CHOW #007 - WWII North African Italian Infantry Soldier

[S.C. Watson]

http://www.oreganoproductions.com/chow/chowlines.jpg

ROUND #7

-------------------------
DEADLINE
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 10th
9 PM PACIFIC STANDARD TIME
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WWII North African Italian Infantry Soldier
Historical

No Description.

References:
READ THIS (http://www.touregypt.net/featurestories/wwii1.htm)
Uniforms 1 (http://www.diggerhistory.info/pages-uniforms/italian.htm)
Uniforms 2 (http://www.italianfront.com/reproPD2.htm)

[dariocoelho]

i dont get it...
so the goal is to use/copy the reference and just paint an italian soldier...?
wheres the creativity?

sorry but i would like to participate and this sounds like theres no space for an own original design...

[katana]

Yea I think I have to agree with dariocoelho...now if you put a racial (alternative world) spin on it, it would fly...think rabbits with stens...

[neoknocker]

I love this contraint. Why? Because when we'll be working, they're sometimes wont be a fuck'n word we'll have to say on how we should do a character. Take any historical warfare video games or movies, for example. Sure they are some that are plainly wacky but sometimes they are some that has to respect some historical criterias.

Thanks for the challenge!

[Carnifex]

oh my...i can't stop laughing because my thoughts keep returning to monty python's "meaning of life" :D

[bwkeough]

historical war games are big sellers. they usually want the concept artists to combine specific pieces of reference into an accurate depiction and then put that costume on someone that looks like a real person. cookie-cutter soldiers aren't as interesting as soldiers that look like individuals. you also need to make certain you're not mixing officer's equipment with that of a fresh recruit's.

[dariocoelho]

when we'll be working, they're sometimes wont be a fuck'n word we'll have to say on how we should do a character. Take any historical warfare video games or movies, for example. Sure they are some that are plainly wacky but sometimes they are some that has to respect some historical criterias.

i agree, but this challenge is going to be about who paints better and nothing more...i dont wont to be ignorant, i understand your opinion, but i think its not the idea of chow to simply paint what has been painted so many times before.

edit: ok, sorry for discussing this, i just had problems with figuring out whats the goal in this topic.
thanks to bwkeough, you cleaned out my beerfilled weekendsuffered brain.

[RobHughes]

If you cant stand the heat stay out of the kitchen.

The job of a concept artist/illustrator means, in the most practical way, that you will have to take jobs that aren't always what you would choose. (I am presuming here that you dont all have rich parents willing to support you all your lives). Useing your creativity to present a fresh take on an old subject is just one way to prove your maturity.

I'll have a go cause it is a good subject. I cant belive youre all baulking at doing war pics.

More reff:-
http://www.comandosupremo.com/Photo.html
http://forgottenhope.bf1942files.com/main.php?selectedyear=2005&selectedmonth=6&module=archives&lang=english&flash=yes
http://www.geocities.com/Pentagon/Quarters/1975/g_tnkita.htm (Tanks)

Rob

[dariocoelho]

i know, rob, but i just wanted to use my freedom of being able to discuss the topic. nothing to blame i think...

ill have a go too, because it really is a good subject, i was just wondering about the originality.

[S.C. Watson]

i dont get it...
so the goal is to use/copy the reference and just paint an italian soldier...?
wheres the creativity?

sorry but i would like to participate and this sounds like theres no space for an own original design...

neoknocker was dead on. I can't give you the creativity. That's in *your* tool box.

Character descriptions vary wildly - especially in a lot of the card art that I've done. What you've got here is a typical example of an actual character illustration. The name is the description. Go wild with it, but keep it accurate to the period. Do some research.

~Oreg.

[solorpower]

This topic is not as bad as it seems. We are still creating a fictional character, unless someone has a photograph of an actual relative, which would be cool. This is a really good topic, the same as painting a historic Viking character or a legionaire of the Roman Empire. I think doing a bit of research to paint a historic WWII character is part of the fun and creative process, and it is still painting a Character of the Week.

I view history as something that happened only yesterday. It wasn't in black and white, but in everyday color, and this Italian Infantry character would look just as real and interesting as one of today's. History flows, and good artists keep it alive and fresh. My entry will be as accurate and interesting as possible.

