WW2 Drawing + couple sketches

[Sniper]

First off, I did this as a WW2 collage, its not really a sketch but its in black and white, and it didnt look finished enough to go under any other subject. Its a big pic so just wait. If someone wants to color it, go ahead. (I should have probably turned up the contrast when i scanned it)

http://sniper.rap4.com/drawings/WW2.jpg

Heres a couple quick sketches i did of some characters that I might go into further development with, some stuff is out of proportion, no need to tell me that, again its a quick sketch.

http://sniper.rap4.com/drawings/sketchcharacter1.jpg

I didnt like the profile view of this one, the face looks really long cuz I didnt run the back of the head far enough back.
http://sniper.rap4.com/drawings/sketchface1.jpg

[ceedubya]

Nice work! It's getting there. I'd say that you'd have more luck using something other than lead-pencil. Try using Prismacolor in 'indigo blue' or 'tuscan red' on some grainy paper. I like the character sketches too, again practice makes perfect. It would be nice to see some overlays of this design with the problems that you see getting resolved.

cw

[Sniper]

Ive been a little short on money lately, but im looking into getting some better supplies. Ive been wanting to do some of the conceptual designs like I see so many people doing. I find it awesome how clean some of them come out. Care to suggest anything?

Heres a couple more drawings btw:
http://sniper.rap4.com/drawings/m4-concept.jpg
http://sniper.rap4.com/drawings/hand.jpg http://sniper.rap4.com/drawings/commando.jpg

[ceedubya]

Based on your style, I'd suggest the following:

Berol/Sanford Prismacolor pencil in Indigo Blue, Tuscan Red, and Black

Canson Sketchbook Drawing paper (heavy rag)

The pencils are about 1.50 each and the paper is like 10.00 for an 11x17 spiral bound 50 sheeter. Just about any sketch paper that has some 'tooth' to it will work good with these pencils. I like to use them on smooth coated paper like Letraset maker paper, because it gives me LOTS of contrast, but it's like 25.00 for a 50 pack.

There are alot of guys that start out thier sketches on a smooth paper like this with "non-photo blue" pencils, then sketch on top of that with black. Lots of comic guys to it this way too.

cw

[Sniper]

Alright, I tried throwing some color in that one using psp, my first attempt ever on a drawing, tell me wut ya think:

http://sniper.rap4.com/drawings/sketchface1color.jpg

[ceedubya]

Try to avoid too much black, and remember that not everything goes from black to white. Sometimes it goes from blue to red, or green to orange. The subtle grey transitions are hard to capture but sometimes add depth.

I like that it's not overworked, but you can see why detaiiled linework is so important (i hope)

cw

[Kryaus]

You might have heard this a few times before but it bares repeating. Try not to focus on the materials yet. I would suggest that you should try & get in on a life drawing class & try to draw what you see what in front of you. People, shoes or waffles... whatever happens to be there... Once you can draw/paint whats in front of you convincingly then it will develop the skills that you will need to create from memory later