Pikchurs

[Matt Dixon]

Hey, gang.

As usual I find myself on the brink of an image post pondering whether to present the work in silence or accompanied by a paragraph or two of largely pointless chat. I'm concerned that no text makes me look a bit aloof but that a lengthy burble about what I've been up to and how much I've enjoyed 2008 looks like a limp attempt to show off. On reflection, perhaps worse than either of those options would be some silly introspective commentary with no relevance to this site or the work I'm showing...

Har har. See what I did? What a guy.

Anyway. Almost time to say toodle pip to 2008. This year has seen me working harder than at any other time in my life. It's been bloody great.

Here's some of what I've been up to -

http://www.mattdixon.co.uk/Forum/Dominion.jpg

http://www.mattdixon.co.uk/Forum/Epilogue.jpg

http://www.mattdixon.co.uk/Forum/Introversion.jpg

http://www.mattdixon.co.uk/Forum/Shadowlands.jpg

http://www.mattdixon.co.uk/Forum/MoonReaver.jpg

http://www.mattdixon.co.uk/Forum/BattleMetal.jpg

Some new odds and sods on my site too - www.mattdixon.co.uk

Rock on!

537750

[Opilione]

Love the robot!

[jmw]

I really like the style. Are these traditional?

[Andrade]

fun style all-around :)

[Mandryk]

Working hard and it shows! These are wonderful Matt.

I know your proportions are technically correct, but I wonder if making the heads on your characters just slightly smaller might give them a bit more power...specifically the first guy and the skeleton warrior. Just a thought.

The robot by the water is just perfection though.... oh so glum......=)

[ANARKY]

Always great! Love the Metal Hammer stuff on your site!

[sony]

Hey Matt, nice variety of stuff!!! no p in Up! :p Wolf head is rude, i liked your colors, they are bit unsaturated; as you use more saturated tones, nice exploration.
Cheers

[Semphora]

seriously great stuff!

[TheGnoll]

hey man, always really great to see what you've been up to, cryptic introspective comments included :)
the bright colors and brushwork are really cool as usual
for some reason the first two are kinda different from the usual and are a pleaure to see (not that you care, but i'm not a big fan of the head/hairdo of the guy in the first pic )

i really like how you worked more than usual on the background on some of these new pics, can't wait to see you challenge yourself with an enviroment or something like that.

New stuff on the newly polished site is cool as usual ^^

great to see what you've been up to, hope to see more soon

ciao

[Pavel Sokov]

great work as always, no surprise here

[Zergaloth]

Anyway. Almost time to say toodle pip to 2008.
i giggled.

about the work: i like your style. it really is yours, even though many try to imitate it, you fully grasp it. somehow your work always reminds me of painted miniatures, like Warhammer or some game. Not only because of the subject matter. It might be the vibrant colors, or the way you paint highlights on faces (like the last pic).... I'm not arty enough to put my finger on it.

But what I've always liked a lot about your paintings is the background. Though quite often it's not more than a cloudy sky, or some clouds of color to get a feeling across - i like the way it is done. It always has this cloudy look, and I'm really interested in how you do it. It's probably a very basic thing to do, but I wouldn't know where to start. I was kind of hoping you'd share your secret?

Gosh. Looking at your site makes me want to hide in shame for what i just said about your work looking like miniatures. Privateer Press, Pox Nora, I should've known where I'd seen this all before. That, and the posed, I really think it's the poses that do the trick.

God I love your work.

[Demo]

the skeleton and robot = amazing
make sure to keep droping off the fini ones here i loved seeing them

[Ahnem Mee]

Awww man you make it look like those were no sweat.

Very neat, all of them, all nice and clean and great colors.

[Hypna]

That robot.. what an amazing picture.. Good job man

[Matt Smith]

Great work Matt. I really like the different look the first 2 have.

[GDonaldson]

vivid colours and brushwork, I like it alot!

[stevethomas]

What can I say that hasn't been said already. You rock as always, man.
Oh, and I got your book. It's great to see the process.

[Matsign]

You've come a loong way Matt. Congrats on havin' to bust your butt now. You're work has it's own folder in my inspiration directory lol. Have a good new year!

[Dahami]

I've got that little book you did. I love your fantasy characters and use of color.

[Extollere]

Hey, gang.

As usual I find myself on the brink of an image post pondering whether to present the work in silence or accompanied by a paragraph or two of largely pointless chat. I'm concerned that no text makes me look a bit aloof but that a lengthy burble about what I've been up to and how much I've enjoyed 2008 looks like a limp attempt to show off. On reflection, perhaps worse than either of those options would be some silly introspective commentary with no relevance to this site or the work I'm showing...