Good luck!

[threeeyesworm]

There's still plenty of room for creativity. The setting, the atmosphere, the actions of the person(s), or even African urban architecture. Sure this is Character design, but character design plays on those things.

I wish I can participate but 5 finals coming up... Not nearly ready. :(

[RobHughes]

dariocoelho Just viseted your sketchbook. You have great imagination and skill with line. I'm looking forward to seeing your entry.

Rob

[bwkeough]

one thing I forgot to mention: the appearance of a veteran soldier in the field is usually a far cry from what the government uniform rules book requires. try to find phot ref that shows men in action, not on the parade ground. Rob posted some good links for that.

[Lee]

Im confused about what type of game this is going to be for. On one hand it could be for a fighting game which would allow for more freedom in the design, but if its for a game like Medal of Honor it would be an acurate design. Or is it for a game at all??

[S.C. Watson]

Im confused about what type of game this is going to be for. On one hand it could be for a fighting game which would allow for more freedom in the design, but if its for a game like Medal of Honor it would be an acurate design. Or is it for a game at all??
It's an excercise: Interpet it the way you want. In other words, if you are interested in action packed real time war games, design the character for that. If you are interested in games like Medal of Honor, there you go. Or if you are more into CCG's (collectable card games like Magic the Gathering) use those as a model. OR, do a book cover. Or do some concept art.

In other words, it is wide open as to *HOW* you do the piece.

Hope that helps.

~Oreg.

[sour]

i have a good idea for this one. here's to hoping i can stick to it and get something that looks nice in the process.
i like having it this wide open otherwise my idea might not work.

[Lee]

It's an excercise: Interpet it the way you want. In other words, if you are interested in action packed real time war games, design the character for that. If you are interested in games like Medal of Honor, there you go. Or if you are more into CCG's (collectable card games like Magic the Gathering) use those as a model. OR, do a book cover. Or do some concept art.

In other words, it is wide open as to *HOW* you do the piece.

Hope that helps.

~Oreg.

Thanks for specifing I just wanted to make sure.

[S.C. Watson]

Thanks for specifing I just wanted to make sure.
Sure, no problem.

I completely understand that it can be a little bewildering to get a character illustration without any elaboration sometimes.

For the record, I usually drive my art directors *NUTS* with all sorts of questions regarding what they're after. :tihi:

Cheers,
~Oreg.

[CaptainInsano]

stop moanin and just do it! when you get jobs doing art, you'll ALWAYS being drawing stuff you don't like... in style and subject matter... and guess what? You'll have to do it anyway.

btw... according to those links, Italian ww2 soldiers were also transvestites. That's what made em' so scary.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v678/ParkerD/preww2-italian.jpg

[bwkeough]

if you can find it in a bookstore near you, this would be very useful:
http://www.ospreypublishing.com/title_detail.php/title=P8658~ser=MAA~per=2

[Commander Obvious]

I'd just like to pipe in with my 2 very deflated cents...

I actually think that a "boring" or "constrained" costume is an excellent chance to show how good you are at bringing out the character of your concept art. In other words, you can't simply let your gear speak for you but instead have to rely on the subtler design aspects of pose, expression, and setting (should you choose) to establish what this character is all about. If you know anything about the Italian infantry in WWII, you'd have plenty of material to go on for displaying the attitude of this particular soldier.

Having said all that, I suppose I need to put my money (2 cents?) where my mouth is and let some work speak instead...

[S.C. Watson]

Here: http://www.touregypt.net/featurestories/wwii1.htm

I've posted it above as well.

[Rascar Capac]

to add to the confusion....im assuming it could also be a person of N. African descent as a soldier in the italian army? ...because N. Africans were granted Italian nationality...and even some of the uniforms wer a cross of western/eastern styles...which could be very interesting

[PaulGanguly]

I'd just like to pipe in with my 2 very deflated cents...

