A thread of evolution:: Please go to Last Posts :: (NSFW)

[Azrael]

So, here I am. After 24 years of life, not taking art seriously I have come to the conclusion that my art is in obvious need of some serious foundation. This sketchbook is a diary of my journey to be the best artist I can possibly be. It will be a long journey at that.

To kick things off, I have posted these first images to show what my current skills are, with no formal training or study of fundamentals. Hopefully, and I guess inevitably, my abilities will improve and show so as the posts continue.


Ancient history. Did this a looong time ago.
http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a128/jmbcreative/gabriel001.jpg

a representation of a defining moment

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a128/jmbcreative/fight.jpg:donk:

[dashi]

hey man really creative
i would suggest working on the basics like line work and proportions...
that and your mind could probably bust out some crazy pieces

[ApolloNuevo]

well the line work is clean for the most part...but you def need to learn more about anatomy. i know, it's all we hear on these boards, but truly that's the foundation for any good artwork.

keep drawing!
-dan

[Azrael]

Just another piece that I did when I was overseas in the scorching desert. I really need to work on the shading to bring my work to life. Anyone know some good resources?

[OleOlsen]

jo man!
those are looking good so far... but i guess you should construckt your figures more. that gives them more hold, and puts things into their right place. but as i see, your phantasy is working good...so keep them coming...and give me more dirty sketches ;) plz!!!

[Azrael]

Thanks for the crits. All of you have some real skill in unique ways and it's inspiring to hear some feedback. I find it tough to get some real comments on my art. Most people just pat your ass and tell you what you want to hear. Since I joined this forum the creative spirit inside has been relit. I am a man among some giants in this community.


And some fun.....

[Pesmerga]

I suggest you take a quick look around. There's a section with some tutorials. You'll be surprised to see how effective they are :)

[Azrael]

A few pieces to pacify my boredom at work...


http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a128/jmbcreative/bravery.jpg

I am attempting to find the time to sketch everyday now to improve my skills. Constructive crits are definetly welcome.

[Magic Man]

Yo Az, like many others you have a vivid imagination, but I feel that with your current tools you are unable to express them as vividly to us as you would like.

Firstly, I'd start by looking at your anatomy knowledge, if you've never sat down before and learned a set out cirriculum on the human body and the way it moves etc, then I enourage you to do so. Pick up a burne hogarth book or an andrew loomis book and work through it, keeping your mind on the task and drawing to understand the reasoning behind their words and work.

These skills seem to some to be time consuming and boring, but if you aren't dedicated enough to sit down and study that which frees your imagination and allows you to communicate it as you wish, then you cannot expect others to take your work seriously either.

Good luck, m.

[Azrael]

Magic- Thanks for the crit and advice. I peeped at a loomis book online and saw some real fundamentals that I strive to grasp. Looks like I too, like so many, will be diving into the depth of anatomy. I have never taken a serious illustration class in my life and I fear that it has paid toll on my ability. I have a long road ahead of me but man what an adventurous one it will be.

Some serious anatomy study to follow....

[Magic Man]

Magic- Thanks for the crit and advice. I peeped at a loomis book online and saw some real fundamentals that I strive to grasp. Looks like I too, like so many, will be diving into the depth of anatomy. I have never taken a serious illustration class in my life and I fear that it has paid toll on my ability. I have a long road ahead of me but man what an adventurous one it will be.

Some serious anatomy study to follow....

Ah, thats what love to hear, I'm sure you'll have fun if you take that attitude with you on your journeys in art and life as well. =)

[Azrael]

Some quick anatomy work. Just the basics so far, as learned from Loomis.


and a little somethin for fun..

[OleOlsen]

jo man....keep those anatomy sketches up. even if they won't satisfy you in the beginning, i guess they will pay off. ( so i hope for myself too ). But it is always important to do some fun stuff in between. Your last pic is lokking really cool, you've given some nice details to the bride.... :yayca:

[Azrael]

Been busy as hell lately, but have managed to fit in some sketchin' time. I am venturing away from my strengths and working on areas that are weak for me. Not an easy task nor a fun one, but bumps that need to smoothed out nonetheless. Sorry for the rough images. I have a cheap all-in-one scanner that has got to go.

CRITS GREATLY APPRECIATED!!!

Self Portrait done for the CA Academy that apparently is non operational


Still life for CA Academy (its a bull trophy)

hey now

[Magic Man]

Some quick anatomy work. Just the basics so far, as learned from Loomis.
http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a128/jmbcreative/brav.jpg

and a little somethin for fun..
http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a128/jmbcreative/brv.jpg

I agree with my main man Ole, these studies are good, but you need to apply them more, keep with it and hold off on more complex forms until you have these foundations to a high degree.

[omni1]

totally enjoying the progression, but yeah keep up the ano studies mate.
which reminds me,--im late for work!

[Azrael]

A piece that is appropriate for the times.

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a128/jmbcreative/free.jpg

from ref.

[Azrael]

Alright, I am determined to take advantage of this long weekend as be productive as possible. I will be rentless with fundamentals! To kick things off I started with my least liked subject, anatomy. This goes out to Magic and Ole!

Part anatomy(compliments of loomis) and part Wacom practice. I want be surgical with my tablet.
http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a128/jmbcreative/ano.gif

[Azrael]

Playing around with my wacom. Did this for a Daily Sketch Group, subject: "Supervillian Flexes His Electrostatic Muscle on Rooftop".

[Azrael]

Alright, so it's 2 in the morning and my hand has a nasty cramp but I still just can't stop. These studies are too much fun. That and since I have taken the time to develop skills with my wacom I am addicted to this digital painting and drawing like crack. Any one want to start a support group?

Loomis studies..
http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a128/jmbcreative/loomis-studies.jpg

[Ninja Kinshu]

i must say there is some improvement from the first to what you got now. But I love the picture of the dude with the guitar, that ruled.

