blindshot's sketchbook [updating after a brief absence!]

[blindshot]

Eyyyyyy, Vielmond! I use Photoshop CS3. If you go to file>save for web and devices> and then set the preset (below the save, cancel, and done buttons) to PNG-24 and check transparency, you can get rid of the non-transparent pixels in your work. This way if you've drawn something that you just want to show up on a web page with no frame, you can do that. I think a mask will make your background square again, though. I'm not sure.

Thank you for taking the time to show me how to mask things properly! I had a more round-about way of doing that, yours is more direct.

[Vielmond]

Usually when creating a png I didn't use the web, I used an older PS version, not really effective, so I just saved a normal png and used a optmizer. You remembered me of this option, I'm going to test later to check out who compress better now, CS5 or optmizer.

Anyway, I just tested and it works with masks. ^^

P.s.: Tested the optmizer, it's still worthy it. Later, check out http://psydk.org/PngOptimizer.php if you're worried about file size. Sometimes it really reduces the size and the best it's lossless.

[Topcross]

Topcross Thanks! Always appreciate your comments :] Sorry I haven't stopped by your sb lately! I've been intensely busy lately so whenever I sit down on conceptart I just post on my page and head back to work on stuff.

Haha, no worries, I know the feeling.

Also other people suggested masks etc to get a clean circle, you could also start out with making a circle and then paint on a clipping layer. Whichever works best for ya. As always in photoshop, there are a billion ways to do anything.

[jorvaa]

I love the vintage red in the Annie Clark portrait - reminds me of a retro cola commercial (in the best way).
And yussss! A masking tutorial! Thank you Vielmond.

[blindshot]

Hey everyone, I cleaned up some parts of the Annie Clark portrait. This one's at a little higher resolution so you can see some details.

[Rhubix]

this latest piece is gorgeous! - top shelf stuff

Missing your cartoons though ^_^

[jorvaa]

Just noticing that the hairline seems not to be attached to her head - lack of a distinct cast shadow, maybe? It could just be my pre-coffee eyesight.

[blindshot]

Rhubix: Why thank you! I feel encouraged when an excellent artist like yourself says something like that :] And I've got some comic-y stuff I can post on here if you're interested!

Jorvaa: I'll have a look at the reference and maybe make some touch ups based on that? Could you describe what you're seeing in a little more detail? I tried to stylize the hair so it looks more painterly.

Anyway, I got a strange portrait commission from a friend of mine. I'll be touching some things up on this, but I thought you guys might dig what I have so far.

Also, I'm hoping to do some more illustrative work soon. I wanted to gain some confidence painting digitally before I tackled work that would take me a really long time. Portraits has been fun, but I miss drawing explosions, so hopefully you guys will be seeing some more dynamic work soon!

[blindshot]

Some progress on my next portrait. Feeling pretty comfortable with the painting process now, so I'm starting to let some of my stylistic tendencies show through.

[ebonysmith]

love this commend back on the reddit annie portrait thread
'That's not the right answer. You were supposed to tell me that the real secret to your work was some unique configuration or something I can download somewhere, not just talent. I can't find a torrent for that.'

[blindshot]

love this commend back on the reddit annie portrait thread
'That's not the right answer. You were supposed to tell me that the real secret to your work was some unique configuration or something I can download somewhere, not just talent. I can't find a torrent for that.'

Haha, I had a good laugh at that. All I can really say is be confident, be receptive to criticism, and draw constantly.

[Veneq]

Great portrait work here! No crits - just eager for more!!!

[Randomeister]

Great work! Very excited about the fact that you seem to understand both form and putting in emotion--something I'm having trouble with myself. Love it!

[blindshot]

Another friend! Doing a fanart piece. I'll be posting updates on here for that :]

[in2eternity]

Lovely portraits here, keep on posting)))

[L.A. KARKERA]

Your portrait for Bon Iver is sick! Interesting fact: the band of Bon Iver used to be from my high school in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. It's chilling to think about that.

Natheless, your paintings of realistic people in portraits are just mind-blowing and it seems that it helps you to understand how skin colors and everything in details work. Keep 'em up!

- LKA.

[blindshot]

in2eternity Thank you!!

L.A. KARKERA No way!! I'd be so weirded out if someone from my high school achieved that level of fame, haha.

Anyway, here's the beginnings of my Metal Gear Solid fan piece.

[Vladimir Gasai]

epic portraits keep it up!

[matejkovacic]

Nice portraits! I think color overlaying is to visible sometimes. Try to put more various colors on skin ... not just one tone of red, so that it will look more alive.
Keep it up!

[blindshot]

Vladimir Gasai Thank you! I intend to

matejkovacic Ah, I see what you mean. I'll take that advice into account on my next portrait piece.

Here's some more WIP work of the MGS piece!

[Somelar]

cool portraits
Love it!

[wasabi89]

Great Portraits as everyone said, much more than that your anatomy shows a lot of structure and solid formation, seems that you know whatcha doin
Keep rocking mate
also looking forward to the metal gear solid thing!
'o

[xerenity]

sonafabitch, you're good


Will definitely lurk your sb from time to time. I love your sense of tone and movement. Rock n roll!

[blindshot]

Here's where the Metal Gear piece is at!

[ManHands]

Whoa! You certainly have a way with colors my friend. I have to say posts 155 and 175 are my favorite, they are incredibly surreal. Im surprised how fast you have picked up photoshop! That just confirms my belief that the larger part of learning how to paint digitally comes from learning traditional painting principles.

Btw pardon me this may be a dumb question but where is snakes left arm in that last picture?

[m0uS3r]

nice portraits i like them a lot

[blindshot]

Btw pardon me this may be a dumb question but where is snakes left arm in that last picture?

It's actually Gray Fox after he's gotten his arm cut off by REX's beam cannon at the end of MGS1. Here's the scene :] Probably my favorite part of the game.

[Dr_Motherplaguer]

Wow! Your portraits are really cool - co much details and so nice colors!)

[blindshot]

Wait wait wait. That profile pic is Erika West
What part of Michigan are you from? Grand Rapids?
__________________

Yes sir. Graduated from Jenison in 2009. Erika was a good friend of mine.

[jorvaa]

The last portrait is brilliant. I love how the person isn't looking at the viewer.
As for the Annie Clark portrait - I'm sure it was my pre-caffinated eyesight that made me see the hair like that. Looks fine now.
I was looking at your first few sketchbook pages again, and I noticed quite a progress in your style and color. Your paintings have a much more substantial feel to them...more confident color, actually. Not sure if that makes any sense.