CHOW 138 :: Countess Elizabeth Báthory

[S.C. Watson]

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

ROUND #138 :: Countess Elizabeth Báthory

DESCRIPTION

Countess Elizabeth Báthory 16th century countess who was rumored to bath in the blood of blue blooded girls to prolong her youth.

She is supposed to be the inspiration of Dracula and vampires, but Vlad the Impaler was used as the visual form.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elizabeth_B%C3%A1thory

Thanks to Adele for the suggestion!

---------------------------------------------------------
DEADLINE
MONDAY, DECEMBER 8TH, 2008
Deadline is Monday, at 5pm Pacific Standard Time.
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(you can add CA logo, etc).


POST YOUR FINALS IN THE FINALS THREAD!
Remember to include your nickname in the file name.

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.

[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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[♦♦Jackdaw♦♦]

AWESOME! I've always been VERY fascinated by Bathory... I really hope I can have a go at this one.

Here's McFarlane Toys' take on her, in case anyone was interested:

http://www.blastmilk.com/archives/monsters3_elizabeth_photo_05_dp-thumb.jpg

[¿Dubious?]

Sweet topic. Loved vampire stuff as a kid. Im totally in.

[corspufo]

friiiiiiiigin sweet. I tried the whole bathing in blood, VERY overrated.

[Vorace]

ooooh must do this one :D

[ikuru]

nice topic!

[Wiggers]

very cool subject!

[Pixeltuner]

You should also check Cradle Of Filth's cover-art for Cruelty And The Beast. That whole album was inspired by Bathory. Needless to say, I'm in.

[hungryan]

As a Hungarian, I have to have a shoot on this. :)

I hope I will see some nice stuff going on here, not the usual Emo-Teenage angst-MangaVampire stuff, but something that has the feel of the period, like a woodcut, or classic painting.

[Novbert]

Wow, Hungary-related topic! :P Count me in, folks ;)

[Aly Fell]

Ha, I was considering Elizabeth Bathory for the CGSociety challenge. Who next I wonder... Gilles de Rais?

The real Ms Bathory, followed by the wonderful Ingrid Pitt in 'Countess Dracula':

[Sorknes]

It's as much a Slovak theme as Hungarian, isn't it? Last time I was in Trencin it was in Slovakia... ^^

Always sad that I didn't have time to pursue her stuff when there though...



Now... I'll have to see if I can actually manage to stay away from the bathing... I know she probably didn't even do that in real life, that she was basically a sadist/torturesse, but hell.... That's how we all envision her, no? *lol*

I <3 the topic :D

[mvocet]

yes she was from Slovakia
I`m czech so i know her too. some time ago was created film about her named "Bathory". but I don`t like it, the true is elsewhere (according to confirmation)

here is link if is somebody interest in and paint this topic ;)

http://www.ceskatelevize.cz/specialy/bathory/en/

[hungryan]

Hopefully we will not get into politics here too much, and I don't want to sound like an extreme rightwing guy, but she was definitely Hungarian, Báthory is a hungarian name. It's another thing, that Hungary was much bigger at that time, royal families were married to each other internationally, etc. Now, Trencin belongs to Slovakia, and I don't have anything against that, but at that time there was no Slovakia at all, for historical correctness' sake.

http://www.lib.utexas.edu/maps/historical/ward_1912/hungary_16_century.jpg

Bátor means brave in hungarian.

[Sorknes]

Yes, you should not go political in a thread like this, and that it *was* Hungary and now *is* Slovakia means therefore that it is a Slovakian theme as much as a Hungarian theme. :P

Like anything going on in Värmland back in the centuries, as it's been both Swedish and Norwegian, is BOTH Swedish and Norwegian history. ;)

[hungryan]

Sorknes:
OK, my friend, you are right.
I think I took this too seriously.

[hungryan]

http://www.kieselbach.hu/images/mutargy/11877/1.h500.jpg

Portrait of Báthory from 19th century by István Csók.
To be more on the helpful side.

[Angel Intheuk]

interesting topic, first time I've heard about her and I find it compelling that there's also theories she was innocent. In those days women had hardly any rights (and even if they were in power they had to use all they're womanly intuition and wyles to get anywhere which is how she probably got a bad rep in the first place) Can't help wondering if she was used as a scapegoat, could make an good alternative image.

[hungryan]

Angel Intheuk:
I was thinking along exactly the same lines as you, portraying a woman, who is the victim of the circumstances. Sounds much more interesting and difficult job than an image of a pretty vampire to me. :)

[daestwen]

Okay, I'm back in Toronto boys and girls, so now I'll actually be around for poll and such. :P Woo.

[monsta_mez]

Sounds like a good topic. Thanks to everyone for the references, it helps develop not only her look but her personality.

[Daray]

Okay, I'm back in Toronto boys and girls, so now I'll actually be around for poll and such. :P Woo.


wohoo! :drinkup:

[MJ_Alcazar]

Wow, sounds like an awesome topic. Hope I'll have time for this. But, I really don't know for sure, finals and all that. :(

[Sorknes]

Well, here's what I got for tonight... I dunno. I might start all over again.

It has a "few" issues... And it doesn't go where I'd like it to go..

:bashful:

[ozzymaru]

hi

I'm new here and sorry for my ignorance but can somebody tell me where is this "Finals" thread at? I tried looking for it but couldn't find it.

thanks.

[panic_attack]

ok, this will be my first CHOW.

good luck all!

[yoitisi]

Ozzymaru: The 'finals' thread is usually posted later on, well before the deadline though. For now, this thread is for all the WIP's and crits and comments.

I might just join in this round, I need to get back into swing...

[Aly Fell]

Sorknes - Our compositions are very similar. Although I think I've gone a bit too overboard on the 'virgin' front!

Edit: Blobby colour. The 'virgins' will be back, or at least one or two of them! I want her to look really impassive and 'cold'.

Edit2: Close up of the face. I'm looking at a lot of Velasquez and the artist Goog mentioned, Bronzino. I'm not sure now whether the virgins will return. Maybe one will slip by the net! Going to try and comment tonight on people's pics, but it's lunchtime at work right now so I'm scribbling.

[ikuru]

wow I love ur drawing Posh! stick to the virgins, there´s no such thing as too much ;)

[panic_attack]

here is my quick sketch

pls crit if you have time for it

cheers!

[MJ_Alcazar]

Quick sketch. I'm going to try really hard to participate this week.

http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk153/Seloh_Eft/scan0002-7.jpg

[alesoun]

Alcazar kudos! Your improvement is awesome!
Me, I'd like to do Bathory as a victim. I'm giving it thought....

[mimer]

quick workup of the scene and general pose.

update 1, feature basics and a bit of cleanup, experimenting with blood.

update 2, more work on features and trying to get the "wet look" right :P

update 3, cleaned up the bathtub edges, worked on the face

update 4, some shading, and getting rid of linework, detailing blood. not sure if this version is going where i want it too, this is usually the stage of a painting where i run into trouble :P thank the gods for saving eariler versions separate :)

[ValkyriesBard]

Alrighty, quick sketch here.

[AriA]

mimer- although that's a nice idea for a picture, I think it might push CHOW's 3/4 rule. I'm not an expert and may be wrong, so don't take my word for it.

