killing me with it.

Dirkvandulmen: Awesome. I love the galoshes and how his pantaloons just look like short pants. Nice color scheme as well. Maybe make the galoshes a bit more of a dirty green to offset them for the pants.

Hideoshi: Great layout. It makes me miss London.

Clochette: I like the layout andthe concept alot. But there is too much red. Maybe greying out the background and then shadowing it heavily? It would def add to the melencholy that Holmes would be suffering, imo.


This is going to be a great round. Im reworking mine currently. I woke up this morning and realized that I couldnt see any body showing though the concept whatsoever.

[Larriva Art]

I saw Rupert Everett's take on the character not too long ago on Masterpiece Theater. He was perfectly condescending.

Anyway, here's the drawing for my painting. I shot some reference to get the angle, and watched 'From Hell' for costuming and mood.
479992

[mcmatz]

Here's my sketch, such as it is.
I need to work on those feet among other things.

--Madeline

[Max Martelli]

I fixed the arm and did more work all over. I'm thinking about changing the seat but I'm not sure of what it will be yet. depending on what I decide, I might have to change the position of his legs. Any sort of comfy chair or couch would probably be much lower to ground.

I might stick to black and white with a hint of blues for mood or I might go for all out color. I'm not quite sure what I'll have time for or what I want. I think a blue pallette would be nice. It might set the depressed mood that he is in when he does this.

Let me know what you think.

[duckyfeets1]

im happier with this one.

[edujante]

Thanks 4 the comments!!
Clochette: Colours works, well the harmony works, not the contrast, I think you have to focus the light on Sherlock.Is easy in your comp cause you have 2 light points...One cold in his back(the window) and a calid hard point light in the fireplace.If you start darking all the pict and than you start to built all the volume with this 2 light you gonna get a great result!!
pd: well, this is How i work maybe youre not looking this kind of ilumination...;)(sorry my poor english)

[cowboy surfer]

sketchy sketch... I wanted to capture him deep in thought but its surprisingly hard not to make him look bored or angry!

I might go for a more energetic pose when he is busy sluething and extiable.

[Windsrock]

My first drawing with pen and tablet. I try to do my best but don't put my hopes too high. One thing at the time. I made him play violin.

[Clochette]

Thanks for the feed back everybody! :D

Today I've watch it with clean and rest eyes, and I changed the colors and contrast a bit, I think this is better, but well I'm late!
Sorry to not comment every entries! :/

[Dan!]

my idea so far- trying to get a natural look to him on the job- we'll see how it works out

http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q81/DECYPL/holmes.jpg

[dirkvandulmen]

well here's another color update, thrown in some more color, tried to make him more in his time kind of, but still keep the image colourfull,maybe even a bit mystical. I'm gonna try and finish this one....
thanks ducky & max for your comments.... enjoy.

[madhatter106]

madhatter106: Looks pretty good. The violin looks a little chunky (thick). Also it seems like he has stopped playing and is looking off to the side at something. If you want him to be playing might I suggest to raise the arm holding the neck of the violin a little higher so he is holding the violin more horizontally instead of vertically. Also his fingers are not on the strings which contributes to the feeling that he is not playing. Otherwise I like it, nice look to the face and nice robe.

Woohoo, that's exactly what I was going for - I wanted him to have paused mid-note, lowered the violin just a bit, and be lost in some thought or reverie that we can't see or know. I think this was in part inspired in the same direction that posh is going, as I wanted to work a picture of Irene somewhere into the decor...is he contemplating a particular fact over a new case, or is he lost in the memory of her? Glad I was able to convey it...I will examine the violin chunky factor as well, as the intial quick sketch was done with only a couple of reference pictures in front of me...

Max Martelli - I like the idea of showing him in active use of "the seven percent solution." I think he's looking really young - perhaps it's in the face or the hair, but he looks to be in his early 20's at the oldest...he is so fresh and almost baby-faced, I think that is what is most detracting me from thinking "Holmes." Maybe he shouldn't be sitting on a stool? It's trick because you can't do the iconic Holmes paraphernalia in the action you've depicted - he wouldn't be wearing the distinct coat, or have the pipe or magnifying glass in his hands, since he's shooting up...so I guess in one sense you've painted yourself into a corner. Maybe we need to see evidence of these things, as you suggested with the magnifying glass, in the decor around him.

Clochette - I love the color scheme. The thing that bothers me, though, is the layout of the room - it's very narrow and long for one thing. Also, I think that the perspective begins to get very extreme the further down your eye goes to the bottom of the picture plane - the chest specifically starts to get pretty "fish-eyed" and distorted. Architecturally, I think I'm bothered most by the fact that the fireplace is facing the window...in the (albeit only a dozen) research pictures I downloaded of Victorian decor, most of them had the fireplace on a wall that is perpendicular to the windows. (I wonder if this is for a practical reason, though my memory from History of Architecture and Decor class is fading me after fifteen years.) I understand your placement, though, as you want to have him facing the fireplace. Perhaps it's exacerbated by the narrowness of the room, but it's something that struck me when I looked at the color version of your piece. I am in love with the carpet, I think it's perfect...

[Hideyoshi]

thanks a lot for the c&c, everyone!

trying to give back some:

Max Martelli: interesting take! I didn't know about Holmes' drug addiction! Lol, I actually don't know much at all about him :P It's good that you got rid of the table - it was rather off perspective. I think you could try to go with a more interesting lighting situation...right now it's very studio lightesque.

amaliax: those are some nice lively sketches! Great expressions, keep going!