I actually think that a "boring" or "constrained" costume is an excellent chance to show how good you are at bringing out the character of your concept art. In other words, you can't simply let your gear speak for you but instead have to rely on the subtler design aspects of pose, expression, and setting (should you choose) to establish what this character is all about. If you know anything about the Italian infantry in WWII, you'd have plenty of material to go on for displaying the attitude of this particular soldier.

Having said all that, I suppose I need to put my money (2 cents?) where my mouth is and let some work speak instead...Quoted for emphasis.

[S.C. Watson]

to add to the confusion....im assuming it could also be a person of N. African descent as a soldier in the italian army? ...because N. Africans were granted Italian nationality...and even some of the uniforms wer a cross of western/eastern styles...which could be very interesting
You certainly can go for this angle, and it would be an interesting one, I'm sure. Just be sure to post your references.

[Rascar Capac]

definitely...this is gonna be fun

[Antlion]

For additional gaming references, check out...

Medal of Honor (Spearhead, Breakthrough [lot's of African war scenes there)
Call of Duty (Specifically, the free demo/trial download), and
IronStorm (a WWI game w/ 'advanced weaponry').

I think a lot can be done with that Pith helmet, respirators, goggles, etc...

Now, all I need to do is go to the dollar store and purchase some time...

[masque]

a Google image search for El Alamein turned out to be very rewarding as well.

[Xpose]

lol no one is being so quick to post art this time round eh?

[nordmark]

anyone got any reference on some weapons that the italian army used?

[Prehistoric]

a Google image search for El Alamein turned out to be very rewarding as well.

the battle of Tobruk, Libya was also one that involved the Italian army. some good reference material there.

[Odds]

sooo... anyone gonna do one? :P
i'm working on mine now.

[darth massacre]

http://www.dragonmodelsltd.com/catalog/figure_pics/70423/70423.1.jpg
http://www.dragonmodelsltd.com/catalog/figure_pics/70424/70424.1.jpg

They're not brilliant pictures but I hope these helps. IIRC they're late war figures (43 and beyond) so it might not be accurate for this.

Also found this interesting link on WW2 weapons. Good launch point for research.

http://www.stormpages.com/garyjkennedy/Weapons/infantry_weapons_of_world_war_tw.htm

I may join in for this if I can get some time away from my schoolwork. In any case, have fun.

[cgfuller64]

sooo... anyone gonna do one? :P
i'm working on mine now.


I'm almost done!

[masque]

anyone got any reference on some weapons that the italian army used?
google up Carcano carbine for one -- Model M91/38 Moschetto per Cavalleria. i think one link i read said they used a Beretta MG as well but i don't have any specific models.

[Undertow]

GREAT TOPIC SHANE! *Stares at sketchbook, opens reference folder*

[Jska]

This is gonna be a tough one, and I'm guessing because it is a "historical" illustration, we are judged mostly upon history accuracy... Looking forward to seeing this round of CHOWs :)

[masque]

This is gonna be a tough one, and I'm guessing because it is a "historical" illustration, we are judged mostly upon history accuracy... Looking forward to seeing this round of CHOWs :)i'm not sure that many denizens of this forum will have enough in-depth knowledge of WWII readily at hand to make choices based on historical accuracy. that's not a crit; after all it was last century's war. i'm probably older than most and had to dig deep for some of my refs -- it's not something anyone but a WWII buff would have stashed in the ol' grey matter, though some pros may have extensive ref files.

but in my book a piece that depends on its historical accuracy for impact will be unlikely to get my vote, 'cause although clothes might proclaim the man, the costume ain't the character.

[redehlert]

what? no entries yet? ;) slowing.....doooowwwnnn......
good topic shane, wish i could dive into this one!....next week will be better.
good luck to everyone! research, research, research!
cheers,
d

[redehlert]

BTW - here's my quick 5 minute search on the subject - scroll down for a slick poster!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_African_Campaign

[solorpower]

Could not make this one this week! Too many time constraints at work and hitting my finals in school.....
arrgghh!

Anyway, I'll be in for next week's chow!

[Zergaloth]

(pulls hair out in desperation..."I hope"........):^^;: [/IMG]

I do hope so for you, or this piece will be taken to the poll... and you wouldn't want that to happen, now would you. So far it looks rather dull, why don't you try some daring camera angle? Or put the character in some gunblazing action?

