Victory Gals _New_series preview-BigBlockGals!

[Gangus]

Here is the ongoing series of Victory Gals start.
I will do my best to keep new paintings of this series in the original post.

Thanks for visiting,
Respectfully,
Glen

I did a little online poll, as to what people really
wanted to see for a present day Victory Gal
and there was an overwhelming landslide vote for the A-10

I wanted to give the present day aircraft the same nostalgic pin up feel, but as always try and push the subject matter a bit to keep it fresh.

This is my first painting where I collaborated with a professional model for inspiration.
Her name is Veronika, and her web site is www.perfectmuse.com.
Feel free to drop her a line if you like this Victory Gal to show your apreciation of lending her beauty to this series.


Hope you guys like,
It's at the bottom of these pics and the end of the forum thread as well.





At the bottom
Thanks for the great response guys.

I am a little bummed to have been knocked down to 4 stars but I guess thems is the way it goes.

In any event I wanted to offer the loyal participants of this thread a look into my next series:

To continue my love of marrying stylized pin up with machinery and tie in my passion for classic cars I have decided to think ahead of the completion of the 12 Victory Gals and compose my first in a series of "BigBlockGals".
This is Big Block Belle- the car is my pride and joy dream car my 69 Chevelle. Who may unfortunately be on the chopping block to raise money for Teddy. My wife has been amazing in pushing it as far back from the money raising efforts for therapy, but alas unless the Victory Gals calender can get a sponsor and take off- it may be an inevitable but neccessary loss. In any event this was pencilled on the computer- I used a self taken photo of my car to exact the proportions of the grill and such, but ultimately judging on the painting there isn't anything left of the initial reference.

I want to make this about expressive idealized figures, interesting color choices and visual impact while taking the traditional car pin up painting thing and giving it a little more artistic merit intergrity opposed to the ussual beefcake magazing photo spreads. I am hoping that some hot rod mags may be interested in giving there pages a new look as well.

Anyways, enough babbling. I hope you like!
Don't worry there are going to be some Fords and Mopar beauties to come.

Regards,
Gangus

[Phlebas9]

these are absolutely amazing. the execution is great, but it is the idea which really stands out. congratulations.

cleveland

[Skank]

by far the best work ive seen from you man. simply (or not so simply) beautiful!!
ONLY crit ive got..the ammo feed on the first one is rather thick where it connects to the gun. but where its draped over her arm, it doesnt have that same thickness.

amazing job tho man! keep it up!

[Pavel Sokov]

wow this is amazing stuff, the first and jap one are my favs.
in the first the gun and bullet belt is very beefy and intimidating actualy, and the japanse one is just beatifull.

the idea itself is extremely beatifull.
i do hope u havent stopped here.
you didn't do a german one, and you did not do a soviet one. which are by far the 2 most important players in the war.

[Waffle_King]

These are fantastic. Definitely going into my "To inspire you" folder. Great texture, anatomy, and composition. My favorite is the "sharkteeth" one- I just love that mech-shark. Once a geek, always a geek i guess.

One crit- the Memphis Belle's right arm- it looks a little too much like a fleshy tube and not enough like a sculpted arm, not that it needs to be muscled. It looks like shes pushing her arm forward from the shoulder, so it reads well, but-- I don't know exactly what it is. Maybe the wrist is too thick or try to define her deltoid twisting forward. I'm sorry- I'm not sure exactly what it is but something about that arm seems off to me. Call me crazy.

Either way, Great work. Really, really nicely done. :yayca:

-Andrew


EDIT:


you didn't do a german one, and you did not do a soviet one. which are by far the 2 most important players in the war.

This isn't the time or the place, but, I don't know about that. :happypatriot:

[Gentrifier]

goddamn gorgeous! The skin tone and blending on the bottom one -- the bomber -- doesn't seem to work quite as well as the rest, but that's about all I see, other than what's already been mentioned. Fantastic. Keep up the great work!

Alec

[Stugmeister]

Thats some fantastic work sir! I bow to you.

No crits from me - I think the ladies and planes all look wonderful!

[inspector Lee]

Really cool concept, nicely executed.

[Tack]

this is what it's all about! seamlessly pulling together the idea and the artwork :3
*puts them in her inspiration folder too*

[Gavin Hargest]

Wow, so fantastic, so inspirational!

Simply can't wait to see more of these, they are all godly. Love the textures and style going on, gorgeous work :)

[Mandryk]

hey Gangus, very fun and lively illustrations here - I like the ideas presented. If I could offer a crit, it would be that you should take it easy on your highlights. I know you're going for a high energy look, but you're treading really close to a dodge/burn look...there's so many things competing for attention. It's a minor point - these are well done, and I do enjoy them.

[robinchyo]

Excellent stuff, sir. I love the concept of all these. My favorites are the shark and Japanese Zeros. I just love the colors and the dynamism. Bravo! :)

[Charlie_2.0]

Astonishing pieces!:D Mandryk beat me to saying there are too many highlights, but I really don't want to crit such beauty....great work indeed

[Jon Hodgson]

So much nice stuff going on in the painting itself, and a very nice concept? Its a winnah.

I want to see a British one! :)

[Theo]

watch out for over dodging man!

Great ideas and great compos though! Specially like your belle.

rock on!

[bat]

Very amazing work and an innovative idea. Can't wait to see more.

[JasonChan]

This was a great thread for me to wake up to. You've made my morning :)

[beckerda]

Wow, those are really good looking, cool idea too.

[A.Grudgfield]

wow.... I cannot believe these, they are absoluelty amazing. The first 2 are absolutely stunning, I almost wanna frame them and hang them on my wall

[carnalizer]

Outstanding idea and execution!

[midknight523]

great!

[Gangus]

Hey CA,
thanks for the feedback on these pieces.

Waffle_King: thanks for the heads up on the Belle arm- she is the most recent one I finished and am still going back into this piece from time to time to add some final polish- will look into your suggestion, thanks.

Gentrifier: same as well- I agree, will add some more colours in her flesh tones to work her into the piece better.

Tack: Thanks! That was the main thing I wanted to do with these -is marry the girls with the subject matter. As I really apreciate everyones warm response to these you hit the nail on the head with what I wanted to accomplish. I didn't just want some pin up chick next to a plane- I wanted them to be more than that- and I think you have gotten the subject matter.
Thanks again.

Mandryk and Theo- I will watch out for the dodge and burn guys- I wanted these to be very etheral and therfore wanted them to have a ghostlike glow to them. However I will keep a keen eye on the opposite ends of the value spectrum. It's not the first time something like this has been mentioned to me. Maybe because I l;ook at the compositions to 'Graphically" breaking artistic rules for my initial print advertising background- making bold strokes for eyeflow, emphasis from contrast of value and colour and overall shelf impact.

manslauter and Jon Hodgson: Don't worry guys-As I had mentioned in the original post this will be a limitless ongoing series for me. Already have a F-190 Flight of the Valkyrie one started for the Lutwaffe. Plus a potential Graphic novel story arc.

Thanks again to everyone else who posted -nice to get such a wide diversity of opinions on these.

Regards,
Glen

PS - Check back in a bit- I will be making some of the changes suggested and adding more of these as I get them done.

[Simon Boxer]

Great idea.

Absolutely adore the Japanese one. Will be waiting for more!

[spudstudios]

wow...superb

[Hookswords]

The execution is great,but the concept is what is really excellent. That is an awesome idea. I can wait to see more.

[Jason Snair]

Awesome idea and very well excuted. Damn. I dunno. I think these are some of the most beautifully patriotic paintings I've seen in a long time.

Damn fine work. Any chance we could see some WIPs of these, maybe just one.

j.

[mosquitinnn]

Thanks for sharing , BIG idea! and Great excution! Gangus. :)

[yonson]

Aviation rant - You didn't do a BRITISH plane. The Spitfire is one of the most iconic WW2 aircraft, and the battle of Britain the most crucial air battle in the european campaign. It's clear you are an american my friend! :)

BUT - I'm going to let you off because conceptually this is one of the best ideas I have ever seen. I have a few crits over the shininess of the skin in 1 & 4 but I love the texture of the skies and metals. The Shark rocks.

Now let's see that spitfire!

:D

[sourgasm]

i agree with the above post. WW2 aircraft is defined by the spitfire. you gotta do one.

this series is just amazing. every piece is thoroughly impressive. highlights are a little over done in the first one.. but that's just nitpicking. this set is too brilliant to critique and not feel like a jack ass in doing so.