Posh: ah, you always make it look so easy! This topic seems right up your alley, can't wait for your usual dramatic lighting on the finish (hoping that you do finish this time!) The only crit I have is that the piece lacks a wee bit of depth and perspectivity.

tim: cool style! I won't bother mentioning that the character and background don't have matching perspectives because I assume it's part of said style ;)
I'd maybe try cropping out the left area and adding more of the tree on the right to balance things...

clochette: that's a nice angle going on! I like the setup of the scene with its dual light scources! The floor pattern is a neat touch. Hope you get Watson back in there ;)

Gezzunder: nice, that's a lot like Holmes :) You might wanna consider placing some subtle details on the wall to maintain areas of interest.
And welcome to CA!

dirkvandulmen: I like it, it's a charming depiction of him! Great that you decided to add a background!

Bolo: he has a cool attitude! But I think his body looks very feminine with the shoes and all.

DeeLock: good face, now give him clothes! :)

madhatter: good start, nice going with the reference gathering! Just waiting for how you'll continue!


Adele: Very nice, I totally prefer the first one! He has lots of personality in that! Maybe I'd change the angle of either that stick or the one wall which is parallel to it.

duckfeets: Nice expressions on your first take (why did you start over?). Make sure you follow the 3/4 visibility rule!

Alcazar: you always pay good attention to accurate costumes which is great!

Uglyographer: cool, I like the coat! His face has strong personality!

Flipnastywebby: Nice one! Looking like a badass :) His walking stick is fancy!

Sforza: nice, although its simple you can tell he is a determined and confident character.

edujante: always stylish! :) Lovely depiction!

tomwaits4noman: unconventional, but interesting! Curious as to how this develops.

thesaint: good head design, suits him! On with the rest! :)

VampireHungerStrike: nice sketch, looking promising! I like how you've portrayed him in a scene.

mcmatz: nice, his head looks a bit big comparing to his body. Already has some convincing costume details.

cowboysurfer: ah, good move placing him into an environment! Watch for perspective, still a bit off.

Windsrock: great for being your first try with digital! Keep going! :)

DECYPL: nice, I like the strong sense of silhoutte!


Whew, now I am exhausted! Sorry, comments got lame towards the end. Hope I didn't miss anyone.

[DSAzeppelin]

DECYPL Love your sketch so far. Is he adjusting his jacket??? I'm really digging that. It gives it a lot more substance, life-like, he's not in a pose...he's actually in motion, doing something.

Nice man!


and Windsrock, that's a great start for being your first tablet painting. A head of the game so far :D

[MJ_Alcazar]

http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk153/Seloh_Eft/scan0001-5.jpg

Ok, adjusted a lot of things. Tried to fix the clothing designs, I hope I didn't create a whole bunch of new mistakes. I added Watson, I never saw him as a bumbling idiot, more like a concerned friend. As Holmes could be cold and calculating, Watson could see the human aspects of it. Oh, and I noticed a lot of crits about my cigar, I was hoping that it would look less stereotypical, but I was wrong. I will try to add a pipe in, but just trying to figure out how.

Ok, going to try to get everyone.....

Dirkvandulum - Yours is coming along great, I'm liking him. I would adjust the pipe towards the side of his mouth more, right now to my eyes it looks like it is sticking right in front of his face. I love the colors, and the look of concentration on his face. :)

DECYPL - I love him, the movement is great, it looks very natural. Good job. :)

Clochette - colors are much better. I like the scene. The box? in the foreground isn't on the same plane as everything else....either that or that one shadow in the forground is making it seem as if it's on the wrong plane.

Windsrock - good start!

cowboy surfer - good start, I think he looks deep in concentration.

duckyfeet1 - I'll comment more when it's further along.

Max Martelli - I think that you should bring his right leg a little over towards the left. Right now he looks like he's tumbling off the stool. Nice direction though.

mcmatz - I think it looks good so far, I'm liking the pose.

VampireHungerStrike - I like it. Keep up the good work.

Hideyoshi - looking good, I love the mood.

edujante - awesome. The expressions on their faces are perfect!

Adele - I'm really liking the top one the best.

[Windsrock]

I think I'm done for today. Thanks for supporters ;)

[madhatter106]

MJ Alcazar - glad to see the pants lengthened. Why do you have him with a cigar, when you have the perfect opportunity to include the calabash pipe? :)

As for the coat, it's reading to me a bit too early in period - it looks very similar to something would wear much earlier in the century (Regency fashion), something like Beau Brummel would wear. [Check out the start of the wikipedia article on tailcoats at this link here (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tail_coat).] It's mostly because we're seeing so much of the vest underneath, even with the coat completely buttoned, it makes it look earlier in that Brummel/Regency period...

I think you should go with something like the frock coat, like in this wikipedia link here (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frock_coat), or the morning coat (also known then as the cutaway coat, since it "cut away" from the body to allow for riding), like in this wikipedia link here (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Morning_coat). Both the frock coat and the morning coat are seen in the Victorian photographs I posted earlier in the thread.

Should you choose to do the cutaway/morning coat, you would still be able to draw his hand in his pocket, since the center front of the coat angles away to the side. It would be trickier with the longer, straighter frock coat, as I can't remember at what point in fashion they included outer pockets, if they ever did. (I think there's mention of this in the cut/details section of the wiki article.) Of course, you could always have his frock coat unbuttoned (or just buttoned at the top, like in a couple of my posted research photographs) and have his hand slipped into the trouser pocket.

A general note on the buttons, one I would share with anyone/everyone - I'd be careful not to go "button crazy" and include too many of them. I love to draw them too, but really take a look at the research and see how many there were on a typical coat that you're trying to replicate/reproduce. Though there may be some variations, I think you'll find that too many buttons, and it starts to look like a different period...