[ArtbyWard]

Damn posh, i kinda had the same idea as you, with the mirror and bodies and all... Not as well executed of course :asslick: Do you mind?

[Pixeltuner]

Posh: As always, your drawing is made of win. I'm thinking of doing something with a bathrobe/ and loads of blood :p

[Martheart]

Ah nice topic! Lots of bloody drawings :) Here is a wip of mine. I want to put the faces of the dead girls on her bathrobe in a kind of pattern maybe.

[Adele]

ahahaha...this is AWESOME, my topic was picked...well I know that poshspice should excel at this :D

If you guys want to check out my short film (5 mins) I made, back in 2005, you can watch the animation here http://vialofyouth.blogspot.com/2007/02/final-productmy-film.html or here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sAgThKWlG8I (dont mind the short commercial at the start...not mine).

[Adele]

Sorknes - Our compositions are very similar. Although I think I've gone a bit too overboard on the 'virgin' front!

I like the long hair...she looks a little similar to me :D

[Aly Fell]

Damn posh, i kinda had the same idea as you, with the mirror and bodies and all... Not as well executed of course :asslick: Do you mind?
Thank you, and of course I don't mind. No one owns anything here. :)

[Pixeltuner]

here's my first lunchbreak sketchy thingy general idea.

[Adele]

my wip....how could i NOT do this one :D

first: rough sketch

second: start to colour, changed eye direction to looking up.

third: adding in detail

fourth: Review and tweeks. Changed eye direction back to original, added environmental lighting from candle, and general tweeks.

let me know which eye direction you prefer or think looks better?

[daestwen]

hi

I'm new here and sorry for my ignorance but can somebody tell me where is this "Finals" thread at? I tried looking for it but couldn't find it.

thanks.

I'll be putting up the Finals Thread later today, so keep an eye out for it. :)

[mimer]

on advice from Aria above, id better ask: is the idea i submitted above in violation of the 3/4 rule?

[Pixeltuner]

panic attack: maybe you should develop your sketch a little more. I can hardly see what's going on. Give her a face and expression and the person resting on her lap as well.

[Adam Schumpert]

This is going to be a good CHOW I can tell. Everyone's wips are looking great. This is what I've got so far. I have probably gotten a little to ambitious but I'm hoping I can actually finish this one on time. :confident

532993

I know it might be a little confusing at this sketchy stage but the other woman in the tub is supposed to be the body of one of her victims.

Anyway, good luck everyone, looking good. :)

[buffichar]

My initial sketch. I so wanted a bath but it didn't work out in the initial sketches. This is what i have so far.

Yah i love getting help. Moved the hand before i checked the thread. Thanks guys. I'm still struggling on the dress. generic is my fall back. for now this is how far i've gone. i am so scared of colour but i put red and purple in to shake the fear outta me. crits are welcome with suggestions as well. if i don't see a problem i will prob have no clue on improvements.

[ozzymaru]

Thanks Yoitisi and Daestwen! I will try and join in, even though its my first.
Good Luck everybody!

[fersteger]

Here's my first attempt, obviously going a very classic goth route. Any comments are appreciated.

Updated with more progress, let me know if I'm posting this wrong or anything.

Updated with what I think is my final, any comments for improvement or anything wrong let me know please.

[Cyr]

ValkyrieBard's sketch at #35 made me think "This looks like a Disney version of Countess Bathory."

Why, yes, I am creeped out a bit at the idea of a Disney-fied Bathory.

[Draixe]

Fascinating topic. I may prove to be a bit out of practice, but I'm definitely in! Here's my initial idea. I'll probably pull in closer to the Countess in the final, but this sketch was principally to establish her ritualistic tub-o-death :P Comments and Crits are always welcome.

[ValkyriesBard]

Hehe, thanks Cyr!

Draixe: WOW that tub is awesome, and it's making me jealous I didn't think of it first XD

Fersteger: I'm not quite sure if the Gothic thing is saying "countess" though it looks REALLY cool. The position is a little static too, imo. NICE colors though.

buffichar: You should relook at your anatomy. Try and reference some historical paintings too, that should give you an idea of how to work her outfit and get it away from the generic.

Adam Schumpert : HOLY HELL this looks awesome.

IceMoon: That looks really good as well, I love the background. The reflection in the mirror is a nice touch, I'm looking forward to seeing more of this.

MJ_Alcazar: One thing that I've noticed about your drawings is that the characters are never doing anything, and the poses seem forced. Relax your characters and use some reference. What about your drawing characterizes Bathory? What symbols are you incorporating? Also, your first sketch is NEVER the one you should go with. Do 5-6 small thumbnails, select 2 that you like and do a 5x7" rough of each one. From that, you can see your final through. Hope this helps. :)

Posh: I love your stuff, everything fits perfectly and has just the right amount of symbolism. Can't wait to see the final!



I'm developing the background a bit more, still tweaking a few things. Crits welcome!

[Adam Schumpert]

Adam Schumpert : HOLY HELL this looks awesome.

Wow! thanks for the compliment :bashful:

I had today off from work so I've gotten to work on this which has been a lot of fun. :)

ValkyriesBard - I must echo Cyr's statement the innocence of the style you have chosen vs. the person portrayed is very creepy. I love it. I'm glad you decided to remove the crown/head-dress it looked a little odd. Maybe it made it was a little to much disney princess? The additions you have made to the background are working well, the draped walls are a nice touch.

Draixe - that is one scary tub >:D

Fersteger - The changes to her dress and jewelry and the archway are nice. I really like her dress. The green bright lawn outside I think is throwing me a bit. It seems like it would be such a nice friendly day outside, but then again maybe you are going for contrast between the person and background?

buffichar - ValkyriesBard is right about the anatomy especially the left arm looks too long.

Adele - I like the hanging cage. Blood showering, nice variation on the idea of blood bathing. :)

Arthemis IX - I like your idea of having the faces of her victims on the robe, looking good so far.

IceMoon - I like your composition especially seeing her face only in the mirror.

Poshspice - I'm sure you get a never ending flood of fanboys and admirers but count me in. Your work is always inspiring. As far as going overboard on the vrigin front. Nah for a woman who killed hundreds, 3 virgins seems like a good number for a protrait. ;)

Like I said I got to work on this today it was much nicer than going into work. I've got a long way to go but I'm happy with what I've gotten accomplished today. :confident

Update: Got some more done before bed :) After posting the update I realized I need to move the candle on the right side of picture so that my lighting makes some kind of since but I'll work on that later, now its bedtime. :^^:
Update: I feel like I'm getting there I'm pretty confident I will have this one finished on time. :confident Now I just need to tackle the drapes :P

533247
533581 534189

Take care,
Adam

[Goog]

Ha, I was considering Elizabeth Bathory for the CGSociety challenge. Who next I wonder... Gilles de Rais?

The real Ms Bathory, followed by the wonderful Ingrid Pitt in 'Countess Dracula':


While the first picture you posted was painted in the 16th century, that is not Ms Bathory. That was painted as a commission by the Italian painter Bronzini of a patron's wife. Her last name starts with a P...it is something Italian.