Something to help you out with anatomy, practice drawing cylinders n all that. Thats what I do. I'm not saying you SHOULD do it, becuase it definatly looks like your catching on super fast.

I'm in dire need of a wacom tablet. I NEEEEED one.

Moving on, thanks for posting in my thread, not many do :)

[Azrael]

My color work sucks, so I did this quick practice just for quick value

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a128/jmbcreative/tones.jpg

[Azrael]

Alright, so I started on a self portrait to work on my line drawing and value shading and I got a little carried away. As you can see, and please feel free to comment on, my value shading need lots of work. The eyes came out alright, but I kind of got lost everywhere else, especially around the mouth. Does anyone know of any good tutorials or books on shading?

[Dan1989]

Great sketchbook, there is no shortcut to learning values or shading, no tutorial will teach you a way that will be applicable to any given situation, it takes crucial observation and comparing values to one another to get right, just keep practicing! I don't know of too many books that go in depth about values, "The Practice and science of drawing" (you can get it for free here (http://www.gutenberg.org/etext/14264) ) has some practical information about values though.

[darkchild]

Hey, I decided to checkout your SB. Great pieces of work. You have a great sense of creativity. I noticed that some pieces have cleaner lines than others. You are doing well with you Loomis studies. I hope to see more work from you. I'll be trying to join in on the fun in the DSG as much as I can, hope to see you there again. Later!

[Azrael]

My applogies for the lame update here. This is just the last piece of work I pushed out this weekend. Somewhat influenced by the studies of others around this forum...achemm..magicman. Well, maybe a little subpar but all I had at my disposal was a mechanical pencil. I really got to make a run for some supplies.

Anyhow, I used Loomis for reference.

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a128/jmbcreative/handstudy1.jpg

Dan-
Thanks for wise words and motivation. I plan on hitting value pretty hard as soon as I am a little more satisfied with form. And Muchos Gracias for that great link senior!

Darkchild-
Thanks for checkin my SB out. It's good to see new faces, or any for that matter in here. I'll catch you at the next DSG!

[Azrael]

I squeezed in some more time to escape into my scetchbook. I have been concentrating a lot on line drawing and understanding of form. So I did some studies on my fav subject. women. Here are the first page of results.

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a128/jmbcreative/womenref.jpg

This one I just did for fun. I plan to render the values darker and eventually photoshop it up.

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a128/jmbcreative/warriors.jpg

[OleOlsen]

hey man, those last two pics are really good. i think you have aready made some progress. keep it on keep on getting better!

[Azrael]

I did a few more studies here and I found some old stuff in my sketchbooks I thought I would post.

[van]

Dude. Keep going. I am digging the style you have going here.

[Azrael]

Sketch for the daily sketch group.

Monster Brushes his teeth before bed.

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a128/jmbcreative/monsterbruch.jpg

I plan on rendering this one with color if I can find the time.

[def1]

these are really good, I was wondering if I could use that freedom drawing for my website www.badpoliticians.com?

[Azrael]

DEF1 ::Thanks for checkin out my stuff here. It's not much, but I haven't had the time to throw down somethin serious. Oh and about the pic, I'd be honored.

VAN :: Thanks man.

[Azrael]

Tragically I have been what I call at 2B artist all of my life. Meaning that the only thing I usually draw with is whatever is lying in the general proximity, which more often than not happens to be a 2B pencil. I think the major reason I haven't explored other mediums heavily is because of the discouraging learning curve that comes with new mediums. In doing so I feel that I have hindered my creative and technical progression. That stops now....Well, after this post.
(my appologies for the boring update here)

Just some practice drawing fabrics...


And just a little somethin' for fun..


[bold]Hey, anybody know of some good tutorials or books on the web about fabrics and textures?[\bold]

[Azrael]

What's up everyone. Set out top make it a productive day creatively, yet somehow ended up with a nothin much to show for the day so far. It's been one of those mundane unoriginal days and it show on my work. I think I'm pushing too much ,..or maybe not enough. Got to get to the art supply store. maybe some fresh mediums can spark my que. Anyways, here's the crap I pushed out today. I'm gonna through down ink all night, so hopefully my next post I'll have somethin' a little better.

Just some practice with various action poses.

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a128/jmbcreative/poses.jpg

[Azrael]

Holly crap! it's 3 in the morning! Well I just finished this piece for the Creature Of The Week thread and I guess I got a little carried away. Anyhow I hope you all like. Since I have like no painting experience it took me about four hours all together in photoshop including the design sketches. Feedback?

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a128/jmbcreative/riznick.jpg

[sly's hand]

The improvement is incredible :D , There is the pat on the ass. The gun is good for got freedom, and I have to say that the bullets are the only thing that bugs me about it. you have this awsome gun, but the bullets bug me. And references for Everything Ever: http://www.conceptart.org/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=30

Guns: http://www.wgcshop.com/
http://www.impactguns.com/

References for fabrics are:http://www.conceptart.org/forums/showthread.php?t=14739

And I like your digital piece but the rocks seem too soft around the edges, I also want to know what he is draging, just curious. Again I like your stuff and the improvement again is very visible and incredible.

sly

[van]

Dude, awesomeness. The last painting, if you want a crit...the background does not mesh with the focal subject. It's blurry while the rest of the piece looks rendered a little more. I like it...great concept and really that crit can be taken with a grain of salt, because it might be more personal preference than anything. Keep rockin and thanks for the visit in my thread! I will stay tuned. :yayca:

[Azrael]

Wow! Thanks for the good feedback.

Sly's Hand :: Pat accepted. Yeah I did Kind of half ass it on the bullets with that one. I did that piece when I was in Bosnia and I used my issued berretta for reference. I had the ammo seperate for safety precautions so, I didn't have a good reference. Thanks for the link to the fabric refs. I've been loking for some good sites. And thanks for peeping my book. You got some ill skills yourself.