[Adele]

Clochette much improved

[MJ_Alcazar]

http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk153/Seloh_Eft/scan0003-4.jpg

Thank you madhatter106. Hopefully this try looks a little better.
By popular demand, he now has a pipe. :)
Now that I have it scanned and everything, you can really see all the places I had to redraw, so I will have to redo the whole thing.

[Max Martelli]

MJ_Alcazar: nicely reworked so far. This just popped into my head, the hand that used to have the cigar looks odd in its position right now givin that you had to eliminate the cigar. I would suggest a cane. It would sit nicely in that hand in the position it is in.

More crits and updates later on.

[vineris]

Another CHOW too good to pass up!

[BludHund]

Poshspice - immediately made me think of the Arrow Shirt Man.

T I M - the face is very characterful ...sour and thoughtful, a rather elderly Holmes, but his legs seem to be ending at the knee, or maybe even the hip. Compare the length of his arms and consider that the elbows should hang at about waist and the wrists at about the crotch. also the arms seem to be of unequal lengths.

Deelock - Well you may not have anything else yet but the face is promising. Watch the nose, seems to be dipping down to much for the viewing angle, think of it as pointing toward the viewer. Also I think the ear is too small.

Madhatter106 - I won't critique the costume :D His face seems excessively heavy-boned, almost simian, try refining the proportional thickness of the brow, chin, and zygomatic arch (cheek). Hands look good too. I feel like the left side of the composition is a bit of a vacuum, maybe crop it a bit if you are going to leave it empty.

Adele - the street scene/closeup, definitely. I like the use of the walking stick. Something about his face seems a little 'off' to me, maybe the eyes...also, watch the perspective and angles of his hat.

MJ Alcazar - Coat looks much better. Check the size on Watson's hat. Also his book might look better if it was thinner, like a notebook, this looks like a dictionary. Other than that, the layout looks pretty solid.

Uglyographer - You might rethink the wide pant cuff and big feet. Victorians always seemed to be rather keen on tapering and daintiness down there. Think wingtips, if you want something a little funky. Also, you should put some more thought into the front of the coat, especially the belt, it looks too much like a bathrobe or priest's cassock...a trench coat has some kind of loops to hold up the belt.

Sforza - awesome. No hat, he's not going out just yet, he's still in his apartment, checking his weapon before he goes out. (at least that's what I see :D) Maybe he shouldn't have put his coat on just yet though, I'm not sure. If you want to include the hat, you could put it on a hat stand in the background, but I think it'd ruin the subtle line of his skull if he were wearing it. Oh...and remember, a top hat distinctly tapers such that the top is wider than the bottom, this looks more like an Amish hat.

edujante - really like the Holmes, the subtle lines are just right. Not really sold on the Watson, though.

VampireHungerStrike - everything looks excellent so far, except maybe the proportions of the dead girl. Holmes seems spot-on though...umm maybe he should have a hat though, not sure. Maybe he put his hat down or took it off at any rate...

McMatz - check your proportions, I think his head is too big and his legs are too short.

Clochette - The carpet has certainly brought things into focus :D I think your brush strokes may be a part of the problem, kind of blobby, some of the corners need to be filled in and tightened up, I think Holmes' hands in particular are a key detail that needs to be defined. Colors are looking much better though, especially now that you've blocked in the values.

DECYPL - I really love this. The pose is great...you need to clear up some of the details, hands and feet in particular, just make sure that everything is readable. Also...should he be wearing a hat?

Windsrock - I think his eyes might be little crooked or at least uneven. Also, I would highly recommend tightening up his hands, use some reference. Right now they look pretty blobby.

480925

Spent a several hours wrangling over this yesterday. Obviously I still have a lot of bad habits in drawing heads.

I'm going for a more fine-boned Holmes than the typical lantern-jawed English look, with a general impression of 'sharpness'. Basil Rathbone is just to softly good-looking for my idea of Holmes, even if he does have the great slick hair and aquiline nose.

I have a ton of work to do on this, I know, but I've got high hopes.

[Adele]

i havent done anything on the character...no time...but worked on the background as it needed a light source... I'll be working on the character tonight and hoping to finish it over the weekend.

and ive attached a version that is toonish....the easy way out :D

[Senira]

edujante--Loving the style! It's great to see more work in CHOW that's stylized for animation. I like Watson's design particularly; his face conveys the bemused and bumbling sidekick aspect of Watson well, and is a great complement to Holme's lankier figure. His design makes me think of American Mcgee's Grimm. :)

I too decided to go for a more stylized look this round. I've been looking at Pascal Campion's (http://pascalcampion.blogspot.com/) stuff for a few weeks now, so I think I'm going to try something in that vein. Here's what I've doodled so far. They're mostly heads, because I'm a bad bad designer and I always draw heads before I draw bodies.


Batman shows up too, for some reason.

[Uglyographer]

Hello all,

Posting my latest offering.

http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m246/uglygrapher/Holmes_Ugly-1.jpg

In response :

Tom - I hear you. I often find my poses "stiff". I am hoping
as my knowledge of anatomy increases, I will be able to become
more fluid. Though, I fear I just may be a stick in the mud by
nature.

Max - Anatomy help is why I'm here. I agree, I think the arms
are off. I will try to address them.

Ducky - I need to do a little more research on the clothes
from that period. Kind of just roughing in a general jacket
shape.

Hideyoshi - Thanks! :)

BludHund - Definitely. I will try to narrow the leg. I want
to redesign the jacket because it reminds me too much of a
Cardinal's garb.

------------------------------------------

Also, I tried my best to be constructive and give my best crits. Hope they are helpful!