[Aly Fell]

While the first picture you posted was painted in the 16th century, that is not Ms Bathory. That was painted as a commission by the Italian painter Bronzini of a patron's wife. Her last name starts with a P...it is something Italian.
I'm just 'quoting' Google.

http://www.itusozluk.com/gorseller.php/elizabeth+bathory

If it's not her, I'm sure it's pretty good ref anyhow. :)

Edit: You are correct. Lucrezia Panciatichi is the good lady's name. In fact the artist's catalogue is good reference for this historical period.

http://www.artrenewal.org/asp/database/art.asp?aid=510&page=1

[¿Dubious?]

Ive been cut off from my tablet by awkward houseguests, but hopefully Ill get some sketching done on the subject some time. I would love to get in on this. So far everyone has a lot of cool stuff going on.
Adam_Schumpert: the countess cuddling the dead girl in the tub is positively chilling. Wish to hell I had come up with that. Youve got the best concept so far in my opinion.
Draixe: that tub is hella cool. I dig the mirror idea.
Poshspice: Im gonna go ahead and be controversial and tell you I dont like it. Lets be honest though, Im lying.

[Novbert]

Here goes my first sketch. Any comments are appreciated.

533289

[Goog]

I'm just 'quoting' Google.

http://www.itusozluk.com/gorseller.php/elizabeth+bathory

If it's not her, I'm sure it's pretty good ref anyhow. :)

Edit: You are correct. Lucrezia Panciatichi is the good lady's name. In fact the artist's catalogue is good reference for this historical period.

http://www.artrenewal.org/asp/database/art.asp?aid=510&page=1

ah, thanks for the linky. I'd almost forgotten about artrenewal.

[Claudio Grassi]

Wow amazing stuff all around..I'm not going to be able to join this week either I dont think, but I tend to sketch things when I see them and I started with a head shot of her to try to get a "hold" of her character..anyhow here it is, ignore the dude in the upper left had corner...he's for something else :dur:
Anyhow if I have time to work it, the whole focus will be more on her clothing and appearance than on a scene...

Poshspice: Give someone else a chance!!!! :nohope: soo amazing as usual!:teeth:


http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb304/TenGuKu/Bathory-sketch1.jpg

[fersteger]

That's a very cool concept Adam, I agree, the countess cuddling with the dead chick is very creepy. Nice work. Can't wait to see all the finals!

[Adele]

Wow! thanks for the compliment :bashful:

I had today off from work so I've gotten to work on this which has been a lot of fun. :)

Adele - I like the hanging cage. Blood showering, nice variation on the idea of blood bathing. :)

Like I said I got to work on this today it was much nicer than going into work. I've got a long way to go but I'm happy with what I've gotten accomplished today. :confident

533247

Take care,
Adam

yeah, i had already done bathory bathing in blood in my film, so i didnt want to just go back to something id already done. I had always wanted to play around with her 'bathing' in the blood of the women she caged and tortured.

[Adele]

Wow amazing stuff all around..I'm not going to be able to join this week either I dont think, but I tend to sketch things when I see them and I started with a head shot of her to try to get a "hold" of her character..anyhow here it is, ignore the dude in the upper left had corner...he's for something else :dur:
Anyhow if I have time to work it, the whole focus will be more on her clothing and appearance than on a scene...

Poshspice: Give someone else a chance!!!! :nohope: soo amazing as usual!:teeth:


http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb304/TenGuKu/Bathory-sketch1.jpg

may i suggest you leave the other face out or minimize it to a background statue...its too overpowering and distracts from the countess. if it is meant to be a demonic representation on her mental state, id definately make it less impressive and more, ghostly.

[Claudio Grassi]

Adele: Thanks ^_^ but like I mentioned in the post..that guy is for something different...just ended up on the same sketch page as my sketch of the countess' head :D I was too lazy to Pshop him out u_u but the "demonic representation of her mental state" is a fantastic idea..but definitely not with that dude hehehe

[alesoun]

Valkriesbard, keep an eye on your proportions; even a woman's head isn't smaller than her waist
Novbert, her legs need to be longer, and make sure the folds of the dress show what the legs are doing.
Great ideas both, though...

[Adele]

Adele: Thanks ^_^ but like I mentioned in the post..that guy is for something different...just ended up on the same sketch page as my sketch of the countess' head :D I was too lazy to Pshop him out u_u but the "demonic representation of her mental state" is a fantastic idea..but definitely not with that dude hehehe
whoops! sorry :D

[L.E.O.]

hey this is my first post in CA, do i still have time to jump in on this activity? when is it due?

[¿Dubious?]

L.E.O. due date is at the start of the thread dude. Monday at 5. And yeah I think you should still have time. I havent started mine yet. I guess it depends how fast you work.

[L.E.O.]

thanks, im on holiday so i got time.

[daestwen]

Finals thread is up! (http://www.conceptart.org/forums/showthread.php?p=2032638)

[Nutter]

There are some sweet looking takes on the subject already.

[Wiggers]

Great face KuGu!!

[Novbert]

time to do some c&c :)

Sorknes: the character design isn't bad, but the composition is a bit weak imho. Changing the background and getting rid of all those horizontal-vertical lines could put more emphasis on the countess itself. and i can't figure out what is the countess doing (and what is she doing with her hands). Some more storytelling would be nice.

Posh: I can only second KuGu. Give a chance to other people here! ;)

panic attack: not too much to crit here so far. Just start shading, do facial - and other -details, etc.

MJ Alcazar: Nice sketch, but I can't see any sign of her being the countess. Or is it blood on her face? (some background would be a nice touch)

mimer: I really dig the composition and looking forward to see the finished piece. (Just don't forget to define light source(s)! Or do you go for frontal lighting?)

Valkyrie's Bard: This cartoony look is an interesting idea. I think you should work some more on the countess' face which looks neither evil nor crazy so far. Nice character designs anyway - I'm just expecting something more scary.

Icemoon: I like this monumental composition. Although it has two weak points: The face of the countess in the mirror is far too small, and it isn't in the focus of the piece (which is where those perspective lines meet)

Artemis IX: Nice comp, but it could use some more color variation.

Pixelhunter: You don't really like to waste lunchbreak time, do you? ;) I really like both the face and the pose. Some nitpicking: The nose and lips are a bit misplaced, and hands need some work.

Adele: Nice progress here. It could use some more yellow tones (candle-light is yellow). And I'd give a chance to some more realistic (and smaller) eyes.

Adam Schumpert: Now this idea is awesome! Iin fact I liked the first "all red" version better. Reducing the range of colors you use can be a good idea.

Buffichar: It's all blurry!!! Take a hard brush and start to define shapes!

Fersteger: Hey man, it can be a winning piece! I dig the simplicity and the subtle color palette.

Draixe: Uniqe idea. Can't wait to see the colored version.

KuGu: I realli dig this face and expression

[Martheart]

Thanks for the comments! Nice work in this thread so far. This is another wip, I added a little bit more colour but maybe it is still too red... I don't know.

[Draixe]

Ok, first some comments...