[mconnors]

I agree with Mandryk a bit, but overall its a kick ass concept and nice execution, my only real crit is where is the 1st woman shooting? She should be pointing the gun wheres shes looking otherwise shes just blindly shooting away, actually it looks like shes shooting the plane. I think that's minor though, really nice work. I think the japanese woman is the strongest. My vote for spitfire too.

[t i m]

Gangus I usually am not much of a poster, but after seeing these pieces I had to speek up...SPECATULAR!!

I would say that the blown out highlights don't bother me, in fact I like them that way, I think it adds to the piece. I guess the only crit I have is with Belle. I just feel a little bit more can be done to that piece to bring it up to the level of the other 3. Maybe some bombs dropping in the background? I don't know just a thought.

~Tim~

[cannibalcandy]

this is a really clever series. I think you're definitely on to something. Keep it up!

[Infinit]

amazing pics
great execution
they show a lot of spirit

[Robert.B]

very dynamic, some of them feel a little over burned and the shadows could use less black, nice work.

[Pixel8]

Outstanding concept. Beautifully rendered. What can you say??? Just a fantastic use of art to interpret art.

You kept with the old style and brought those images to life in a heroic, goddess-like fashion. Loving that!

[Gangus]

Thanks guys!

I really apreciate the feedback these have recieved. very inspiring.

Pixel8: you perfectly expressed how I was hoping these paintings would be recieved.

t i m o t h y: Thanks dude. I have been getting hit pretty consistantly on the dodging and burning thing- I personally like to have that extra dramatic
lighting with the self emissive glow. My favourite classic inspiration of this is that unbelievable work of
William Bouguereau: the Nymphs et Satyr
here's the link - check it out: http://www.artrenewal.org/asp/database/image.asp?id=25

Though I am still going to try and moniter my use of the dodge tool.

mconnors: I purposely chose to have her not looking where she is shooting to further convey a spiritly "impression". that she can lay down a surpressing fire while looking to the heavens.


Jason Snair: Thanks dude! I have a step by step in the latest issue of ImagineFX- its of my Marvel work- but I will save iterative steps on my next Victory Gal piece.

Don't worry guys _ I will not forget the spitfire. Heck I'm Canadian, many of our boys flew those in WW2 as well. I am just waiting for the right inspiration. Rest assured it will be over britain. I am also a huge flight sim fan-and have played every iteration of IL2 so there will also be a russian piece as well :)

[Lotet]

o.O amazing dude, and dont quit the dodging, your not overdoing it, its just amazing...

[Onir]

wow, beautiful pieces! love the idea and just the overall feel to them all (though my favorite is definitely the one with the sharks; great metaphor for those searching planes). keep it up!

[redehlert]

oh my. this is beyond surreal. thank you for sharing your vision - it's a treat and a half!
cheers!
dave

[Gangus]

Hi all,
Thanks to great feedback and popular demand you guys have inspired me to do a Battle over Britain piece in this ongoing series featuring the famed RAF Spitfire.

I chose a more muted pallette to try and convey the damp, cold and wet climate while having the plane executing a loop above the clouds to be hit by some warm light.

The plane plumetting to it's death in the backgound is a HE-111 German bomber.
I used my wife for reference for this one, and took design cues from vintage lingerie to design her own original outfit.

I also wanted to tie in the whole celtic faerie belief by having the moth wings and tieing them together by having their markings reflect the RAF symbol.

Hope you like- I made great efforts to avoid solid blacks and dodging out too much.

http://www.conceptart.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=40970&stc=1&d=1161929509

Regards,
Gangus

[dogfood]

This one is just stunning, but the Sten is all twisted in her grip.

[JAG.]

man these are unbelievable.. you really need to make this a series of some sort.. make a book. i could study this all day. you have an exceptional gift my friend.. thanks for sharing your work, but we need more ;) - JAG

[redehlert]

masterful work on that last one, glen!
btw, your tut and article in IFX was very much enjoyed. thanks for being a sharing artist.
cheers!
d

[frixon]

omg! execution and idea. OUTSTANDING!!!

[lewiston]

thats big! Great job - from idea to finishing - just perfekt.

[JL.Alfaro]

Wow, I hope that you are planning on doing something with these, calendar, posters something, cause they are absolutely gorgeous! the idea and execution are superb. sure would like to see more! :)
how bout a spirit of death on a Natzi plane

[jackenstein]

I love the fact that they're all wearing period girdles, garters, and lingerie. It just tickles me.

[Gangus]

http://www.conceptart.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=41201&stc=1&d=1161966651

Thanks to the help of this forum for pointing this out, and the work over direction of a good friend (BK)- I feel I have the gun in her hand oddity addressed. It's tough because the sten's ammo clip isn't at a right angle to the shaft of the gun like one might thnik-which makes a little historical 'cheat'n' neccessary to make it feel right to the eye.

I feel like this one really takes a step forward from the previous paintings- greatly in part to yours and the members of CGsocieties feedback. Thats what makes these forums so great.

Thanks again, Hope you like the revision I made, Respectfully,
Gangus

[JasonChan]

That's beautiful :)

[redehlert]

you have got to make 18x24 size poster prints of these and start pimpin' them to military stores (can't remember what those on site stores are called).
perhaps on archival arches paper or something.
incredible!
cheers,
d

[theEQUINOX]

....these are ridiculously crazy works...simply gorgeous. I love the feel of each piece, the first one is my favorite...absolutely stunning!! great job

[Ilaekae]

Gangus, you have to keep this series going. This is one of the finest concept/ideas I've ever seen that didn't get mired down in bias/PC bullshit, and the execution is faultless. You have the makings here of an historicaly important series of images, especially considering the time frame you're working in.

From a purely mercenary point of view, these are a goldmine. Exquisite work on an equally exquisite idea.

My hats off to you, my friend...

[deliciouspeter]

amazing. this made my day. the moth is beautiful.

[magicgoo]

Reeeeaaaallly nice stuff! Mostly, I love the ideas you've come up with for each one. My dad would absolutely love these too. (He's a man, number 1, :} but he's also been in aerospace for 35 years now.) I'm pretty sure he would put one or all of these over his fireplace :D

There are a couple of tiny anatomy issues here and there, but I think that it's more style than anything actually "wrong." Otherwise, everything is lovely! Thanks for sharing!

[-=grimjack=-]

WOW!!!!!!!!!!!! The planes are just awesome, and the idea to satch the spirit is inventive.

Did you use any traditionial media in this? Or was it all digital?

[Stark]

Words cannot express how kick ass this is...awed and envious!

[BOON]

love and respect sir

boon

[Scottie Rotten]

Hey,
absoloutely love your pieces , very inspired work...not only has the outcome been fantastic but its shamelessly evident in the work that youve enjoyed every second of doing them. Good to see...

Keep it up!

Scottie

[renderwhite]

awesome illustrations, very powerfull concept and very inspiring to.

congrats

[madplanet]

Great ideas and execution. Felt a little vertigo when my eye came across the city just below the wing, heh, heh...

[easyjo]

whoa, these are awesome, Please say you're going to do prints or posters, as I'd love to get some :)

Keep up the great work!

[Obi-one]

waouuww !!

Those are really great. My fav is the one with the shark, nice concepts.

[BANCK]

Simply amazing. how much time do you spend on these?

[JAG.]

may have already been mentioned.. but a process posting would be nice ;) - JAG

[Eric Lofgren]

Truly outstanding work. What a concept and what an execution of a concept. I can't wait to hear how this might be developed into a graphic story.

On the Spitfire piece, you did a great job fixing up the Sten gun, but the shoulder support is still a bit cockeyed. The actual piece that fits into the shoulder needs to be turned around about 90 degrees so that it runs parallel with the gun handle. Right now it looks to be on a sharp tangent to it.

Looking forward to seeing more :)

[Mr.Blonde]

that last one really is a huge step up... very very well done!

[Elethíus]

These are terrific! Great sense of atmosphere and movement in all of them. The figures look truely angelic, even without all the wingy foo-fah. More, please!

[Raptor]

BRAVO!!! these are wonderful, not only that, but i think they most acuratly illustrate what conceptart.org is about, oridgional ideas, beautifly crafted and tastefulley executed.

as for constructive critisism I would just enphisize what has allready been said on dodgeing and burning, especially on human flesh becuse it has subsurface scattering (the shoulder and the neck of the jap.zero girl is wonderful). Also some of your stuff looks a little blurry like its unfinished (for instance the zero's dragon, or the plane behind the shark and the woman, al little wriggly, not confident), some of that I attribute to possibly a soft dodge brush. when I want more detail to show up i will often go in with a hard small brush and touch up the highlights brighter or a tid more saturated, one big problem with dodgeing/burning I have is sometimes I get to 100% white/black too fast, and then what!? I cant add any more information becuse I've blocked myself in value range wise. Then the only way i can compensate and still maintain the structural integrity of my imedge is to lower the contrast and then add my new and improved 100% whte now controlled, but thats a horrible solution. thats my rant.

