SyntaxBomb - Indie Coders

Media => Graphics => Topic started by: Matty on June 16, 2017, 20:48:40

Title: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Matty on June 16, 2017, 20:48:40
Painting with brushes this morning....

Back on the blitz forum I had a thread which showed off my progress with drawing and painting...this morning at 430am I did a quick painting as I'm starting to spend some time with real paints as well as with digital mediums...it came out okay.

(https://www.syntaxbomb.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mattiesgames.com%2Fart%2F2017p236.jpg&hash=8ae0875fcc94d3f7a4082e78d9cb28431b29e85b)

In case anyone is interested here is a link to my game graphics I'm posting for free to use:

http://www.mattiesgames.com/assets/

and here is a link to my art work since 2017 (2016 when I first started also available)

http://www.mattiesgames.com/art/2017.html

Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Matty on June 16, 2017, 23:59:29
(https://www.syntaxbomb.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mattiesgames.com%2Fart%2F2017p237.jpg&hash=a496c3937d34db11ab45751572ad3d81763ab276)
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Rooster on June 17, 2017, 01:29:20
Cool silhouettes there Matty.
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Matty on June 17, 2017, 09:33:19
(https://www.syntaxbomb.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mattiesgames.com%2Fart%2F2017p238.jpg&hash=ea0a827b48c42c407d333ab81ebf4b69af570987)
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Qube on June 18, 2017, 04:13:44
http://www.syntaxbomb.com/index.php/topic,69.msg638.html#msg638 (http://www.syntaxbomb.com/index.php/topic,69.msg638.html#msg638) This reminds me of the horror film "The Babadook"

Quite a unique style you have going on here. Definitely keep going and learning :)
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Matty on June 18, 2017, 20:51:56
(https://www.syntaxbomb.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mattiesgames.com%2Fart%2F2017p239.jpg&hash=d0ed3609cb9afbdc6715593e158b0b58d57c758c)
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Yue on June 22, 2017, 06:01:26
 :o Really creepy  :o
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: MikeHart on June 22, 2017, 06:50:14
These silhouettes, do they show the person from the back or front?
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: flyman on August 28, 2017, 21:16:18
I think it's really nice
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Steve Elliott on August 28, 2017, 21:22:35
The top picture has a really nice colour palette and vibe.  But I would take out, what looks like massive breasts  ;)
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: cpsmith0191 on September 21, 2017, 22:52:29
Nice, what medium are you using acrylics/oils? as I guess watercolours wouldn't give the strong edges. As for first picture, It could be somebody wearing loose garments reaching round to scratch their back. Happy to see your creative output, keep painting and have fun. cps
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: sphinx on September 22, 2017, 13:14:35
Predator vs Aliens!

Nice painting though :)
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Matty on November 03, 2017, 12:07:14
Digital art - from photo reference of my partner

(https://www.syntaxbomb.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mattiesgames.com%2Fart%2F2017p293.jpg&hash=f1e57a8f8a7cb99d828c3df673ff510ece03371e)
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: NRJ on November 04, 2017, 09:03:38
The above one is very good...
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: RemiD on December 09, 2017, 13:13:16
Hey Matty, i just want to say hi, and keep drawing/painting !  :)
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Dabz on December 09, 2017, 18:46:36
Lovely! :)

I'm for the silhouette style mind, really good that... Me like!  8)

Dabz
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Matty on December 11, 2017, 05:01:42
Thanks folks and hello RemiD...nice to read youre here.
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Matty on December 27, 2017, 18:22:29
Another picture:
This one was drawn in pencil, coloured over with a Wacom tablet and then the auto color level filter was applied which significantly changed the colors - and I like them this way - have a nice feel to it

(https://www.syntaxbomb.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mattiesgames.com%2Fart%2F2017p303.jpg&hash=a5805b9b30edccf75456a4fee733371bda46d659)
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Rick Nasher on December 27, 2017, 21:54:41
Interesting and diverse work. Keep em coming..
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Matty on December 30, 2017, 21:37:59
Pen and Pencil Drawing this Morning (no reference used)
(https://www.syntaxbomb.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mattiesgames.com%2Fart%2F2017p309.jpg&hash=7e4e9ece2fa471def736008496ca7ab93cbe5a2b)
Wacom tablet coloured version with auto level filter applied
(https://www.syntaxbomb.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mattiesgames.com%2Fart%2F2017p308.jpg&hash=de1216510f1b1a49d5b5905b95114af7434fcd05)
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Matty on December 31, 2017, 08:30:26
(https://www.syntaxbomb.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mattiesgames.com%2Fart%2F2017p311.jpg&hash=f5701e5551b303d3ea77c2953b1c4e9eb77e1583)

Another...
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Matty on December 31, 2017, 15:58:30
(https://www.syntaxbomb.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mattiesgames.com%2Fart%2F2018p002.jpg&hash=46d59ea60d127089742d70a31462072367016eef)
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Matty on January 05, 2018, 18:55:37
This morning when I woke up I drew this one without a reference.

(https://www.syntaxbomb.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mattiesgames.com%2Fart%2F2018p003.jpg&hash=15bf93a48e1c1efc32109780071de07ba388017a)
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Rick Nasher on January 05, 2018, 19:17:12
Looking interesting. Like the style.
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Matty on January 06, 2018, 19:55:29
Thanks Rick, here is another

(https://www.syntaxbomb.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mattiesgames.com%2Fart%2F2018p005.jpg&hash=15e4ca7a2073e56502e50e7179819c7cdc7c3536)
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Rick Nasher on January 07, 2018, 10:45:00
The facial expression in these series makes one wonder about what's going on/what are they thinking about, and that's what makes them quite good for it would make people stand still in an art gallery instead of just pass by.

Examples:
(https://lh3.ggpht.com/qE0-JHabD8JID49nnvZGmCTdic_PvjBxpa-cFMpFswtaPV9j8jbOfBi7FmpL8THlXtXz1fyTZ0P1b8JORNwKvtwSEo-VPEymqsJ748BN=s600)

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/f4/The_Scream.jpg/1200px-The_Scream.jpg
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Matty on January 10, 2018, 19:16:17
(https://www.syntaxbomb.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mattiesgames.com%2Fart%2F2018p008.jpg&hash=ab5c3ee40396fa606c56fc2d4d6cd67247f32ac5)

Somewhat average.
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Matty on January 10, 2018, 19:18:04
I like the Vincent one you showed.  That is excellent.  But then that's to be expected.
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Rick Nasher on January 12, 2018, 22:40:05
I also wanted to post a picture by da Vinci I once saw in the Paris Louvre, which depicts 2 noble men who are looking(facial expression, eyes) in a very peculiar way, bit like Mona Lisa(which I don't really like), but more nasty.
They really make you wonder what on earth are they thinking, something your pictures do too.
Unfortunately couldn't an image of it.  ::)
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: col on January 13, 2018, 12:49:10
I also think this is a great piece of art when accompanied with the back story...
http://www.filedropper.com/threemensittingonabench (http://www.filedropper.com/threemensittingonabench)
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Matty on January 16, 2018, 19:40:27
Quickly sketched with biro on Saturday (my birthday) and then coloured in on Wednesday morning:

(https://www.syntaxbomb.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mattiesgames.com%2Fart%2F2018p013.jpg&hash=0b85b5f9c12164247f22cdef6e31dd3cd0cc17bb)

biro version:

(https://www.syntaxbomb.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mattiesgames.com%2Fart%2F2018p011.jpg&hash=3000aa45ca25b19e0426ef315ed2e03423a899b3)
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Matty on January 18, 2018, 17:34:36
Picture drawn very early this morning when I woke up briefly.

(https://www.syntaxbomb.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mattiesgames.com%2Fart%2F2018p016.jpg&hash=8e34dc7e13bbd09eaa769cc26d88c315f278d80f)
(https://www.syntaxbomb.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mattiesgames.com%2Fart%2F2018p017.jpg&hash=a0535bd7337393ee3591e30231a1c840c6e04434)
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Matty on January 19, 2018, 14:12:02
Sometimes I like the pixelated effect...

(https://www.syntaxbomb.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mattiesgames.com%2Fart%2F2018p020.jpg&hash=1e7954d710ce057c132878ad1a146c8681908e69)
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Derron on January 19, 2018, 14:33:27
I think you prefer the pixelated ones as your brain auto-corrects now hidden errors and fills-in missing details.


bye
Ron
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: NRJ on January 19, 2018, 16:50:09
You need to do some improvements on the shape of the nose and lips.
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Rick Nasher on January 20, 2018, 08:57:47
Quote from: NRJ on January 19, 2018, 16:50:09
You need to do some improvements on the shape of the nose and lips.
That would kill the weird but interesting style..
Making a picture perfect portrait is something anyone can learn over time. Capturing emotions and expressing them so that they get the attention of the onlooker is something quite different.

I didn't get it(always admired the skill of Rembrandish painter) and tried to copy that. Till I spoke to some artists who are doing really, really well. They will tell you it's important that you have skill, but when have it it's even more important to let it go for otherwise you are just a photographer..
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Matty on January 20, 2018, 18:25:57
Drew this while at a cafe at 730am yesterday morning (Saturday).

I like it...
(https://www.syntaxbomb.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mattiesgames.com%2Fart%2F2018p022.jpg&hash=3ae4f5df3aed6c34a67bef3dd2b4a280df66583e)
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Derron on January 20, 2018, 19:32:40
Her breasts are positioned way too high.
The emphasizing of her breast shape makes them look similar to "muscles" (while they are more of the "fat"-shaped style). Also the shadowing of her cleavage is pretty much borked up - as if it was some kind of "latex shirt" poured into form right on her body. Normally you will lose "details" in the center of the breasts as the bulge will keep the tension on the cloth-material high enough to not lay on the skin there. If you like big or uhm "emphasized" breasts, then have a look at the older Tomb Raider images - she has worn a similar shirt and should explain more "lively" what I want to express.

Another thing - which I and others told you some weesk ago: pay attention to symmetry (which you are intended to break up - but first you should master it). The whole head seems as if she had a meeting with something heavy - like a bus.
I imagine it happens because you rotate the paper while drawing - or keep your hand position "fixed".