Poshspice - As usual, it is such a kick to watch
you work. I'm glad to hear the virgins will be
returning, and I really like how 'clinical' you've
made her expression. I eagerly await updates :)

Novbert - great start. The look of expectancy on
her face is quite poignant, and the spilled goblet
of blood is a subtle indication of her desperation.
It may be too early in the process to tell, but your
Countess seems to steer away from the sultry
monster and more towards the aging matriarch,
searching for the next 'miracle cream'. If so, I think
it makes her even creepier :)

Adam Schumpert - Between your first and second
posts, the temperature in your countess' chambers
dropped about twenty degrees. And I don't mean
that in any derogatory sense. The palor of the
victim, the color of the drapes, and the promise of a
chill night wind all help to create (at least for me) the
impression that the only thing that holds any heat in
the room is the blood in that tub. Also, the iron maiden
is awsome :)

ValkriesBard - I'm with Adam and Cyr on this.
The style in which you've rendered your
countess elicits trust not only in her future victim,
but in the viewer as well. It takes a moment for the
gravity of the surroundings and her accoutrements to
finally catch up. She almost reminds me of a young
version of the 'evil stepmother' from Disney's
Cinderella. Very slick.

Fersteger - Very gothic indeed :P I really like the fact
that the most vibrant color in the piece is at her feet. It
really shows where she puts her priorities. I also like
the dress, particularly where it lashes around those two
bits on her hips.

Buffichar - What I like about your countess is how you
hint at the sheer number of victims she's murdered,
coupled with how casually she carries herself. I do
have a couple of suggestions: you may want to establish
a different angle for the skull she's carrying- perhaps
more towards her and less towards the viewer. Also, the
elevated point of view makes the composition seem a
bit claustrophobic. If that's what you're going for, then
well done. If you want to open the space up a bit
though, you could try dropping the pov closer to the
water\blood line. Great progress regardless :)

Pixeltuner - bathrobe + blood = creeeepy. I'm curious
to know what the fingers are about. Terrific expression.

Arthemis IX - your 'faces' idea is great! I also dig how the
bathrobe doesn't seem to stop :)

IceMoon - Oh, the promise of carnage. The thing I
enjoy most about your take on Bathory is that the only
thing she sees is herself. Despite her grisly
surroundings, she retains an ethereal quality.

Mimer - Thank you for showing the multiple 'wipdates'.
I really like how spartan you've been thus far with your
use of color. The red seems to stain everything it
touches. I particularly like the area around her neck
and collar bones. I also dig the sense of satisfaction
in her expression. Keep up the good work :)

MJ Alcazar - this is a lovely sketch. I really want to
see how she would look in color, especially in that
dress. This seem to be a sympathetic portrayal of Lady
Bathory. Very interesting. I look forward to an update!

panic attack - the rough shows great promise as far as
composition goes. You may want to inch the countess
more towards the center of the page though. Just a
thought :)

Adele - First off, thanks for the subject :) Your most
recent wip seems a bit dark. I don't want to completely
lose the occupant of the countess' showerhead,
especially since your interpretation is such a novel one.
Other than that, I think the style is very cool, almost
Burtonesque. Keep up the great work!

update... beginning what will hopefully become the final.
Fear not, the tub-o-death shall return, but I wanted to rework the perspective to focus more on my countess, so I'm starting with her reflection. Comments and crits are
always welcome :)

[Novbert]

alesoun: I haven't thanked your crit yet. I always have these issues with length of legs - I'll fix it, and the skirt also.
Draixe: There were so many monstrous countesses here when I started sketching, that I decided to focus more on her obsession of beauty and youth, and show how much she's afraid of getting old. But you're right - I really need to make it more bloody and scary - that's what I'll use the bacground for ;)

[Adele]

hey guys, thanks for the feedback...I do mean to add more lighting from the candle...but i actually did want to see if anyone would think it was a little dark before i did....so great feedback! You never know what it looks like on other people's monitors. On my cintiq its great, on my monitor its a little saturated...so thanks.
ALSO, love the comment that it looks a little Burtonish...I havent had that comment since uni! great to hear :D
and lastly, no problem with the topic...im glad to see its a motivator :D

[scorge]

Didn't quite make it for the Goblins, (too used to COW deadlines). Anyway, here's the WIP.
Poshspice: I somehow ended up at your website the other day, totally unaware of your skill and scope of talent. Your ability to portray the most subtle technique with the deepest emotion is amazing. This entry is no exception. Thanks for inspiring me!
Novbert: I love the old age reference. Why else would she be doing this ? Great start.
Valkyries Bard: Hard to discern between the good and evil here. Brilliant portrayal of underlying menace.
Draixe: While the tub is dreadfully evil and perfectly fitting, it does overwhelm the character aspect a bit. Might want to focus more on her, now that you've obviously got the setting down.
Scratch that. Just saw your latest, keep it up!
Fersteger: Beautiful story telling ability not to mention killer technique. Nice to have you.
Adam Schumpert: Sexiness. In a sick and twisted way. Very nice.
Adele: Bring those eyes down a bit and you've got it! Love the environment.
Pixeltuner: So what did you have for lunch? Wacom with a side of brilliant idea? Love your stuff man.
Kugu, Nutter: Excellent starts, even if they are the finish. Great emotional pieces.
Arthemis IX: The red is just right. Matches the rest of the painting. Like the faces in the gown idea.
Comments are better than money. Thanks in advance!
PS, any advice on legs/hip placement greatly appreciated.

[Hiipi]

Here´s my go.
When there´s a chance to play with blood, so I will.

I have not yet nailed pretty much anything in the pic, I only have a vague idea about the feeling I wanna have in the picture so let´s see if we´ll get there.

Good job everyone, I think this will be grrrrrreat!

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[ryuloulou]

hi everybody, here's the first rough, I am planning a white dress with bloody hands marks, and incrustations of of young ladys' faces in the bottom of the dress.
I mght change my mind of course, as I usually do ^^
http://stephaniehans.free.fr/elisabeth.jpg

[mvocet]

everyone have a good idea, but i like Hiipi (http://www.conceptart.org/forums/member.php?u=3473) work.. there is something secret and horrible :) it seems to me that she wanna more and more blood ;)

[Novbert]

I also dig the idea, Hiipi. Though I think it was MUCH stronger if we could see her face (form frontal or quarter view)

[Pixeltuner]

Novbert, Draixe, Scorge: Thx a bunch :). I made a new more detailed linedrawing with coloring job out of the first idea.

Adele, Nutter, Kugu, Hiipi: Looking pretty sharp all of you. Great takes on the subject and very moody.

Scorge Yours looks more like an Egyptian/Arabian queen, which is pretty sweet maybe a bit off-topic. I'm not sure though :D

[Lewis]

Hey guys, nice works. I enjoyed going through the pages.

I have a general comment i want to make.

I saw Poshspice's piece with the dead virgins and Valkyrie's Bards piece with chopped off feet and I thought:
Dont give away too much information. It will draw away the attention from the character AND it will make the mood less mysterious.

To give a bad example: We all wonder why Mona Lisa is smiling, its an interesting thing to think about when you look at her. Would it be as interesting if Da Vinci decided to draw a clown next to her?

[Xaya]

Finally, I have some free time again. I haven´t drawn or painted for some weeks now...:ore:
Nevertheless this is my first progress shot of my entry.
I will widen the canvas and add a girl in the foreground, who is catching the dress of the Countess...

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[Xaya]

update... before a break!

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[Hiipi]

Updating.