But all that is in light of these being fantastic, imaganative, and beautiful. It really feels like water is glistening off the shark, and the fake owl moth eyes are awsome. I hope you contune to expand this set.

[TheGnoll]

very interesting and original concept, and excellent paintings...lovely.

ciao

[yonson]

THANK YOU Gangus for responding to my request and for producing an image which is totally reflective of the Spitfire and it's legend.

The Moth / Roundel idea is excellent and the whole colour pallette and mood is completely evocative of the air conflict of europe! I know I'm biased but it's the best one yet.

Full marks soldier!

:D

[Gangus]

Tried to get more of a cooler pallette and reduce some of my shapes to suggested forms- focusing rather on the primary and secondary subjects.

Used the Norse motiff with this one as Norse mythology was heavy in Germanic history. I even recall hitler believing that one of his generals was in fact Tyr the god of war himself.

Hope you like this one. Still pushing my work in different directions with this personal stuff.

PS- Many have mentioned getting prints of these as a set- If you are really interested contact me via my [email protected] email address.

Hope you like this one.

http://www.conceptart.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=47082&stc=1&d=1163058728

[Oblio]

great pics.
some crit about the last - the blue eyes are a bit too mugh in my oppinion. (cheesy ?) also the whole horse is a bit fuzzy - you have a lot of sharpness into the hair that askes for more definition of the head... i feel like a have a whole area in the middle of the pic tha tis.. not right :)
Lady's "bra" feels a bit too present day - i am sure that this type of bra was available back then.. but it still looks liek a present day show girl. and the idea of nose-art is lost - i don;t see the relation between the horsed-girl and the plane.
hope it helps...

[e338]

hey!
this entire serie is mindblowing.
i love the entire stuff. great mix, and those Gals are so sexy and feminine !
keep rocking

[joe]

Bam-pa-damdam-da! Bam-pa-damdam-daaaa!
Bringing on the Wagner!

These are just totally awesome!

Critswise, I have no problems with the whole dodge/burn thing, but I think you could make the girls pop a bit more. The tend to fuse a bit with the background...

Cheers!
/j

[Uziel]

amazing work
Love the concept behind every one of them.

I concur with oblio and also the bra and skirt//armor look a bit flat.
The messerschmittpaint (spelling?) - pattern looks weird on the horse i would have left it out.
Looks like there was a great horse drawing and you covered it with a blurry brush + Some highlights on the horse head are missing
Hope it's of any help

Cheers

[m o я p h o]

H O L L Y S H I T :xpld: :O :$ :x

i have no words... to express how i admire this work...

jizis man... you rock!

[dCepT]

Lovely pieces! I'll show these to my brother who is a wwII-fighterplane nut :)

d-C

[JAG.]

:bow: you have serious talent my friend. teach me the ways... - JAG

[Gangus]

Hey all,
Thanks for the great feedback on this latest piece.

Oblio- I was wondering if the blue glow was too much. As for the lingerie- I am trying to design my own pieces as they pertain to the subject matter- -I will definately make efforts to give her more substance/less flat.
For the idea of the nose art- the german fighters didn't have nose art pin up girls- the concept is more the idea of giving the planes totem like angelic protective spirits. the tie in is the germanic- norse history. The horse is sleipnir -Odin's steed who was often ridden by his chief valkylrie Brunhilda- sorry if I didn't mention it in the initial description.

Uziel: You and a coworker are dead on abou the plane markings on the horse killing things- luckily for me I saved a version without - where the horse is brighter-more detailed and not marred by the camo- I will be replacing the image with that when I get home tonight- check back let me know what you think.

dCepT: Cool let me know what he thinks. I am really interested to know how well these will connect with the aviation community. I approached a couple airplane mags but have heard nothing back.

. you have serious talent my friend. teach me the ways... - JAG : Happy to help If I can dude.

Thanks again everyone!

Respectfully,
Glen

[Darktwin]

Beautiful concepts and execution, amazing, great job.

[alti]

dam gangus great work, but wheres the australian bommer with a bogan chick atop a meat pie and vegimite sandwiches..

[Gangus]

Hi guys,
Thanks to some great feedback from this forum, CG talk and my co workers at Raven I have revised this latest piece.
Hope you like, and thanks again for the input.

Respectfully,
Gangus

PS-Alti- I seriously need to know if there are reference shots of that, or a web site totally devoted to this fetish- it sounds like something I can really sink my teeth into :)

[JAG.]

its is noticably better actually.. very nice, you didnt screw it up ;) these are awesome, keep up the great work, and yeah i could CERTAINLY use the help.. - JAG

[pablo vicentin]

Wow realy nice!!
I love the spitfire one
very dinamic poses and cool idea!

[Djib]

Very very impressive...
The japanese and german Walkyries are my favorite ones.
Good job, Soldier !!

[Flake]

These are really great, very cool idea and very nicely executed.

Spitfire one is my personal favourite.

[Gavin Hargest]

I bow . . . . Awesome work, simply awesome!

[Costly]

Wow the work is astonishing! Will you be doing a p-51 or better a p-38?

[Pascallo]

Congratulations Gangus!
You´ve done a really awesome job here, very good idea for those pictures are telling some real stories.
I was a WWII air battle freak in my childhood, collecting model aircrafts and stuff - your´s look really great and realistic.
I mostly like the spitfire picture. Maybe give the german girl another try on her panties and breasts, looks a bit strange. Everything else looks absolutely brilliant!

Maybe you would like to do another picture with the Messerschmidt ME-262, perhaps another challenge for you:-)

Cheers.

[yonson]

YES M8.

The rework of the german image was well worth the effort, although I did like the mottling on the horse - kinda tied it to the plane a bit.

The 109 is of course spot on - I love the warm backlight on the undercarriage and the whole gray / cold pallette is totally appropriate.

Brunhilda and her sword are kick ass, and I'm in complete agreement with anyone who mentioned a printed series for these - It would really work and you've earned the money already!

The total lack of bias and respect for aviators of all nations shines through.

[Gangus]

Hey all,

Thanks again for checking these out.

I am instituting some changes to my process from your support and suggestions.

Pascallo: Thanks - I'm glad that you like these -especially because of your past interest in this subject matter. For that I have given another look at her garbb, and breasts. I think the biggest thing with her breasts were that the pattern on the bra was flat - throwing off their natural roundness (as pointed out by a good friend at work) so I added some buldge to the pattern and also hit it with a core underlit subtle shadow.
I also simplified the bottom girdle- I don't want her crotch to be the focal area- simplifying the design and shapes and using some shadow to better mold the shape is much better (in my opinion)

Hope you guys like.

yonson: Yeah I will make limited prints on Photgraphic painter with archival ink to anyone on this forum that wants the set. 6 Victory Gals in all- signed for $200.00 (price includes shipping costs) aprox. 12 by 18.
Simply Paypal me at [email protected]
-I will have a European Glicee canvas dealer carrying my work- which should be up and running soon- I'll let you guys know as soon as that comes online.

Respectfully,
Gangus

[Pascallo]

yeah, much better, I would say.
Only one thing that I am wondering about [If I may beef one more time :-)]
the left part of the bra has shadows on the left side, the skin underneath is lightened on the left.
Perhaps you should take a bit of the shadow away - on the left part of the bra?

[Loga4]

Awesome stuff!

[Gavin Hargest]

Wow, what a difference, much better, GODLY . . . .

[Scottie Rotten]

Hi Gangus,

Ive been around CA and CG society for ages now (only officially joined CA a few weeks ago to try and employ someone -now Im well sucked in) anyway Ive seen some really tasty pieces in my day and because of the job I have and the high standard of work there is around today I find myself rarely getting that overexcited but I have to be honest and say Ive been following all the threads related to your series and Im...honestly...very happy. I love them!
Great idea, perfect style to execute 'em in...yea got me hooked, when prints become available trust me Im all over it...I reckon you have a few more of these in you though before I go and buy the set!!
I hate to crit such nice work but if I may could I suggest that the female subjects leftside/bodice/cleavage is all equal in terms of shading which in turn makes her chest look flat and a little too light. Her arms in the position that they are in matched with the position of the horses head would cause some really interesting and realistic shadowing over her tits, sorry, 'chest' area and left side, the resulting darker areas would add extra contrast (nothing overbearing) that would subtley help define her midrift.
Have a play, I think there are some tasty shapes there should you choose to delve into it.