Max Martelli - I would like to see the whole figure and thank
you for adjusting the pose. I think that he should be on a
couch or something more comfortable than a stool. His face
is very young (especially for a drug addict). Thank you for
tackling the aspect of his drug addiction. I agree that it is
hard to identify him as Sherlock Holmes. I think that you may
have to bite the bullet and include a background to tell the
full story.

Amaliax - I love cartoony! Love some of these sketches, very
fun. Cartoony has all the merits of a fully rendered image :
perspective, anatomy, lighting, color theory, and so forth.

Poshspice - :) tried to find the thumbs up emoticon. Failed.
Lovely work, of course. Didn't know Holmes was so attractive.
Purrrr....

t i m - I enjoy your anatomical exaggeration. Would like to
see you play with colors a little more. Everything seems very
saturated. Atmospheric perspective could alse be added to
make the bg more interesting.

Clochette - Hooray Clochette! Thank you for the environment.
I am trying to hold myself more accountable for my poor,
suffering characters, who seem to only hang out in space or
the immaterial void. The interior is very warm, rich and
inviting. This a very intimate moment with Holmes, perhaps
not often found witin the pages of fiction. The inclusion of
Mr Watson kills the mood a little for me, even though I like
the character design. The colors are brighter than I
expected. Too much light? Can't wait to see more. Thanks for
the reference!

Gezzunder - I like where this is going. I would spend a
little time with some reference for his pose. The left arm
seems like its jammed in there. Also, the crossed legs seems
a little odd. I think the chair could also be revisited.
Would you see the top of the chair? Also think about the rest
of the room. It can bring a lot to the illustration.

Dirkvandulmen - This is very fun! I am no sure about the
placement of the left shoulder. Seems to high. Based on the
light sources, I don't think there would be any light hitting
the pants or the tie. I might put those in complete shadow so
they don't seems more important than they really are.

Bolo - I like your initial sketch. Selfishly, I would like
to see more of the face but as far storytelling goes, if you
added a very engaging background, it may not be necessary.
Yet, this is a character design forum, so I'm not sure if that
opinion is valid. Is he wearing a deerstalker cap?

DeeLock- Clothes...defintely some clothes. Check out the
reference some of our comarades have posted. Madhatter,
Clochette, Poshspice... Very helpful!

Mad Hatter - Love the pose. I think there might be an issue
with the robe and where it is sinched. I feel like I would be
able to see the knot. As of right now it seems like his waist
is turned away from the viewer, yet his legs look like they
are facing forward.

Adele - Like the first sketch very much. Anatomy is odd in the
second. I would think he would be farther off the ground for
such a pose.

Ducyfeets1 - Would like to see the full figure.

MJ_Alcazar - I think his head could stand to be a little
larger (Height over width). I would also consider the right
hand which doesn't look like it is resting in a pocket or on a
hip necessarily. Those are also some incredibly muscular
legs! They are nearly tearing through the fabric. I
appreciate your interpretation of Watson. Include him if you
have the time.

Flipnastywebby - The style of rendering goes well with the
topic. Pants seem too tight around the crotch. A little
worried about the pose, seems like he's anxious or dancing in
place, sort of.

Sforza - No hat for me. I like the proportions ( maybe
stretch the upper body but a pinch). And play with the head
location, could it be placed a little farther back? More on
the neck?

Edujante - Super cute. Really like your Holmes.

Tomwaits4noman - Still very sketchy, though it looks like fun.
The right leg seems too small in comparison to the left.

thesaint - Lovely head. I patiently await the body...

Hideyoshi - Love the bg! LOVE. IT. Textural and dirty. The
stagecoach is nicely done. Can't wait to see more of Mr.
Holmes.

VampireHungerStrike - Excited to see where this is going.
Love the pattern you created with the stone work. She seems a
little small incomparison to Holmes.

mcmatz - Those are tiny little feet! Also, I would stretch
out his skull in the back a little. Need room for that
enormous brain. I would also make him taller. Remember the 7
1/2 heads rule.

Cowboy surfer - I like Holmes' expression. Not entirely sure
about the arm with the cane in it. Would the cane be longer
or sticking out the other side? Also, the left hand seems
small.

Windsrock - Very good for your first time! The violin gets
lost in the red from his jacket. Maybe try to define the two
as separate objects with color or texture.

DECYPL - I like the style. The head may be a little small
width wise, I think.

Vineris - The right arm seems like it could be foreshortened
just a bit. Overall, like the design. Could I get a little
more leg? Can't help it, like full-figured...

BludHund - Head sketches look promising...

Senira - Great heads. Like the second sketch a lot. Let's
see the whole thing.

------------------------

Thanks guys!

My best,

j

[Max Martelli]

Here's an update,

Crits and such a little later.

Enjoy.

[amaliax]

Hi again. I haven't had much time to work on this yet, but I got a little more done. It's obviously still really rough, but it still needs as much criticism as it can get! I sincerely appreciate everyone who commented on my first draft of cartoony expressions. :D And it's good to hear that cartoony isn't such a bad thing as I tend to think of it--it's easier for me, so I tend to think of it as not being up to potential, even though I know that in the right hands it can be artwork.

There are some really excellent designs here. It's interesting to see the range of styles and expressions. I will go more individual another day, as there is no time left in this one.

[madhatter106]

MJ Alcazar - coat looking good, and glad you included the pipe. I'd echo an earlier poster who said that adding a cane would look quite natural for his other hand. One quick note - the final button on his coat should be on the other side of the coat, since that button is not used to button the two sides together. Does that make sense? If not, grab a coat or shirt from the closet and button the front of it, all but the last button -when you compare it to what you've drawn, you'll see what I'm talking about... :)

adele - love the coloring so far, the mood is perfect. The one thing that bugs me is that the lapel of the coat is looking really wide - I don't know if it's a stylistic thing, but just seems wide to me. Otherwise, I'm glad you went with the standing Holmes version and not the ladder Holmes version...he looks much more dignified here...:)

[DeeLock]

Thanks for the crits everyone.