To Novbert: I thought I would approach the subject from a different perspective. Now there is some staff of the Good Old Countess in on the pic. I will try my best to depict the disgust and anguish of being forced to help her in these cruelties on their faces. I think it might tell as much about the main character that way too. Let´s see if I manage to pull it off. I think I don´t have time to finalize this as much as I would want to, but I will try.

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[Wiggers]

Here's my go.

[Adam Schumpert]

Adam Schumpert: Now this idea is awesome! In fact I liked the first "all red" version better. Reducing the range of colors you use can be a good idea.


Thank you very much for the feedback. :) I know what you mean about the liking the feeling of the all red version. I've been playing around with how to put some of the red back into the piece, but now after reading Draixe's statement I'm totally conflicted... Ah well I'll figure it out. :confident

[hungryan]

533745
My first WIP, created with a free digipainting program called Artweaver.
I'm still going along the lines of her being just an intelligent, and therefore dangerous woman (she talked 4 different languages) being politically accused of the murders, so there will be no blood and gore on the picture. I don't know what is the truth of course, I just thought this is more interesting theme. :)

[Xaya]

third and last update this day...

I am not quite sure about the pose and expression of the young girl in the foreground (u see just one of her hands right now), well lets see...

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[Pixeltuner]

Xaya: Me like :) Especially the hair. I need to do my hair more like that as well. It's too cluttered right now. Last update for today.

[panic_attack]

ok, as you can see, i am very new here.

this is my rough sketch.

just bloking some wrong (like skin) colors.

pls crit if u have time.

hope i will make it on time.

cheers! :D

[ArtbyWard]

PixelTuner: Great going man, shes turning out really nice. I see your from Hilversum, that's funny, me too :). You Happen to study at the HKU also?

Thx for the advice everyone! This is what I have now. Comments are very appreciated!

[Claudio Grassi]

@ Wiggers: Thanks man! I really appreciate it coming from you :) love the expression on your piece..it's horrifyingly unsettling..appropriate for a woman holding a severed head...you gonna finish it? :teeth:

@Novbert: Thanks ^_^ I realize there isnt much to go on in that sketch..but Im working on it the spare minutes I have..not gonna finish for the deadline but I will probably post it in the Chow revision thread..

@pixeltuner: Glad you like it..Im really digging the bloodied look of your entry, but does she seem a bit young? just my impression..also the slippers are funny :D

@Adam Schumpert: That is some creep s#!t....y's she looking at me that way? @_@ hehe, looking very good and moody!

@Hiipi: A very aggressive take..I really like it, cant wait to see it worked up.

@Hungryan: Looking like a great portrait so far, but watch the 3/4s chow rule...*_*

@Xaya: I love how dreary your images are..the colors look good, what are you planning for the girl at her feet?

Here's my sketched concept..it's farily similar to most as I can see...but It's going to be a painter's portrait of Bathory, with her reflection..hoping to learn about lighting as it will be a dark piece with a single light source..a window off screen right...thanks again t adele for the idea of portraying her inner self :P (thats a skeleton in the mirror :/....)



http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb304/TenGuKu/Bathory-sketch2.jpg

[Cup_of_Tea?]

Hi guys,
this is my first image. going to spend the rest of tonight trying to get more victorian styling and when i colour her, she will have blood on her skin and the floor. just wanted to get something up.

[Pixeltuner]

Kugu: I like my girls young, raaaaah. No just kidding, but her being young and supposedly 'innocent' creates a nice contrast me thinks. And then again, was she bathing to get young or prevent getting old?

Icemoon Thx! And yes, I used to study at the HKU. I graduated in 2004 as an Interaction Designer and right now I'm an artist at a casual games company with a female target audience. That's why I'm drawing all the monsters, robots and blood over here: Balance. :p

[Aly Fell]

Hi guys, some one line thoughts on stuff.

First off, thanks for the comments about mine. I haven’t done a ChOW for a while and it’s good to get back into it.

Sorknes – The design here is very authentic, costume wise. It’s got a real period feel. I personally would make the background less ‘flat’ on.

Poshspice - A bunch of pure arse!

Panic Attack – The idea’s top. I take it she’s cutting the throat of the victim? I suggest taking care with the comparative proportions. Right now she looks a little large over the victim.

MJ Alcazar – Hope you do finish, as I really enjoy watching your process. I like the pose, but feel the lowered arm looks a bit uncomfortable. Good expression.

Mimer – Very gruesome! You’re getting some nice depth in the bath of blood. This should prove interesting as it develops! :)

Valkyries Bard – There is a Disney feel to elements of this. Mainly the youth. The open inviting hand is an interesting element. I know what you’re trying for atmospherically with the twisted perspective, but watch the upright figure compared to this. It might look awkward. Expression on the victim is great, but maybe play with Bathory’s a bit more.

Ice Moon – With the back view you can have fun with the ruffled dress, and still get the face in with the mirror. Good composition. How about extending it down even more and have the train dragging through blood. Exaggerate the length?

Arthemis IX – A very spooky idea with the faces in the gown. The screen in the background and her hair give this a sort of oriental setting. I don’t know whether that’s intentional… As for it being too red… perhaps play around with maybe a complimentary green somewhere? Or a bit of gold.

Pixeltuner – You make blood look soooo… bloody! I love the skull slippers! I don’t think the image is too cluttered, and the back lighting from the window will be fun to play with.

Adele – She’s looking great! Very dark and brooding. I like how you’ve kept the cartoony feel with such a sinister subject matter. I do think I preferred her when she was looking at us though.

Adam Schumpert – Another bloody bath! She must have had one hell of a dry cleaning bill with all the towels. I like the idea of the death embrace and her eye contact as well. Your design work is fab on the bath. Maybe a few trickles of blood on her flesh as well…

Buffichar – She has a bit of a Lady Macbeth vibe as well here. You say you’re scared of colour, well if I might make a suggestion, don’t start colouring from white. Lay down a base colour first, maybe a midtone, and be careful with airbrush. Harder edged brushes are often more natural and intuitive. But that could be just my personal perspective.

Fersteger – I’m enjoying this image. She’s got a great goth vibe and I really appreciate that! :) The framing works so well too.

Draixe – Thanks for the comment, and your face is looking really good. The twist on the arm is very subtle. Breasts aren’t usually quite that round though! ;) Need to see more!

Novbert – The mirror element is popular this time round! Watch her proportions; she needs slightly longer legs. It’ll be good to see some colour! ;)

Kugu – I love the face! She’s got quite a big chest! Your drawing skills are great here, and the pose is very demure for a serial killer.

Nutter – Smashing idea with the two of them, the victim at the stake. Maybe a bit more work on Bathory’s expression? Where’s her point of focus?

Scorge – Thank you for the kind words. Lots of drama and energy in yours. Watch your figure proportions, and the angle of the bath. Most of the blood would drain out…

Hiipi – Looking gorgeous with the muted tones. I know it’s just me but I’d love to see her face.

Ryuloulou – I always have fun spelling your name! Lovely face and emotion. Not much to say, but I love where it’s going.

Xaya – She’s looking lovely. Expression, outfit… Maybe the expression of the victim could be pleading and hopeless? Good to see you here!

Wiggers – What a face! Madness… Brilliant. Your economy of line is refreshing. More please…

Hungryan – The rough outfit looks promising, and dwelling on the less gratuitous elements will make yours stand out. Good colour choices!