[S.C. Watson]

Zergaloth, sometimes a simple character study is best. Not every moment of a soldier's life is tantalizing POV's or "gunblazing action".

[solorpower]

I do hope so for you, or this piece will be taken to the poll... and you wouldn't want that to happen, now would you. So far it looks rather dull, why don't you try some daring camera angle? Or put the character in some gunblazing action?

That would be one way to portray this character, but I am pressed for time this week, plus I prefer to do a "camera pose" to catch the details of the uniform, and display a "war=beaten" and "tired" expression on his face. Don't worry, I will add lighting for a better effect. It's only my initial sketch......:^^:

Zergaloth, sometimes a simple character study is best. Not every moment of a soldier's life is tantalizing POV's or "gunblazing action".

That is exactly what I am going for.:teeth: Shane is very correct in this area, a lot of a soldier's time is spent in quiet moments with chaotic and sudden flashes of battle in between.

[masque]

http://www.metrocast.net/~chipartist/ImagePost/SalvatoresGrittyEnd.jpg

Sig.ra Teresa Rosario
Via Verona
Partinico, Palermo, Sicily, Italy

Nov. 8, 1942

My dear Signora Rosario:

I sincerely regret to inform you that your son Salvatore Rosario died of wounds received in action on November 3, 1942, during the battle of Alamein Beach in Egypt. Salvatore was a brave and exemplary soldier of the 65th Infantry Brigade, having recently received a promotion to the rank of Soldato Scelto.

Salvatore died instantly when struck in the head by shrapnel from an exploding tank shell; he did not suffer.

Please accept my deepest condolences for your loss.

Capitano Giuseppe Andolini
65th Infantry Regiment
101st Infantry Division (Trieste)
Al Alamein, Egypt

___________________

Soldato Scelto (Private First Class) Salvatore Rosario carried a Carcano "cavalry" carbine (M91/38 Moschetto Per Cavalleria, 6.5 mm, with integrated fixed bayonet). His uniform bears the collar-badge of the Italian Infantry, with regimental and rank patches on his sleeve. His M33 helmet is stenciled with the insignia of the 65th Infantry Regiment. He leans against the rear wheel of an S-37 Autoprotetto, a small armored vehicle deployed for many uses, though its armament was outmatched by that of its British counterparts, as was the Fiat 3000 light tank (the so-called "Iron Coffin") shown burning in the BG.

Note: Not entirely sure about the rank badge -- my visual source identifies this badge as for rank "Camicia Nera Scelta", which another source lists as a rank in the CCNN (aka MSVN -- the paramilitary "Black Shirts"), rather than the regular army. No sources for the Soldato Scelto rank badge could be found, so it's only my conjecture that they would be the same badge.

Form of the letter is also an exercise of creative license.

a few of my sources:
http://www.carbinesforcollectors.com/carcano.htm
http://www.touregypt.net/italiancemetery.htm
http://www.militarybadges.info/pages/asstd/italy.htm
http://www.diggerhistory.info/pages-badges/italian2.htm
http://www.vojska.net/ww2/ranks/
http://www.users.dircon.co.uk/~warden/ww2/Battles/rft.htm
http://www.geocities.com/Pentagon/Quarters/1975/g_itawna.htm
http://www.geocities.com/Pentagon/Quarters/1975/f3000b.jpg
http://www.avalanchepress.com/IronCoffin.php
http://www.tin-soldier.com/sg/s37.htm

**image updated -- thanks for the crits, guys!**

[redehlert]

nice masque....perhaps some more grime on the face and hands dust sticks to sweat, etc. :)

[masque]

perhaps some more grime on the face and hands dust sticks to sweat, etc. :)sojers get dirty??? :x ;)

yeah, good point, i'll deal with the nitty gritty tomorrow, though.

[S.C. Watson]

masque - great pic, and I agree, he needs to be dirtied up some. Great face - he *looks* Italian! :teeth:

One caveat, tho - head wounds bleed. A lot. They're incredibly messy. When I first saw your guy, I thought he was asleep. I wouldn't suggest getting gory, but I think you definately need to show some blood to make the picture work.