Her body is rather masculine (wide shoulders, v shaped chest) - while her waist is kind of roundish/female...
Her neck is also rather masculine (fitting to the chest) - and nearly equally sized to the head. So I would call it a bit "misproportioned".

Maybe you should try to come up with simple-shaped sketches (head, body, arms... consist of simple shapes). It is important to get the porportions right before doing exaggeration (cartoon) or adding all the details (wrinkles, scarfs, color...). Once you are able to do proportions you must learn doing the outlines - and shadowing. Still no color needed.

By the way you used pillow-shading on the shirt: think it does not suit so good.


Is there a reason why you have this kind of char-coal/crayon black outline? As you already use a tablet (from time to time) I would suggest you the following:

- create a layer for your first sketch-out (the rough idea)
- create a new layer and reduce layer opacity of the first one to 25%, now redefine what you sketched out
- make first layer invisible and reduce second ones opacity to 25%, create a 3rd layer and draw the "final" outlines (you can still adjust later on)
- create a fourth, fifth... layer while you do the initial coloring
- add a last layer for the shading: set it to "overlay", so it allows to just use gray colors to shade, lighten up ..

If you use layer "masks" it is even easier to correct your drawings - and eg. remove overlapping colorization-areas. Splitting it up into layers eases things like making shadows less dark/intense, to change the color of a shirt ...

Nonetheless for _you_ I assume the first steps are the most important for now: create rough outlines, redefine, correct, redefine ... using layers allows to use the same rough sketch over and over. Sometimes you will recognize, that the rough outline was not perfect, that the arm should bend a bit more, that the head is too big ...
The rough outline could be edited using simple editing tools (selection tools, cut, past... resize). It is just something for your orientation. once you are happy with it (again), you will create another layer and do the redefining part.

With redefining I mean drawing only simple strokes, not that "stroke over stroke over stroke" approach which is visible on the arms or waist in your painting.


As always: do not take above too personal. I just want to help you to improve - and it is only my POV.

bye
Ron
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Matty on January 22, 2018, 19:35:16
Watercolour pencil and felt pen.  My first portrait drawn using watercolour pencil. The paper was damaged by the use of water because it was too thin and I rubbed too hard but as a first go I like it. It's valuable to me.

(https://www.syntaxbomb.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mattiesgames.com%2Fart%2F2018p026.jpg&hash=08c98e593961a70c96f52c5a46ded371556be592)
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Matty on January 23, 2018, 19:20:18
Another water colour on water colour paper drawn with 2b pencil and water colour pencil.
(https://www.syntaxbomb.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mattiesgames.com%2Fart%2F2018p028.jpg&hash=dabb44a4d44a1567f68ee5fce1f45f4285a5ef01)

It's a slow process of improvement but I enjoy it.
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Derron on January 23, 2018, 21:58:42
Nose shading is pretty good.

To repeat myself: PLEASE please try to improve on "symmetry" - nobody wants to have a head looking like it was smashed from one side. People tend to have a slightly symmetrical head (not talking about mimics/face).

also have a look at her forehead - while there are many people with that "big" foreheads, it is less common that they have a very very small chin area.
Ok, so the chin might look "smaller" if you bend your head forward (as if you want to look over the glasses you are wearing). But in that case her neck would be way smaller (hidden by the head) and should receive some shadows. So my assumption is that she does not bend her head forward but you just use some odd proportions.

Color is indeed better than before: seems you should enjoy soft pencils (2 or 3b) compared to these charcoal ones - until you are becoming confident in drawing the "perfect suiting" outline.


PS: what's up with her left ear, it looks like if you blurred it out - or melted it with the head :-)
PPS: Once you corrected the symmetry and perspective her mouth wont be that wide anymore (should go about to the center of the eyes - left side of her mouth is ok, her right side is a bit too far to the right)


Keep drawing -  but try to avoid the "mistakes" you did in the previous pictures.

bye
Ron
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Matty on January 23, 2018, 23:05:45
Derron. I appreciate your feedback.  It is constructive.

I agree about symmetry and the other points as well.

One thing however, I'm not sure how much drawing you've done:

It takes practice.  There's a reason people simply draw circle after circle to be able to draw a round shape correctly.

And so these mistakes you are picking up - they will likely be present in my pictures for quite some time to come, and you will end up repeating yourself.  Not because I am deliberately making mistakes but because improvements are incremental.  I might know in my head that symmetry is required but then I will need to practice it over and over and over.

Now in terms of practice. I could simply draw circle after circle, nose after nose, eye after eye, and so on component at a time.  But...and this is important - I draw to entertain myself.  I would get totally sick of drawing circle after circle, nose after nose, eye after eye as a repetitive practice and it would dissuade me from continuing with this.

So instead - I draw what I enjoy.  The imperfections do actually give it a certain quality. A certain rawness. 

Each attempt will be a gradual improvement with the occasional slipping back into old habits. It's normal.

So I take your comments on board - but in all honesty I can see for myself the faults in my own pictures quite clearly too - and eventually they will start to become less and less.
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Derron on January 23, 2018, 23:31:08
The Problem is that you are aware of them - but already start writing: "The imperfections do actually give it a certain quality. A certain rawness.". So you already found an "excuse" for things which need/should/like to get improved.

As you state you improve over time, please try to annotate in your next painting on what you put your main focus (outlines, color, shape, mimic/facial expression, ...) - if you put one (see the part about "entertain myself").

So why am I focussed so much on "symmetry/proportions": they give images another quality. It is not that hard to pay attention a bit to "should the eye big that big" or "is the head looking like by a mutant". For me (might be different to you) it is a quite important thing and of course hard to master to perfection - but easy to take at least the first steps.

For me I prefer a good looking outlined dice than a "trapezoid" styled dice (unintented of course) with good looking shading and colors. It does not matter if you can draw good looking gradients on a letter if nobody is able to say if that letter was an A or a wooden bench.
Shape (aside of color) is a very important information for the eye. Shading, and "details" (crinkles, pimples) are there to make things look "alive". One of the reasons why cartoons "work".

If you draw simple objects, is there also this kind of assymmetry (do not mix that up with "cartoonish looking")? Maybe you have the wrong way of drawing (like fixing your hand on one position, just "rotating" it as it seems to be needed)? So it might not be your "skill" but a simple wrong "approach" to draw the things?


On the other hand you say you do it for your personal entertainment, so of course it is up to you on what to concentrate, on what do next or not. 


@ paintings
I paint nearly everyday: simple things for my little boy (2yrs) - and I shade them the way I like it until he takes a pencil and scratch-paints "chaosively" over them. I recognize that the paintings, sketches, ... look the worse the more I have to bend (eg. I sit on a chair, he on a second one and I try to paint on the paper right in front of him). For organic things it looks better when drawn "fast" (without much thinking). Also interesting is to draw things on "upside down" (if we sit facing each other).
If there is the right mood we also paint using the digitizer (this allows me to add another layer for him to paint on - removing it and allowing to paint again and again).

Sometimes it's only sketches (whatever he wants me to draw - even if I have no clue how it should look, in that case I later look how it should look and try to remember for next time). Of course it is only simple stuff - a rainworm looking out of the ground with some grass and flowers, ... or food, toys.

I also sketch the things he wants to paint (water color, finger colors). So they are unique each time. It is always fascinating how fast he recognizes certain things - even if I think I have drawn it rather bad (or even were not finished with the object yet).


For me these little painting/sketching sessions are also small "practice sessions". Because I always can extend the scenery to my likes. He wants a Pretzel drawn? I paint it, add a glass of water next to it, maybe a fork (not that easy to paint when doing "perspectives") and a knife. Add things _I_ want to see if _I_ am halfly capable of doing. Failing is happening often enough but as said my son at least recognizes it :)


PS: I am pretty experienced now in drawing ice cones with 10+ scoops of icecream :p


bye
Ron
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Matty on January 24, 2018, 18:50:35
I did this one this morning. Skin Tone Pastel Pencils, 2B Pencil and Water Colour Pencil on Standard Paper.
I think the face shape is wrong but I still like it.
(https://www.syntaxbomb.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mattiesgames.com%2Fart%2F2018p029.jpg&hash=e98ad2981effc818a2098374a5790b91567cbc41)
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Matty on January 25, 2018, 12:35:30
Pastels only on watercolour paper.....

I tried to get the symmetry better...improvement...not perfect but better.
(https://www.syntaxbomb.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mattiesgames.com%2Fart%2F2018p030.jpg&hash=edaeb11ce802d2e9842348ca38ab3cbda9c89a62)
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Matty on January 25, 2018, 20:56:27
Derron - you liked one of my pictures so I tried redrawing her in pastel....she didn't come out quite the same and you probably think she looks completely different but then I do like this one too.

(https://www.syntaxbomb.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mattiesgames.com%2Fart%2F2018p032.jpg&hash=a505b317d12597174caedd21d61481c76745c1c4)
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Matty on January 26, 2018, 04:05:22
another pastel one...I like pastels.
(https://www.syntaxbomb.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mattiesgames.com%2Fart%2F2018p033.jpg&hash=8dcfd07bc3785f0b5ca786b13ab0c782a1769102)
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Derron on January 26, 2018, 07:17:25
I ... HATE ... THIS FORUM SUBMIT FORM.
accidentally hit the wrong shortcut and voila... a big big wall of text was gone (restoring tabs did not help). REALLY REALLY FU**.
(The restore works in many forums ...not in this forum system). 30 Minutes of writing: gone.