Dude who cares about that stuff, just post more stuff. I don't care if there is a comment or not (comment preferable I guess..) so long as I get to see your awesome new works.

[Chuck,mate.]

once again you lift my spirit and make me smile gazing at the screen.
if there`s one thing (among many other things..) I really enjoy in your work, is how you PAINT your
textures, patiently and meticulously, rather than just throw on some existing texture from a photo or a texture pack.

you love what you do and it shows. I adore your style, your techinque, and your charming characters.

thanks for these, Matt. you kick ass as usual.
:)


P.

[newman]

lovely! i always like your work; been checking on the HM site for your work for ages!

[katana]

I've followed your work for many years now...I still think "Pussy Patrol" was your defining piece (the one that set you apart from everyone else). I wish you would do a sequel to that one...You have such a mastery of the brush...Thanks for sharing.

[KonnA]

Really like these. I especially like that robot on the rocks. So awesome.

[banhatin]

stunning works as always~!@

[Matt Dixon]

Thanks for the responses, boys and girls. It's always good to read what people think. Anyone know why this thread has had 26,000 views since 4pm yesterday?! Weird.

Opilione - Thanks. That's the first robot I've done in a long time. Must find time to do more.

jmw - Cheers. All digital. Photoshop start to finish.

Andrade - I think fun is both my motivation and goal, so it's good that it's coming across on some level. Thankyou.

Mandryk - Thanks, Daryl. Always glad to see you drop by. You're probably right on the head / body relationship.

ANARKY - Cheers, Andrew. Your latest Spiral stuff looks cool by the way.

sony - I'm pleased you noticed that I've approached the colour work a bit differently on some of these. There's still fairly saturated colours in there, but hopefully they're a little better balanced which is probably why the overall schemes feel more muted.

Semphora - Thankyou.

TheGnoll - I'm not really doing much different in these, it's just that I can't always get away with a lazy background of silhouette and texture! Trying to lose the lines a bit though, and I think that's more easily done if I treat the painting as a continuous whole. Those super economical backgrounds tend to work against that somewhat.

Pavel Sokov - Hehe. Is that a cryptic reference to the title of my last FF thread..? :teeth:

Zergaloth - That's a nice, meaty reply. I'm always very happy to hear if someone likes what I've done, but to read why is so much more interesting. Thanks very much for taking the time to post. Regarding the backgrounds, I'm not sure that there's a secret exactly. The backgrounds just tend to end up far less resolved than the main subject as I spend less time on them. I work from big to small ( broad to specific, if you prefer ) and I suppose I just never really get past the 'big' part away from focal areas. They kind of fill up with odds and ends of texture and colour while I work on the more important bits, then get tidied up at the end. There's no background to speak of in this piece so it's not a great example, but I think it shows what I mean better than text - link (http://www.mattdixon.co.uk/Forum/Waaaargh_WIP_strip.jpg)

Demo - Thanks. Will do.

Ahnem Mee - Let me assure you that sweat, nervous twitching and nibbled cheeks are integral parts of my creative process. Cheers.

Hypna - Thankyou.

Matt Smith - Hey, Matt. Thanks. I have been mixing things up a little lately.

GDonaldson - I thang yew.

stevethomas - Rocking is certainly something I aspire to, Steve. My thanks to you! Hope the book was alright.

Matsign - Hard not to move forward if you hang around these parts. All the best in 2009 to you!

Dahami - Thankyou. I hope you enjoyed the book.

Extollere - I'll remember that for next time! Cheers!

Chuck,mate. - Thanks, man. Your comments are always much appreciated!

newman - Thankyou. Just delivered a big batch of new stuff to the Heavy Metal guys. Hope you find something interesting amongst them..!

katana - 'Pussy Patrol' certainly brought me a lot of unexpected attention. I was almost commissioned for a series of pictures with that character a while back, but I didn't have the time to pick it up. It would be nice to revisit her one day.

Just connor - The robot seems to be a favourite! Thanks.

banhatin - Thanks.

[MoonVisionStudio]

They are all great, I really, really love MoonReaver, Epilogue, and Introversion. All the Best for the coming new year!

[turbos]

Love your stuff. The style with both the girls and the robots you draw is really inspiring :)

[Cloister]

Nice strokes! I dig the zombie-king!