Van :: Thanks for the solid crit. Not to make excuses but I wrapped this one up at almost four in the morning and kind of threw the environment together. I could definetely use some work on my envo's.

Well excited as I am for finally dragging my ass down to micheals for some supplies, I threw together this one with charcoal on newsprint from ref.

[Azrael]

What? no comments on this one? Yeah I guess it is kinda lame. I'll be hitting the board for some seriuos studies soon.

[van]

I like it a lot...except for the lettering. But, I am a lettering Nazi! :p

[Azrael]

I've been mad busy so I haven't had much to post in a while. Here are some studies a did today based off of Civardi.

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a128/jmbcreative/ano-civardi.jpg

[Quinster]

Interesting...seems pretty political though. Figures have improved greatly! Keep up the good work.

[Azrael]

Thanks Quin :: I have been puuting a lot of effort into my figures. It's nice that someone noticed. :)

[Azrael]

Some Civardi Studies...

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a128/jmbcreative/civardi-study.jpg

[Azrael]

wow dude... you stuff rocks! you should keep up those studies man!....hehehe.

[noiion]

Hey Azreal, great drawings. You're improving very steadily. Your Studies are really impresive and I like your drawings of poses. Keep on drawing man.

[Azrael]

Noiion:: Thanks for the feedback. I've been finding that rare around this thread lately.

[drzmatador]

I see u take lots of ideas from Hart..but good stuff

[Azrael]

Dzmatador:: Who's Hart? Can't say I know his/her stuff. If it's similar I'd like to check it out.

T.F.K:: Thanks for the crits and motivation. I'm working on the proprtions, which seems to be one of my biggest foes.

[Azrael]

Been real busy latel *like Normal* . here are some random sketches. just playing with the paper, lettting it fly.
http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a128/jmbcreative/sketches.jpg

[TBUI]

Sup.

You have awesome potential. The Loomis sketches were impressive. I noticed that you have to work on your characters...they need rhythm and flow. Work on a gesture first and then the construction...that will make your work sing. Good luck.

[Azrael]

Did some more studies today. I'm working on muscle structure. I'm kinda doing it back asswards since i have started with the extremities and am going to work my way inward.

Used a Civardi Book for reference
http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a128/jmbcreative/arms.jpg

[Azrael]

T.F.K :: Wow. I didn't know that. Extremities have been a weekpoint of mine for some time as well. Thanks for the info. It is most motivating.

Well, unfortunately for me I have been mad busy as usual. the only free time I can find for art is from 7 pm on and it's tough to get into the groove after a long day. I find that I am most motivated and produce mny best work during the day about mid morning. sadly, that's work time. Fortunately however this forum provides much needed motivation and helps to charge the creative energies. Here is a pile of graphite that I produce during such a moment.

Inspired by some of the excellent post here at CA

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a128/jmbcreative/sketchmadness.jpg

[ApolloNuevo]

i'm glad to see you working from the civardi book. i've got that one and it is a good ref piece. you might also want to investigate nicolaides here: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0395530075/103-2931768-5571051?v=glance&n=283155&n=507846&s=books&v=glance
great book, if you are serious (and this is a very serious book work-wise) then tackle this. it's an amazing foundational drawing system that worked wonders for me and many many other artists.

cheers, keep drawing!
-apollo

[Azrael]

Apollo :: Thanks bro. Haven't seen you round this thread in a while. thanks for stopping by. I'll definetly check out the book. If it's anything like Civardi I'm sure I will enjoy it. :)

I feel the quote on your sig too.

[Azrael]

Found some time to participate in this weeks Creature Of the Week.
The topic :: Arctic Carnivore



Not too happpy with the front legs. I had a hard time displaying the dynamics and anatomy here.

[Mike Frank]

Man definitely a lot of improvement happening in here. On the latest pic, would like to see some more definition in the rear paws/legs. On second glance, I can see they are supposed to be in the snow.. not sure how but maybe that could be suggested a little better. Some of the lines in the grey toned (head/legs) areas could be played down a little more too I think. The way that the lines are more suggestive and less dominant in the fur looks really nice, which is why I wonder. Keep em comin' man.

[shyamshriram]

Some nice sketches are there...im glad u r posting Anatomy stuff too. Love that Creature of the week on 1st page.. but i'd like to see some more skin texture on him. keep up the spirit !

:yayca:

[Azrael]

SomeGuy :: Thanks for noticing the improvement. I agree with the crit. I copped out a bit with the snow and environment and now that i look at tis piece with fresh eyes I see a TON of areas to improve. It's a shame that I accidentaly saved the flattened image in photoshop over the working image. Thanks for the crits, mate.

Shyam :: Yeah, I have only recently taken a serious approach to improving my skills. Something that should be a constant for every artist. Textures are yet another week spot that I will be confronting soon. Thanks for the crits.

[Mikko Voipio]

You have come a long way since you started this thread. Some proportional problems in your work (earlier), but you've fixed them nicely. You've got the tools to become a great artist. It only depends on whether you want it or not. Good stuff man. I will certainly keep following this thread.

[seth1]

Your progressing! Keep on drawing...

[Azrael]

PlaceBoast :: Apreciate the good words man. It means a TON to have some good feedback and some positive reinforcement. I only wish that the drive to get serious with my art had dawned a little earlier in my life. I feel a bit behind the curve in some respects. I am working hard to apply the fundamentals and advance myself beyond what I even think I am capable of. Shoot for the stars and you'll hit the moon...they say, right?

Seth :: thanks for noticing.

MAN YOU GUYS MOTIVATE ME!

Here's a quick speedpaint i did to play around with color and composition.

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a128/jmbcreative/obeycopy.jpg

[seth1]

Yeah man! Keep this going! Your getting better! More studys of anatomy would be wicked!