Your work though is top notch and to be fair I would happily have the japanese figure as a tattoo....but Im afraid I pretty much have no space left on my body. Ill keep in touch dude as I def want prints when all are done!

Keep it up


Scottie

[comalarm]

to pic with japanese aicraft an butterfly lady,why is aircraft in background german?japan and germany where at one side in ww2,so they can't battle against eachother;)
must say .... nice work man!!!!

[Uziel]

Euhm that isn't a japanese plane. It's one of the allies, british RAF.

Looks better now gangus. Job well done ;)

[dkounios]

wow...

[Ink_Monkey]

Is she riding Odins horse Sleipnir? Thats freaking sweet. Sleipnir is Lokis first children lol awsome story behind that one. Awsome work here Gangus.
Later.

[Sukhoi_Flagon]

awesome work, they really are amazing executions of a brilliant concept. i wouldnt mind looking into getting a set of prints either!

[Gangus]

Thanks again to everyone who has welcomed this series with such enthusiaism. I will be doing more- Especially the Mustang, P-38 and
even a Russian and Italian plane as well.

But to keep the series evolving and approach it from a different angle:

I decided to do the Super Fortress- But wanted to make it more about the payload - In this case the infamous 'Fat man'.
In an attempt to de-glorify my own series and show the ugly side of war and mankinds historical thirst for bloodshed.
I rarely try to make a statemnet with my work other than try and give the folks something cool to look at, but this one got away from me when I was painting it.
I decided to show this one, but will not ever sell it as a print, or
if I do use 100% the proceeds from that portion of the set to a worthy casualty of war fund.
If anyone avails themselves the opportunity to watch the documentary "Why We Fight" you should really do so. There are some definate personal opinions and speculation put forth, but it is still very educational and interesting to experience.

I hope this piece does not offend in any way. If so please notify the moderators and I can remove it from the thread.

Respectfully,
Gangus

-The gabriella name is meant to be a religious reference to the Angel of death, hence the black wings and the grim reaper tattoo.

[Unbreakable]

Oh My Goodness!!!!

[Costly]

Your newest pieces are crazy good and I can’t wait until you do the mustang and the p-38 lighting.

[Pascallo]

Hey Gangus!
Great to see new work of your´s. I can absolutely understand your motives and must agree with you. very good, that you think twice about your work and how the understanding of people is concerning your art. respect!
Also like the new one but the hole in the nose should be a bit more backwards, shouldn´t it? The reaper-tattoo looks awesome, but i doubt the viewer needs it to understand ;-)
great, dude - keep it up!

[KevinR]

Hey Gangus, this is awesome, awesome work, I love all of it. I am a big fan of the aircraft of World War II so these images really appeal to me, and add to the fact that these images are so beautifully illustrated. Wow!:)

Kev

[Raptor]

Hey gangus, This last piece purely from a technical level, I believe Is one or two cuts above the rest of your imedges. Ive liked the concepts in all your work, but this one is by far the most "finished" feeling. Emotionally the fat-man is a staggering piece and I think it portrays honestly the grizzly, horrific, and yet, somehow beauty found in war (or at least the peace found thereafter).

The valkrey rideing on Sleipnir - I have a cons-crit about. the horses skin looks wonderful, the plane well rendered. but two things:the girls skintone looks a little lobster, and a little too "doge/burn". I know a few cute norse ladies and they are very pale. To show you what I mean I did a little quick leveling and retouched the girls eyes, as well as the horses, they seemed a little distracing. Eyes are herdly ever white in a scene. Hopefully I don't sound pretentious, I love these pieces. Ps bring back bomber girl, even if you have to retwork some parts, I love that one!

[Gangus]

Thanks for the comments guys!

Pascallo: I am really glad that you understand my preface. I didn't want this
one to just be about an image, but was pretty concerned that it might be taken the wrong way. You have a good handle on where I was going with this. Thank you so much for writing in and expressing this.

Raptor: Wow what can I say- You made my Norse woman look 10 times better!!!! I will be takling your suggestions as soon as I get home tonight.
Sincere, thanks for taking the time to help me out on this, and no you are absolutely not pretentious. I'll bring the bomber girl back just for you :)
Apreciate it dude.

Regards,
Gangus

[Zergaloth]

That's an amazing Angel of Death there.
How she sits there, so quietly.
Death in all her macabre, shocking glory.

You added the bomber in the topcorner, why not add a little city-plan on the bottom? (you know, some city seen from above)
That way, there'll be more of the bomb to be seen as well, and people will recognize it faster as a bomb.
I had to look twice, but I was just staring at the angel.. :)

I agree with Raptor on the skinton of your Valkyrie, and I like his version a little better,
but with that pale skin tone, it looks like she raises her leg in a weird way. (the leg on the far side of the horse)
The cloud there has the same tone as the new skin Raptor gave your woman.

Great work, as ever, the Valkyrie being my favorite.

[GUYJIN]

Awesome! Really nice job on all of them. But you forgot one.
You got the ones that lost, you got the ones that sort of helped a little, but the one that actually won the war, the Soviet one, you forgot :)
Never the less great work!

[JackJack]

I love em all!

[JAG.]

seriously.. make more of these and get 'em published into a calendar or mini-mag or something and sign me up for a copy of it ASAP!! these just get better and better.. dont stop whatever you're doing cuz its both amazing and inspiring. great work - JAG

[Jason C-M]

Everything's really coming together on the norse woman and sleipner, there. But her arms feel weak to me -- the foreshortening and forms have somehow left them rubbery rather than commanding.

[IKV Nexis]

Fat Man. An excelent piece. just some questions. 1)-The bomber in the top right is dropping bombs. This is not historicaly accurate as you know of course. Did you add that to fill the empty space?
2)-My memory may be off but wasen't the bomb much larger or did you make the black angel larger for effect?
3)-The back ground seems rough and unfinished again for effect?
4)-Strangly i don't find the image gastly enuf to represent the Bomb. Thats my personal opinion anyway.
5)-She may be scarry and sexy but I still prefer Slimm Pickins :wink: :xpld:

[strych9ine]

Jesus, these are mindblowing. The angel of death is especially captivating...

[Summer Pudding]

These are amazing dude. Lets see some more.

Pete

[robinchyo]

Wow. Angel of Death is extremely impressive! Not sure if this has been asked yet, but do you have any plans on a calendar of some sort?

[Zynic]

Wow... wow... just ... wow! :P

Gangus, all of these are flippin' awesome :D
If you're planning on making prints of them, make sure to let us know. I would love to get my hands on some of them :D

Keep it up mate!

[nicolas]

love the last one!!!!

[robrov21]

Prints, calendar whatever, sign me up too. Beautiful work, and the concept is off the charts awesome.

Do you plan on taking a little more license and doing ground vehicles? Like the Sherman tank and what not?

[Gangus]

Thanks CA!

You and CG have inspired me to keep going with these- who knows 5 more and I'll have a calender for 2008- I'll keep you posted. I am getting a company to sponser canvas prints in the US - But was thinking I might do a limited litho run with top quality inks and stock.

robrov21: I was planning on taking the subject matter elswhere. I still have yet to do a russian plane and someone on CG had mentioned a battle scene.
I have already been imagining a landscape format poster of a U boat.

IKV Nexis: I don't know about the historical accuracy- I did a fair amount of research and in the photos I could find it looked like there were other planes present and bombs being dropped- maybe they broke of before the actual bomb was dropped- used more as decoy? I'll look into it further.

Zergaloth: Glad you like my angel of deathe dude. I don't know about the city in the bottom- I thought about it, but it just didn't feel right to me. These things never really bothered me so much until I had children- now I've been changed- somethings just get to me now. I apreciate the suggestion though.

Thanks again for the feedback guys!, I'll keep'm coming-if you continue to dig'm.

Respectfully,
Gangus

[IKV Nexis]

IKV Nexis: I don't know about the historical accuracy- I did a fair amount of research and in the photos I could find it looked like there were other planes present and bombs being dropped- maybe they broke of before the actual bomb was dropped- used more as decoy? I'll look into it further.

Ok I just looked it up. There was another bomber with the primary. It's job was to drop instrument packages just before the bomb was dropped to take readings of the blast. So the image is acctualy accurate. For more on this Wikipidia has a lot to say.

[Gangus]

Sorry IKV- about the other bomber thing- I was actually really expecting to be wrong there- I hope I didn't initially come across too matter of factly in the post before- thanks for looking it up for me though.

I revised a couple of the other girls: Mainly the Raptor suggestions on the German Gal and I did some major overhauls on the Memphis Belle image.

Hope you guys like, and thanks again for the feedback that helps me with these changes.