[LE0NHEART]

Wow! just love your style, very painterly feel. don't suppose you've got some tips for a wannabe concept artist? lol :D

[ANARKY]

Cheers Matt

Just looking at that Ork WIP, and was wondering if you keep the background on a seperate layer? Im just curious about your process is all.

Cheers for posting, your work has a sense of fun and light heartedness which is always refreshing.

[katana]

Matt put up a nice tutorial on his "Bird Catcher".

http://www.3dtotal.com/team/Tutorials_2/bird_catcher/bird_catcher_01.asp

[qlanuknow]

wow! love the first image. and thanks for the tutorial.

[KonnA]

Sorry im so vague when posting, but I just don't have the artistic skill or experience to properly critisise anybody elses art. All I can say is you're stuff is so great and although the robot shows no emotion, some how with the colour and the composition you can real feel the image. I mean if I gave something nothing but eyes, I don't think I could show such expression... So good, keep it up...

[3alola]

nice work

[Reject-D]

great job man! i love all the colors!! keep it up!

[Matt Dixon]

MoonVisionStudio - Thanks, Jose. Best wishes for 2009 to you too.

turbos - That's much appreciated.

Cloister - Thankyou!

LE0NHEART - I think the best advice I could give would be to point out that the knowledge required to make a career out of concept art or illustration doesn't really come in the form of 'tips'. Most of what you need to get started is here (http://www.conceptart.org/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=42) and here (http://www.conceptart.org/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=30).

ANARKY - Layers? Urgh. I work on a flat canvas for 99% of the time. I might use a layer to quickly scribble in a significant change or for a bit of lasso / transform action where I'm not quite happy with proportions or pose, but I flatten right after any adjustments are made. The link in katana's post explains my process pretty well.

katana - Interesting find! I hate that image! :teeth: I'd forgotten how detailed a walkthrough that is. That's pretty much how I work, even though that article must be about four years old.

qlanuknow - Cheers!

Just connor - Vague or detailed, I'm grateful for every comment. I think robots like this make good subjects because they're so emotionless. Placing them in an emotional or evocative scene encourages the viewer to project some kind of emotion into that vacuum. That engagement makes the image more likely to 'connect'. At least I think that's how it works...

3alola - Thanks.

Reject-D - I hope I can. Thankyou.

[matt0917]

I love your various color palette per each cut. lovely

[Borilius]

Matt: Its always a pleasure seeing your artwork here. Thank you!

[Zergaloth]

Zergaloth - That's a nice, meaty reply. I'm always very happy to hear if someone likes what I've done, but to read why is so much more interesting. Thanks very much for taking the time to post. Regarding the backgrounds, I'm not sure that there's a secret exactly. The backgrounds just tend to end up far less resolved than the main subject as I spend less time on them. I work from big to small ( broad to specific, if you prefer ) and I suppose I just never really get past the 'big' part away from focal areas. They kind of fill up with odds and ends of texture and colour while I work on the more important bits, then get tidied up at the end. There's no background to speak of in this piece so it's not a great example, but I think it shows what I mean better than text - link (http://www.mattdixon.co.uk/Forum/Waaaargh_WIP_strip.jpg)


The background in the WIP is a good example of what I meant. I really love those. The cloudy look, the way it boosts the colors of the Ork. Funny to hear you don't really 'work' on those, but let them come by accident.
Thanks for the reply - it's great to get kind of in touch with people you admire through this site.
If you're ever thinking about teaching apprentices...

[Shahanart]

amazing ... First three are Awesome

[KonnA]

MoonVisionStudio - Thanks, Jose. Best wishes for 2009 to you too.

turbos - That's much appreciated.

Cloister - Thankyou!

LE0NHEART - I think the best advice I could give would be to point out that the knowledge required to make a career out of concept art or illustration doesn't really come in the form of 'tips'. Most of what you need to get started is here (http://www.conceptart.org/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=42) and here (http://www.conceptart.org/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=30).

ANARKY - Layers? Urgh. I work on a flat canvas for 99% of the time. I might use a layer to quickly scribble in a significant change or for a bit of lasso / transform action where I'm not quite happy with proportions or pose, but I flatten right after any adjustments are made. The link in katana's post explains my process pretty well.

katana - Interesting find! I hate that image! :teeth: I'd forgotten how detailed a walkthrough that is. That's pretty much how I work, even though that article must be about four years old.

qlanuknow - Cheers!