Cup of tea – Nice drawing, but I hope there will be more elements to suggest the historical feel of the character. The dead arm is particularly unsettling!

Hope that's everyone...

[Novbert]

update here (oops - I haven't fix the legs... yet):

533892

[Venger]

I always knew you were twisted Wiggers :P
I love her expression - reminds me of Hammer films.
Keep it up John.

[Adele]

Poshspice thanks, glad you like it...there was a suggestion to make her eyes smaller...but my style is cartoony (more animated) like you said....I changed the eyes to look up as when i was painting it, something didnt look right. BUT, I will paint the direction of the eyes like at first, onto another level and see what it looks like...

UPDATE: ive changed the eyes back to original, let me knw what you think.

Im just wondering about Hiipi, will you have a problem with not showing a face as i recall a rule about seeing the face, it was mentioned about someone's entry in the Vagabond street musician genre a few weeks ago...where there was a violin player standing on rocks and playing out to the ocean with them facing away from camera...they then hand to re enter a new one so you could see the face...just thought you should check before going too far....OR you could stick an old mirror in there behind and under the vat of blood, splattered with blood, but so we could see the reflection of her face???
But its a great idea you have done :)

KuGu looking like a great idea! SHES REALLY A HIDEOUS WALKING OLD SKELETON!!!!! :D

Wiggers niiice! thats one creepy mumma-jumma! and i love the skulls and old heads and rat! love a good rat.

[L.E.O.]

so here is my WIP, im basically done with the design, im only gonna draw the stonewall in the background and thats pretty much it, then ill color.

(thx daestwen.)

[daestwen]

(imageshack sucks now... does anyone know how to take that promotion out?)

Don't host it on imageshack :P

There's no reason to. CA has a really neat attachment uploader made specifically for your needs! Use that instead of hosting it elsewhere.

[Visionspring]

OK this is my initial flicker of an idea - Maybe her body is all old and haggard and the face is changing to a young one? But maybe it should be the other way around because the body is in the blood bath.....I'm confused :P I'm gonna try really really hard to finish this one, despite having a buttload of work and a busy weekend as well - yay for doing things at the last minute! those are supposed to be bodies at the bottom.

[Wiggers]

Thanks KuGu, posh, Adele and Venger .

Loving your piece Kugu great idea beautifully done!

Where's yours Des?:)

[The Whistler]

Oh wow, awesome topic, I've seen it on Monday but I didn't have time to reply, I'll try to make something, I have about four days, hope I'll make it.

Xaya, she's gorgeous!

[ANARKY]

I've been meaning to get involved with these activities for a while, and I've kind of got the time a bit now, so when i saw the topic, I just had to have a go.

Heres the sketch I did yeaterday afternoon

http://www.andrewdobell.co.uk/Artwork/Uploaded/Bathory.jpg

Then I started to colour it last night

http://www.andrewdobell.co.uk/Artwork/Uploaded/Bathory2.jpg

And continued this morning

http://www.andrewdobell.co.uk/Artwork/Uploaded/Bathory3.jpg


But I'm not sure if its done yet or not. Any ideas from people?

[daestwen]

ANARKY:

While nudity is totally fine here in CHOW, I thought I would go ahead and warn you that it isn't on photobcuket! Because we host the poll images there, there's a good chance that yours will be taken down (sometimes even boobs can trigger it). So, if you can do me a favour, when you submit your final image, please include a work-safe version so I can use that for the poll. You're welcome to use your regular image, but likely then people won't be able to see what they're voting for!

[Hiipi]

Looking good, everyone!

I checked the rules, and it didn´t strictly say that you have to have the face of the person visible - but since few of you already pointed it out I gave it a go.

Might be better like this, adds a certain level of grimness (if that´s a word) to it that she likes to watch herself soaked in blood... Also I was able to highlight the vision I had that she has her mouth open - from the back view it was kinda hard to bring out.

Now I should somehow find the time to render this properly... Uhh.



534346

[daestwen]

I checked the rules, and it didn´t strictly say that you have to have the face of the person visible - but since few of you already pointed it out I gave it a go.

Think you attached the wrong image...?

But yes, there's no strict rule, but we sometimes won't take those that don't face forward to poll. It's hard to judge a character design (which is what this contest is ultimately about!) when you can't see the face - most of our character comes from there. :)

[Wiggers]

update.

[Artofinca]

My wip :)

[ANARKY]

Darn.
Well, i was actually wondering about whether to show her lady bits or not and cover them up.
I figured that people bath in the nude so...

I shall see about doing a work safe version as well, shouldn't be too difficult.

ANARKY:

While nudity is totally fine here in CHOW, I thought I would go ahead and warn you that it isn't on photobcuket! Because we host the poll images there, there's a good chance that yours will be taken down (sometimes even boobs can trigger it). So, if you can do me a favour, when you submit your final image, please include a work-safe version so I can use that for the poll. You're welcome to use your regular image, but likely then people won't be able to see what they're voting for!

[Hiipi]

Think you attached the wrong image...?

But yes, there's no strict rule, but we sometimes won't take those that don't face forward to poll. It's hard to judge a character design (which is what this contest is ultimately about!) when you can't see the face - most of our character comes from there. :)

I chose the wrong words, it IS the right image. The face isn´t too visible, but at least you see a hint of it there. Hope to get in, since my take on the character is more portraying through the mood of the picture, than her actual face.

[ANARKY]

Right, did a little more to it, think its about finished. And then created a Work safe version as well.

Birthday Suit version
http://www.andrewdobell.co.uk/Artwork/Uploaded/Bathory4.jpg

Lady bits covered version
http://www.andrewdobell.co.uk/Artwork/Uploaded/Bathory5.jpg

Which do people prefer out of interest?

[Adam Schumpert]

Ok I posted this update in my earlier post but since I had some questions I thought it would be better to post it in the same post.

I still have a good bit of work on this, especially in the curtains I've hardly touched them at all so far. There are also some little details that are bugging me atm, but my main concern is that I feel like I might have made my image to cluttered. I think the biggest thing that is hurting my composition is that the iron maiden is competing for attention as the focal point of the piece. Anyone have any suggestions on the best way to put the iron maiden back in her place?
534396
I need to tone down the moon a bit also I think?

Thanks for the help, :teeth:
Adam

[Amaranthe]

Here's my first CHOW participation... It's still just a sketch done on a break from studying for FINALS! I don't know if I'll be able to finish it but I hope so! :)
534541
The only real reason she is covering her breasts is the issue with Photobucket... I'd like to add a bloody girl in the tub, or perhaps just blood in the tub with a frightened girl peeking around the curtains..

[buffichar]

KuGu I love your sketch. i love the mirror reflection even more (mwah ha ha)
Xaya lovely lovely.
Goes without saying I love PoshSpice's work but then again i'm biased. Just to let you know when it's done i'm going to show it off again to my friends. I'm a groupie what can i say.

All right my homages are done. I'm loving everyone's work and everyones help

Draixie Thanks for your suggestion. I love your countesses eyes by the way. Saucy yet deadly.

Poshspice. Well I was trying really hard to make her not cute. Anything evil is a testament to my wishes over my crossed eyes. (bowing humbly)

Love your countess Adele. No suggestions just keep on going.