Respectfully,
Gangus

[IKV Nexis]

Sorry IKV- about the other bomber thing- I was actually really expecting to be wrong there- I hope I didn't initially come across too matter of factly in the post before- thanks for looking it up for me though.

LOL! Matter of fact is perfectly fine by me. I find it to be the best way of getting info across while not composing an essay.

One more time. Fantastic work! I know a lot of people who would buy posters of your work.

Edit: Just a thought. If you are realy looking for feedback and about publishing these. You may want to send some feelers out to The Canadian National War Musium Ottawa and the National Air Museum in Ottawa. They may be very interested in your work. Just a thought.

[email protected]

General information: (819) 776-8600 or 1-800-555-5621

Canadian War Museum
1 Vimy Place
Ottawa, Ontario K1R 1C2


CWM Library: [email protected]

CWM Archives: [email protected]

CWM Permissions: [email protected]

Canadian national aviation Museum
General Information
Telephone: 613 993-2010
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Fax: 613 990-3655
TTY: 613 990-7530
E-mail: [email protected]

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E-mail: [email protected]

[Gangus]

awesome, Thanks dude! I'll knock on those doors.

You Canadian?
I'm from Windsor (I know the armpit of North America) but I can still
cling dearly to the highest per square city mile strip club to population ratio this side of the Atlantic :)

Regards,
Gangus

[Justice Von Brandt]

these are gorgeous

[Jason Snair]

god i love these. you're really hit a homerun here with all of them. I love the recent angel of death.

[Deselect]

I have to admit, those feet on the skull lady riding on the fat boy are hot. Could we get a close up?
Brilliant work. Only critiques seem to have been pointed out already.

[Flake]

This is easily one of the coolest things that I've ever seen posted on CA.

[IKV Nexis]

awesome, Thanks dude! I'll knock on those doors.

You Canadian?
I'm from Windsor (I know the armpit of North America) but I can still
cling dearly to the highest per square city mile strip club to population ratio this side of the Atlantic :)

Regards,
Gangus

Yep Im in Ottawa. I'v been to both museums and I do think that they will show interest especially the National war museum.

Windsor..armpit? The home of the BIG 8 and some of the best bands in canada especialy The Tea Party..Armpit??? NEVER!!!

[Gangus]

Yep Im in Ottawa. I'v been to both museums and I do think that they will show interest especially the National war museum.

Windsor..armpit? The home of the BIG 8 and some of the best bands in canada especialy The Tea Party..Armpit??? NEVER!!!

Ha! I remember seeing the Tea Party when I was in University downtown in the basement of this timy little bar :)
ironically enough- a block away from 'Cheetahs' another fine establishment, he he ;)

[Gangus]

This is easily one of the coolest things that I've ever seen posted on CA.


wow those are strong words for such a forum. Really apreciate you digg'n this
though :)

BTW -Thanks J Snair- Always like to hear what you think- I'll keep swinging for the wall on the next ones.

Regards,
Gangus

[CENOBITE]

This is one of those "Why the hell didn't someone think of this before" type of WWII series... thus all of the gushing from us ;)

[zao75231]

oh man, love the last one, that Gabriella can blow me up any time, lol.

[Elethíus]

Once again, awesome stuff. Looks like Ms. Valkyrie's about to behead her trusty stallion, though.

[Gangus]

Once again, awesome stuff. Looks like Ms. Valkyrie's about to behead her trusty stallion, though.

There is an ironic message in what you said, historically speaking with how the lutwaffe was ordered to operate throughout the second World War (especially inthe end) and how it impacted drastically impacted the outcome.

in any event glad you guys like the subject matter as much as I love painting it- I have another one on the way- who knows maybe by next weekend.

Regards,
Glen

[GratefulDread]

fuck dude, fuck. wow

[Gangus]

Here are some work in progress and a detail of the Zero painting.
As this is an illustration forum I figure it would be better if I showed some of my process. You can see they go through quite a few variations along the way.
Hope you like!

Respectfully,
Gangus

[noiion]

I really love these pictures. But on the last one, why is she cutting off the horse's head? Oh I see never mind.

[Ronny rarko]

these are incredible images! amazing concept, so original!

[Eric Gerhard]

Amazing steps you posted here... it's interesting how digital art has so many different ways of production....

[Arne S.]

hey gangus, recieved the "exotique 2" book yesterday and your "victory gal" looks realy cool printed!
thanks for sharing it´s process.

[Gangus]

Hi All I have updated the initial post of this thread with a new piece
a step by step guide through the creative process with explanation, along with all the revised Victory Gal pieces leading up to this new one.

It's on the first page, and I'll attach the new one here as well if you have
skipped right to this page and have already followed this thread.

Thanks again to your continued support and feedback CA!! :)

[stalsby]

very nice paintings!! they remind me of dreams

[quickreaver]

I'd love to see a fishnet stocking tutorial.


What! I'm serious!

[Raskolnikov]

Fabulous! You have great skill in building climate with color and light.

[Haxxxor]

nice!
the lightning on the plain is superb and on the girl too...the colours are amazing
made my day :)

[JAG.]

:jawdrop: :xpld: .. i dont even know what to say.. will you marry me?? :bashful: then i will secretly steal all your skills and awesomeness in your sleep.. Simply amazing. - JAG

[Jason Snair]

there's just something about the way you tilted her head that totally sells the concept. it's perfect. love the light on her skin and the texture on that plane. thanks for the tutorial...it's insightful to see the process.

how many more of these do you plan on doing?

[RocknOats]

Man I love each and every one of these. They not only look fantastic, but they truly evoke an emotion response. I'm not kidding, I start getting all charged up looking through them! I guess that's what propaganda is supposed to do, but I never felt that way looking at actual propaganda materials from the war. Incredible work Gangus.

[Stephan_R]

Fantastic, I mean fukin depressing! Your anatomy is disgustingly superb, and the emotions in each piece feel not only like they express the feeling of war but also a particular human connection with the planes. I can't thank you enough for the step by step, and if you find time I'd love to see even the simpler details and processes. Inspiring stuff, I have plenty of new backgrounds now thank you :)

[rogfa]

Man, this whole set is just amazing work. Thanks for the breakdowns. Very interesting.

[robrov21]

I come back to CA recently mostly to see if you've posted any more of these...

[Gavin Hargest]

Wow Gangus, these just keep gettin better . . . . My total fav has to be your latest, love the drown. watery feel to it . . . .

GODLY...............

:D

[SHYMAN]

Hey Gangus,

As everyone has said before, a nice idea, and well executed.

I think i like the spitfire one the most as it's British!! :^^: but mainly the way you have painted it... dare I say some of the others are over bright in places.

The latest piece, I think there's something wrong with her knee, i could be wrong , but i think her left, looking at it our right, looks too big??

All of these are awesome, and im sure will make a great set, when you have done all 12. :^^: Maybe you should think about doing them for the 2008 calendar, it would be a shame to rush them!

Great work.

[Gangus]

Thanks guys for the great response and support with these.

stalsby: I really wanted this to have a dreamlike quality, glad you apreciated this piece in this fashion.

dream_sear: I don't understand- you want me to do a tutorial while wearing fishnet stockings? How do you know I don't already do this?

Raskolnikov: Thanks!- I wanted to to really convey the sense of being underwater, peaceful in nature yet still morbid in a way.

Haxxxor: Thanks dude- especially with the caustics I felt it important to really focus on the lighting in this piece- glad you apreciate.

JAG.: Send a picture of yourself than I'll decide if it's worth giving up painting ;)

Jason Snair: Dude- I am so happy that you wrote in and apreciated what I did with this. This was the toughest part of the entire piece getting her pose just right, and I am glad that a veteran to the forum like you apreciate the effort. It could have been real easy to put her in a picture perfect or standard pose- but I really wanted to convey the awkward gracefulness of this quiet repose of the character floating in nature. Thanks for writing.
Oh and it is my pleasure to do the step by step- I plan to do more of these for the forum members. As for how many Victory Gal paintings I am giong to do-- I honestly don't know.

RocknOats: You have put in better words than I can describe -the reason that I stay up till 3 in the morning painting these on top of a full time job and taking care of the family. Sincerely apreciated :)

Stephan_R: That goes the same for you (what I just wrote in the response directly above this) I will do my best to capture more early on iterative processes in my next painting. Thanks again.

rogfa:Thanks man! I'll try and keep them going strong.

robrov21:Wow, thanks for supporting me. Please let some of the moderators know how happy you are with this thread to keep it alive. Because of people like you, Stephan R, RocknOats, Jason Snair and so many of the other forum members that show your apreciation by stopping by this post -I keep getting inspired to continually try and out do myself with each new piece.

