I'm doing art challenge for Jon Schindehette's ArtOrder blog doing this illustration of a dude lost in a dungeon. These are 2 variations each on 2 different compositions that I like, switching up the light source and weapon.
I think it's awesome that your taking up this challenge. Keep us updated on it.
I'd want to see some more value variations, since being underground, that single light source and how it is lighting the surroundings will be such a big component.
I'm not sure what those spikey things are supposed to be in the foreground. This is only a thumbnail, but in the final of it isn't clear what those are, then ditch them. For right now, the area of space on the first two reads better, because for now it's just a spatial component.
A broken sword? Why is that? It's one thing to have a broken sword just cause it looks cool, but you may want to think about (maybe you already have) how it can quickly describe his character or situation. I've seen many d & d images of the "unfortunate adventurer" that are quite effective. Has he been through a lot? Mortally wounded in battle? does he have a broken sword and now he has to face a ten-foot-tall ogre with 2 swords? Or maybe he has to hack through some underground roots, and now he has no sword to do it with. Adding these other "set pieces" could create an instantly readable - maybe even funny - story.
Have you looked at a lot of other example sketches of the challenge? I'm thinking if this is a competition, you may want to play A LOT with the dynamism of the comp - because the judges will be looking at a lot of these things. Extreme views of the character - like from the POV of what he's holding the lantern to.
I'm going to e mail you an example of what I mean - a painting by Jeff Easley. This unfortunate adventurer is being eaten by a gelatinous cube. The POV is at the end of the sword he is desperately trying to reach, and it makes for a more dynamic comp. I'd want to see more foreshortening of the figure to show his reluctant advance.
Hope this helps. I'm not trying to be a dick - I'd like to see you win this thing, so I'm trying to give you as much info as I can. Like I said, keep us updated; I want to see the next stage, so there are more components to discuss.
2 comments:
Geoff,
I think it's awesome that your taking up this challenge. Keep us updated on it.
I'd want to see some more value variations, since being underground, that single light source and how it is lighting the surroundings will be such a big component.
I'm not sure what those spikey things are supposed to be in the foreground. This is only a thumbnail, but in the final of it isn't clear what those are, then ditch them. For right now, the area of space on the first two reads better, because for now it's just a spatial component.
A broken sword? Why is that? It's one thing to have a broken sword just cause it looks cool, but you may want to think about (maybe you already have) how it can quickly describe his character or situation. I've seen many d & d images of the "unfortunate adventurer" that are quite effective. Has he been through a lot? Mortally wounded in battle? does he have a broken sword and now he has to face a ten-foot-tall ogre with 2 swords? Or maybe he has to hack through some underground roots, and now he has no sword to do it with. Adding these other "set pieces" could create an instantly readable - maybe even funny - story.
Have you looked at a lot of other example sketches of the challenge? I'm thinking if this is a competition, you may want to play A LOT with the dynamism of the comp - because the judges will be looking at a lot of these things. Extreme views of the character - like from the POV of what he's holding the lantern to.
I'm going to e mail you an example of what I mean - a painting by Jeff Easley. This unfortunate adventurer is being eaten by a gelatinous cube. The POV is at the end of the sword he is desperately trying to reach, and it makes for a more dynamic comp. I'd want to see more foreshortening of the figure to show his reluctant advance.
Hope this helps. I'm not trying to be a dick - I'd like to see you win this thing, so I'm trying to give you as much info as I can. Like I said, keep us updated; I want to see the next stage, so there are more components to discuss.
JEESH, whatta dick!
No worries. You can't be too harsh with me man, keep em coming! I really appreciate the critical eye and detailed response.
Post a Comment