[Azrael]

Seth :: Muchos gracias.

Here's a bit of a boring update. Just some more studies I worked on.

Working with charcoal and working on the Human form.
http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a128/jmbcreative/girl-poses.jpg

Taken from Civardi
http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a128/jmbcreative/civardi-faces.jpg

[Azrael]

Got the day off of work today! I took advantage of the opportunity and spent the entire day seated in front of my computer and sketchbook. I'm not to happy with what I pushed out today though. I've been having trouble sticking to an image an working on it. Anyways, here's my update for today..

I originally did this in charcoal and I played with the levels in photoshop I find it interesting how different the feel of the character depending on the different sttings. The middle on is the original.

[Azrael]

Crits on these?

[max1975]

Your improvement since the beginning of this thread is pretty dramatic. I don't really have anything more useful to say that hasn't been covered already, but I'll stop back after your next update.

Good work. Fav is the dude with the guitar.

[max1975]

Oh hey, there's more stuff that for some reason i couldn't see two minutes ago. Okay.

Your pirate&parrot are pretty cool, but there seems to be too much color for such a dark image. Colors become less distinct when it's so dark...it just looks a bit weird here. Also the sky is kinda blah...throw in some sharper edges here and there, and don't spread the lights and darks so uniformly.

Nice work on the dude with the machine gun. I especially like the hand--it's not exactly realistic but it's a very strong drawing--I think the sharp angles and thick outline are key. Although maybe the thumb coulda been better.

[scumgrinder]

you remind me of myself 12 or so years ago. You need to stop focusing on style, that will come later, focus on developing confident lines that flow, try to draw lines that define areas using few strokes, practice your anatomy..
I am still learning so i feel kind of stupid giving advice, but take it from me: i was stuck wanting to draw things but not being able to do it because of my own tendency to make things stylish before i knew how to construct them properly. this doesn't mean i know how to yet, but i am trying to get there.

Watch things, don't just look at them, tear them apart, see where the direct light hits and where the reflected light changes the hue of things, draw something while also thinking of what you aren't drawing.

i hope it makes sense.


Your figure studies are very good.

[Azrael]

Max1975 :: Thanks for the crits. I definately see what you mean on the Pirate piece. I stared at it a good while and couldn't figure out what was off on it. Thanks for sheding new light.

ScumGrinder :: I took into consideration what you said and drew this next piece with that in mind. I definetly do need to work on my lines to be more confident with them. I am working on cutting the number of strokes I take for a piece in half. I don't really know any good excercises for that, so I assume the more I draw the more I will improve in that aspect. Thanks for the insight.

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a128/jmbcreative/values.jpg

This is about four weeks or so old. I found it in my sketchbook and thought it had some good points in it worth posting. Two especially. I like the hand on the guy to the right and the foreshortening of the guy on the top left i though was well executed.

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a128/jmbcreative/loose.jpg

[max1975]

I dig that tiny little house with the street and trees. I always get confused drawing something that detailed so small and it ends up just being a mess. Is that from life?

[Mikko Voipio]

It really doesn't matter when you start drawing. You can go your whole life
wishing you would have started earlier, noticing in the end that you never started at all. I think that drawing and learning to draw is in it self so rewarding that I don't really care if I'm not the greatest artist in the world.
Usually when you read about great artist of the past the one thing that always stick out is that they say they can't draw shit. You have started now and you are well on your way. You've accomplished some major improvement. There really is no reason why you couldn't be one of "the best"

[Azrael]

Placeboast :: I really do love drawing for the learning process and for the challenge it presents. I think there is nothing sweeter in this world than stepping beyond your believed boundaries and amazing yourself. Thanks for the motivational insight.

TFK :: Thanks man. Belowed is not quite a finished drawing, but a finished painting. Hope you enjoy.

I thought I would post the sketch up first, which I did in all of maybe two minutes and I think it shows.
http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a128/jmbcreative/massiveblack-sketch.jpg

and the finished product...
http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a128/jmbcreative/massiveblack2.jpg

I wanted this to have a painterly look, but didn't quite capture it. I'm still getting used to digital painting and I don't have a whole lot of experience with traditional mediums. Seeing them together I can see how closely I followed the markup.

Crits and comments are encouraged.

[max1975]

The grays of your monkey's hands and face blend in to the background too much...made it a bit difficult to understand the picture at first. Up the contrast in those areas maybe?

[armando]

PlaceBoast :: I only wish that the drive to get serious with my art had dawned a little earlier in my life. I feel a bit behind the curve in some respects. I am working hard to apply the fundamentals and advance myself beyond what I even think I am capable of. Shoot for the stars and you'll hit the moon...they say, right?


Ha ha. I was exactly the same way, I'm about the same age as you too. Finally started studying a few months ago, after about 6 years of studying guitar(still can barely play). Great improvement as everyone else has noted. Good that you realize the importance of studying form, also realize that line and tone are just ways of describing form and their difference is kind of arbitrary. Another important thing to understand is the forces acting on these forms: gravity, flexion, pushing and pulling etc. This is explained in "Force: The key to capturing life through drawing" by Michael Mattesi. Picked it up yesterday, and have already learned a lot. Read a lot of books on whatever aspect of art you're interested in, anatomy for instance. Amazon.com has accurate reviews of books, start there then see if you can find those books at the library. Some stuff has to be purchased though.

[Azrael]

Hello all. I've been extreeeemly busy lately with work stuff so I haven't posted in a while. I did however find a few hours this week to bust out a piece for the Character of The Week thread. Considering the excellent talent in that thread I stand no chance in winning, but I gave it a go for sport.

Here's my rough sketch for composition
http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a128/jmbcreative/dragonlady-rough.jpg

And the Final.
http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a128/jmbcreative/dragonlady.jpg

Thoughts?