So excuse if the following is now more harsh than before:

second drawing:
- has good skin tone
- misses crinkle at the neck as she bends her head and/or moves the shoulder
- shadowing on the collar bone is really good
- strokes on her (mid short) hair looks good - does not apply to the hair of the first drawing
- her left eye (POV right) draws too much attention (dark shadowing, that white area around the pupil ...)
- her right eye has some white dots on it - paper?
- part over her lips has this circular-shape, making it look like a "snout" - especially as the upper mouth area looks "smeared", less "skinny" than the cheeks.
- lips do not just get darker towards the mouth inner... when using so intense color tones/reds you maybe do better when placing a bit of "light" near the top part of a lip - to make it look more "3D"

nonetheless: it looks rather good if I am able to ignore the eyes (holding a finger over them). So all in all: good - but improvable job (which already improved comparing to the early drawings)



first drawing:
- her eyes have that egyptian "tear drop"-swing on the outsides (compared to the original drawing)
- her look is now "sad" compared to "happy/nice"
- her mouth looks as if a psychopath took a lipstick and draw wildly over her mouth. Think it misses a kind of "outline" or sharp edge.
- the cowlick of her hair looks odd (non-existing in the original), I think you draw it by mistake? If not: put a hand with a scissor next to it, so she is on her way to get a new hair cut. She wont have this mid-short-hair-cowlick with the other hair strains be that long
- outline of the hair strains does not look very well. It suited perfect to the blonde mid-short-hair in the second drawing but here it makes it look "strainy", "not washed properly"/greasy.
- her left nose (POV:right) is too wide, resulting in the eyebrow growing "in the nose area" (if both than ok, looks "wild" but ok - but it is only this one)
- shadowing of the neck and collarbone is a bit odd: right under the chin: perfect, on her left neck the "strokes" of the darker shadow make it more look like an abrasion (especially as you did other shadows with the smudge/soft-strokes variant)
- shadowing of the colorbone is just odd - I cannot explain/recognize what it should express.


I think if you corrected the nose, moved her left eye a bit towards the center then it would look way way better.


The skin tone of the blonde sweets way better (the other one looks a bit "yellowish"). If you once redo/redraw the first picture: use the color of the blonde womans skin tone.
Also pay attention to eyes, nose and mouth - they are what (at least I) people look as one of the first things: if it looks odd, than people wont accept it as "natural".

Side node: head shape in both drawings is better than in many of your older paintings.


PLEASE: Excuse that I now only have these more or less harsh words: I wrote a big bunch of lines more - also containing "thats good, that improved" stuff. But this forum - and my crazyness of hitting the wrong shortcut ;-) - deleted so much of my text...grr.


bye
Ron
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Matty on January 26, 2018, 20:00:26
One more .... 6am this morning 27-1-2018
(https://www.syntaxbomb.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mattiesgames.com%2Fart%2F2018p034.jpg&hash=76337e8f9380fadb67a617a8f7a70f2ba06fda1a)
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Derron on January 26, 2018, 20:53:13
Skin tone is a bit yellowish, maybe in Australia things are looking a bit different, just judging from the "long winters, a bit summer, skin tone of us Western Europeans" :-). Might be the "orange green" surrounding it - did not check pure RGB values.

That orange hair is looking nice ... ok, that cowlick needs explanation, hehe.
Head shape looks pretty good (ok, the chin area looks a bit squeezed, but might be the shadowing emphasizing it even more). Top nose area improved already - but has still a slight "assymmetry" (her right nose-side is growing into the eyebrow area different to the left side).

While I do not really miss them: does she have eyebrows? .

Does she wear lipgloss? Bottom lip has some glossiness - which makes it look more "lively" (like I suggested, dunno if it is because of this or a random effect). Think it should be a bit "taller" ("thicker", as the bottom lip contains more "blood"). The current slim/slender lip style makes her "narrow lipped" (as if she want to bite on her bottom lip because of some frightening stuff or "uncertainty").

When looking at the mouth: what do you see? I see some big big teeths (with black outlines... no teethbrush laying around ? ;-).
I did not mention it in the other pictures but "teeths" are something on your TODO. While the white-tone fits this time (they are never bright white) the "size" does not fit well. Just have a google-image look at "teeth" and you will see, that the incisors are wider than the canine/cuspids - especially in the top row. Drawing them "right" also helps drawing the perspective (the teeth row bends into the mouth).


Ok back to her eyes ... you emphasized them pretty good - I think it even would not need that black outline. In other words: I would avoid that black outline and use a dark dark shade variant. The outline of the iris could be a "unshaded/mixted" variant of her eye color ... it does not need an "outline" if you can have a clear stroke of the same color.
That black outline would suit well if you want to have a "cat eye" look.


Shading of her collarbone is something I do no longer write about: looks good, really nice shading ;-)
Keep it that way and avoid harsh cleavage-lines. Well done.


I like the green shirt + orange hair. Green always fits to red/orange haired women.

Conclusion: If your next works keep away from the old mistakes, it can just improve more and more. You seem to be on a good way (just judging yesterdays and todays picture)!



bye
Ron
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Matty on January 26, 2018, 22:30:32
Thanks Derron.  Appreciate the feedback.  It's a few steps forward and some steps back....I cant guarantee that i will always go forward but that's the intention.

Yeah...teeth....gotta get better.

Skin colour-actually it's more the lighting in my lounge where i took the photo...it was too early in the morning and the lighting was incandescent globes.

The actual drawing is pinker. Fleshier.

Yeah...the eyes...maybe i will work out a way to do it without the black.

Thanks for taking all that time to write that feedback.  You put a lot of thought into it.
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Matty on January 26, 2018, 22:37:38
With natural lighting now the sun is up see attached
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Matty on January 27, 2018, 14:12:08
Still bloody hot at 1am in the morning...couldn't sleep so drew a picture with pencil only.
(https://www.syntaxbomb.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mattiesgames.com%2Fart%2F2018p035.jpg&hash=9e42c26c13e7e28d775929209e2ebbb3779dfeaf)
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Matty on January 27, 2018, 19:27:48
And coloured on Wacom (I would have liked to have done it with pastels and still may)

(https://www.syntaxbomb.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mattiesgames.com%2Fart%2F2018p036.jpg&hash=e02a5558ab8061ce862e4b093cd1192e974010cd)
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Derron on January 27, 2018, 20:39:16
Think you improved on nose and mouth this time. Nose has some odd parts (the nose tip has some kind of border to the nostrils - these MIGHT exist in reality, so I wont blame you for this).

What did you concentrate on this time? Think the lips got some glossiness which helps them to look more "plastic" (in the sense of "3D").

While eyes - nose - mouth fit a lot better compared to some days ago, not to yesterday - which was imho a bit better. Dunno if the reference image has a odd "perspective" resulting in that nearly straight line from top to neck on her right side (POV: left). Especially the part from "shoulder to neck" looks like a 90° angle.

I think she had this "turn your head by 30°"-photo-pose - which never looks "natural" but just "posed". But to make this pose "recognizeable" it misses some lines/crinkles or shadows on the skin.
What you really borked up - imho - this time is again, the head shape. The "hair line" is really "sloped". This does really look weird. If you do not believe me, just scroll down on this page until the forehead is barely visible anymore: it looks way better than, doesn't it?.
If she is looking "to the right" (POV: left) then the shadowing should be different - the "wider half of the face" (her left, POV: right) would need some shadows to emphasize perspective, the right one (POV: left) should have a shorter shadow and less "diagonal"


(https://www.syntaxbomb.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.martelnyc.com%2Ffigure-illustration%2Fimages%2F8700_36_124-draw-fashion-figure-face-front-view.jpg&hash=57fdc7b952c16c08a44f9fe1cfad15f376731f70)
http://www.martelnyc.com/figure-illustration/the-face.html

If it was a "look straight to the front"-pic, then her eyes seem to tell "there is something happening on the right".


@ Iris and pupil
I wanted to write something about the light reflection on iris and pupil but seems I would have been wrong:
https://encrypted.google.com/search?q=eye+light+reflection
I would have sworn that the iris needs a bit reflection too - but today's high-gloss-photoshoots tell another story. So nothing to blame there.


Ok, Did I mention you mastered the collarbone area? Nope this time shading was almost invisible there, making it look "flat" - exaggerating the borked up perspective of "shoulder neck head"..


So again: if your focus were lips, nose and eyes this time, then there you go.



You also wrote that you colored with your Wacom. Wouldn't it be able to do a complete digital drawing - including of what I suggested: draw a basic shape on a layer, draw the refinement on the layer above - and when finished with your outline you can colorize in another layer. The "sketch layers" could be removed afterwards - keeping a "clean and only wanted strokes"-layer plus the color information.
Shading of the colored parts could be done on another layer.

Why am I asking for this? I know that correction in "real world pictures" is hard to do - once drawn there is not always a way to fix issues. So you have drawn for 20 minutes already and then you have this fatal brush stroke done... ouch. Maybe you like the digital painting? - or you don't, but in that case you at least tried.


@ Reference photos
Did you try to draw the same model from different reference pics / poses?
So you can keep certain things "the same" (nose proportion...) and can more easily concentrate on the perspective?


bye
Ron
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Matty on January 30, 2018, 19:00:48
I wanted to draw more of a person - and wanted to try my hand at some fantasy drawings again - barbarians, knights and so on.

So I took a photo of myself in my underwear (reference not shown - aren't you fortunate!) at 5 in the morning.

I have to say - for the barbarian look - sleep hair is wonderful!

Anyway I did a quick pencil sketch - took about 15 minutes to draw, and came up with this as a first draft...this is on cheap paper...I'm going to try it again on proper paper now that I can get the look mostly as I want it.

I'm pleased with how it came out.


(https://www.syntaxbomb.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mattiesgames.com%2Fart%2F2018p039.jpg&hash=4ffb60c69b9d7f7cbe4b9b3260225fa6ac0b695c)
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Derron on January 30, 2018, 19:27:00
You either have only one nipple - or your nipples are widely apart from each other ;-)




Use this rough sketch as a base and create on the computer the necessary outline (or do it on semi-transparent paper). Think you will have a bit to do on the hands (I am pretty sure you are not satisfied with them either).
Right arm has the "shoulder + muscle" portions, left arm doesn't. Right upper arm is thinner than the part after the elbow - do you like spinache / Popeye?


Everything is shadowy/hairy/grungy looking - except your underwear which is pure "cheap paper"-color aka "white" :-)




When doing the "outline, color..." part: replace the underwear with a a leather loincloth. And add a shoulder belt or so.