Gavin Hargest:Thanks dude- it's getting tougher and tougher to keep being original and somewhat copngruous with this theme, I'll keep pushing the envelope. Until someone finally tells me to stop painting these damn gals!

SHYMAN: Hey dude, glad yo like them. The Spitfire one might be my favourite too. (I have more vested in that piece as it uses my wife as a model) When I first started these I was pushing some real stark contrasts and have since then toned them back a bit- excellent observation.
The knees are definately different- I wanted her pose to not be perfectly symetrical- I wanted her to have a sense that she (parts and as a whole) is swaying back and forth in the water and the distortion of it's caustics as she floats. Plus I wanted to keep the looseness of the initial block-in that had such a natural feeling to me. I may go back and re address this area. Thanks for the crit.
-Don't worry I certainly will not try and cram the rest in- I am planning on waiting to finish them properly before trying to make a calender or anything.


Thanks again for all the replies, crits and 5 star votes for this thread. It is truly inspiring to hear back such great feedback from my fellow forum members, colleagues and peers.

Respectfully,Gangus

[dCepT]

Awesome stuff fo' sho! Did you send that mail to my brother?

d-C

[Raptor]

Bravo gangus. I salute your dedication towards your illustrations, not many are brave enough to keep reworking pieces even after others crop up. They look lovely. Interesting choice of environment for the corsair. At fist I wasnt sure about it (simply becuse i love that plane and its sad to see it underwater) but the point of your art is not to merely glorify cool tech but to convey the spirit of the war, and I very much respect that. So keep showing all the angles. Yey! the Belle's back! I wonder have you ever thought of doing a VG for the enterprise or Akagi? its kind of the spawning point of all the pacific war "angels". Anyways, keep truckin' you've got allot of fans.

[octavian]

jeez gangus! great work and thanks a lot 4 the tuts!

[Bammer]

You've got yourself great concepts. You've obviously all full of skill. These pictures are great, and I'm almost really in love them. But one thing stops them from truely setting my world on fire.
I feel that they lack cohesivness. Like... I can't tell where a painting begins and a photograph minipulation ends, and everything feels like it's being smothered in photoshoppery.
Like the picture with the asian chick. I want to celebrate that picture so much. It's almost fantastic. But it's being RAPED by that stupid outer glow. Or the chick with the moth wing. Every time I look at it I think... is this a collage or isn't it. Because it looks like it's supposed to be an objective image, but those moth wings are so obviously photographs inserted into the image. The different elements just don't come together and connect with each other, and allow me to get into the image.
SO that's what I feel your problem is. Go fix it and I'll love you till the end of time.

[Hookswords]

The new one is great. Definetly a different twist for the series. The pic in the step by step of just the plane looked really hot too. Please keep them coming. And thanks for the step by step.

[right573]

Awesome work, I really like new painting you did.

[XenoX]

wow man what do i have to say? IT JUST FANTASTIC !

[michaelh]

Some of the best work I've ever seen on this site!

[Rossouw]

these beautiful works couldnt be lost in the forum, they remain, awsome concepts and amazing works, truely inspirational

[Pascallo]

Hey Gangus, great to see new work of yours! I am not sure of how intensive colored the flowers (?) shall be, and they have nearly the same distant to each other, that seems a bit unnatural in my opinion. but other than that its great and a great story and again a great mood. Awesome!

[StealthNachos]

Awesome. Like someone else said, the images are amazing but the idea really stands out here.

I like the last one of the first post the most.

[Unbreakable]

Man those are amazing, thanks for sharing!

[Gangus]

Thanks for reviving the thread Rossouw

I really apreciate it- these are some works of passion, I know it has been a while since I've added a new Gal- but I have lost some of the inspiration as of late - personal matters- my 20 month old baby boy (Ted) has been diagnosed with autism that the neurologists say may be problematic. Between helping my wife deal with this and going to test after test and several consultations for therapy- I feel I am going to need to focus more of my energy toward the family.
Sorry for the sob story- just thought I'd let everyone know why I haven't posted recently, and that I haven't abandoned the victory Gals or this forum.

Pascallo: You have a really good point about the flowers-(and I think the fish too under closer inspection) I think when I get the chance I should definately go back into this piece. Thanks for the crit

MikeCorriero:Thanks dude. I am a big admirer of your work, it means a ton that you dig this thread.

StealthNachos:Wow thanks dude. I've lost track which one was the last one from the first post?

Unbreakable:Always a pleasure to share.

michaelh: Wow! that is a serious comment comsidering the company we are in here - thanks!

Thanks again everyone. Please don't loose faith (I surely am not) The Victory
Gals will be back, please keep a look out even though it might be a while.

Respectfully,Gangus

PS - I'll be posting some old concepts in another post than will probably be taking some family time. Hope to be back soon. (with good news)

[Pascallo]

Hey Gangus, thats definetly a reason that one can understand. I wish your family all the best for a good developing of things!

[Coinpurse]

this stuff is nothing less than amazing. Mad props!
thanks for sharing, and thanks for the inspiration ;)

[Nokill]

Amazing works also a realy nice idear of merging things realy love your work

[davidhburton]

Love the concept behind this! I know some folks that are into flying and will love these. Great work again, Glen!

[Gangus]

Added a new Victory Gal to the series.
It's at the top of the original post, with its preface.

Hope you like,
Respectfully,
Gangus

[ICH]

wow, enchanted

[Piranha Clan]

You're one of my favorites on this site. All your work is clutch. That's all I can say.

[Waffle_King]

Gangus, Wonderful as always.

I've been away from the forums for a few months- and to come back and see what you've done with the series is impressive and inspiring! Keep it up, brotha!

::scurries off to draw::


-Andrew

[Maestro Andres]

Wow, these are truly inspiring from the execution to the ideas. Awesome illustrations thanks for sharing.

[Jason Snair]

Gangus...i love the idea/concept of the latest one. It's really nice.

And while painted as beautiful as the others, however, I think that maybe a slightly different approach may be in order. When I was looking at your art here another image came to mind...that of the fleet of rockateer nazis flying through the clouds. (I'm pretty sure it came from the movie too)

While I think your concept of the technology is great....I think that maybe it would be better to see her in action, along with a squadron of flying men in the background.

It's still a killer piece. Still painted awesomely as every other one. I'd buy these as prints in a heartbeat. (wait-a-sec...didn't you say these might be available as prints soon?) This is the only one where I could really come here and "crit".

take care.
j.

[Raptor]

The Nazi chick Is pretty twisted! But the shoe does fit. Jason does have a point, It is a bit of a different feel from your other pieces. But I know how it is to have a project manifest into something totally different than the beginning work. if your work was in a book Id put it in the prologue or the end page to offset its different "feel".

Your revisions are great, german gal looks 200% better, I was a little sad at first when you took away the horses spots, but I can see why you did it and it was probly the best call.

-still think a landscape carrier scene would be awsome. "Enterprise and Akagi: houses of the ocean war spirits". but they dont have any specific "gal" :(

cant wait to see new stuff!

[Borilius]

Absolutly love 'em! Something from the Eastern front as next step may be? ;)

[JAG.]

oh man the latest one is great. honestly i wasnt digginn' the sketch.. but as i scrolled down and saw the final.. the colors, the background, the details.. oh man i made the googly eyes @_@ its as amazing as the others..

my apologies for ever doubting your skill ;) seriously compile these into a book or something.. they're superb and inspiring. thank you Gangus.

by the way.. any more good news as of late? your family is in my prayers.. - JAG

[VashTheStampede]

Gangus man, more amazing stuff. Thanks for the walkthroughs. you are a constant inspiration. Thanks.

[codeXnecro]

Wow... Excellent work. I love WWII, glad you're doing this... maybe you could do some with tanks , that would be cool :)

[Piranha Clan]

Gangus, you're one of my favorites artists on this site thus far. Very talented.

I would love to see your victory gals with some modern US fighters/bombers...a little F-14 Tomcat, F-4 Phantom, SR-71 Blackbird, F-22 Raptor action maybe?

[Rossouw]

really great stuff! still some of the best pieces ive seen. Amazing.. thanks for sharing! :teeth:

Roo.

[Jas0n 0n a Bike]

Oh. My. Gaaaaawwwwwd.


This is seriously some of the best concepts I've EVER SEEN -- PERIOD. PERIOD. Period. Overall wonderful execution and style and ideas (although I must admit the ME 262 one itself was a bit cheesy lookin in my opinions but I absolutely LOOOOOOOOOVE the other ones.)

[Phil_Osirus]

Very nice work, I especially like the dynamism in your pieces (in both perspective and movement)!

Keep it up!

[designboot]

nice nice!