~Oreg.

[masque]

thanks for the good words, oregano. yeah, i debated a lot with myself about the blood (i know headshots are gory) but was concerned it might detract from the intent of the pose and expression (the only peace is in the grave, etc.). the initial confusion of "asleep or dead" is by intent, hopefully inviting a somewhat closer look to the half-lidded eyes, slack hands, etc. then again, i can sometimes be too subtle by half. :rolleyes:

[S.C. Watson]

You know, you may be able to handle it this way, if you choose to go the more obvious wound route at all; his helmet strap is almost in line with the puncture point on his helmet. You could include a slight redening along the left side of the strap - very subtley! - down to his shirt. Then darken the shirt a deeper brown around the chest - my thought here is that it could be taken for either sweat, or the blood from the wound. Leave it ambigious.

Of course, messing with it at all along these lines may end up working against the piece. If you do decide to try something, be sure to work on a copy so you don't lose your original! d

Either way, it's a great pic.

~Oreg.

[edit] really great sources as well.

[Chuck,mate.]

:^^;:
well, i`ve been reworkin` and jerkin` this piece for too long now.
enough.
here`s my entry good sirs.
hope it`s satisfactory
(i added a det` of the head. what?... sue me.)
:)

http://images5.theimagehosting.com/WWII_infantry_small.jpg

http://images5.theimagehosting.com/WWII_infantry_det.jpg

sgt. CLEMENTE SCAGLIA,
91st Division.
El Agedabia, egypt.

1919 - 1942.

[cgfuller64]

Blurb to come...plz crit if you have time...Thanks.

OMG I loathe painting with a mouse!!!!I Gotta get a tablet!


http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c188/cgfuller64/plzworkfnbgy.jpg

[Zergaloth]

... plus I prefer to do a "camera pose" to catch the details of the uniform, and display a "war=beaten" and "tired" expression on his face. Don't worry, I will add lighting for a better effect.

Okay, you're right. I should've shut up and waited for saturday with my crits.

Love the pieces Chuck and Masque. Though a trinkle of blood wouldn't be so bad indeed, masque, unless you wanted to portray him sleeping and waiting for the shrapnel to hit his head. :^^:

[csteingart]

masque - nice detail
Chuck,mate. - nice colour, and character

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a133/cstein74/speed_dec6_3.jpg

[masque]

OK, OK, effusion of bodily fluids complete! :teeth: added pit stains et al, a discrete amount of gore, some grit here & there.

interesting problem: how to do the dirt/grit, which is essentially noise, in a painting style that is already generally fairly noisy, yet still preserve the tonal subtlety, especially in the face & hands. my answer was to add yet another "noise level" with a 2-pixel brush, and keep it reserved.

the blood was easier -- i had used both red & blue in the shadows for "contra-colors" to keep them lively, so I just pumped what was already there a bit. still subtle but less ambiguous (i hope).

if interested, here's the link to the first "cleaner" image, if you want to do a side-by-side or overlay comparison: http://www.metrocast.net/~chipartist/ImagePost/SalvatoresEnd.jpg

[S.C. Watson]

masque - I think it's perfect. Don't touch it anymore. I love the mood of the piece.

csteingart - very well done! Like the smoke :teeth:

cgfuller64 - you painted that with a mouse? Jesus, dude. Either dedication or glutton for punishment :tihi: No blurb is necessary. Of course, you can include one if you like, but it will not be taken to voting.

Chuck,mate - great character. Love the face. I'd almost say he should be part of the black shirts with that look. Well, maybe not. They were pushovers from everything I've read.

Really like what I'm seeing folks. Good work all the way around so far.

~Oreg.

[redehlert]

Chuck, mate! that's great man! Love the inclusion of the map in the bg for texture and orientation - extra bonus points for ya!
Entries are shaping up!

Cheers,
D

[masque]

masque - Don't touch it anymore.
~Oreg.Yess, SIR! (salutes smartly, heels snapping together) :yayca:

seriously, though, thanks again to you & redehlert for the comments -- it would be a weaker piece without your keen insights.

ps: no Italian patriot smiley???