@ sword
pay attention on where you draw shadows and where not ... right at the right crook of the arm there should be no shadow - also the sword should be a bit wider there.


Also pay attention to whether it would be a good idea to have this long sword (long swords ... are more often used by knights I think - but we have people here in the forums with more weaponry-knowlegde).


bye
Ron
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Matty on January 31, 2018, 09:42:59
I tried drawing over it with the Wacom tablet...I pixelated it because it was still very 'scratchy'/'messy'...however this is unfinished.

I realised after doing it that if I want to draw it without the pixelation and with good detail I'm going to have to simply spend some quality time working on the image...this was done in the space of about 30 minutes.

I really need to spend some significant time refining it to get it right..but the basis is there.

I've never been good at taking it slowly so this will be a good chance to stretch myself with my patience at drawing slowly rather than quickly if I can refine this significantly more.

EDIT: I've had a bit of a look - I don't actually know how to do this easily - I like the look of the image below but if only I could sharpen it up and remove the pixelation but keep the shading without having to repaint it...I'm not really sure how to go about this.

(https://www.syntaxbomb.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mattiesgames.com%2Fart%2F2018p040.jpg&hash=05c987e128a6c68c6cecff34f82383ab135bf359)
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Matty on January 31, 2018, 10:41:24
Watercolour pencil and pastel pencil quick sketch as well...

(https://www.syntaxbomb.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mattiesgames.com%2Fart%2F2018p041.jpg&hash=6ab09636836ccf899896f412837141de8a6437df)
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Derron on January 31, 2018, 11:28:33
If you have very thin paper (so you can see the base stretches you've done) you can draw with your normal pencil?

Of course you could fold your paper from time to time to see if you missed something. That way you could correct shapes - and create a kind of "level 2" drawing. Use this then to do further enhancements - add some things here and there. Then do it again, create a "level 3" drawing - it now already misses the mistakes done in level 1 but corrected in level 2.

It is very similar to drawing with layers on your computer/tablet.


BTW his left lower arm seems a bit thin for the muscles you packed in the left upper arm - not much, but maybe increase a little bit.

In the water color image you changed blade of the axe - make sure they are "connected" - so very often they share the same base on the handle. Keep in mind that metal was precious for the poor ones - so less metal, big handles - ok, or weapon was stolen :-)

Why am I telling you this? Every picture is not just just an "idea" and a final "stroke here stroke there"-thing. You need to either sketch out things and redefine later - or research before if you have a kind of "plan to follow". Think it is like coding, or doing music ...



Think you already found out that you must prevent yourself from "rushing through" the necessary steps. There is no "rapid outline drawing" + "coloring" = "done". Not if you are still learning the basics of what you plan to draw. Even masters will always learn something - but nobody of us will seriously call oneself "master" :-)


PS: It is good to see you trying things on the "same object". This allows a way better comparison.


bye
Ron
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Matty on January 31, 2018, 18:46:55
Pastel drawing over pencil again...this time I took a picture of myself holding a staff while in my underwear and put the clothing over the top.

It's kind of like a druid or something I suppose.

(https://www.syntaxbomb.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mattiesgames.com%2Fart%2F2018p042.jpg&hash=b8062e25d85bf3358d72f4770b078995933fff69)
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Matty on January 31, 2018, 19:46:59
Self portrait.....pencil

(https://www.syntaxbomb.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mattiesgames.com%2Fart%2F2018p043.jpg&hash=7b075ba07a207ca84da3245fb0b924632a12e138)
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Derron on January 31, 2018, 20:19:21
Seems we share a beard :-)

Symmetry in the pencil drawing is better than some days before - headshape on the "left" (POV: right) is a bit too straight - maybe your head is that way, so excuse me ;-)


bye
Ron
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Matty on February 03, 2018, 01:53:02
Couple of images sketched while out today...

Man with beard drawn from imagination while at a cafe.

Woman with sunglasses drawn partially from imagination and partially from what I saw at the park - while I was at the park next door to my house sitting at the park bench/table.

(https://www.syntaxbomb.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mattiesgames.com%2Fart%2F2018p052.jpg&hash=8255b32dc973574cc86c328443ec46442b9bc60d)
(https://www.syntaxbomb.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mattiesgames.com%2Fart%2F2018p053.jpg&hash=ccc0dbb07a283aed3f50951d8061e761cc7b3347)

They're low res because I drew them on a very small sketch pad. 

I enjoy drawing, it is a nice entertaining pursuit when there's not much else available to do at the time.
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Matty on February 03, 2018, 19:21:27
Warrior

(https://www.syntaxbomb.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mattiesgames.com%2Fart%2F2018p058.jpg&hash=8c750914858656a1e166779ed244ea82f28535b2)

Dancer

(https://www.syntaxbomb.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mattiesgames.com%2Fart%2F2018p059.jpg&hash=64e94ee8b11436902220b783a27383baa8401af8)

Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Matty on February 05, 2018, 20:12:02
Tree and comments made while observing and drawing from memory.

(https://www.syntaxbomb.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mattiesgames.com%2Fart%2F2018p063.jpg&hash=14ee4c15c08d121e54fb4bcb29eab4a125becaf0)
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Derron on February 05, 2018, 20:30:59

Twitterstyle (less words)

Dancer + Warrior: proportions wrong (hip, leg, chest dimensions).
Tree: ok
Low-Res: ok as it hides (up to non existing) asymmetrie a bit.




bye
Ron

Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Rick Nasher on February 07, 2018, 17:43:49
Like the dancer. It's like it supposed to be like that: the impression of certain bodyparts that caught your attention is very well demonstrated and drawn while other parts are less well drawn and catch less attention.
I think I really like that style. It draws focus to where the artist wants and makes one wonder especially when mentioned where was seen.

BTW: practicing the drawing of trees is a very basic technique that forces one to see how they really are.
Hands but even more so feet, due to their perspectives can be quite a challenge at first.
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Matty on February 10, 2018, 18:34:33
Thanks Rick and Derron for all the comments..thanks for both the positives and the constructive criticisms.

Here's another....I like this one..did it this morning when I first got up....

(https://www.syntaxbomb.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mattiesgames.com%2Fart%2F2018p075.jpg&hash=e15b9ec3e494020fae49e3b6daef17cc734215ad)
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Matty on February 10, 2018, 18:50:18
colourised and cropped.

(https://www.syntaxbomb.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mattiesgames.com%2Fart%2F2018p076.jpg&hash=a0a3cf01680fa1d07ae4a642989cc16041770fe6)
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Matty on February 10, 2018, 20:53:10
Good Morning again...about to head out for a coffee and do some drawing at the library but....

I thought I'd post this image. It is a collection of images I have drawn that I feel capture my style of art quite well.

I've been looking at other artists to get a feel for what my style is and so on. Haven't looked too deeply yet.

But what I've noticed is - apart from the fact that I'm still a beginner learning the skills - I have a definite style that is distinct from say any of the art you'd find on DeviantArt or Etsy.

My work has its own feel to it.  And it's not just the raw feel of an artist who is still learning his skills.

There's a definite look and feel that my work has that is different. Not saying it is better in quality at all. Just that it has a particular style about it that I don't really see when I've gone looking at other artwork so far.

See the image below for an example.

(https://www.syntaxbomb.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mattiesgames.com%2Fart%2F2018_style.jpg&hash=232071660ccd9a985967f438c7d5a7b8b66f8260)
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Matty on February 12, 2018, 19:46:09
A warrior drawn before work.

(https://www.syntaxbomb.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mattiesgames.com%2Fart%2F2018p083.jpg&hash=bcd67c151a2e7622714d74cf828434908e18d1dd)
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Derron on February 12, 2018, 20:49:25
Shoe size 18 ?


Facial expression is nice.
Sword would surely have a longer handle if it was that long (like a 2hand sword).


bye
Ron
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Matty on February 27, 2018, 19:04:54
Good Morning (or evening) People.

I've drawn approximately 20-30 pictures since I last posted so I thought I'd post a selection (3) of the 'better' ones that I did recently.

Here you are:

A dancer, a man drawn in an art class I attended recently and a woman drawn from an image on my phone the other morning.

Dancer:
(https://www.syntaxbomb.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mattiesgames.com%2Fart%2F2018p084.jpg&hash=e87bfb494549fb0e87cda971f63734abbfec8ff8)

Man in Art Class:
(https://www.syntaxbomb.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mattiesgames.com%2Fart%2F2018p096.jpg&hash=68c2e1fe5c244a499a3cb4a4d5a92fc6e269e2f2)

Random Woman On Phone:
(https://www.syntaxbomb.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mattiesgames.com%2Fart%2F2018p109.jpg&hash=9085f679707c18f9a9eefaadcf8fd87b7ba7abcf)

Thanks.
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Rick Nasher on March 01, 2018, 08:23:21
The bold guy looks like someone at work, who had raised sarcasm to an artform, but also is captured by his inability to leave.
The girl face looks intriguing, like someone I've seen before an actress or so.

I like the way you capture expressions, impressions of peoples soul.
Don't know if intended that way or coincidence but surely nicely done.
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Matty on March 05, 2018, 18:55:39
Thanks Rick, much appreciated.

Self portrait first thing in the morning with 'sleep hair'.....not a real good likeness but I do like the hair and the beard....

(https://www.syntaxbomb.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mattiesgames.com%2Fart%2F2018p115.jpg&hash=0fe558cbc9066357973938d2065f0c20976c29db)
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Matty on March 07, 2018, 18:29:58
For International Women's Day (March 8th)

Drawn with pencil then overlaid with pastel colours....

(https://www.syntaxbomb.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mattiesgames.com%2Fart%2F2018p119.jpg&hash=cef1eda7bb0eb9b329be875787632e13f1916765)
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Rick Nasher on March 07, 2018, 18:37:07
Can see a #metoo coming up there..   ;D
BTW: Nicely done.
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: RemiD on March 09, 2018, 07:46:31
i like the one in reply #76, quite harmonious face, who is she ?
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Matty on March 09, 2018, 08:03:11
Thanks RemiD.  The reference used was a youtuber whose videos I've watched recently.  It doesn't really look like her.  A very attractive woman by the name of Gina Carla.  I found a whole bunch of these semi hypnotic videos on youtube-or I was directed there!
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Matty on March 10, 2018, 19:31:46
Could be an 80s hero or rockstar or just someone with bad taste in hair styles these days!