Here's a little more progress.

Made him a taller and gave him some clothes :P

[cowboy surfer]

OK version 2. More energetic hot on the trail of deducing!

(The magnifying glass is to go in his left hand)

[Clochette]

Adele : I prefer the second sketch! The stylization works better imo, and more dynamic! :)
I hope you'll have the time!

PS : I went through your web site : so much fun!
PPS : Thanks, glad you see an improvement!

Uglyographer : Thank you! Your design is good, I like the pose and expression, maybe the nose could be more thin. It is a little too round and big, I imagine Holmes (based on the books description) with an aquiline nose.

Max Martelli : Your choice of showing him injecting morphine or cocaine could work but not in this situation, for me. If we didn't know that we are in the chow 129, we can't recognize Sherlock Holmes! :/ Your picture shows him like a drug user, but not an Victorian, English and phlegmatic one! Plus, he usually used drugs not at work, but in the depression period. So maybe the clothes (which are the working clothes here) could be change for a more comfortable and elegant dressing gown? And I seriously think you could add some clues (haha) for us to understand that he IS Holmes! Keep it up!

Sorry for the others, I commented the ones where I had an instant crit in mind, so it means that your stuff work for me! ;)


Idea : Poshpiece suggested Jude Law for Watson, and I think to David Bowie for Holmes.

[Blaise]

Getting a late start, but here's what I've got so far-

[Ads]

hey guys, heres what ive come up with. would have liked to spend more time on it but cant :(

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a296/SirAdam/CHOW129_ADS.jpg

[Ads]

sketch:
http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a296/SirAdam/sketch.jpg

[vineris]

Hokay.

Max Martelli - I agree, nothing about that seems to say "Holmes". The face is too much off of the usual mold to get away without the easily-recognizeable trappings. I'd also vote for a pose change, that looks pretty uncomfortable.
Poshspice - classy and distinguished! All your versions look like classic movie actors. :)
Clochette - that's starting to look pretty good. For some reason, his right arm seems awkward to me in all the pictures except the one with Dr. Watson.
Gezzunder - The arm that's holding the pipe seems too folded up, there's hardly any room for it. You might want to move that elbow out and forward. The perspective seems slightly odd but I can't tell if that's just me.
dirkvandulmen - a more comical approach to Holmes. All the trappings are there, but truthfully it feels more like one of the bumbling police inspectors than a great detective. Especially since I don't think Holmes ever had a mustache.
Bolo - the shoes and hat are very pointy. You might also want to show the face, seeing as without it he could be anyone.
Deelock - the face is pretty good. The proportions on the body seem to be off, though.
madhatter - the area around the mouth seems too puffy. It's almost like he's a lion-man, with no upper lip.
Adele - I like the first Holmes better too. Looks good!
duckyfeets - the second version does look better. Too soon to say much.
Sforza - I like the no-hat version. I like where you're going with this, although the way you've got the coat and skinny legs, it makes him look thick around the middle. Perhaps lengthen the arms a bit as well?
edujante - hilarious! I love it.
tomwaits - seems a bit beefy for Holmes.
hideyoshi - great environment!
Vampirehungerstrike - very nice! Good angle. Are there supposed to be no cobblestones beneath his feet?
mcmatz - good face, but it seems too big for the body.
cowboysurfer - interesting coat! That hat looks smaller than his head (where is all the hair behind his head coming from?), and you probably want to reference that pose, the shoulders don't seem to quite match up with the rest of the body.
decypl - the upper arms seem like they need a bit more clear foreshortening (my problem too :P)
MJ Alcazar - I like the poses. Now it's time to start referencing clothing folds! The collars and ties look good, but everything else looks like lines, not bends in fabric. Watch how those eyes line up!
Windsrock - interesting texture on the coat. Reference the hands! Sausage fingers just don't look good.
Bludhund - good variety of faces. I kinda like the slightly-evil looking Holmes on the far right.

More later!

[Carnifex]

although i most probably won't participate,i'm throwing in this idea for fun...good work from you guys.

[duckyfeets1]

Update. Havent had much of a chance to do too much atm. Freehand Drawing decided to dump the Pumpkin Project of Doom on me on thurs.

Added pants and started to shaddow more. Hope to have time to fit in Watson with this notes to the side.

[Blaise]

Update-

[Aly Fell]

Just out of interest, my partner is a Sherlock Holmes obsessive, and she tells me the first time Holmes is seen wearing the familiar 'deerstalker' hat and 'Inverness' coat is in a story called Silver Blaze and is illustrated by Sidney Paget who gave us the 'Holmes' look. Holmes rarely dressed like this as it was a country look and not for the town.

[AFC4LIFE]

I'm going on holiday and aren't going to have time for a finished piece so I just thought Id show you a quick monochrome paint I did which would have hopefully developed into a full colour final!
481604

[madhatter106]

Just out of interest, my partner is a Sherlock Holmes obsessive, and she tells me the first time Holmes is seen wearing the familiar 'deerstalker' hat and 'Inverness' coat is in a story called Silver Blaze and is illustrated by Sidney Paget who gave us the 'Holmes' look. Holmes rarely dressed like this as it was a country look and not for the town.

Very true - I guess it's a testament to the power of illustration, to create a look which becomes iconic in the public eye. Makes me think of any interpretation of the Mad Hatter from Alice's Adventures in Wonderland - the original Teniel drawing has paved the way for so many versions afterward.