[neoknocker]

Wow. Execelent work Masque, Great piece Chuck Mate; Nice piece CG Fuller; Nice entry Csteingart and it's coming great Solorpower.

[JakkaS]

masque.....I think the first one you have posted was better.....now it is too dark...but this is only my opinion. But still this is great pic.

[masque]

masque.....I think the first one you have posted was better.....now it is too dark...but this is only my opinion. But still this is great pic.hmm... dark in terms of values of the colors or dark in terms of mood? not a great deal of change in the values except in select areas. either way, glad you like it and thanks for the comment.

[cgfuller64]

masque - I think it's perfect. Don't touch it anymore. I love the mood of the piece.

csteingart - very well done! Like the smoke :teeth:

cgfuller64 - you painted that with a mouse? Jesus, dude. Either dedication or glutton for punishment :tihi: No blurb is necessary. Of course, you can include one if you like, but it will not be taken to voting.

Chuck,mate - great character. Love the face. I'd almost say he should be part of the black shirts with that look. Well, maybe not. They were pushovers from everything I've read.

Really like what I'm seeing folks. Good work all the way around so far.

~Oreg.


Thanks I think? I've done all my artwork for along time on the mouse, then I used a friend's computer and tablet.....WOW that makes a difference....I'm gonna buy a tablet after the Holidays....man am I excited?

[S.C. Watson]

Thanks I think? I've done all my artwork for along time on the mouse, then I used a friend's computer and tablet.....WOW that makes a difference....I'm gonna buy a tablet after the Holidays....man am I excited?
LOL - sorry. That was sort of a left handed compliment, wasn't it? I've done some work with a mouse initially (years ago) and its just a bear to control. You've got my respect for pulling off something that looks good with a mouse. Get yourself a wacom as soon as you can.

Cheers,
~Oreg.

[darth massacre]

I'm just starting my own piece.

If anyone's looking to put in a piece of M1938 submachinegun, here's a pretty good reference. http://flitz.web.infoseek.co.jp/WerkstattBerettaM1938A1.html

[cgfuller64]

Thanks Oregano, any comments on my technique in general...I just feel kinda stuck..but I dont think a tablet is my solve-all. I really like your work and I would greatly appreciate any advice you have for me...I didn't use photos for reference with the exception of the uniforms posted at the beginning of the thread. (and those only for design not imagery purposes.) I will have a Wacom by early Jan., I didn't realize what I was missing.

[S.C. Watson]

Thanks Oregano, any comments on my technique in general...I just feel kinda stuck..but I dont think a tablet is my solve-all. I really like your work and I would greatly appreciate any advice you have for me...I didn't use photos for reference with the exception of the uniforms posted at the beginning of the thread. (and those only for design not imagery purposes.) I will have a Wacom by early Jan., I didn't realize what I was missing.

Okay, going back and looking at your piece again, I'm not sure if you are using photoshop or painter - I'm leaning towards photoshop at the moment, but I may be wrong.

I highly recomend Painter over photoshop. I know there are many members here on the boards that will disagree with me and who can do some jaw dropping work with PS, *but* as I point out, painter is a painting program specifically designed for doing digital artwork. PS is a photo manipulation program that has spread to print and web development and isn't explicity meant for digital artwork.

Beyond that, in terms of actually creating a picture is *always* use reference. Always study your anatomy as well. The picture you did suffers from serious anatomical issues that have nothing to do with the program used or a mouse vs. wacom. These can be corrected with taking some time to study your subject.

I'd also highly recomend (if you don't already) drawing traditionally. It's much easier in my opinion to bring traditonal drawing skills to the computer than vice versa. Most notably, working traditionally doesn't give the the benefit of the "undo" tool, much to my frustration :P

Your use of lighting and tone seems to be pretty good, along with your pallet choice (colors).

I'd be able to better direct you once I can see what you can do without being hindered by the mouse - they really are so limiting. One thing I'd suggest doing is working up line art first (pen and paper) and once that's scanned in, painting under that (keep the line art on a seperate layer set to multiply so the paper becomes transparent).