[SirGreenSock]

Man, you're showing a lot of fast improvements. I think that rough sketch for the composition in the last post is an absolutely beautiful sketch. The greys work really well.

The final piece looks good as well overall. The only crits I have is that you didnt bring out some of the details that exist in your lineart in the colours. I also feel some of the shadows get a bit too muddy. The piece looks great, it would definitely be worth it to go back and nudge around to perfect it.

[max1975]

The final rendering of your CHOW is maybe a little dark for my taste...nah...it's not the darkness, but there's something I don't like about it. The design, however, is wonderful. The weapon is awesome, and the backpack (which I didn't even notice the first time I looked) is a really nice touch. The details all work really well together to flesh out character.

[Azrael]

Max1975 :: I feel you on the chow. There are a few things aboout it that bug me. The hand is a little too light for it's composition and the face and parts if the mechanics are a bit too coloring book while the rest of the image has a more rendered, painted look. I will make tthe adjustments when i get the time.

SirGreenSocks :: I worked on some of the shadows a bit and some of the details, still have some tweeks to do to it. Thanks for the comments.

With all my attention going to figures, I have never rendered a vehicle before. man I have been missing out. It's a lot of fun and in my opinion a lot less frusterating than working on figures. I did this one for the Industrial Design of The Week.

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a128/jmbcreative/civi-black.jpg

[SirGreenSock]

The colouring on the last on is actually pretty sweet, The materials come through well. Personally, I'd tone down some highlights, add fewer, brighter ones. Doing a subtle highlight is a few key places can suggest more and be more effective. A great example is Sinix's vehicle design with few highlights. Also, although the bottom is stylish, the top doesn't quite have the Ferrari feel. They would probably modify the shape to make it less "boxy" but thats your call.
Just my 2 cents.

[max1975]

Tires look a bit thin, otherwise that's a really nice job.

[Azrael]

had time for a quick value speedpaint.

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a128/jmbcreative/value-speedpaint.jpg

[Azrael]

DAMN!! I just changes the GAmma on my monitor and these all look totally different! I can see every little sloppy mistake on these. I wish I had played with my monitor settings earlier. bloody hell.

[sly's hand]

HOLY Hell you have been busy. The military based transport is quite nice, and I am liking the Dragon hunter. It is good to see that you have been busy. An old moniter of my own stopped producing the color red, those were some interesting days. But I see where you were going with your last one.

I wish you many more sketchfilled nights days and what have you, work tends to suck but live and let live.

later,
sly

[Smith Wesen]

Found my way here through the industrial design of the week.

I really like your military/civilian car. The use of colors was solid, though the perspective struck me as a bit off, I can't place it though so it may just be me imagining things. I liked your Civardi studies.

As far as crits go, as of right now not a whole lot. Perhaps try to loosin up with your coloring, get some more depth to 'em. Your transport was good but your other color jobs look kinda flat in my opinion.

What the hell do I know though?

[Azrael]

Smith:: Thanks for the insight. I absoloutly agree with you. I have MUCH to work on and my color work is on top of the list. just gotta find the time. if only i could give up sleep. damn i could get so much done.

[Azrael]

Did this one for a CHOW a while back. I didn't get it finished in time. it's missing something that i can't quite put my mind around but still a cool piece nonetheless.

[Orozc0]

I like your work. That Ferrari is pimp shit. Ya know how we need more gas guzzlers in these streets. haha like your political statements and sensous women.

peace

[Azrael]

Orozco :: Thanks for the kind words. I've been too busy trying to pay the bills lately that I haven't had time to devote to progressing my skills and have been loosing my passion. It is most frusterating to not be able to express what I want due to my lack of time, skill, commitment, or whatever it is that seems to keep me from moving forward at the pace that I want. Coming back to this thread and hearing some good feedback from another outstanding artist is motivating. thanks bro.

[Kronos]

hey man, you've got some good stuff in here and there is a really good progression. keep at those anatomy and pose studies, you've got a good grasp on dynamic pose and foreshortening....

the ones that poped out at me were:
http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a128/jmbcreative/tones.jpg
http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a128/jmbcreative/riznick.jpg
http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a128/jmbcreative/civardi-study.jpg

the semi-political stuff is interesty too....keep going!

[Zebz]

That vehicle is really nice, man!

Are your hands bleedin' yet? ;)

[Azrael]

Thanks Zeb. Not yet. I've got to push it much much more.

[katsgod]

Cool work

[jkior]

hey man I hear you about your struggle to stay motivated. . .its reallly easy sometimes to drift away. . .and maybe never come back! hmmm. . .I guess all I can say is when you find that happening, try to get yourself to draw *today*. . .for only a minute or something. I think soon enough you'll find yourself inspired again. . .but it's something you'll have to work to find, it won't show up on your doorstep. Anyway your potential is very much evident in the progression you showed here. . .don't give it up!

[Azrael]

CatsGod :: Thanks for the nod....hey, that rymed.

jkior :: Sound advice indeed. I'm doin what I can. Motivation seems to be a seasonal thing for me.

I found where the lack of motivation stemmed from. I forgot the basics. the bare essence that makes an image something to be proud of. That something that propels you to put in those extra hours in front of the computer tweaking it every which way to make it right. I got too lazy with having a computer and wacom that I missed the most crucial step: the sketch. I forgot how fun a piece of paper and a pencil is. For this weeks CHOW, I decided that I revert back to my tried and true method and hit the sketch pad. Below are my WIPs and the final. i think it came out pretty good.

The sketch ::
http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a128/jmbcreative/chow-sketch.jpg

The line art and rough color up:
http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a128/jmbcreative/chow-15copy.jpg

Gettin closer ::
http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a128/jmbcreative/chow-15a.jpg

I may have missed the fifty's look slighly, but I tried ::
http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a128/jmbcreative/chow-15markup.jpg

Period pieces are a bit harder than I expected.