[boadle]

Great work Gangus! You have a beautiful style of execution.

However, I would say that I felt I lost much of the narrative feel AFTER reading your exposition. Reason being, I took the presence of the girls as a metaphor, or a reference to Guardian Angels.

Reading your explanation that the girls are literal, genetic creations somehow loses some of the mystery for me. For the same reason, the painting where the pilot is staring at the girl doesn't gel for me.

Better that they are 'there', but unseen. Thus guiding the pilots through the danger. Kind of implies a supernatural guiding force.

Anyway, great work. Look forward to seeing the Spitfire.

Lewis

[GriNGo]

Gangus. the zero , spitfire (not sure if its that plane, but it´s the one with the shark) and nuke chick are the best in the bunch! very kick ass. i feel some parts of the images need sharpening, because they have this digital feel that makes it look pale. Otherwise great stuff! And I can´t wait to see until the rest are completed!

[Gangus]

Here are some straight aviation pieces (also added to front of this thread)
since a couple fellas have pm'd me asking if I do this type of painting as well (including newer planes)

boadle, Jas0n 0n a Bike:
I apologize if you just aren't feeling the different concept with the Me piece- but thats pretty much what I wanted this series to do is explore all the possibilities of the subject matter from different perspectives and addressing varying historical and political subjects. Though I really do apreciate your postitive comments on the other pieces as well. It is the positive and the negative feedback that keeps me pushing myself- so both are apreciated.

codeXnecro: Hopefully you can apreciate these different pieces i the meantime- I am definately looking to do other vehicles though :) So keep your eyes peeled- you never know I might try and sneak a tank Gal in here one of these days.

[Raptor]

Wow Gangus! These are top rate! love the aeronautical "mood" these set. It always boggles my mind to watch artists as they post and to just observe the growth. You have learned allot from your past imedges I can tell, your shading has vastly matured. patience in getting the fine details down has always been a bit struggle for me, but you have it pretty good. Im curious, what did you do to get the texture on the nose of the tomcat? I'll have to send these to my dad. Have you considered the A-10 Thunderbolt II ground strafer? My animation friends that where in the army called it "the moral booster", mainly because they would hear it fly by and know something they didn't like was getting toasted.

P.s. still pushin for that "spirit of the enterprise" hehe;)

[pogonip]

I like this style a lot more then your usual stuff these are outstanding !

[Hookswords]

That Harrier is the cat's ass! awesome as always

[Stark]

The new jets are awesome...great atmosphere in them and everything..You rocked this one out something special

[JAG.]

could i expect anything less from Gangus??.. certainly not. excellent work man, as awlays - JAG

[Gangus]

So glad that everyone digs the straight aviation pieces.

It's funny I have had several requests for the A-10- I think I am just going to have to make that happen. I always loved this design to- to me it's a plane built around the nastiest looking machine gun known to man

Thanks for the props guys (parden the obvious painful punn) You have turned this post into one heck of a thread, along with the Help my son Ted post.

This forum is always there for me- you guys kick ass.
Special thanks goes out to Manley, Davi and Mike Corriero

Regards,
Gangus

[Kamikazebob]

Epic. I do believe that is the word for it. Simply amazing.

Was that the original resolution or was it much bigger?
~Bob

[Gangus]

Thanks guys,
Glad you liked these more straight forward pieces :)

Kamikazebob: I painted these pretty huge -I believe somewhere around 24 by 28 inches. They were big files that choked the hell out of my PC, but I do that so I can create large Canvas prints if need be.

MikeCorriero: Thanks man! Great compliment to hear from you- Always love your work. Apreciate the vote Mike Thank you again.

JAG.: You are far too kind :)

Raptor: Thank you for noticing. You have a keen eye, and are excellent at expressing yourself in this forum. much respect to you.

[Crawdad Jones]

Man, I love this stuff! Just incredible!

[Coinpurse]

(incoming corny complimenting bomb phrase in 3... 2... 1...)

your artwork is definitely amazing. Dunno if I've stressed that enough, but have you ever though about putting out a book in the near future? I know you've mentioned a Poster for 08 (man id buy it in a heartbeat), but I'm pretty sure you'd make a hit! Thanks for sharing G, looking forward to more.

[skvv]

now we're bangin' on all cylinders... cool ideas on all of these, looks like you put a lot of thought into each one.

rendering looks alot like photo's as if photocollage but it works here either way, grats on this great series.

[The Fritz]

Brilliant, just brilliant!!!

[Gangus]

Thanks guys
Wish I had some more to show you- but it might be a bit- have a lot going on at home and also at work.

BOOM!: Thanks for the props man! I really would like to do a book someday- lord knows I've got a ton of stuff out there, and have written quite a bit along the tutorial line of things since joining this forum and CGtalk. Guess I'll have to get off my but and look for a publisher- no idea where to start though.

skvv: Thanks dude, glad you like them. I am always a bit worried that people would just assume that it is photo collage. Especially when I have a perpensity for realism and push for historical or mechanical accuracy.
I can say that they are all painted, but I'd be lying if I didn't tell you I work from a metric ton of reference. You really almost have to when it comes to something as exacting as planes, and especially the target market of aviators, enthusiasts and flight simmers. Apreciate you bringing it up though.

Crawdad Jones and The Fritz: Thanks guys- far too kind:)

[MaZzuk]

realy great stiff u got here) five stars from me!) by the way, now i got some wip over planes here http://www.conceptart.org/forums/showthread.php?t=93701 maybe u can advice me somth) thX)

[Blue]

Absolutely lovely. :)

[Rossouw]

really amazing stuff! love the feel of them, gib us more!!

Roo.

[Kian]

Hey Gangus. These are brilliant mate. Well done :D

effin' love the Tomcat

[Jas0n 0n a Bike]

Hey Gangus,

I recently bought Ballistic Publishing's Exotique two book series and found your first victory gal picture printed in there. I was totally psyched! I really look forward to that A-10, as well as a possible tank. Hope to see more soon!

~ J

[redcap]

Very nice artwork...Love the Victory gals!
The straight aviation work is really awesome! I also cannot wait for the A-10...
I would love to see perhaps a UH1 helo the sight of a medvac dusting off while a few gunships laying down fire would be a sight

[Gangus]

Thanks for the great feedback guys.
I am on that A-10 piece

quick poll though:

Would you prefer to see the A-10 as a Victory Gal
or
would you prefer to see it as a straight aviation piece?

You guys have been my guiding voice through this series- you make the call


BTW- Sorry I acciedently took this piece off the thread- so I'll put it back up (even if it is not everyones favourite)
You guys are right though this doean't really fit into the series- so I am not counting it as one for the (hopefully someday realized calender)

[ICH]

Wow Gangus, last time that I see this post i think "i would like to see an A-10 painted by Gangus as a Native American Victory Gal" ;-]

[fookchai]

cool idea man! I like the way you combine the girl and fighting jet. And obviously you have some awesome rendered aircraft!

thanks for sharing!
Jonathan
-------------------------
http://theartofjlo.blogspot.com/

[Coinpurse]

great update Gangus.
May I request an Italian Victory Gal from ww2?
only if you'd like, possibly with the Macchi?
hehe keep up the amazing work, very inspirational!

[Jas0n 0n a Bike]

A-10 as a victory gal. Please and thank you :)

[Hookswords]

A-10 as a victory gal! This piece has great potential.

[Raptor]

hmm, this pool is a tough decision. Gangus, what are your plans for your aviation gallery? calender? book? singles? Victory Gals seem to be more or less a ww2 era thing, and although I just know an a-10 V-gal will look amazing, part of me feels like keeping the nostalgic feel. and if you give the A-10 a victory gal then all the other planes of modern aviation are gonna want one too. and theres nothing more pitiful than a whiny blackbird

[Act.Appalled]

definitely go for the victory gal A-10

[masque]

keep the A-10 as an aviation gallery piece. the Victory Gals have, as mentioned, an unmistakable aura of nostalgic romance due to the tie-in to WWII that would be missing with a modern aircraft, imo.

[Stugmeister]

As always some really fantastic work Gangus!

I say go for a normal aviation pic for the A10 - gotta agree with masque's perspective on that one.

[Flake]

Straight aviation, keep the gals as WW2 nostalgia.

[biz20]

These are friggin craaazzyy!!
My fav are CA_belle and Victory_Gal, but theyre all amazing

[Piranha Clan]

I'd like to see the A-10 as a victory gal piece, myself. I'd also like to see you do some choppers...AH-64 Apache perhaps?

[Gangus]

ARRRGGGGHHHH!
You are making it tough for me.