Anyway, all of this is based on looking at one picture done with a mouse. It may be that a lot of this is irrelevant and not applicable because I really don't know your skill level. Once I can see more of that, then I can better help you in specific areas.

Cheers,
~Oreg.

[darth massacre]

Don't know if the link works. This is a pretty good and detailed picture on Amazon.

Italian Army 1940-45 (2) (http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/1855328658/ref=sib_dp_pt/002-4865073-8708034#reader-page)

If it doesn't work, go to Amazon and type "Osprey Books, Italian Army 1940-1945, North Africa" You should see it on the top of the search results.

[darth massacre]

Okay here's my entry.

http://www.visiblesurface.com/jerry/italy.jpg


Special thanks to Endregan for allowing me to use his webspace.

ADD: Forgot to mention its fully rendered in markers with some colored pencil detailing.

[nightfend]

My first CHOW entry. I feel way more comfortable painting creatures I can tell you that much. :-p

http://home.comcast.net/~mikecwagner/images/chow/italian_soldier.jpg

[Chuck,mate.]

[/QUOTE]Chuck,mate - great character. Love the face. I'd almost say he should be part of the black shirts with that look. Well, maybe not. They were pushovers from everything I've read.

~Oreg.[/QUOTE]

thanks man.
well, old Clemente here wasn`t a black shirt,
though his cousin, Giacomo "the train" Saracino, was
one of "el duche"`s most notorious thugs. a black shirt.
bombed a whole damn neighborhood once `cause
someone called him "fatso".

he eventually was killed by a drunk midget at a loacl napolitan tavern.

[Rascar Capac]

Well... as I mentioned before, I thought using a soldier of N. African Descent of the colonial troops with the the mix of western/eastern uniform would be interesting .....but as you can see, the reference provided is for corporals so I dont know if this will fly as far as the rules...
Had fun though

Painter, some PS, with an overlay parchment layer

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b237/Hovig1977/soldier3.jpghttp://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b237/Hovig1977/soldier4.jpg

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b237/Hovig1977/chow2.jpg

[Chuck,mate.]

Chuck, mate! that's great man! Love the inclusion of the map in the bg for texture and orientation - extra bonus points for ya!
Entries are shaping up!

Cheers,
D

hey...we do what we can. :teeth:
thanks dude.

[masque]

Rascar Capac: nice work. i like the dynamics of the strokes and windy setting versus the classic stance.

[ambidextros]

wow rascar. thats one gestural painting. i quite like the figure in the background to.

[Chuck,mate.]

wonderful brush work there rascar capac.
though the face is somewhat off, and ruins a bit the great style of the rest of the piece. but that`s only my op.

[cgfuller64]

Oregano, it is Photoshop I'll try painter. It is a bit frustrating, my oil paintings are much better, but looking at a little monitor and using a mouse seem to challenge me. I've got a 30 in plasma and a tablet on my soon to purchase listr....if that doesn't change things, I dont know what will. Thank you soooooooo much for your time...I really appreciate your willingness to help.
Sincerely,
Chad

[conundrum]

This is my final, i think it still needs a lot of improvement to stop it being so boring but i'm pretty slow and i want to try and get the environment and creature done too.

http://img524.imageshack.us/img524/9504/italiansoldier27ei.jpg

[Zergaloth]

Well, you got my vote Rascar. That's the way to bring a 'boring' illustration to life.

[Rascar Capac]

wonderful brush work there rascar capac.
though the face is somewhat off, and ruins a bit the great style of the rest of the piece. but that`s only my op.

Appreciate the comment - I have to spend more time on the face...
Now I thought that once you post, you cant go back and its final?
But I see some putting WIPS...so do we have to state its a WIP?

[masque]

Now I thought that once you post, you cant go back and its final? But I see some putting WIPS...so do we have to state its a WIP?afaik, it ain't final 'til the fat lady ... oops wrong phrase... 'til the thread closes, and WIP is really up to the artist. i feel one of the best things about these *OW projects is that you can have a chance to get good feedback and hone your work if you want, making it much more a community-supported growth medium than a competition between individuals. i don't even see it as a strict "competition," as it isn't a matter of what's "best" as much as what's more appealing to many viewers.

