Guardian of the Forest

[Oolong Boartusker]

Anyone have any tips for creating photorealistic foliage? Can't quite get this the way I want it to look.

http://www.cbctx.com/images/tal/panda_web.jpg

[killing.people]

that looks really interesting.

[Oolong Boartusker]

Starting a conceptual page inspired by my pic above. Just finished the sketch and the base colors.

http://www.cbctx.com/images/tal/pandaconcept_web.jpg

[Wrath_of_Dog]

Or perhaps you were inspired by Blizzard's Warcraft III's April Fool's joke. Hey! That's it! Blizzard has an image, one of their "look how cool the game is despite the fact that this isn't actually in the game anywhere" images. And it has good plantage. And by karmic force, because I have mentioned this particular image, I am now unable to find it. Nuts.

[Oolong Boartusker]

Sorry man, you lost me there....lol

I havent' played Warcraft III before. Please explain...

[Wrath_of_Dog]

You mentioned that you were having some issues with leaves and shadows. And your image set there has a strong resemblance to an April fools day joke Blizzard Entertainment played on its fans where they claimed that an additional race was to added to their game, Warcraft III. This race was one of warrior pandas, hence the resemblance. It also occured to me while I was thinking about this, that Wizzard also produced a promotional image (out of game concept art), which featured some very nice foliage. And because my Karma has a sense of humor, because I was trying to find that image, I couldn't find it.
As for the original post itself...I'm right in the middle of something called SHF (promounced "chef") week. Its an acronym describing the workload around this time of year (involving fans...). Well, at least that's my story, and I'm sticking too it. Besides, in a forum, the majority of the ones I post in, people will quote character lines from the game regularly. Its force of habit to assume someone will know what I'm babbling about.
Peace

[Oolong Boartusker]

That is bizarre :) Thanks for thinking of it anyways.

[Oolong Boartusker]

Did some coloring on the body, gonna have a go at the head tomorrow.

http://www.cbctx.com/images/tal/panda_web2.jpg

[Oolong Boartusker]

Messed around with some textures and the foliage.

http://www.cbctx.com/images/tal/panda_web3.jpg

[Wrath_of_Dog]

Nice changes all around in the first image. Its definitely vegetable now. My favorite part is the fern on the bottom right. Actually, it caught my eye before the giant red and white character in the center this time.
The darker fur is a nice change in the second image. The character looks more lifelike and less stylistic now. The fur is great. Its a good length and direction (from an asthetic viewpoint). The muscling is realistic and well placed (especially given the variations in anatomy off human). The facial expression is perfect for the character, calm with a hint of benevolence. The shading on the eyes is perfect, just the right size. The red paint smears are great too. Actually, red is used well for shading too. I'm only really seeing two things (maybe three). My first thought is the practicality of applying enough white face paint to completely cover up black fur. Points for panda if he can, but I'm thinking it'd turn out to be a little bit more greyed or blacked out than it is now. The second thought I have is about the glint off the armor. Some of it seems to be a bit cleaner (or getting a bit more sun) than the rest. Specifically, there is a glint dead center on the gold plate and another on the blue material over the belly that seem a little out of place. Perhaps these two pieces could be a little darker or aged slightly more. The colors on the gauntlet seem to work a little better, and I'm pretty sure they're about the same lighting. And the third thing I'm seeing is the belly itself. That warrior needs a girdle! It's probably just the glint creating a "shelf effect," but it looks like he's been hitting the drink with a passion unknown before.
Oh, and afterthoughts. Your first character seems to be the victim of unfortunate shadows. If you look at it too hard, he's got a little 1/3 mustache. Althought the glint off the weapon there is great. I have a few more thoughts on the first image, but the clock on the wall says its three o'clock (G. Thorougood) and its time for me to either study for another experience in impending doom (psych 101 test; never take a 101 from the department head; smacks self in forehead while repeating "stupid"), or attempt to sleep amidst the sweet songs of some really stupid/persistant/effective finches (who've nested under a street light and can't figure out that is isn't dawn for ten hours straight).
Peace

[Oolong Boartusker]

Updated concept pic. I think the wrinkles on the up close side view of the panda, on his nose look kinda funny. Couldn't find a good reference, every single panda pic I found they always look calm and peaceful :P Anyone have a pic of a panda snarling? :)

http://www.cbctx.com/images/tal/pandaconcept2_web.jpg