[Knowledge]

Its really cool to see all the different stuff that you do. You're really trying to touch on a lot of bases and it seems to be working well. With the fifties girl, I think the inking failed you in the transition from sketch to digital. There isn't very much depth to her since all the lines are about the same thickness. Its probably not your fault and was done with a mouse but in that case, ah well. I think the fifties look uses kind of lucid but washed out colours for future ref.

I think the strongest part of all the sttuff you've posted up here so far is the dynamic angles. You totally don't seem to have any trouble conceptualising your characters in cool 3 dimensional action angle type situations.

From like October 14th - 19th your stuff was on an awesome acid trippy tip. I love those mashed up characters coming out the shadows and all of that. Just sweet. You seem to have loosened up on your cool shading technique since then and I think thats a real shame. As you said, the basics are cool to look at and they help a lot. If you're doing the sketches please post 'em up I wanna see them and I'm sure others do too.

[TBUI]

keep on working at it, man. especially, in anatomy. make sure you draw through and use simple shapes. that will give you foundation.

[Azrael]

Aight, so I have been neglecting the basic fundamentals, like I should be learning, for the instant gratification of the weekly activities. With little time to complete these, I am sad to say that usually my entry is personally disapointing. This has been going on for about two months now and you think that I would I would catch a clue and break out the basics again. Well, here is this weeks disapointment;

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a128/jmbcreative/venus3copy.jpg

For those that don't follow the weekly CHOW, the assignment was a modern remake of Botticelli's "Birth of Venus".

So many things wrong with this one, I don't have time to list them all. But I would appreciate some serious feedback. So, by all means, let the stoning commence.

[Azrael]

wooohoo! stars!

Thanks mate! I have noticed a little more accuracy and ease in rendering lately. I believe that I may be progressing a bit...just a bit.

[Zebz]

Nice SB thread! You're definately makin' some serious improvments, man. Good to see the work ethic. I'd say do more studies, stuff from life, anatomy, etc. You can make these babies even tighter and pop even more! Keep at it!

[Azrael]

Working on the character of the week project, The Good, The Bad and The Ugly as kids. Hopefully I will find the time to finish this one off.

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a128/jmbcreative/thegood.jpg

[Azrael]

ahhh...memories. Man it has been a while since I have visited this site. Between work and school I haven't had time to throw down on vcanvas in a while. I got to get back into it again. Sadly, dispite my deep passion for art, I am going to school for my bachelors in IT. Since I already work in the field and am doing very well thus far, changing directions into art is just not a feasable option. That and the money just isn't as good. I suppose art was only meant to be a hobby for me. It is a sad realization and really puts many dreams to rest, but, in good spirits, I can not let a passion die. All of you that have posted and kept the motivation thus far, thank you for your support...hopefully there is more to come.

[SantaClaus]

you got a good thing going here. Your studies of poses are especially good to do. It seems like in your drawings you break the form into basic shapes. but when you render something you dont do as good of a job at that. that could be a reason why things look flat.

[Azrael]

Geez it's been about seven months since the last time I put anything down on paper. Here is the crap that came out. Not bad for being so long, but not so good either. Got to hit the fundementals some more.

[Azrael]

Here's an old one froma CHOW comp in december. I thought I posted this one before, but I didn't see it in the rest of my posts.

[Azrael]

I found the line work for this one lying around in my sketchbook and being inspired by the Bengal fan thread, I decided to give a Bengalish render.

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a128/jmbcreative/bengalgirly.jpg

[Azrael]

felt like sketchin this from a pic of my whiffe.

[Azrael]

just some initial sketches for a project I'm planning to do.

[Niva.]

Hi Azrael,
I must admit, the ass shot in your icon attracted me to your SB :)

You've done great, I love the dragon hunter in particular. Cool design.

#117 is also great, one of your stronger drawings and showcases your improvement.

I do have some beef with your icon though. If you're going to do an ass shot make the booty stand out!!! Actually let me show you what I mean. It's a cool image you got started but I had to fix some of the proportions. Obviously the ass doesn't have to be THAT big, but the lines should flow a bit more. One suggestion, I also forget to do this sometimes, is flipping the image horizontaly, it could help you catch errors in your proportions.

Also the arm leaning against the thigh in this picture, I only drew the closest part but it should be enough, keep the shoulder where it is.

Edit: Deleted image, hope it helped :)

[Azrael]

I took the day of work and devoted my time to drawing. I'm feeling pretty lost with art lately. I know what I want to create, but I keep feeling like I don't have the skills to transfer what is in my mind to the paper. I think my ADD gets the best of me. I suppose every artist has rough spots. I seem to be amidst one. Hopefully I will find the right motivation soon. Anyhow, here is today's regergitation..

[Azrael]

Personal project I am working on. I found a good tutorial for underpainting, so I'm giving it a go. The proportions of this one are a bit off and I am working to correct them as I go. This is at the early stage with about an hour of work into it.

[Azrael]

today's update...

[Azrael]

Decided to have a little fun tonight to keep it loose. What's more fun than a sexy tanker girl?

sketch up and combat gear.

[Azrael]

Here's today's update. I'm still undecided on the background. Sugestions?

[Helzon]

Hey boss, saw your thread in the lounge.

Let me go from the general to the specific.
Overall, I feel a very comicky vibe to your work. If that's the
way you want to roll...then I'd say definitely learn line control. Know
how to make slick sweet lines. What Im seeing is a ton of lines where in essence only one that's weighted correctly is needed.
It also seems to me that proportions on some of the figures are exaggerated. Mind you that's all cool if you are doing it intentionally. Some though seem like even though they are exaggerated...they are off(i.e. the military girl with the grenades...her fingers are almost down to her knees...her thoracic cavity is way short.)