[Lee]

Looking good everyone!

Heres my entry.

http://festingo.com/images/Italian-infantry.gif

[Jska]

Here's my character... far from finished, this is just the framework. Will probably be painting him and adding more details (like on the gun for instance) tonight and tomorrow! He has a rosary in his hand if you can't tell. I kinda liked the idea that an Italian soldier back then would probably be pretty attached to his faith in times of war.

http://www.jskaconcepts.com/badaboom/italiantrooper.jpg

C&C greatly appreciated!!

[darth massacre]

Whooo...entries are shaping up.

@ Rascar: I think its "there". Too much detail on the face would make it look overworked. And I think coporals are pretty much dressed similarly to other enlisteds. Usually only officers would be different.

@JSKA: Nice sketch. Get it done and uploaded. I like the idea so far and would be interested to see the final.

[killthemouse]

http://img215.imageshack.us/img215/3569/italiancopy8dq.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

...

I need to paint bigger and scribble smaller. Had fun doing this though.

[S.C. Watson]

Rascar, your pic is fine. Good job on that.
---
By the way, I may be a little late getting things taken care of this week as I've a holiday party to go to on Sat. But I'll try to keep things running as smooth as possible.

~Oreg.

[4thAngle]

Enjoy your parté, Oreg.
Some nice work here - I'm diggin your style, Rascar.

http://www.cognitiondesigns.com.au/illustration/links/CHOW%20italian%20infantry%20sboxer.jpg

[JakkaS]

I’m first time doing painting like this, but I’m big fan of Call of Duty (I spend my free time on painting and playing COD online :)) so couldn’t resist posting something. I hope you will like it.
Cheers!

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a314/JakkaS/CHOW007-JakkaS.jpg

[Pupil]

Great Topic. I'm not sure whether The B&W or the colour one looks better. Any suggestions?

B&W:
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c91/PewPiI/Pupil_CHOW7_ITA_N_AfricanBW.jpg

Colorized version:
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c91/PewPiI/Pupil_CHOW7_ITA_N_AfricanC.jpg

[S.C. Watson]

Pupil, I'm actually leaning towards the color version... but that's just me.

Looking really good everyone!

~O

[Pupil]

Thanks Oregano. Colour it is then. In general I'm still struggling to incorporate colour into my paintings. It's been fun trying to push myself to think about it though. I suppose if I really want to improve I'll need to paint in colour from the start of a picture instead of just editing a finished black and white one.

[S.C. Watson]

Thanks Oregano. Colour it is then. In general I'm still struggling to incorporate colour into my paintings. It's been fun trying to push myself to think about it though. I suppose if I really want to improve I'll need to paint in colour from the start of a picture instead of just editing a finished black and white one.
Not necessarily. The reason your color picture worked is because you had your tones down with the b/w picture. And that is key. If those tones are off, the picture won't look right. Working in black and white, and then moving over to color is a good way to make sure that you have tonal cohesive picture.

Besides, there is no rule saying you can't color a black and white picture as you've done here. If it works for you, use it and don't apologize! :P

~Oreg.

[Main Loop]

refs were italianfront.com, collectiblefirearms.com, and wikipedia..

http://www.remtek.net/0/mainloop/default/images/19/119.jpg

[Zergaloth]

I think his arms are a bit too long and his hands a bit too small...
And he looks like a mad scientist with those glasses on. Also I think
the cropping isn't that good. You should give him some air above his head.
I think you've come up with a good pose and all, just give it a little more attention?

[romance]

http://www.artofromance.ca/ca/projects/CHOW/Italinf.jpg

Who needs a gun when you've got hands that big. Not my greatest attempt, but an attempt.

[bumskee]

Rascar Capac, sweet entry. :)

http://home.exetel.com.au/bumskee/con/chow_7.jpg

[FridayEve]

http://www.fridayeve.com/gallery/dsg/chow7_fridayeve.jpg
bring on the new topic-- :^^:

[Jska]

Finished mine... kinda rushed!! Had a commission to do last minute. I would've liked atleast one more day on this. Great entries though everyone!