Just connor - Vague or detailed, I'm grateful for every comment. I think robots like this make good subjects because they're so emotionless. Placing them in an emotional or evocative scene encourages the viewer to project some kind of emotion into that vacuum. That engagement makes the image more likely to 'connect'. At least I think that's how it works...

3alola - Thanks.

Reject-D - I hope I can. Thankyou.

I think I get what you mean, sort of like. While the robot has no emotion its then a void which the viewer fills themselfes due to the compostion ect. in the image?

Whatever it is. Its awesome and it makes me want to do robots like it =D

[sourgasm]

I really like some of the new subtle things you've been doing with lighting. You've always had a solid grasp in that area, but the slight haze you've been working in (hands on first painting, cape and kitty in fourth, etc) really pushes things to a whole new level. Texture work is brilliant too, as always.

Consistently one of my favorite painters around here for a long time running. Keep it up!

[Baron Impossible]

Lovely textures complimented by an equally good colour palette. Nice work (and I can see you don't use layers ;) )

[Oden]

werd, I really really like your style...your paint looks really thick and rich and awesome.
I love digital stuff without added textures n stuff, makes it really "authentic" or something.

Have you worked for any miniature games companies? I thought I recognised some Warmachine in your gallery.

[Ralph horsley]

Hi Matt,

Great to hear your have enjoyed your freelancing this past year. Here's to more enjoyment and success in '09.

I always enjoy looking at your work, and dead dude by tree really sums up your style for me. Strong colour choices, lovely integration between background/foreground and muscular mark making :)

Cheers,

Ralph
====

[Twinkie]

For a moment, I thought Dixy would make a post without a near-topless girlie. How foolish I've been.

GOOD stuff, as usual.

[GreenThumbArt]

wow Matt man! you're style has grown to be soo damn good lookin' since last i saw. i remember when you did alot and i thought it seemed too thick but now its just so beautiful and flowing.

first is my fave of this bunch! thanks matt you've improved so much!

[guillom]

I'm Glad your showing some good stuff here ! I can see that 2008 as been very positive for you , remember me at Eurocom ? :D
I love the skeletons

[DavePalumbo]

really nice, man. I particularly like that corpse knight leaning against the tree

[sandeepbarot]

nice work

[Matt Dixon]

matt0917 - Cheers.

Borilius - Thanks, man.

Zergaloth - They're not completely accidental, but that's certainly how it begins. It's then just a case of tuning things so it supports whatever lies against the background and working into the texture which has built up. I gave a crit which talks a little about how I work into textures here (http://www.conceptart.org/forums/showthread.php?t=144029) if you're interested.

Shahanart - Thankyou!

Just conner - Exactly that. :wink:

sourgasm - Thanks very much indeed. I think sometimes it's the subtle changes we make that can be the most effective. I'm very pleased you can see improvement.

Baron Impossible - Thanks, Simon. Any compliment from you is very welcome. I really admire where your work is going these days.

Oden - I've done illustration for Privateer Press and miniature design for some smaller companies. Thanks for the kind words.

Ralph Horsley - Thanks, Ralph. 'Muscular mark making' - I like that! :teeth:

Twinkie - Heh. I almost left that final image out for just that reason! Glad you like, and thanks for the compliment on my crit in the other thread.

GreenThumbArt - Cheers. I'm glad you can see some growth.

guillom - Hey, G! Of course I remember you! 2008 has been great. Hope it's been good for you too! :teeth:

DavePalumbo - Thanks, Dave. The dead knight is my favourite too.

sandeepbarot - Cheers!

[tandy1000]

very lovely compositions! my favorites are
Man and the panther
zombie knight against white moon

[hitman]

I have been a big fan of your works...
Solid update!!!!

and Thanks Katana for the Tutorial link:)

[lucifercheng]

the robot is really adorable~

[pearlyking]

I've always liked your artwork, there's an underlying humor about it that I just can't put my finger on but in a positive and unique way. The latest stuff is pretty cool.

[Okmer]

Amazing work!Love that robot near the water.
Indeed the dead warrior his head seems a tiny tiny little bit big for me too.
Beautiful bright colors!Love it

[Shadow Stalker]

Excellent work man. They've got kind of a Forgotten Realms feel to them. Love it.

[Gax]

oh yeah I love your Bobblehead giant.

[steven6]

nice brush strokes/ style. Are these photo shop or painter?

[griffinfly]

I'm so happy to find more work from you. I've been admiring your art for ages :D keep it up!

[Titan]

awesome stuff man...!

[botho81]

It is always a pleasure to look at your "pikchurs" and get lost.
thanks for sharing!