Novbert Thanks. Patience I get better with practice.

In closing I love everyone's unique interpretation.
Okay back to work for me

[fersteger]

Anarky- I like the nekkid version better.

Adam- You're right the iron maiden is taking focus away. Maybe if you softened it and got more detailed and tighter on the figures it would help. Or push it back by lessening the contrast on it a bit. And for the moon, maybe some wispy clouds in the sky and a lot less brighter moon would help. Being so bright right in the corner throws off the compostion for me a bit. I want to see it finished!

[Novbert]

Adam: your idea is great, but this scene is overcrowded. My simple advice: get rid of the top half! it doesn't really add to the mood of the picture as it is - in fact it weakens the composition as you pointed out.
Nice work on the countess by the way.

Here goes my update:

534600

[Venger]

Where's yours Des?:)

Just to busy at the moment - which is good.


Quick note on your update, watch the clavicle it's very high.

[MJ_Alcazar]

Thanks for all the crits guys! I really appreciate them.
I tried to fix the arm from the first one, hopefully she looks a little better now. She's supposed to have blood on her face, but I left it like it is right now, because I'm not entirely sure that the blood looks okay there.
Then, I went with a different approach and made a second one.
Hopefully I'll be able to finish this. Loving the approaches guys. Wish I had time to do individual crits.

http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk153/Seloh_Eft/scan0003-6.jpg
http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk153/Seloh_Eft/scan0004-5.jpg

[timothee]

Man, so many lovely renders in here, I hope to get something done by Sunday.

[Venger]

timothee - don't forget that the minimum is 3/4 of the character (also remember that it's a character concept rather than an illustration, though they sometimes go hand in hand.)

[ozzymaru]

Totally awesome work all around. well, here's my sketch up. I really hope I can finish on time.. crits are most welcome and also needed. Thanks guys. All the best.
534725

[Artificially Awake]

heres mine so far
mainly a sketch that i'm now going over

critique encouraged ^_^

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b123/prep-executioner/bahpreviews.jpg

[timothee]

Venger- I know what you mean, I wanted to get both of the ladies' expression through a profile view, but i'll have to get a 3/4 angle of my main character instead. I want to get Bathory in a taunting expression, to show her mean character.

[Venger]

It's not the angle but the size, you have to show at least 3/4 of the full character, not a 3/4 shot (think head to knees).

[matias]

Hey guys, just a couple stages wip, also had fun this morning doing some paint splatters on my kitchen floor (on paper :P) that Ima scan and work into the background. Was gonna have some bodies around her but I think I'll skip those in favour of time and also I thinkin blood will be enough on the gore scale.
http://members.optusnet.com.au/matias.jakku/Linking%20Files/ChoW_138_Matias_wip.jpg
Trying to make her strong as well as hawt... maybe fantasy got in the way of historic reality... >_<
trying to draw chicks who are strong and mean, but feminine is a boggle, I need to practice drawing the ladies!
Update: I think I'm pretty much done on the figure, just deciding wether I do an abstract/design based background or an actual setting.
http://members.optusnet.com.au/matias.jakku/Linking%20Files/ChoW_138_matias_closing.JPG

Jessibean: Wow, awesome pic grabbed me straight away!! Very cool scene, lighting is look strong.

Fersteger: Cool pic dude, shes nicely framed, Im always a big fan of the long vertical composition and what a great dress too!

Poshspice: What can I say... good stuff, you always nail your costumes and expressions, really captured the dispassionate vainty she'd need to slaughter all those girls, just for her looks.

Ryuloulou: Nice start, I'd like to see this finished, I think its got great potential, theres something naive about her, which I think is an angle to the character i hadnt thought of.

[Adam Schumpert]

Novbert & fersteger - Thanks a lot for the advice it was very helpful! :teeth:

daestwen - I was wondering if you think I would need to produce a work safe version of my picture for photobucket or not? If so can I post one along with my WIPs when I post my final or does my final have to be the work safe version?

Thanks for the clarification,
Adam

[daestwen]

daestwen - I was wondering if you think I would need to produce a work safe version of my picture for photobucket or not? If so can I post one along with my WIPs when I post my final or does my final have to be the work safe version?

You should be okay. Sometimes boobs will send off photobucket's trigger, but not usually. Yours *might* because of the slightly sexual nature, but, you might be safe. If you'd like to make a worksafe version for the poll to be safe, though, be my guest.

GENERAL NOTE AND REMINDER:

I have seen a couple other full-frontal nudity ones, however. Keep in mind if we can see more than her boobs (even in reflection!) that you'll probably get yours taken down by photobucket, and thus should provide a work-safe version for poll. (Though you're very welcome to post both versions in the final thread!)

[hungryan]

535016

Going a little bit forward, mostly with the face, but not sure about anything yet.
Eh, too much things going on at the weekend, so not sure I can finish it. Thanks for everybody for the remarks by the way.

[vaughany_boy]

hey, I haven't posted on here for quite a long time

since I've got some time on my hands this weekend I'm gonna try and submit.

WIP:
http://img90.imageshack.us/img90/5180/chow168countesselizabetpj2.jpg

I'm probs gonna give her a little jewellery and maybe some gothicy looking tattoos on her forearms.

[The Whistler]

Ok, I just made a rough sketch since my tablet doesn't agree with vista on my laptop so I had to wait to come back home to a PC with WinXP. Hope I'll make it till Monday...

UPDATED...

[MJ_Alcazar]

I worked on the first one for a long time last night/this morning. It didn't turn out really well. Her dress looks really ugly. So, I'm going to continue messing around with it and see if I can fix it.
And, while I was frustrated with that, I redid the other sketch. I'm actually starting to really like that one too. Sooo, I have no clue which to go with now.

Hungryan - I hope you can finish, I'm liking the old portrait thing you have going. It's looking good so far.
Whistler - hope you make it too. Looks like a good start. I like the axe. I think she may be bending back just a little bit too much.


http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk153/Seloh_Eft/elizabethbathorywip3.jpg
http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk153/Seloh_Eft/scan0006-4.jpg

[daestwen]

MJ - I actually like the second one a lot better. The first seems a little akward and stiff, where the second one seems a little more natural.

If you feel like you have the time, I would work on that one. :)

[Sorknes]

MJ: I would definitly go with the second one. It has a lot more personality, I love the cat, and it is a huge improvement.

I started anew on mine, I hope I'll manage to get it done in time...

[MJ_Alcazar]

Thanks guys, second one it is then. :)

[mayhemunited]

I'll try to finish the background and foreground tomorrow before the deadline.

http://www.mayhemunited.com/art/chow138_mayhemunited1.jpghttp://www.mayhemunited.com/art/chow138_mayhemunited2.jpghttp://www.mayhemunited.com/art/chow138_mayhemunited3.jpg

[JessiBean]

Sork, love the new direction! just watch all the shadows and highlights being equal, like on the sleeves - some will be lower and higher and degrees inbetween to show the form underneath.

After much computer shenanigans and eating of files, I think I am back on track... here's hoping finishing on time is also in the cards. I took the tack of her recording all the names of her victims in a book - blood and such to come, promise.

535392 535393

[Simon Boxer]

Great start, Jessi. Love the lighting.