(https://www.syntaxbomb.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mattiesgames.com%2Fart%2F2018p122.jpg&hash=40085c084666dab9d2bf60632bf06c1a80d3ccce)
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Matty on March 10, 2018, 23:05:02
Printed and put on wall..
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Matty on March 10, 2018, 23:21:15
I'll tell you something curious I just noticed about my art especially where people are holding something: the majority are left handed (as am I)...
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Matty on March 17, 2018, 18:49:51
I bought a whiteboard last week and other than writing copious notes and then erasing them I use it to draw pictures of things in my consciousness.

Here are some ravings of a madman for you:


(https://www.syntaxbomb.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mattiesgames.com%2Fart%2F2018p124.jpg&hash=ffd571ab82b0cf865d916249a0fb41517f4fb855)
Symbolic representation of some things that give me strength and direction in the universe.

(https://www.syntaxbomb.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mattiesgames.com%2Fart%2F2018p125.jpg&hash=46b5714d8b45dc43fa7d51d2c73c4279d0a928f3)
The mystery journey unfolds

(https://www.syntaxbomb.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mattiesgames.com%2Fart%2F2018p126.jpg&hash=11cfa5897074c7d4f925453c6bacc88edb69333c)
Deceptive shadows are all around.
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Rick Nasher on March 17, 2018, 19:23:53
I don't know you well enough really, but I don't think you are that mad. The world is a very mad place at times and everybody is mad in their own way just to cope with that already.

Rarely met anybody who isn't one way or another(yet to meet them). I worry more about the ones that do not know they're a little mad or just completely ff-ed up. For at least the other ones have sense enough to realize they are and can try to do something about it. 



Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Matty on March 17, 2018, 19:37:07
Thanks Rick...it was a bit of self deprecating humour on my part.....

We all have our share of degrees of insanity of course....for the most part I see myself as quite healthy and well adjusted - but not without difficulties at times.

Thanks.
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Rick Nasher on March 17, 2018, 19:51:36
You're welcome.  ;)
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Matty on March 18, 2018, 21:25:22
Full moon at or near dawn.

It was more a state of mind than trying to show a quality picture.

(https://www.syntaxbomb.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mattiesgames.com%2Fart%2F2018p127.jpg&hash=db9bb96207ecde00d319174cd0e020843708493c)
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Rick Nasher on March 18, 2018, 23:23:44
Nice one. It captures the feeling well.
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Matty on March 24, 2018, 17:41:17
Impressive sky eh? Went to football last night - even some lightning too.
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Matty on March 24, 2018, 19:08:40
A very good and honest friend.
(https://www.syntaxbomb.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mattiesgames.com%2Fart%2F2018p132.jpg&hash=67b40c5e4a52a2826b261844d85dc940022e4050)
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Rick Nasher on March 26, 2018, 19:57:01
Wauwie, nice visuals today.
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Matty on April 05, 2018, 19:49:37
Self Portrait this morning, photo taken before work then traced and colourised with Wacom tablet.

(https://www.syntaxbomb.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mattiesgames.com%2Fart%2F2018p136.jpg&hash=7b400e310f41b001f0c4ea9cb3bcf8cf862b8c55)
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Matty on April 05, 2018, 20:03:37
Picture drawn using sketch found on google images as a reference - so technically not all my own original work...but a bit of fun colouring in a pencil sketch I found of someone else's.
(https://www.syntaxbomb.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mattiesgames.com%2Fart%2F2018p135.jpg&hash=404ee7f533f56efc52ffa8db1565708f88ead9a1)
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Rick Nasher on April 05, 2018, 21:07:30
Such an exercise can help to see how things like feet are drawn by others.
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Matty on April 11, 2018, 21:14:29
Random internet woman drawn with wacom tablet (traced and colourised....different style slightly...)

(https://www.syntaxbomb.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mattiesgames.com%2Fart%2F2018p138.jpg&hash=fe356dc82d6d353d1ec2f7bb8294298b86187399)
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Matty on April 12, 2018, 22:11:49
(https://www.syntaxbomb.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mattiesgames.com%2Fart%2F2018p139.jpg&hash=2eb6c15c3250c36c19d6b29237d6bdb707605ab0)
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Rick Nasher on April 13, 2018, 10:34:59
Pretty girls. You have a good taste.  8)
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Matty on April 16, 2018, 20:47:14
Thanks Rick...here are some more!

Smiling woman
(https://www.syntaxbomb.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mattiesgames.com%2Fart%2F2018p140.jpg&hash=2267a30cc942e307272821216096f3756f317cd4)

Woman with flowers
(https://www.syntaxbomb.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mattiesgames.com%2Fart%2F2018p141.jpg&hash=0fa511245051425eb43950474a69a5d3fbb87888)
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Matty on April 18, 2018, 22:52:25
Sick in bed with a cold...can still draw.

(https://www.syntaxbomb.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mattiesgames.com%2Fart%2F2018p142.jpg&hash=a19274dada4612d172979dd59d55aa39dcf50490)
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Matty on April 25, 2018, 18:33:06
Pencil drawing at 3am.
(https://www.syntaxbomb.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mattiesgames.com%2Fart%2F2018p144.jpg&hash=4eb20962e79e08c3156b0e6ab7cd191d9ec0f03a)
Colourised version moments later.
(https://www.syntaxbomb.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mattiesgames.com%2Fart%2F2018p145.jpg&hash=cdcb879c591366ad4f639b38421a1f656d3360f7)
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Rick Nasher on April 29, 2018, 11:26:59
I like these freehand thingies.
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Matty on May 04, 2018, 22:34:40
Redrew one of my earlier pictures from the year on the tablet...fixed the feet a bit....and changed the colours..

(https://www.syntaxbomb.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mattiesgames.com%2Fart%2F2018p148.jpg&hash=2cdc72ea2134e8bc258defbdbb59d713d0847598)
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Matty on May 05, 2018, 04:18:39
First attempt at a landscape. Photo reference used, about 5 layers, took about an hour to paint with Wacom tablet.

(https://www.syntaxbomb.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mattiesgames.com%2Fart%2F2018p149.jpg&hash=f5b7fdb8bfc0db081480148d7af3962b869b297c)
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Matty on May 06, 2018, 23:20:09
[Insert your deity here] - created this one!

(https://www.syntaxbomb.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mattiesgames.com%2Fart%2F2018p153.jpg&hash=6d5c4de04fbdc5ce88ac04bfcfc398896157fb39)
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Derron on May 07, 2018, 06:53:35
Sharpness.

If you do pictures of closeup there is nearly nothing more important than the right "focus" (read "sharpness").

While the yellow flower in the right center and the right side of the picture in general look crisp/sharp, the left side is blurred (nicely visible on the green parts of the plants in the left center of the image).


@ image / scenery
I would have tried to not picture the "ground" of the paveway/floor. It should only contain the images - any maybe their wrappings.

Did you do any photos with a different angle? You did a top view but maybe showing a bit more "depth" (tilting by 10° or so) would create a different look?


Without looking at exif data: done with smartphone (would explain the blurriness - I know my worse 40eur-smartphone camera :-)) or with classic digital SLR camera?


If you plan to post more photos, make a new thread if you like. Photos might attract others to join too (people who do not draw but have their phones with them to snapshot things).

bye
Ron
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Derron on May 07, 2018, 07:37:58
I think you shot this picture with a smartphone cam.

Just checked a picture I took the last days (while filling a container with some plants/bushes - a pity I forgot to shot the surface of the container, would have been a nice "rusty grunge"-texture): it is also more blurred on the outside of the manual placed focal point/focus.

(https://www.syntaxbomb.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2F6eZ8orm.png&hash=7f31ac3d5e89a1fe7057f40c8b9b1d229965fb74)

Ok, maybe it got more blurried because I was working "a bit" before, so hands were not as calm as needed (taking it one-handed while trying not to fell into all the plant stuff ;-)).
BTW I dislike how much these small displays lie. Watching that image on a smartphone makes my brain think it is more crisp (fills the details) while on a big screen you see all the flaws. GRR


Now compare these to a 6Mpix digital camera (bought in 2004 or so):
(https://www.syntaxbomb.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2F5HE6l9V.png&hash=db4eca6001a3528bdd6413a9af35ae29e6a239d9)
(https://www.syntaxbomb.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2Fy6TQX5m.png&hash=827a245dbdf5757226520a6eb479f17fc25a0c71)
(both taken during holidays in Croatia)


So this is why I asked with what device you shot the image.

bye
Ron
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Matty on May 07, 2018, 09:01:01
The only camera I own...my S4 Samsung Galaxy. .. thanks.  Your photos are good.  Maybe it is worth starting another thread where we can all link photos of a reasonable size for web display on here?
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Derron on May 07, 2018, 09:24:02
Maybe we just let @Qube split up these posts into a new thread - and as "first post"-user you are able to rename that new thread then.


@ S4
Samsung and the likes always have had better cameras than most "China phones". Mine is a Huawei "Play Mini" (kind of Europe-rebranded "Huawei 4C"). Phone is now 3 years or so into operation and I bought it in a sale (because of "inventury") for 40 bucks (while "Aldi" sold it for 130). Was a good buy (I bought all 3 they still had...for wife and buddy).

Most cheaper cameras need the flash light to do proper "focus" - except for sunny weathers. While a real camera flash creates way way overexposured images these tiny LED flashes of our phones will be barely visible during "shady daylight" pictures. Night shots are of course one of the most difficult things (they just do not look natural). Even with a 1.5m heigh fire I had trouble shooting pictures of the buddies sitting around. It is a real pitty - if you compare it to your eyes which can see pretty "sharp" in such lighting conditions.
Think as long as they insert so tiny sensors into the phones this wont change. Remember: bigger sensor - less light required.



