Trying out more painterly style ('Nother update! Scroll to bottom)

[PaulGanguly]

I just got a tablet (w00t!) and didn't have a chance till tonight to really give it a proper test drive. I haven't used a tablet in a while, but when I was first intoduced to Photoshop, I got a chance to learn it on a tablet,

Anyway, it was a little shaky at first. Finally, I got a scribble that was worth keeping. I worked on it for about a half hour, and here's how it turned out:



I might do more on that one, or I might just start working on something I really want to make. I do like that image, but it's just a one off, with no particular 'thesis' in mind. Anyway, after quite a while of thinking that a mouse was sufficient, I've finally seen the light.

Lemme know what you all think

[mull77]

I love his expresion! He looks like some sort of crazy preacher, and the eyes just freak me out.

I do think the colour and shading on his skin majes him look more like a bronze bust or statue and the light on his eyes seems to be coming from in front of him, while the rest is shining down from above.

Having never used a tablet myself, would you say they were a worthwhile investment??

[PaulGanguly]

Thanks mull77. Yeah, the light sourcing isn't spot on just yet, but I think I'm going to refine this into a more finished piece. Maybe even a loony puritan preacher of some kind...hmm...you may have just given me an idea...

Anyway:

Having never used a tablet myself, would you say they were a worthwhile investment??

Well, I was introduced to computer graphics some 5 years ago, and at the time, the computer that I learned on had a tablet. So I was fortunate enough to learn the necessary coordination that it takes to use a tablet from day one. I can say however, after using a mouse for quite some time, and thinking that it was sufficient, after I've had my tablet now for a couple days, I can definitely see the difference. You're able to do work so much faster, and the coordination issue is easy to overcome. Before long, I had this piece started, and reached the example you see now in about a half hour.

I would certainly say that they're worth it, although if you haven't used one before, and are iffy on the investment, buy a cheaper used or generic one. Wacoms are great, but pricey, and a generic one (as mine is) works just as well although the longevity might not be up to par with wacoms. Mine (this one) was $50.00 USD, and is every bit as responsive as any others I've used. The numbers are comparable to the Wacom Graphire, which is the cheapest wacom you can get.

[mull77]

Thanks for the advice!

It's something i've been mulling over for a while now, but since i don't (personally) know anyone who has used one i was a wary of buying one. I suppose if i was going to get one it would be under the £100 mark to start with (looks like it's gonna vave to be an xmas present )

Looking forward to seeing what you can do with developing this piece as well. Keep up the good work.

[PaulGanguly]

Thanks again Mull (mind if I call you mull?)

Anyway, I took a look at your site, and you've got some skill. Your pixel stuff is way fun.

Back to business though...


Took your 'crazy preacher' idea and ran with it. If the background comes out the way I want it to, I think it'll turn out pretty sweet.

[Devilock138]

Is the rest of his parish going to be behind him like in Horror Hotel?

[Kresh]

I personally like the intial sketch you did. In the second one I can tell you used linear burn and color burn. If im right, I suggest that you don't use that tooo much as it really degrades the image.

Besides the flaws you're off to a nice start, you got any other threads of your works?

[PaulGanguly]

Thanks Kresimir. Although I actually didn't use any blending modes at all in the updated version. I should find a different way to convey the highlights. I know that's not the way fire reflects on skin. It's far more subtle and dim. I've got a long way to go on that one, but I think that's gonna be my first really finished, all digital image in a long while.

Here's all my other image threads. The top one was the last one before this one, and the rest are in no particular order.

Armadillo 9 (from Concept art.org)
Abandoned Batman Image
Oil-Rig City...Thing
First Image Post: Badass Angel
Abandoned Sketchbook thread

[Kon]

His face looks kind of oily and slick with those white highlights, makeing it seem like there is a bright light source, yet the fire isn't even as bright as the highlights.. I suggest maknig the fire brighter than or equal to the highlights..

[mull77]

This is starting to look really nice - he looks really amish/puritan fire and brimstone kinda guy now, but i agree that the highlights are too bright if the flame is the only source of light. To me it looks like he's stood outside a house in the dark next to a window if you see what i mean?

Also i think that a very faint light coming in from the left would give him a bit more substance.

keep it up

[PaulGanguly]

I'll put more in the above images, but this was a scribble that I'm gonna paint when I next have the chance. And, oh yes, this will be part of the crazy puritanical preacher image:



Lemme know what you think. THe bracelet things are ultimately going ot be shackles.

[PaulGanguly]

Did some more work on it before I went to bed. Here's how it turned out:


I probably won't have a chance to work on it till the day after tomorrow, so lemme know if I should make any huge changes.

PS. I used Francis' flip-flop method of checking symmetry, and I'm already aware that the collar's uneven.

[Meany]

Looks good, the one thing that jumps out at me is the right arm (or his left arm, the one not holding torch). I doesnt look right. Maybe its not long enough. It looks a little stumpy hehe apart from that looks good. nice work on hsi face with lighting etc.. keep it up.

[Meany]

There is something wrong with the right arm, hmmmmm. not sure lol still a cool image you've drawn there. like it alot. Your sketch above is really cool. good shading etc.. very nice idd.

[egerie]

listen to the previous comments about dodge / burn tools and such. Stay away from them or use them VERY VERY lightly.

[PaulGanguly]

Like I said before, I didn't use any on there. I tried to dim down the highlights on his face, but it looks like I've got a little more work to do on that front.

As for the various proportion issues, those will be taken care of soon. The body that's there now is really just a sketch, and I haven't really planned it out fully.

[ax.axgroup]

this is very good
i am also learning 3d Animation