There are more votes for the A-10 as a victory Gal,
but the point raised of the nostalgic feel of the WW2 era is an excellent point!!!
So there in lies the challenge- I will try and create a Victory Gal for the A-10, but do it in a way that keeps the same level of mystique and respectability.
I do like the idea of having this be the finishing touch in the series- to show that there may still be spirits protecting pilots even to the present day.

Thanks for upping the challenge.

I have been contacted by a really apreciative fan in Mexico about a division of Mexican pilots that flew for the US. Some of the pilots are still alive, so I will also be doing a Victory Gal painting for them as well, to send to their families.

Keep watching- I am starting the two of these in the imediate future.

Regards,
-gangus

[Coinpurse]

looking forward to it!
keep us updated :)

[Gangus]

Thanks for the great feedback with the A-10 poll

I apologize for the audacity to mention this here- I have had a few people inquire about buying prints.
If anyone is interested please contact me via a private maessage.

Thanks,
Respectfully,
Glen

[Derek Gores]

Beautiful. Can't believe I missed these before. I'm so glad to see you using your hands, and leaving things loose (edges, marks, dodging, etc.) By showing the life in your marks, that is part of the visual metaphor of bringing the girls to life.

I'm a fan-- and will be looking for more.

www.derekgores.com

[Sponcer]

I can't even begin to express my appreciation for these. Is there anywhere else to order prints from other than mail order?

[Gangus]

Hey all thought I would drop a line and let you know that the A-10 is coming along nicely.

It is a collaborative effort with the amazingly beautiful model Veronika of www.perfectmuse.com

Hope to post it within the next week or two
Regards and thanks again,
Gangus

[Gangus]

I did a little online poll, as to what people really
wanted to see for a present day Victory Gal
and there was an overwhelming landslide vote for the A-10

I wanted to give the present day aircraft the same nostalgic pin up feel, but as always try and push the subject matter a bit to keep it fresh.

This is my first painting where I collaborated with a professional model for inspiration.
Her name is Veronika, and her web site is www.perfectmuse.com.
Feel free to drop her a line if you like this Victory Gal to show your apreciation of lending her beauty to this series.


Hope you guys like,

As always- painted in Photoshop :)

[Undertow]

I love everything you have going in this thread especially the ME. Quit crit on the A-10 is that typically a missile launch the missle drops away from the aircraft and then the after burner/rocket ignites propelling it towards it's target. When I saw that you were doing the A-10 I was kind of surprised that you didn't have the cannon as the focal point as that's what it's known for. The A-10 is an air to mud aircraft and doesn't use sidewinders or AIM-9's (the missile in this piece looks like a hybrid) as they're not air to air. Check online for a typical weapons load out for future aircraft to make sure that it makes sense to the aviation buffs like myself. You could very easily sell modern aircraft prints to the military aviation community as long as you're representing it accurately. Are you available for freelance work?

[Chariot]

The piece is sick, there is no doubt about it but the one and only thing that is throwing me is the heavy detail in her hair and soft blending in her face. The contrast seems too stark for me.

[Hyaloclastics]

Awesome work!
I love the planes,and the German chick in pg#3 is my favourite by far!

[ICH]

Amazing, Gangus! Love her hairs and the plane it's absolutly realistic! I think that painting this like a Victory Gal it's the right choice: The plane are so amazing that some jealous can think to a photomanipulation if he was alone.

[zweiDee]

incrediglamorotastic! another great gangus work. I like very much the bra of the woman, looks like a gas mask.

[Kir Nuyts]

For me that last one is the best one by far... Love the subtle light colors in it...That muse is really nicely blended into the scene (REALLY love the bra design) and those stockings motive (white n black blocks) adds alot to the whole scene...as do the flares.

I have to agree with undertow tough, if u know nothin bout jets i just guess this missile wont disturb you. But for me it is really weird to c the missile above the planes wing...(it seems impossible to b comming from the plane cause rockets normally fall down-so it would b comming from a plane above the picture...but then again the missile has the same angle as the plane wich makes it suggest it s comming from the A10 plane in front)

The texture on the whole picture is just breathtaking...
By far the best one in the series...I demand u do a russian sukhoi plane now! - one of the most beautiful planes outta there imo -

Great work!!!

[Coinpurse]

really outdone yourself this time Gangus, the last one is superb!

[Gangus]

Thanks for the feedback so far on the A-10 folks :)

Undertow: You sound like you really know your aviation.

I too am an avid fan of aircraft and sims. I fly Ubisofts lock on.
I am sure that some air to air defense/offense is also available on the A-10 ordinance. (see attached pic of some of my reference material)
You may be correct though about the exact type of missile. I aproximated something close but after your sugestion I might get the exact one. I might even change it to the video guided Air to ground Missile, that actually does drop down from the wing, and then flies up higher than the plane to drop straight down towards it's ground targets. (probably more apropriate for the flight path). I apretiate your comments though. I am availabe for freelance- feel free to pm me and we can talk about details and such :)
I do know that they have an upward flying air to air missile designed for getting helicopters. I even tagged a few jets in the sim as well, and know Ubisofts flight sim team are serious aboutm their accuracy.

ICH: Thanks for the comment ICH! I am not worried about the photomanipulation thoughts. I am also not afraid to admit I use heavy photo reference as the base groundwork for many of my serious technical paintings like some of these planes. As mentioned by Undertow earlier: aviation fans are very serious about historical accuracy and technical intergrity. For me it's about taking the reference material and basic measurements and exactness of the plane from photographic reference, creating a composition, intergrating and designing my figures into the piece and taking them to a higher level.

Chariot: Thanks for the comment. I wanted a contrast and needed that area of the painting to have some stronger values to help balance the composition. I am happy to take another look at it though.

Kir Nuyts: Thanks dude, I am glad you like this one so much. I have been for a long time thinking of what russian plane to do. The su is a gorgious work of machinery and design...perhaps :)

[Kvick]

Damn, you make it look so real, it's insane. BTW where do you find your references for the planes?

[Crazydude]

he he i dont care about what shouldent be there:dur: i just care how the hell you can make it look so real!:teeth! you truly earnd my respect and you are so damn good!:hatsoff: keep up the awsome work and btw i were wondering how the game character from halo masterchief would look like in your awsome style? i guess he would look awsome!;)

[JAG.]

the stages of shock:
1. :jawdrop: utter disbelief
2. :xpld: sheer joy and excitement
3. <3 :bow: appreciation and admiration
4. :[ realization that i will never be as good as you
5. :nohope: confusion and frustration on how something so beautiful can hurt so much..

once again Gangus.. thank you - JAG

[Lone Wolf]

Excellent work. The rendering is beautiful!:rendered: The A-10 piece is especially a beauty.

[Daniels]

absolutely gorgeous work. great concept with each of teh different countries

[Jas0n 0n a Bike]

Gangus is a maaachiiiiiine!

I just can't believe how realistic that hair looks on the new A-10 piece!

[Flake]

The A-10 is an air to mud aircraft and doesn't use sidewinders or AIM-9's

Actually, I'm pretty sure they can be fitted with them, it's just not a common practice.

Love the new one btw.

[young paddy1]

Being a nerd of all things planey I had to say, the A-10 does carry AIM 9s for air defence while it's blowing the crap out of stuff no the ground.

Now that crap's out of the way, the A10 and all previous pieces are beauties, excellent stuff.

I'd recommend the Su 37 just for a cool plane not a victory gal or anything.

cheerio

[Undertow]

Poorly worded on my part, I should've said that the A-10 is not known for AIM-9 launches, they're typically used as a form of self defense against rotary wing aircraft. When I think iconic picture of the A-10 I think of the GAU-8 being cooked off, dumb bombs or mavericks being launched. If you want to get technical the missile in the picture is closer to a HARM than anything else, and those aren't loaded out on A-10's as they're too heavy for LAU-88 racks.

[cabriolet]

Hi Gangus, I'm from Singapore. Just stumbled into this forum whilst ransacking the internet for british spitfire informations. I think it's worth the time signing up just to post this. I must say, your work is "DEVINE" that really blew me away, wow. I'm an acrylic painter and it's been long long time I haven't come across such amazing aviation paintings. Truly amazing. I love the Victory Girls, the one wielding a british sten. Just remarkable!

Alrighty, keep it up. Rocks!

[shadoman]

Hot damn, these are some amazing pin up style pieces. I love the throw-back style art with a great modern twist.

[Reed Davis]

crit on the A-10:

The A-10 doesn't carry sparrows or AMRAAMs, it does however carry sparrows every once in a while, but most of it's ordinance is air to ground.

Your pics are amazing man, I love aviation, and your stuff is inspiring!

now do an F-15 and/or F-22!!!!!!!!!