Somewhere on my discs I also have some pictures of trees (barks) or wooden planks - if I pay attention I try to make such pictures to - somewhen in the future ;-) - use them during renders. So I do not have to rely on external media and their licences.
I prefer to take nature photos as there are no people on them disturbing the scenery - compared to making photos of buildings (which I should do instead - to be able to do proper background buildings for a rendered graphics variant of TVTower).


Nonetheless I think that creating "thought about in advance" photos helps also in your drawing skills. You learn on what to concentrate, what people focus on first etc.
But I am aware that we are surely doing sooooo much wrong and that talented/professional camera artists will run away as soon as they see the pictures we've done.

bye
Ron
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Matty on May 23, 2018, 21:25:06
I've been doing a bunch of graphics for my game for the competition...I thought I'd share some larger versions of the images:

(https://www.syntaxbomb.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mattiesgames.com%2Fart%2F2018p154.jpg&hash=9149c086a66004902d76b1c5fc5d7d43103732be)

(https://www.syntaxbomb.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mattiesgames.com%2Fart%2F2018p155.jpg&hash=8dfd679239623eae4e9f5db78e4da1913bd3f940)

(https://www.syntaxbomb.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mattiesgames.com%2Fart%2F2018p156.jpg&hash=40ec24ea0ab4c024e479f9be1a6b1c64eb9f39ba)

(https://www.syntaxbomb.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mattiesgames.com%2Fart%2F2018p157.jpg&hash=ddf9f90f97a6f4a130fd78557ed94e966b242dac)

(https://www.syntaxbomb.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mattiesgames.com%2Fart%2F2018p158.jpg&hash=a61defaf3e9c09412fae8e0bef9118eec48eccb4)

(https://www.syntaxbomb.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mattiesgames.com%2Fart%2F2018p159.jpg&hash=1c10bbc4ca7886752e1559c8800d380dd09dd667)

(https://www.syntaxbomb.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mattiesgames.com%2Fart%2F2018p160.jpg&hash=2bb12c44286e287f2999ce821379a12522d419b8)

(https://www.syntaxbomb.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mattiesgames.com%2Fart%2F2018p161.jpg&hash=1073b50442a96578bed0bb7e723ffc0250918739)

(https://www.syntaxbomb.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mattiesgames.com%2Fart%2F2018p162.jpg&hash=86b52d9519cb5949ba9d6a63cc26c2ea697f6767)

(https://www.syntaxbomb.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mattiesgames.com%2Fart%2F2018p163.jpg&hash=9034f96b694398c6eae8ba592f29e862b94a9ae2)

(https://www.syntaxbomb.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mattiesgames.com%2Fart%2F2018p164.jpg&hash=163dabc10964ed59636cf81b083ad8f576bfdf00)

(https://www.syntaxbomb.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mattiesgames.com%2Fart%2F2018p165.jpg&hash=f432c8346d7e20048dab16846b2bf5e0d46caa7a)

Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Derron on May 23, 2018, 21:53:21
If you intend to scale them down at the end: add simple highlights and shadows to them (check "knight on horse" image). Also add simple details (some stripes, ropes, ...). When scaling down all these "props" will add to the "make the brain imagine all the details"-effect.

Eg the "elder wise guy"-dude needs some details in his facial hair - to not look too "simple" - beards are strainy with varying grey... and so on



bye
Ron
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Matty on June 25, 2018, 22:24:12
Did this morning at breakfast - have the week off this week to relax and have a nice holiday so did a drawing.
(https://www.syntaxbomb.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mattiesgames.com%2Fart%2F2018p170.jpg&hash=3c404aa5041b8bbcc3fc57b7a7c2e04cbd10428b)
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Rick Nasher on June 27, 2018, 21:43:59
Good to see you keep at it.
Btw: if you have a bit up to specs Samsung Galaxy S then there a free digital painting apps Art Canvas or for regular Android there's Autodesk Sketchbook so you can paint literally anywhere without carrying a lot of stuff around.
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Matty on August 04, 2018, 23:09:28
Been working on this one every now and then for a week....it's not right yet...the woman is too muscly, and a host of other problems but I like where it's going.

(https://www.syntaxbomb.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mattiesgames.com%2Fart%2F2018p182.jpg&hash=40ade4354f1dfe2e375b1bc67c9f448cd5d40676)
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Matty on August 25, 2018, 04:47:03
Some more:

(https://www.syntaxbomb.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mattiesgames.com%2Fart%2F2018p185.jpg&hash=c6665c515f8db3d8b142725d59a3db61c5be0e32)
(https://www.syntaxbomb.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mattiesgames.com%2Fart%2F2018p187.jpg&hash=c08496a215f38ff8172f6b016cd1fd8218a25d71)
(https://www.syntaxbomb.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mattiesgames.com%2Fart%2F2018p192.jpg&hash=227ba426f53aa0c1416516b4acdf325ba7a5101d)
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Matty on August 25, 2018, 04:48:06
And some photos: (to be used as references later for drawings)

(https://www.syntaxbomb.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mattiesgames.com%2Fart%2F2018p189a.jpg&hash=a30f7df2de38e147b211cd190bf9550909d714c5)

(https://www.syntaxbomb.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mattiesgames.com%2Fart%2F2018p190a.jpg&hash=85bcf3ea6c2ed8672a2d99404d750fa13a6e840e)

(https://www.syntaxbomb.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mattiesgames.com%2Fart%2F2018p191a.jpg&hash=8b0cb875211b4e15fe981df7fbc401bb8bd57e5c)
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Matty on August 25, 2018, 07:44:46
(https://www.syntaxbomb.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mattiesgames.com%2Fart%2F2018p193.jpg&hash=036027f14752d887407194a639bcb3b1f6cadf0a)
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Matty on August 26, 2018, 07:11:56
My neighbour and friend who lives over the road.

(https://www.syntaxbomb.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fmattiesgames.com%2Fart%2F2018p195.jpg&hash=271064629c07c45a93e8855f91caaab1d751fdf1)
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Pakz on August 27, 2018, 13:07:24
I have been spending some time making graphics. Though on the laptop(touchpad) I have been getting a numb hand. I think it is the Carpal tunnel. I have this with playing video games also. Not with programming.

I have been trying to spend time creating a whole library of rpg graphics. Though I can not seem to keep going for long amounts of time. And this morning Korg released a new music app(less time again)

Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Matty on August 27, 2018, 20:57:07
Nice swords. Very good.
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Matty on October 12, 2018, 18:31:16
My Dad

(https://www.syntaxbomb.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mattiesgames.com%2Fart%2F2018p210.jpg&hash=1765aa8acb88f08bcebd321db32a982a2832a225)
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Derron on October 12, 2018, 21:27:21
proportions look great.

But hey... only an upper alignment / row of teeth? ;-)


@ strokes
Seems you did that with your graphics tablet / digitizer - don't you enjoy a brush with soft edges / simulation of a "pencil"? . While face color choice is (pretty) nice I think the "shadow strokes" are a too harsh and the outline color of his blue shirt is hmm call it at least "odd".


bye
Ron
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: RemiD on October 28, 2018, 08:24:06
@Matty>>you have definitely improved your drawing skills since the beginning, wether it is the proportions, the shapes considering the posture / perspective, or the coloring / lighting / shading. :)

Personally i use a small black pencil to draw the overall outlines of the shapes, then i create another layer where i use only colors for coloring and lighting / shading (like on your last drawings)...

Now, what is interesting is that you can reproduce this style of coloring and lighting / shading, inside a 3d engine like Blitz3d, by coloring your shapes with brushes (without textures), putting a few lights in the scene, setting an appropriate ambient light, and then letting the vertices lighting / shading do the coloring (for the lighting shading)
This also helps to understand how shapes are lighted / shaded...
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: 3DzForMe on October 28, 2018, 11:18:08
Looks really good, love the style and the proportions are great.
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Matty on October 28, 2018, 19:32:10
Thanks all of you.

Yes it is a massive improvement.  If you go over my 2016 art on my website and compare you can easily see.

2016 http://www.mattiesgames.com/art/

2017 http://www.mattiesgames.com/art/2017.html

2018 http://www.mattiesgames.com/art/02018.html
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Matty on November 05, 2018, 19:07:31
Sketched on morning of Melbourne cup day (public holiday for a horse race).

I sketched it with pencil first from a reference I liked the look of online, then I drew over my sketch with my Wacom tablet.

I'm enjoying drawing these - and it is very pleasing to see the improvement over the years.

If I'd tried to draw this two years ago it would have looked very wrong, but this looks much better - so practice does improve you!

(https://www.syntaxbomb.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mattiesgames.com%2Fart%2F2018p218.jpg&hash=81a40b8182eb0ed6e1314652db1b18a95c195230)
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Derron on November 05, 2018, 20:16:28
There is still something wrong with her body - at least in my opinion:

(https://www.syntaxbomb.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2F3YTjqrQ.png&hash=9a6eae72813f9a3c6017d3ccbe0b274391679f2e)
Red and green is not "wrong" or "right".

But: the head you gave that female warrior is way too small for the chest. The neck is way too long. You could make her body less "big" and the neck shorter - or make her head bigger, more "barbarian"-esque.


Also you seem to have a favor for a certain secondary sexual characteristics (boobs, cleavages ...) ;-)


bye
Ron
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Matty on November 06, 2018, 04:21:24
Thanks Derron...yeah...I'm not perfect at this yet by no means...getting better with each one....just takes time and practice.

Two more:

Pencil and Wacom version.

(https://www.syntaxbomb.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mattiesgames.com%2Fart%2F2018p221.jpg&hash=d360412f0fb42aa9a49b43837963631e41b112ff)
(https://www.syntaxbomb.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mattiesgames.com%2Fart%2F2018p220.jpg&hash=058d7aa9c471242773eaf9adcb6366e3633f6916)
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Pakz on November 06, 2018, 08:31:06
Starting to look more proffesional. Your art in your games wil probably start to get real good looking in a few years I reccon. Good art makes games more attractive!
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Matty on November 06, 2018, 08:54:55
Thank you Pakz. That's good to hear.
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Matty on November 06, 2018, 19:37:08
I'm thinking of doing some kind of computer card game...adventure style thing......

