B&W Sketch in progress...

[crazybrush]

Hi all.

I don't post too much in this section but I think I should, especially this piece as I'm so stuck that it hurts. I didn't plan the composition nor did preparatory sketches and it's catching up with me now. I'm definitely planning on adding paint to it but not before it's locked in B&W. It's kinda strange composition, the way they're cut off at the knees and all straight but if I put the feet in the whole format will be even stranger.
I like the looseness of the background characters (they still need work), the foreground guy's face and anatomy, I think, but whatever I think of doing next seems not good enough.
This is just a personal piece so I can take my time on it.

Anyway, I could really use some fresh, constructive critique, both from pro's and beginners. Being constantly inspired by this board, I know that you guys can gimme some eye-openers, and help this piece make it to my portfolio. By the way, I really look up to Cos Koniotis and Android(amongst others), regarding skill & style, so if u guys are out there, your critique would be an orgasmic experience for me…

All thoughts are greatly appreciated...thanks in advance!!!


http://tinypic.com/20h650

[DrWeird]

Looks good so far, I also like the looseness of the background characters.

I am just a beginner, but here are my 2 cents:

Right now a few parts of the piece really stick out, like the main character's belt, knee pads, and the spear/polearm weapon in the background. I would try to bring the main character's bracers (arm armor), and especially the band around his neck/chest, so that they meet the same detail level as the belt and knee pads, I think this would really bring the piece together, or at least the main character. As for the background, the far left character seems to be the best done (it has the whole staticy thing going, but also has some pretty strong values). I would try to either make all the background characters have really flat values, or make them like the left guy, and stand out somewhat. Just be sure to preserve the staticy look... I like that. Also, the spear in the background seems too perfect, probably could use some attention.

Anyway, I really like the way it is going, especially the main character's face, the background static, etc. Hopefully this was somewhat useful.

Keep it up!

[Capprotti]

Yea, it's definitely been too long since I've seen some new stuff from you. Glad to see you back. As far as this sketch goes, I'm actually really liking it a lot. As you say it's not perfect but it looks great. The anatomy looks very very natural, and I love the characters in the background (as well as the atmosphere). As for any crits, I really like the foreground character but it seems like the one eye on the left is a little too close in ( like it's closer to the nose than the other one) It's an easy fix that will help him look a little more bad ass. Also, I think you should soften some of the edges on him to help seem more like he's a part of that world and not cut and pasted in there. As for the composition I think I'd just raise it up a little bit. Give them a little head room and maybe pull up from their knees a little bit. I think you might also want to try either moving the character on the right in a little bit, it seems a little awkward with him half cut off. If not, throw another guy between him and the foreground character, but pushed back a lil using atmospheric perspective.

Fortunately these are all pretty quick fixes. This peice is gonna be awsome when you're done. Screw that it's awsome now. Good work, and good luck. Oh... and POST MORE!!! :P Take care man.

[crazybrush]

Thanks guys!

DrWeird;
Exactly my thoughts...I definately want to keep the primary focus on the bald guy and yes, there has to be a marriage between things sticking out. His armor needs more detail, bracers, neck-band, left hand and so on. It's heavy leather with some chrome parts, I was thinking...I even had him holding a spikey whip, which looked cool design-wise but I just couldn't place it properly into the composition so I got rid of it. I guess he's challenging someone bare-handed now.
As for the background, I like the left guy too, seems to have a good pose and expression...I'll try to bring the others to the same level and add detail to all of them. The spear is just suggested- will work on it more.
Cool thoughts, thanks very much.

Capirotti;
Thanks man, the anatomy is pretty straight forward, I had some reference for it, which I think is important to use, especially when it comes to humans or other known organic forms. Even the un-trained eye can pick up mistaked immediately. For me the problem is coming up with unique armor design, fitting perfectly on the body and serving the purpose. Oh, yeah, the eye IS a little off. Also, he definately needs to be blended better with what's behind him but I'm waiting to finish the bg before I can do that. Originally, I had thoughts of having many more background characters, sorta dissapearing in the distance. I was thinking "Troy" and that oppening scene where that big guy is challenging Achilles...maybe I'll do that in the end.

[crazybrush]

Here's some random stuff from my sketchbook...all done with cheap BIC pen...


http://tinypic.com/21pf7s

http://tinypic.com/21pfcy

[Capprotti]

OH crazybrush... you make me so happy :P 2 new pages??? Ya just can't beat that. Thanx a lot for the advice, you gave me a lot to think about. And believe me I've been thinking a lot lately. I'm getting back into learning anatomy, I started to get used to the way I did things and then they got skewed and I didn't even notice. Thanx. These sketch pages are lookin awsome, I think this is the first time we've seen just plain ole sketch pages. And bic pens are the best to draw with. If you get a chance, you should start a daily sketchbook. Or at least post some sketchbook pages when ever you get the chance. Anyway something to think about. Thanx again, take care!

[crazybrush]

Thanks Capirotti!
No one else interested to take a shot at these? The first one especially...ok, gotta scan more crap to bump the thread.
Here's another one...


http://tinypic.com/232xi1

[Capprotti]

Ha ha, ok pretend I didn't bump this thread up by posting and try to bump it again by scanning like... ummmmmm I dunno 5 more pages. If not you could just post the progress of the first painting. How's that comin along. Hope to find out soon.

[Balton]

these pieces make me think "he-man"... In a good kind of way!

[Nobie]

Looking at the first image, I think you need to shift the composition up. It would work better as a waste up shot and add more sky..possibly even pull in a little on the main character who should be the main focus and recieve the most rendering and attention...other than that very nice work, love those pencil sketched as well. keep it up