Funny that you posted that picture - there is an almost literal homage to this very image in the Jeremy Brett version of "The Adventure of the Speckled Band" which aired on the BBC/PBS, when Holmes and Watson are travelling to the estate. I had it playing in the background as I was working on the CHOW this afternoon, and your post jumped out at me when I saw it.

[Gaczar]

Very late start...try to have something ready for Monday.
Everyone doing a great job but hope Posh finishes his.
http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u17/gaczar/sherlock-sketch.gif

Update:
Left myself too little time to finish.....not that I knew where I was going.
MAX MARTELLI....thanks for the crit, I bent his leg as you suggested and it is better, thanks!
http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u17/gaczar/sherlock-sketch2.gif
Good night all!

[Clochette]

You're right Poshpiece!
There is only few stories where Holmes and Watson leave London "intra muros". We can imagine that he had clothes for the town, and different one for the country. It's funny to see how an illustration can stay in the collective memory! It's powerful...

Thanks all for the crit and help! :) I feel like I'll never be able to finish it in time! :O
Update.

[MJ_Alcazar]

http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk153/Seloh_Eft/chow129_mj_alcazarwip.jpg

First time I tried to color completely with GIMP. Needs a lot of work. Thanks for all the crits guys. Hopefully, I'll be able to finish this

[vineris]

Improved the arms, considering putting feet in. Still need to tilt the violin and get some lighting reference.

[Max Martelli]

No time for crits at the moment but I will definitely get to them tomorrow.

I've been playing around with what I want in the background for a while now and I relly can't decide. I've tried different scenes involving Watson walking in on him shooting up while he is sitting at his desk. I'm not feeling them though.

Originally I wanted to have an abstract emotional background emphasizing his depression and then salvation from depression through cocaine. I think this one is something along the line of what I wanted but then again it is really late and I'm pretty tired so I'll see whether I like it in the morning.

Let me know what you think.

[Adele]

well...i will not be finishing my entry...have to go to ikea for the day. I wish you all the best and look forward to the voting.

[mcmatz]

I notices some awkward poses of Sherlock playing the violin.

Here's a reference of a violinist to help out.

--Madeline

[Hideyoshi]

lol, can't believe I forced myself through rendering him out in the end :P
But it was good practice.
thanks a lot for latest c&c!

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd97/HideyoshiR/CHOW129_Hideyoshi.jpg

[Windsrock]

Well, still one day to think about this, but now is time to leave it for the night. I have tried to work those sausagefingers...

[mcmatz]

WIP.

Struggling as usual.

--Madeline

[Max Martelli]

Crits

VampireHungerStrike: Looking good. I like the pose and how he is searching the ground for clues. I can't wait to see it more fleshed out and in color. The onlt thing I would watch is the shape of the bricks swooping on the ground. It looks distracting but this could just be because it is only in an outline form and hasn't been colored yet.

mcmatz: I think that in addition to working on the feet you should elongate his legs. He is looking a little too stumpy and disproportionate. Also his hands are a bit small. The face is looking good.

DECYPL: I like it so far. It has a good feel to it. The only other thing I could suggest to make him look more like Holmes would be his hat but I don't think its terribly necessary. Keep going with it and I can't wait to see the rest.

BludHund: The faces are looking good so far. I like the very bony look you have for Holmes.

DeeLock: It looks better with him being taller and having clothes but I would watch how he is standing. He doesn't look grounded. He looks like he's floating. This can be fixed perhaps by adding a floor plane to make it appear that he is standing or to position his feet so that they are not so vertical and look more like they would if someone were standing.

Cowboy_Surfer: I like the more animated pose better than the more static one but he seems like he is running from something rather than too something. Perhaps you can add elements that suggest he is running from someone?

Blaise: I love the mood of this piece and the color. It looks very ominous which works very well. I love his coat. Good job and I can't wait to see the next step.

Gaczar: I like how he is running but he seems a little stiff in his running. Perhaps you can bend one of his legs a little more (probably the back one). His ahnds are looking a bit small as well. Keep it up.

Clochette: Looking good. I like the relaxation. To me it seems to me that he is more musing over some kind of memory rather than going through depression (if that was your original intent) also the colors are warm and inviting which also is a departure from depression (again, if depression was your original intent). I hope you finish it and I can't wait to see it complete.

MJ_Alcazar: The drawing is looking good. The coloring on the other hand looks a little blotchy.

vineris: It's looking pretty good. The violin looks like it is at an awkward angle. The body needs to be angled back a llittle more as the face of it is pointing too far towards us. Also I think that you should put in the rest of him (legs and feet). This will help ground the figure.

Hideyoshi: Looking really good. I like it alot. It has a very nice dreary quality to it that characterizes his surroundings very nicely. It not only gives life to Holmes but to his world as well.

Good job everyone and I'm sorry if I didn't get to you. Good luck.

[madhatter106]

MJ Alcazar - Sherlock looks like David Niven, heheheh. Not sure if I like the red for the vest underneath...green with red and some white, it makes me think of Christmas, teehee. :)

Hideyoshi - awww, I liked the real rough and painterly version you posted earlier. The vest is missing buttons - it looks like it has an invisible zipper running up the center front, there doesn't appear to be an overlap of one side over the other. I think you should have the watch fob originating from the vest, rather than how it appears to be hooked to his waistline/pants - I bet nine times out of ten, if you look at photographs of gentlemen of the period (as posted earlier in the thread), you'll find the watch residing in a pocket on the vest, with the fob running to one of the vest buttons. The background is beautiful! And I never imagined a version of Holmes with facial hair or glasses...very unique. :)

Blaise - very evocative and painterly, as always. I love the low angle from which you've depicted him. Not so sure about the gun, though - in cases like "The Speckled Band," it was Watson (IIRC) who brought a gun along, and not Holmes. The only other thing that bugs me is the way you painted the one side of the coat, with what appears to be the lapel running all the way down to the bottom hemline...I think you were going for the look of the coat folding open, but it just looks like one really super duper long lapel.