(https://www.syntaxbomb.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mattiesgames.com%2Fgfx%2Ftestcard.png&hash=6f9e8bb81b454d735e4a33a641768e930fdae9cd)

I've got a design fleshed out on my development log

Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Derron on November 06, 2018, 19:42:19
You should avoid shading their chin and cheek area so hard. She looks more like a "cheaper than average" lady in a harbour pub :-)

@ card
Contrasts, line strengths, structure.

-> black thick outlines emphasize the elements they surround
-> white text on grayish background is harder to read (even with blurry-drop-shadow/glow)
-> name/job is the same style as description text
-> "Jessie Elwhe" in the top, "Jessie - Archer" as head of the description -- "Jessie" is a duplicated information

For card games a well designed "deck" is very important, so put energy into all the decorating stuff, make it look "integrated". To add your drawings in the background is then just a matter of playing with the adjustment layers for some minutes.


bye
Ron
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Matty on November 08, 2018, 17:19:31
Last night drew this picture before bed.

(https://www.syntaxbomb.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mattiesgames.com%2Fart%2F2018p223.jpg&hash=3900fe7d866d151103d38b1a3127a27fb5730d24)
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Derron on November 08, 2018, 17:33:46
If you did not have any reference then facial expression is done preeeetty good!

Her head is a bit too long (hair part should be less "egg-y"). Almost looks as if her hair was a pointed helmet.
Her right upper arm seems to be broken (bends at a position where it never should bend ;-)).
Her left upper arm seems a bit short (should end around the height of the belly button).

Her dress seems to have a hard fight to hide the glory of her bustyness.


Is there a reason for the "harsh strokes" ? Why no soft brushes?


Keep going, way better than 1-2 years ago.


bye
Ron
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Matty on November 09, 2018, 19:53:38
Thanks Derron, all your feedback is good and helpful...I can't always get it right (in fact not at all so far) but as you say and I know - it is improving.

Here's one done this morning from a photo reference of a cosplayer I found online

(https://www.syntaxbomb.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mattiesgames.com%2Fart%2F2018p224.jpg&hash=21acdd056a45a7e4c8ad90b5dfa09c7978d828b0)

(https://www.syntaxbomb.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mattiesgames.com%2Fart%2F2018p225.jpg&hash=43510313d266213ae1b929701ef71f6425b160df)
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Matty on November 12, 2018, 18:39:56
Sketched before work on Tuesday morning.

(https://www.syntaxbomb.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mattiesgames.com%2Fart%2F2018p228.jpg&hash=186f1a2332bcc7ab72dd6b3d3087f98e5392aa23)
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Matty on November 20, 2018, 19:55:41
Before work on Wednesday Morning....

I like this one..I know it has errors - such as the eyes are too far apart but I still like the picture...it has come out quite well in my mind...I'm still very simplistic though....so much I can't do yet....but maybe one day - in another few years I'll produce something that looks like real artist work...but it's nice anyway.

(https://www.syntaxbomb.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mattiesgames.com%2Fart%2F2018p229.jpg&hash=c77fb50a2431464ba0e52dcfacfc5eaa27b84c6f)
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Matty on November 29, 2018, 02:52:25
Drawn in a moment at lunch at work.....

I call it: "Here are the launch codes"

(https://www.syntaxbomb.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mattiesgames.com%2Fart%2F2018p230.jpg&hash=98a27bc7e4033f60427196bfbc1c238d27b9d81c)
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Matty on December 23, 2018, 18:40:32
More notebook sketches in past few days.....

(https://www.syntaxbomb.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mattiesgames.com%2Fart%2F2018p235.jpg&hash=48fe70035936fd6de7e0cefdc95f8be5dd02c2ec)
(https://www.syntaxbomb.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mattiesgames.com%2Fart%2F2018p236.jpg&hash=9d9e2a14f5274c92424f32ca2b925ed7638c9e3b)
(https://www.syntaxbomb.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mattiesgames.com%2Fart%2F2018p237.jpg&hash=13fcfde07db2862a8acfaf4bf606b1f494d5d0ea)
(https://www.syntaxbomb.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mattiesgames.com%2Fart%2F2018p238.jpg&hash=6e3452a531a169c65d623089a51d41e0103f40f3)
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Rick Nasher on December 23, 2018, 21:19:39
Hi Matty,

Haven't been round much for while(healh issues).

But I must say I liked the "Tuesday morning", "My Dad", "My neighbour and friend who lives over the road" and "..from a photo reference of a cosplayer I found online", etc.


I see progress too and it's always good to learn techniques. But it's good to see you do not loose abiltiy to caputure
unique impressions/expressions for those are *the* essentials.

I mean, I can do near photographic paintings(well nearly for I'm a bit colorblind), but that doesn't mean a thing without authenticity and the ability of capturing the essentials of moments/impressions. Those are way more important, for over time anyone can learn techniques.

Most great artist have very good techinques, but eventually toss that overboard in favour for a minimalistic approach and adopt a certain vagueness, just as great poets and songwriters. They take you somewhere, tell you a bit of a story and put your imagination at work to fill in the blanks so that everyone feels it apeals to them personally.


I think this is what you have already naturally, which I really, really like.

You capture the features of the girls that would make one fall in love with very well and in turn it makes a person curious about the girl and feel the same as the artist. Same goes for how you captured the essence of other personalities, it's like you've captured their soul. - Great stuff.

Keep it up.
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Matty on December 27, 2018, 19:09:33
Drawn at 5am this morning when I got up.

(https://www.syntaxbomb.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mattiesgames.com%2Fart%2F2018p239.jpg&hash=9a4cad5b5e44f4058132b52604fa975503d9a100)
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Rick Nasher on December 28, 2018, 00:01:54
That's exactly what I mean.

It has that feel. Same I used to have when was 18 studying ICT and there was one of these girls in class that had a certain something that stuck for years.




Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Matty on December 28, 2018, 05:05:20
Thanks Rick. Appreciate that. Ta.
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Matty on February 10, 2019, 18:36:18
Only two done so far this year...I'm a bit slower this year - been going to the gym instead....had other things to spend time on...but will get back to these...

(https://www.syntaxbomb.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mattiesgames.com%2Fart%2F2019p001.jpg&hash=c7cd3ecb289a8e3776b8e49a72baf68933efa711)

(https://www.syntaxbomb.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mattiesgames.com%2Fart%2F2019p002.jpg&hash=61fe312e982f88a6632b641937149159d7388529)
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: MrmediamanX on February 11, 2019, 07:55:59
nicely done, I haven't put pen/pencil to paper in decades.
there should be a few of my older then old art floating around.
found it:
http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn256/bagjac1/t4-1.jpg
http://s306.photobucket.com/user/bagjac1/library/?sort=3&page=10

And 2 artsy games I had done awhile ago ... they deal with serious subject matter so be wary.
https://mrmediamanx.itch.io/the-jaunty-skeleman-chronicles-episode-1-noose
https://mrmediamanx.itch.io/prison-of-a-broken-doll

all & all keep at it man... you'll do just fine.
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Matty on February 11, 2019, 18:23:23
MrMediaManX - your drawings are excellent.

Yes - the subject matter of your two games are a little grim - but well drawn.

I like your pictures..they have a sense of a 'proper artist' feel to them.

Did another this morning myself....

(https://www.syntaxbomb.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mattiesgames.com%2Fart%2F2019p003.jpg&hash=184c4b25c0884e1247c794e2d43496f5c3309d44)
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: MrmediamanX on February 13, 2019, 08:38:33
very cool... Here's a bit of random-ness while I wait for my game to be done with bug testing.
a caricature for ya man....done in ms paint with a mouse, not the greatest of tools.
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Derron on February 13, 2019, 14:17:21
It's not the tools - it's the painter who does the job. ... a great job.


bye
Ron
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Rick Nasher on February 13, 2019, 17:59:53
I've a figurative pic of a painting I did years ago, which I could post, but not sure if allowed for shows a 'boob'. Facebook probably wouldn't.. lol
Then again it's art and I doubt the Louvre would black bar it's paintings and statues, nor do they reject children from entering. plus I do not consider it to be erotica as it's about curves and beauty and is not picture-perfect as in a photograph.

Nevertheless if you object Qube, as it's your board and your house rules which I do not want to disrespect, then please let me know and I'll take it down.


Anyway, here goes.
It's called "Man in a rocking chair with a book." , as one time my dad, his girlfriend and her 7 year old son came to visit and when they asked him what he saw in it, *that* was his answer, much to our amusement as you can imagine.  ;)
(https://i.imgur.com/7Fyf6RK.jpg?1)
It's bit hard to see due to reflection, but is in dark black with blue, silvery and whitish oil paint.


Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Matty on February 16, 2019, 04:58:46
Thanks.  I like your paintings mrmediamanx.  Very good.  Especially second one.

Nice painting rick too.
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Rick Nasher on February 16, 2019, 09:22:27
Thanks. It looks different in real life though. Doesn't come across well on this pic.
In the art world they like stuff like that's more vague, that doesn't tell what it is but let people think about what depicts. e.g:
"Bleeding City"
(https://i.imgur.com/2JzKn4d.jpg?1)

Can you tell what this depicts according to you?
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Matty on February 16, 2019, 19:51:00
Hard to see anything specific but I can contort it to see two adventurers about to cross a rock bridge.  They stand at lower left.
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: MrmediamanX on February 16, 2019, 20:08:36
true .. I just came with this little overlay of how I had seen Rick's painting.
it's a bit of a coarse sketch but should convey a clear image sort of, I think?.
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Rick Nasher on February 17, 2019, 14:51:22
Hehehe.. Some really great guesses. Nice.

But eh.. no.
This came from the state of my mind and heart feeling on fire, some 15 years ago during a hot summer. I felt sad, alone and desperate after loosing my girlfriend, the feeling of detachment from my son(residing with his mother), being out of a job and also about the increasingly grim state of the city and the world around us(terror and growing harshness of society), depicted in a view of the rooftop corner from my old apartment in a ghetto-esque neighborhood, looking down at the cross-road and a small grocery shop across the street, with some parked cars in front of it and in the alley on the left, plus a car and a large truck driving on the main road of which the vibrations would travel all the way up the building's walls.