I do like the fact that you're tackling both genders, and a range of ages as well.
Your best pieces so far to my eye are the "Nancy Goodaim" and the Ferrari Armored Van. Though the winshield strut is way off center.

In terms of color...your fleshtones are a bit blaaah. They local color is way desaturated, no hints of blood flowing through your ladies (i.e. cheeks, ass or otherwise, nose, forehead)
Here look at some of the tuts in the how to section on fleshtones.
http://66.227.190.18:8882/

I don't know how convenient it would be for you to wedge in a life drawing class, or sketch session with models...but I think it would help you with heads and the human form in general.

I hope I haven't been too harsh..just a few things to take a look see at.
Good Luck.
Cheers!

[Azrael]

Helzon:: Much appreciated and long due feedback! Thanks for taking the time. I will definitely take the feedback into consideration. My flesh tones are a recognized weekness. I checked out the link you posted and found some resources that should be benificial in eleviating my complications. I would say that the majority of the images I produce have a comicy feel to them, a product of early inspiration I presume. My line weight is an issue mostly due to my lack of ability to produce smooth, effecient lines from my wacom tablet and the type of pencils that I use. I suppose I could use some work on that too, however.

Thanks again for the great feedback, you have given my some areas to improve upon.

Cheers back at ya.
:vodkamachine:

[llothcat]

Was going to point out the anatomy problems, but that was already taken care of. Draw more:D

Works for me...

[nineself]

Thanks for dropping a note in my SB man. Ive been looking through your book heres and you got some strong improvement here.

I feel your pain when it comes to drawing smooth lines, they have plagued me for ages, especially when it came to inking drawings. Working on computer I found it helpful if I had a tight sketch to draw over that was coloured red or blue, just like those non repro-pencils. It allowed me to be confident in drawing those big strokes, knowing that I have already worked everything out underneath.

Your lines will also improve with your confidence in drawing so keep it up man!

[Azrael]

Here's today's regergitation. I took a vacation day from work and spent it practicing drawing with my wacom. I must say that it is a bit frusterating. Learning to draw with a wacom tablet is like learning to skate switch or learning to throw a football with your weak arm. It is almost like starting over, yet you have the fundementals to do somewhat well.

[White Rose]

wow.. you have a very sweet thread... :3 i can understand with the tablet... its going to be a while.. but it will be your baby again.. :3.. Good luck to getting your artistic flow back and running again :3

[Azrael]

White Rose:: Thanks for the kind words and motivation!

I have school off this week so i had some time to put towards this piece. here's today's update. There is still much coloring to do since this is in the underpainting mode still. I have yet to devise a background for this one too.

[draw]

cool pic except what bothers me that the ink is black on the ground and brown on his face. Looks like an office worker that does paintball on weekends.

[Azrael]

Thanks for pointing that out Drwa. I thought something was off myself. I adjusted it to resemble the other side a little more. Here is today's update. I finally figured out a background. the tough part is developing a background that dosn't take away from the main point of te pic and also supports it. I plan on toning down the lighting on the background and highlighting the character and jungle elements in the scene.

[Azrael]

sketches. Man I need to get a better scanner.

[Azrael]

had some time to work on this one a bit more:

[Mikko Voipio]

sorry for not coming here sooner. That digital is looking really fine. Some errors maybe on the wrist but who cares. Also love that ferrari. You should more of that kind of stuff. See ya.

[Azrael]

I guess I'm just whoring this one out. I posted it in the crit section and the finally finished section, but since I showed the rest of the progression in this thread, I thought I would post it here as well. Callin this one done.

[SantaClaus]

Hi Azrael

Really like post 123 and 129!

The most recent post shows good progress.
To crit...his head still needs to be shrunk a bit more though. Looking forward to seeing more.

[hurricane]

hehe, the warpaint pic is great!!
love the smile-tie!

cheers!

[Azrael]

Thanks Bjorn! Appreciate the comments, especially from a skilled ink slayer, such as yourself.

SantaClaus, this your time of year. ha. Thanks for the props and I agree with you on the head. The size is a product of my attempt at foreshortening. He was supposed to be leaning forward in a more quasi-aggresive stance, but it didn't quite turn out that way.

Been mad busy with work, school and have been focusing on photography right now, but I have some good ideas to throw down come winter break, so hopefully I will squeeze of a loaf then. -peace.

[Azrael]

Had some time to get loose. Whipped up this little diddy for the Daily Sketch Group.

DSG 1164: Sci-Fi: WORKERS USE HIGH-PRESSURE HOSES TO POWER-WASH THE MECH

[NicoRaven]

Goodness man I love you characters in the last post ......man they have such a unique look to them not comic but not completely anime either sort of fusion cartoonish.

[GunTrouver]

Hi Azrael, looks like we are opponents now in the Gods At War TD:) I'm curious about how this will turn out. You have a nice looking WB, so I look forward to the battle. Good luck!

[Haxxxor]

that buisnessman is absolutly fantastic haha.
nice idea and the painting is great too.

keep it up mate

[designboot]

Very nice linearts

[Azrael]

My latest piece that I whipped up on my brand spanking new wacom intuos. Did this for a little challenge I intigated over the holidays. Being the amatuer that I am, I thought the topic would be "Fresh Meat". I suc at color, so I took the easy way out. I actually wanted to underpaint this, but I ran out of time and interest. I find it kinda stale, but that is a result of my poor construct method. I threw it together as I painted it, without a strong sketch.

[Envisor]

Hey dude, nice progress and improvement throughout your thread. Lovin the cubical worker gone postal. Just a great concept and finished piece. I am more partial to the tan shirt on him tho. But all in all a great piece. Keep up the good work.