[duckyfeets1]

I cant finish this one, yet again. Project due on Tuesday and I spilt tea on it. >.<;;;;


Look foreword to votage. Good luck and great job all!

[Hideyoshi]

thanks a lot for the crits, madhatter: you're totally right! Didn't give much thought to how the watch is attached etc.
I intentionally left the buttons out on the vest though, for aesthetic reasons...
Won't bother changing anything anymore though, just moving on.. :P
Kinda hate going back to a piece...

thank you, too, Max Martelli!

[Dan!]

damn hideyoshi- nice piece

[Blaise]

Hideyoshi - Very nice job.

Max Martelli - Thanks man.

madhatter106 - Thanks very much for the crit. Reading through the Wikipedia page on Holmes, it says under the weapons and martial arts section "In four stories Holmes has a pistol but does not fire it". That struck me because it's not a common image of Holmes (personally, I have very little knowledge of Holmes myself, so hey, what do I know). After reading that I wanted to include the pistol just to depict Holmes in a different way than how he is usually seen, and since he does carry a pistol in at least some of the stories, I feel it's legitimate. As for the coat lapel, I was referencing this (http://www.conceptart.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=479566&stc=1&d=1222883114) photo from your earlier post. But you are right - it looks odd. I've gone ahead and changed it. Thanks for pointing it out (and thanks for posting all of that reference in the first place!).

Another update - I see a few more things I need to work on -

Edit - fixed right arm and left hand. I think this is the final -

[Max Martelli]

Blaise: How do you get that look to your work, It looks amazing. Great job.

Here's another update. Fooling with the background some more, also fixing things I see here and there about the figure. I'm thinking of giving the inside of the magnifying glass more color but then again I'm thinking about doing something completely different with it as well.

I'll see what time permits me to do.

Let me know what you think.

[mcmatz]

Update:

--Madeline

[Clochette]

Update.

I think it's done. Will try to comment each entry soon! :O

[MJ_Alcazar]

Well, for some reason GIMP won't bring up my last save. It doesn't even have the saved version that I put on here, which I find very odd. So, there goes days of work. :(
Oh well, wasn't turning out really great anyway. But I did learn a whole lot about the time period and got to practice with drawing guys. So, I'm still happy.
I have a pen and color pencil version, that I may put up, but I don't know. I had already done the whole green and red thing and now it looks silly after someone pointed out the whole christmas colors.
Good luck everyone! looking forward to voting. Thank you ever so much for the crits, I'm looking forward to applying them to the next chow. :)

[Clochette]

Ooh ><' sorry to hear!
It's always so frustrating when you loose some days of work! :(

[Flipnastywebby]

thank you to everyone who provided helpful CCs.
so I will try and finish this piece, i messed around with the pose a bit more and was ready to paint it Friday when i lost a fight with a turkey sandwich and ended up in the hospital. Lucky the laceration wasn't to my drawing hand but it has consumed a good part of my and my wonderful girl friends free time. shes taken great care of me but now its what 4:30 pm and i havent been able to start painting. we will see how far I get.

Hideyoshi big props man, loving the out come of your piece, great story telling.


Max Martelli I've seen that look before in work like Blaise. You might want to try wet edges with the flow turned down a bit. It gives a really nice painterly stroke when using photo shop. If you're using corel painter IX and above you can use the smeary oils brush, and set the nib to circular. same effect, different program. I like personally using the wet gauche brush with the same setting changes.

hope that helps

[Aly Fell]

Couple of thoughts before I toddle off to bed. I'll try and do some more tomorrow... it's late here!

Hideyoshi - great image. Love it! A different take on Holmes. One thing, I'm not getting a Victorian or Edwardian London vibe from the setting though. It looks like a midwest town, but I don't suppose it HAS to be London! :)

Blaise - Nice take on Holmes, and kudos for not doing the deerstalker/Inverness coat. He is definitely a 'man of action'. I don't have too much of a problem with him having a gun, but it looks like he has a flintlock or percussion pistol. Revolvers were pretty much the norm at the end of the 19th century. The coat's great.

mcmatz - His profile is spot on. Very Holmes. One thing with the background... maybe split the wallpaper with paneling to the bottom rather than all wallpaper. It kind of smothers it a bit. And don't forget a skirting board!

Clochette - Truly atmospheric. I know it's geeky, but well done for not giving him a meerschaum pipe. Holmes generally smoked clay or briar pipes. Most of the imagery commonly associated with him is from the movies, not the books. One thing - the fire looks a bit flat, like he's looking at the picture of a fire. Maybe setting it back in the grate might help.

Max Matelli - You've gone for something really different, but I don't get Sherlock Holmes from him. However, you've got the emotion and the expression of what he is doing spot on, and compositionally it works. :)

More tomorrow...

TTFN

[Blaise]

Max Martelli - Read Flipnastywebby's post. Experiment with different brushes and don't be afraid to change the settings to get the look you want.

Poshspice - Thanks for the crit. You're right about the pistol. I'm gonna do a quick fix and edit my final. Thanks again!

Edit - fixed pistol.

[Clochette]

Thanks Poshpiece! :)

Changed that flat fire, I hope it works better!

[vineris]

Added feet, decided he looked silly floating there, started on background. I expect insanity to set in any minute now.

