In the process...updated

[Zeb]

I did a few thumbnails of this image awhile ago, but never really went any further because the subject matter offended a lot of people.

Today, though, I was bored and decided to do a straight PS painting of the idea I had. So, here it is:

http://img16.photobucket.com/albums/v47/zEBaRT/LeftHand.jpg

I still have a few things to refine. I also wanted to fit in the whole hand. The thumbnails I did have both arms and hands. The right hand holding the knife, but here I only did the left arm with an unfinished hand.

Any help on how I could render the blood would be great and as always C+C is greatly appreciated, as long as it is helpful in some way.

[SeraphSword]

'Fraid not much I can suggest as for the blood rendering, as I have no real experience with digital painting (besides, if you don't like Megatokyo than you're already beyond help :p ).
I did want to say though that it is a disturbing image, which is probably the effect you're going for. The only bad image is one which provokes no reaction whatsoever.

[Chaser226]

I think those two uhm bone things are too far apart no?

hmm... wth do they call those anyways?

[ashecorbin]

They're actually tendons.

And if I recall correctly, they're called extensors... but I'm not sure about that.

And they're not too far apart so much as just a little bit off... I think there should be another one visible between the two apparent ones.

Also, the blood should be darker and thicker... and probably coming out in less numerous, yet thicker streams. Think fast-paced blood flow.

You also might want to get a little messier with it. Make the gash more irregular along the edge, and wider - and instead of focusing on internal details, fill the gash with darker, shinier blood. Think crimson, mahogany. Along with that, a few spatterings wouldn't hurt either, left from the initial incision and perhaps even from the retraction of the blade... might have lead to some drippage.

Depending on how much you want to alter the original composition, you may want to rotate the forearm a bit. It might add realism by giving you one direction for gravity to be pulling the blood.

Good luck.

Man, I put too much thought into this blood thing.

[Zeb]

Thanks a lot. I was using my own forearm for reference and didn't consider rotating it. That might actually make more sense for the larger amount of blood on the right side.

As for the cut, I've never actually seen a real one, so I was just painting it as I assumed it would appear, but did have intentions of working it more.

Crimson and Mahogany. Right. Blood is DARKER than red...where was my mind?

I also hear that there are "hesitation cuts" when someone slits their wrists, so I'll have to try and work that in. My cut is also a lot cleaner, as if done with a scapel, than I wanted.

Good thing it is all on separate layers so adjusting things won't be too hard.

Oh, and as for Fred...say what you want about it, but I'm entitled to my opinion. Besides, putting it in my sig entices some folks, obvioulsy. Seriously though, sit down and actually look at his work, he's a hack.

Check for an update by this weekend sometime.

[ashecorbin]

And I checked out Fred's work...

and I kinda like it, particularly his use of perspective and POV... but maybe that's just me.

Anyway, don't forget to post an update of the bloody forearm!

[sullenearth]

Push the contrast and the color variation like some of the amazing art on your site. In doing so, pics like this one look less like a cry for help and more like CONCEPT ART... :)

[Zeb]

Huh, so you checked out my site. Isn't that something. Well, recommend it to all your friends. Hehe.

I'm working on enhancing the image...you know upping the contrast, altering a few things. Taking into account ashecorbin's helpful insight. All that good stuff. I'll try and post a still unfinished but updated version tomorrow night.

You said "amazing" in relation to my art...

*tears up*

Out.

[Zeb]

So, here is as far as I've gotten since yesterday.

I NEED help with rendering blood...if I could find a reference that didn't involve me slitting my own wrists I'd be happy...

http://img16.photobucket.com/albums/v47/zEBaRT/LeftHand2.jpg

Aw well. Any input greatly appreciated (as long as it has NOTHING to do with Fred Gallagher or Megatokyo).

[Devilock138]

I got my foot wrapped up in the wheel of a three wheeler; it almost took it off. It ripped meat out down to the bone and cut an artery in my foot.

I was building a model of Apollo 11 and was using a utility Razor (sheetrock knife) to trim something and punched a hole fully into my palm that severed onee of the arteries in my hand.

Both were two different variations. The severe wound literally shot blood up my leg and out on my sister when she ripped it from the wheel well. My entire leg was red. But with the artery in the hand I got a very dark gush of blood (like a hose under the water) that made on single line down my arm. There were also clumps of clotted blood (it clotted literally seconds after exiting the wound) down my arm. The center the palm held alot of blood also and it made one stream down the left side in the creases of the thumb and a stream down the right side just below the pinky.

I don't know a blood reference site though. I think the streams from the wound don't match with the wound.

[thek0n]

well, I think that if anybody slices his wrist the blood would only run towards one side (maybee some droplets on other areas). It would be a ritcher red in the initial cut and flows to a lighter red as it flows but turns kind of purple on at the end (when dries). Um the way to make the blood, just think about how a water drops from a leafe... um..... hard to explain but its like a river, there is one main chanel and very few smaller channels.

PS: The look is really good, I'm impressed with the patience you have to work with the software.

[Zeb]

Thanks for the input Devilock138 and thek0n.

I've got a really busy week coming up...tests, papers and what not. Isn't college so much fun.

So, I don't know when I'll be able to get more done on that image. But don't worry, I'm not going to quit just yet.

Let us pray.

[Zeb]

Finally, an update.

Here is the newest version of my dimented concept.

Enjoy.

Oh, and feedback is appreciated.

http://img16.photobucket.com/albums/v47/zEBaRT/LeftHand3.jpg