My Sketchbook- C&C very welcome
http://conceptart.org/forums/showthread.php?t=85772

[Azrael]

I had some time to play around with a pic of myself with my National Guard unit. It is more photo manip than concept art, but I figured I would post it up anyhow. I'm the confused one.

[NightHawk]

Good stuff man, I like how they are a little toony. I'm a fan.

[Flaskpost]

hey man! really cool work here, awesome ideas! love that office warrior!

[kawakaze]

cool stuff in here. u really excell at the toony stuff from your imagination. i really like this one (attchd)

[Azrael]

Thanks fellas, I appreciate the comments. Perhaps I will get back into tooning it up. For now my art is taking me in a more realistic route.

This week's CHOW was an irresistible topic. It called for a Ninteno character from the orignal console, brought to life in '96. Suppose to show how they adapt to modern society. Here is my take. Princess Peach, putting her talents to good use, now owns the most prestigious bordello in the western hemisphere.

[arjun sawant]

hi 'till my hand bleeds',nice stuff man.i saw ur all work from start.u improved lot,man.i like ur composition & coloring.in terms of anatomy u need to still imrove.u r capable to produse the art like alex ross & bla..bla....not jokin.u got the natural talent,man.keep up the good work.sayonara!

[Razorb]

i can see ur improvement from page 1 man :) great work keep it up

[Azrael]

arjun sawant and Razorb :: Thanks for the kind words and motivation. It helps to know that I am heading in the right direction and progressing. I felt like I have hit a wall lately. Nothing good has really come to mind.

Here some quick sketches I did to practice using my waacom....and a quick sketch for my girlie.

[Azrael]

My entry for the GODSATWAR thunderdome.

[Azrael]

Felt like working on my color and composition. busted out this speedpaint from ref today. Photoshop in about an hour.

[02mckeej]

hello

[Azrael]

02mckeej:: One post and "hello" is it? Leaving me wondering whether or not we know one another? There has to be some motivation to dig this old sketchbook up. Care to elaborate, or are you just poking around deep in the guts of CA?

[Azrael]

Wow, it has been a while since I posted here, or put anytime into art for that matter. It is tough to schedule the time between the daily grind. Staring at a computer all day at work does not leave one wanting to do the same at home. Well, I could use a little inspiration to get back in touch with my art bone. Here is a work in progress that I have been chipping away at once in a while, when I find the time. Comments would be most motivating.

[Azrael]

I know it has been a while since I posted, but it has really been a while since I got back to the grindstone and slayed out some artwork. Between work and school and studying for certifications in the technical industry, I have been stuck behind a computer for eleven hours of my day as it is. It is difficult to find the desire to sit behind the screen for another couple of hours or so to work on artwork as well. The recent terror that the media has pushed out on us the past couple of months with news of the economy and politics has inspired me to let out some of the stress on the screen. Below is the result of that release.

[Azrael]

I think I finally got the hang of my waacom. Here is an initial sketch of a portrait of my girl. Probably going to render this one up.

As a side note, it seems that my post above that I originally posted in the finally finished section was moved over to the critique center. Initially I was a little pissed off, but I suppose there are some adjustments that I can make to it. Perhaps work on adding some color to the objects and maybe work on the cash a bit. Any ideas?

[Azrael]

Whipped up this portrait of my wife. Threw in my little jungle cat for composition. I am somewhat happy with the portrait, but the over all piece seems a bit sharp to me. I really need to work on my photoshoping. I think the best way to work is to stick with painter for the whole image, background and all, then use photoshop to simply change values. I have a hard time blending the background with the foreground. Would appreciate feedback and possible suggestions.

[Azrael]

every artist should complete a self portrait right? feels a little like cupping the balls of my ego, but I gave it a shot.

[Azrael]

Switched the coloring of this one up to see how it splits. Not sure if it is better or worse.

[Niva.]

Hey Azrael, thanks a lot for visiting my SB and leaving a comment! I'm not sure what you mean by "you need to learn a lot" because you have some awesome work here. True some of the stuff can be improved but in particular that princess peach piece is incredible on page 5.

That's not the only one either.

Watch the anatomy, it's somewhat obvious when you're not working from reference on some of the sketches.

Either way you're improving with each post so I'm not going to nitpick, keep it up!

[sjmarshy]

I like the phrase 'cupping the balls of my ego'...nice haha.

as well as that, I like your work too! it's really great, I shall be watching for more.

[Azrael]

n1va:: thanks, bud. You are definitely right, I have trouble with anatomy. I try to find references for everything. It would be nice to make it the point where references is merely for complicated structures, but that library just isn't built up in the head yet. Need to keep practicing and working on the fundamentals. Not that it is that fun, but needed.

sjmarshy:: thanks for the kind words. I am pretty disconnected from the art world with the lack of time that I have so, it is nice to have some feedback and appreciation.

I bring home the bacon doing something completely different than artwork. Some might say the complete opposite. This diversity is pleasing to me for it challenges other section of my mind. I find artwork to be my release and I like it that way. I made it a full time gig a couple of years back and it was treacherous. Anyhow, I whipped up this little doobie for a poster I am putting together for work.

[eminkey2003]

Pretty solid form in the spiky-haired portrait, but I think that the blond girl's head is too big. People normally have a shoulder-width of 3 heads.

[Azrael]

tonight's smatterings...

[ashess]

hi there az! your last sketches are pretty awesome, but when I look at your wife's portrait, the cat is all flat, and your wif'e skin's made of plastic. you might wanna try some tone studies. also, I bet you'd do better with painter instead of photoshop.

[Azrael]

today's football watching sketch session. really just working on improving my wacom-hand-eye coordination.

[Flaskpost]

looking good, man! these last figures shows alot of improvement methinks.

[Niva.]

Good studies! I like the bodyguard, he looks like a juiced up version of Mr. Clean! :)

[sanakris]

Your figure and hands studies are coming along. Post more man D: I wanna see some of your recent work.