[Clochette]

About guns : As far as I can remember Holmes isn't used to wear guns, but Watson as a a long rifle (Swiss & Wesson) : looks like this I guess (http://www.jmpcollectarmes.fr/images/armes/FUS128%20carabine%20de%20tir%20PT%20Animation.GIF) and some experience from his military medic career. When they are on a case with danger, it's Dr Watson who defend them, like in The Hound of the Baskervilles. Holmes is a good boxer tho even if he has a thin silhouette.
But we can take the freedom to imagine Holmes with a small caliber gun! :)

[Hideyoshi]

ah, thanks a lot, Posh! You certainly have the right eye when it comes to the look of this era! Stupidly, I didn't look at a single reference image for the background (just for the character), so I was just guessing things. I didn't even have in mind depicting London, really... :)
Where's your final, dude? Hope you can make it!

Blaise: really liking it! And thank you!

Clochette: coming together nicely!

thanks as well, Flipnastywebby, DECYPL!

[madhatter106]

The gun things works okay, I guess - as per Blaise's mention about Holmes drawing his gun several times during the course of the stories. A different approach, one that I'm not entirely sold on, but certainly valid. :) I'm glad he changed it to a revolver, as Posh indicated in an early post.

Clochette - glad you changed the perspective on the box like I suggested, it was looking too extreme...now it looks just right. I'm glad you gave the fire more dimension and depth, too. I'm wondering if it would be better for him to be grasping the end of the violin's bow, rather than holding it in the middle as you have depicted. I've never picked up a violin or its bow, but I'm guessing that it's an awkward way of holding it in the middle thusly. I'm wondering if it would have been better to have him holding the end of it, or if his hand should be resting palm down on the back of the chaise and holding the bow's end. Dunno, maybe it's something to play with, but after looking at the recent version of your piece, I don't know if I'm sold on the way he's holding the bow currently.

Hideyoshi - funny, I'm not getting the Wild West read like someone else has gotten. Perhaps I'm reading it more as London and less as Tombstone mainly because the colors are so cool; when I think of western towns depicted, I always think much warmer and earthier.

vineris - great hand holding the violin - I'd suggest a little variation and wrinkle when it comes to the clothing. His vest looks practically rigid, there is no softness or sense of the material...the way it's rendered, it reminds me of the Tin Man from the movie version of The Wizard of Oz in that it looks nearly cylindrical. You have a better sense of folds and clothing volume when it comes to the sleeves and the break/crease at the bottom of the pants. Not sure if the waistband showing is particularly period, though - a minor detail, but I'm guessing just off the top of my head and without any particular reference book in front of me, that the trousers of the time were a touch more high-waisted in many cases, and that the waistband would be hidden beneath the vest almost (if not) entirely. I absolutely love the fact that you put him in slippers! A great touch...you get a sense that he's relaxing between cases both in the calm demeanor and the footwear... :)

[Max Martelli]

No crits as of now, these are some grateful thanks.

I'll try for crits a little later.

Flipnastywebby: Thank you. I've been trying to get some variety in the brushes I've used but my main problem was that I had no idea where to start. I had not the faintest clue as to what kinds of brushes give the effects I wanted. I've tried quite a few but could never find something I liked. Thank you for suggesting that brush, I'll definitely play more with it and find the look I want.

Poshspice: Thanks. I had alot of trouble trying to figure out how to get him looking like Holmes and still have him in the pose and have the kind of background I originally wanted. At first I tried several different backgrounds that would put him into context as Holmes but I lost the pose with them. (I felt that they took away from the pose in the sense that they were too busy with small details such as hat, coat, pipe etc.) I tried with the magnifying glass framing his upper body to maybe suggest his identity a little more. All together, I'm just glad the emotion of it reads and that the composition works well.

Blaise: Thanks a lot. The final looks great.

Here's what will most likely be my final.

Let me know what you think.

[Dan!]

well, wish i had more time but callin it done

http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q81/DECYPL/chow129_decypl.jpg

[Max Martelli]

Here's the final I think.

I'm gonna look it over again before submitting it.

Thanks again to everyone who helped along the way.

Good job everyone and good luck to all.

[Rustveld]

I started too late with this one, but maybe I can still finish...or maybe not.

[vineris]

Quick round of crits before the deadline:

Carnifex - great face! An unusual take on Holmes.
Afc4life - nice lighting idea. That mustache makes me think of Poirot more than Holmes. The cheekbones and eyebrows don't seem to quite match up. You should finish it when you get back!
Gaczar - great sense of motion in the sketch. The sketchy lines are really lively. I think that translates over pretty well to the coloured version. The face looks really quirky, I'm not sure I like it. I think it's turned too far towards us, too.
MJ Alcazar - sorry to hear about your software troubles. :( You might want to check whether the file might not be hiding somewhere unusual on your computer. It sounds really stupid, but I managed to lose a picture by accidentally creating a copy of the folder inside itself just last month. I liked the way the folds on the pants were starting to turn out, and the "Christmas" colours didn't actually look all that silly together since the jacket was fairly desaturated.
Hideyoshi - really nicely done. Love the suggestion of damp cobblestones.
Windsrock - the fingers look much better!
mcmatz - nice rendering on the face. The skin colours look a bit muddy compared to the wallpaper and bathrobe.

[MJ_Alcazar]

Thanks vineris, I never thought about that. I'll go search and see if I can find it!

[MJ_Alcazar]

Thanks veneris, I finally found it! It looks really terrible, and I'm probably not going to turn it in. But, at least I found it!

http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk153/Seloh_Eft/chow129_mj_alcazar.jpg

[vineris]

That's great MJ! Losing long hours of work is pretty awful.