MJ - I agree the second one is much stronger, however her right forearm (over the book) is too short at the moment. Maybe try and get someone to pose like that with a book and compare your drawing.

[ikuru]

looking really nice Jess, not sure about this but u might wanne bring her head and neck a bit more to the right in the pic a little, or curve it some more or something, it looks right in the sketch but a bit disjointed to the rest of the body in the progress shot maybe...

[Sorknes]

I couldn't sleep... So I might manage to finish after all :D

Lots of things to fix still, and I'll try to do something with the sleeves, they've been giving me a small headache, heh. :)

[daestwen]

NOTE FOR THE NEXT ROUND:

As I'll be running Chow by myself for a little bit, the New Round will start at Sunday Night at Midnight, Eastern Standard Time (GMT -5), and end at the same time the week after. THIS round will still end Monday at 5pm Pacific Time, so there will be a little under a day's worth of overlap.

Thanks for your patience!

[Adele]

JessiBean . I like the lighting and mood you have there...nice chest and face so far...the top of her dress pressing on her chest is very cool!

[panic_attack]

Thanks all for crits and comments!

I probably wount finish this one (hope I'm wrong).

Still no details, looks like I'm afraid to go with details.

It looks like throat cutting, but I imagine that like "after that". (sorry for my english).

ELizabeth hold knife in left hand, and with right one she is "pushing" her head over the bath and keeping her bleeds in that.

If anyone understood what I wrote, even that's great sucess. :D

cheers, last w.i.p.

edit: btw great works all!!

[Xaya]

Ok, i finally know what i want to illustrate. I had a lot of problems with the victim in the foreground, it is necessary to paint her at all. Am I able to do the pose in the same quality as the main character etc.

Well this is my current progress.
I think it is important to keep the focus at the countess and put the girl in a dark shade.
Nevertheless much work ahead... see you monday!

535652

[Hideyoshi]

just a quick sketch.
Marvelous work, all!

535701

[daestwen]

Guys, Please Please Please remember the WIP rule. I reserve the right not to take you to poll if you don't post or link to your wips in the final burning thread!

[Hideyoshi]

yeah, sorry forgot to save WIPs for this one.
I knew you want them, but I posted it anyway because it's just a sketch...
If you decide not to take it to poll, ok with me!

[ArtbyWard]

Wow guys, A lot of very beautiful work in here! Here is where I am now..

Daestwen, Im a bit worried about the face, is it big enough for the "face must be seen clearly" rule?

[daestwen]

Daestwen, Im a bit worried about the face, is it big enough for the "face must be seen clearly" rule?

It's not a *rule* per say, just that sometimes we won't take people to poll because you don't often get the character if you don't get the face.

Looking at yours, you're probably fine. Only thing I would say is that she seems a bit small? Hard to really make out features and stuff, and you probably won't be able to read her that well in the 300 px wide poll image.

If you want to check how she'll read in the poll, just set the dimensions of your piece to that size, take a look at it, and go back to working size.

[hungryan]

535716
Going a tiny bit further.
So, if I understand it right, I may have a little more time to finish this right?

[ozzymaru]

here's more. I don't seem to have the time to finish it the way i would like it. but anyways,,...
I changed the initial concept to this:

535717

here's the later progress on the same

535718
535719
535723
535736

Bathory whistling to the tune of death..

BTW, C&C most welcome

:)

[Sorknes]

A ton of colour help from the IRC gang later........ :D

[daestwen]

So, if I understand it right, I may have a little more time to finish this right?

Yup. The new round starts in 10 hours, but this round will continue for another 30 hours.

[MJ_Alcazar]

Oh good, I might be able to finish this if there's another 30 hours left. :)

Some progress. Been working on this a lot between studying.

http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk153/Seloh_Eft/ebwip6.jpg

[The Whistler]

Thanks MJ! I know she's bending back a bit too much but I was looking for an exaggerated reference to illustrate the fact she was mentally ill...

I like your secomd sketch more too :)

updated HERE (http://www.conceptart.org/forums/showpost.php?p=2035432&postcount=135)

[vaughany_boy]

Another WIP
I'm having fun with this :)

[Xaya]

Does this work? Especially the girl in the foreground?

535876

[willobeen]

This was fun to do, a bit difficult though…I don't know how I'm going to fair with the blood. I'm terrible at that kind of thing.

[daestwen]

Xaya: I think the tangent with the knife and the girl is off - I would try and arange it so that the knife doesn't look like it's intersecting with the girl's head. Hope that helps. :)

[MJ_Alcazar]

Quick question for anyone. On my piece, post #158, I have two light sources. I'm beginning to realize that was probably a big mistake. Should I remove the back light source all together, or try to move it somewhere else? Right now I think I've messed up all the shadows beyond hope. But, I don't really know. Any help on that would be greatly appreciated.

[alesoun]

Lose the candles at the back, MJ, and try a shadow leaping up behind her, and take some time over her right hand, it looks a bit unfinished.
You're improving every time.

[The Whistler]

My final... Finally. ;)

MJ Alcazar - I don't think a secondary light source is that bad, however, it's hard to tell since there's no BG yet so I can't see which light is from your sources and which is reflectig light. (e.g. I can't see where the purples on the right side of the cat are coming from) Next time maybe try putting only the basic colours of the BG in and then paint the character? Makes tings a LOT easier when coloring.

Also, here's a simple tutorial to help - Light tut (http://www.itchy-animation.co.uk/tutorials/light01.htm) :)

Good luck :)

EDIT: Forgot to say - Xaya, if it's not too late already, watch the hand that's holding the knife, it looks like she doesn't have a wrist.

[ryuloulou]

littl update before final sprint
I think I can finish it on time
http://stephaniehans.free.fr/elisabeth2.jpg

[hungryan]

Jessi's picture me likes.
It has the amount of blood and gore that is subtle enough to be creepy in a nice way. And there's boobies. So, though it's the other way I was going on, it's a winner for me so far.

[Claudio Grassi]

Thanks guys for all the comments..I never did find the time to get past this..and chances are, no one will see this now that finals are up...but I was fiddling with new ways to paint..I dont have a "painting" background so it's all new to me..I was trying to give it a more classical look..crits are kindly requested.
and best of luck to everyone in the poll! :teeth:

536366

[MJ_Alcazar]

Anyone know if I still have time? I'm really trying to get this done, I don't want to miss two CHOWs in a row. :)
The Final two weeks in school always are bad. After the big test tomorrow, I should have some free time. But, that doesn't help me today! :)

http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk153/Seloh_Eft/ebwip9.jpg

[Sorknes]

Use this Pacific Standard Time Clock (http://wwp.greenwichmeantime.com/time-zone/usa/pacific-time/) to find out how much time you have left. :)

[Dan!]

well, wish I could have participated in this one but had to start this morning...
http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q81/DECYPL/Chow138_dan.jpg

[daestwen]

Guys, you've got about 2 and a half hours left. :P Hustle!

[daestwen]

POLL IS UP! (http://www.conceptart.org/forums/showthread.php?t=143387)

[Cup_of_Tea?]

well, i never finished... again.
but, i thought i'd post what i got anyway.
the whole process of doing it is as important as finishing it i guess.
so, no blood and not enough victorian influence.... but you can see where i was going.\