Above the store there had been a fire, from which a parent that went to fetch his child couldn't escape due to fact he barred the childs window in his room and he had removed the door handle in order for the kid not come out by itself. He was last seen standing in front of the window with the child in his arms.(almost forgot this fact). Luckily I was on holiday when happened so didn't have to witness. Later on, a Chinese family moved in there and life went on as if nothing happened.

Also there were quite a few accidents there at the crossover from my side of the street to the shop, even one with a small child, while people at city-hall were doing nothing to limit speeds until was too late.. All this is why the dirty stone walls of the buildings are colored overly red, as if they are bleeding or on fire, even more so on my side.


MrmediamanX, was in the right direction with some of the overlays: The door like structures are entrances to stone portal stairways but could also at the same time be regarded as gravestones.

Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Matty on March 03, 2019, 00:09:30
Greetings.

These are the beginnings of a picture attached I am thinking of painting somewhat larger once I've got some good reference images to paint it as larger.

The picture is meant to depict an ancient medieval knight standing in a futuristic dark corridor, far into the future, fighting against a beast of biotechnological cosmic horror.  There is either a tendril or tentacle from it curled around his right leg and the gaping maw can be faintly seen in the shadows ahead.

It represents the idea of an older way of life standing against the inevitable crushing form of spiritual and technological progress.
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: MrmediamanX on March 03, 2019, 00:51:27
it sounds like a neat concept for a game.
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Matty on March 03, 2019, 03:40:14
Thanks MrMediaManX

here's a further progression in colour...

(https://www.syntaxbomb.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mattiesgames.com%2Fart%2F2019p004.jpg&hash=5b9b8714aa204db1f4e51c9eec70ad46c33f9c45)
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Matty on March 08, 2019, 22:15:09
Alternative pencil technique

Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Rick Nasher on March 16, 2019, 20:55:31
That 1st pic indeed looks like a great end level boss.
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Matty on March 16, 2019, 20:59:36
Thanks Rick.

Here's one I call "sunshine and lollipops, moonbeams and sunny spots"

(https://www.syntaxbomb.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mattiesgames.com%2Fart%2F2019p007.jpg&hash=6842566b6759811a889b80b76ca2e2a683e5ceec)
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Matty on March 20, 2019, 01:18:22
Drawn at my desk in a spare moment on scrap paper.....(in the office!)

Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Rick Nasher on March 23, 2019, 08:32:42
Joe looks pretty scary to me. A colleague?  ;)
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Matty on March 23, 2019, 20:47:31
Nah....just random sketches....circles, triangles, squares joined together to form some kind of humanoid robot...work was quiet that day...

Here's a picture I've painted this morning - going to make a poster out of it as well and put on my wall (like a few others I've done with)

(https://www.syntaxbomb.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mattiesgames.com%2Fart%2F2019p014.jpg&hash=e4e4f1c0934316bee11d11d40251888c62441e91)
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Rick Nasher on March 24, 2019, 09:33:15
c00l.  8)
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Matty on March 30, 2019, 02:48:05
New picture...going to make another poster.

(https://www.syntaxbomb.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mattiesgames.com%2Fart%2F2019p016.jpg&hash=8032c8171f224f408c595558e428078d3ad5332a)
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Qube on March 30, 2019, 05:41:59
That's a good :) one of your best so far I'd say.
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Derron on March 30, 2019, 06:59:39
While the characters are more or less drawn with "thin" lines the cave-spikes look like ... spaghetti lines.

You are already drawing digitally: why not add another layer (set opacity of the lower one to 50%) and draw the outlines with a clear stroke instead of these "scribbles".
I bet your artwork would look more clear, concise, toon-like.
Clear outlines have the benefit of not distracting the focus of the viewer to the spikes details (as it does now - with the unneeded details in the spaghetti-line-strokes).


The water "bright waves" (the bright areas) are smoothed lines compared to the very harsh gray-variant lines of the spikes. Might be a "foreground" + "faded background" thing but then the "Sea witch" or maybe "Mare-Maid" (if that exists, think it sounds cool) should be blurred/smoothed too. Without it is kind of a contrast.


Head of the witch is a bit skewed. Her chest is a bit .. "unnormal" (if you can say such a thing to a fantasy character). Talking about the part from abdomen to chest - kind of "bulgy" rib cage with a odd transition.


Aside of aboves critics: very nice scenery if you did not trace an existing one. There is a lot of potential in this scene and the color choice is nice, warm and kind of "subtle".
It might look well when scaled down but I would like to see a "re-contoured" variant of this. Proportions of the characters are also pretty suiting.
Take your time and draw "over" this scene. Take the next step.

bye
Ron
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Rick Nasher on March 30, 2019, 17:59:42
Nice for an in-game screen I think.  8)
Derron mentioned you are using a digital paint app? Which one?


I personally am very impressed by this one (for PC): Verve Painter (http://www.taron.de/forum/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=4), which amazingly, is free. The tools and results remind me very much of DeluxePaint on the Amiga, but then way more advanced.

As a MS Paint replacement I use Paint.Net (https://www.getpaint.net/download.html) (also free), which has the advantage of layers and some other nice tools.


On my Android phone I have: ArtCanvas (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.samsung.smartcalli&hl=en) & Autodesk SketchBook (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.adsk.sketchbook), but haven't really used the later yet. Looks pretty similar though.
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Matty on March 30, 2019, 19:21:31
Thanks Qube, Derron and Rick.

Derron I see what you mean.  I simply try and improve a little each time with practice thanks.

Re tracing...the image itself isnt traced but parts of elements are kind of traced.

So the male warrior I used an element from the witcher game screenshot to get the pose.  The torso of the lady was from a reference of another piece sketched over.  The environment had a reference of a cave used for inspiration.

In terms of tracing.  With the pencil tool I sketch on a layer the outline of the silhouettes but then colour and shade with my own designs.  But I do not trace the entire element.  For example both characters hands and equipment are entirely different as is the hair and the tale is complete imagination.

The pencil tool more makes scratch marks to get the shape as I want it.

Rick I use paint.net because it is easy to use and mostly does what I want.  Re in game image agree I toyed with the idea of making an adventure game point and click.

I enjoy looking at this piece.
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Matty on April 04, 2019, 20:11:32
Painting done (on tablet with paint.net and wacom tablet) before dawn....

(https://www.syntaxbomb.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mattiesgames.com%2Fart%2F2019p018.jpg&hash=e05b0cdb702feaa7d6c4212062087aed91085104)
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Matty on April 14, 2019, 09:06:13
An actual painting - my first on canvas.

I wanted to paint this after having painted it with the wacom tablet.  It has meaning to me. The title is:
"Matt Lloyd has schizophrenia"

The reason for the title, even despite having no obvious symptoms for a few years now, is that the painting depicts the internal battle one has against a nameless, shapeless, chaotic foe.  I've used the analogy of 'cosmic horror' to depict the internal battle that is ongoing and forever a duel between two unequal entities.

Here it is:

(https://www.syntaxbomb.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mattiesgames.com%2Fart%2F2019p022.jpg&hash=26e367be8d12c4127fceabd1be9afb53f7eff993)
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Rick Nasher on April 14, 2019, 14:31:17
Nice work. Could be straight from a computer game.
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Matty on April 16, 2019, 20:41:33
Ta Rick.

Painted another one last night after work (and a little this morning)...

(https://www.syntaxbomb.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mattiesgames.com%2Fgfx%2Fpainting2a.jpg&hash=d367104feaf001dbf3cde930b83e591b18b4302d)

(https://www.syntaxbomb.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mattiesgames.com%2Fart%2F2019p023.jpg&hash=447099f93fee55aa4ed3cca725ad94768b18e5bc)
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Matty on April 19, 2019, 05:23:31
Sketched in notepad on Good Friday morning at 11:30ish am sitting in the park. Added bits and pieces and shading etc afterwards between 1 and 3pm.

Will paint this one.

I like the theme behind it. Not sure yet whether the painting will be daylight, early evening or some other time of day...but a darker theme suits the picture I think, more than mere cloudy weather.

(https://www.syntaxbomb.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mattiesgames.com%2Fart%2F2019p024.jpg&hash=144df55e0110648ba935da79a5792774c078b91a)
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Matty on April 19, 2019, 21:12:03
Water colour version - acrylic on canvas done later....

(https://www.syntaxbomb.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mattiesgames.com%2Fart%2F2019p026.jpg&hash=36bae0e0ef1a2f7aac770727d016eea6c8c5f740)
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Rick Nasher on April 20, 2019, 01:57:52
Awesome. Has this really dark game atmosphere, endlevel boss?
I'd put that in a 3d game.
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Matty on April 20, 2019, 05:34:38
In progress

Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Matty on April 20, 2019, 23:06:17
Two paintings done since yesterday afternoon:

(https://www.syntaxbomb.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mattiesgames.com%2Fart%2F2019p027.jpg&hash=aa3dcf47591d10542864bfb399868bfb1ff9e97e)

(https://www.syntaxbomb.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mattiesgames.com%2Fart%2F2019p028.jpg&hash=a90c1f08e88d0627fa04c1d668a60bb8857e76bb)
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Matty on April 21, 2019, 00:40:22
Rather decorative....my home

Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Rick Nasher on April 21, 2019, 18:41:42
Yeah, looking pretty good.
So.. when are you going to create this atmospheric Knight vs Monsters game?
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Matty on April 21, 2019, 20:51:14
Thanks Rick....be a while before I make a game...either a competition with a theme that interests me needs to come up...or I need to find a interesting enough idea myself to make......I'm spending my time doing other things I enjoy when not working at the moment.
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Matty on April 22, 2019, 07:03:07
Smiley man...able to turn frowns upside down with a mere glance

Attached
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: chessish on May 19, 2019, 01:41:32
I love all the art posted in this topic
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Matty on May 26, 2019, 06:09:42

'Man' - interpret how you will....
(https://www.syntaxbomb.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mattiesgames.com%2Fart%2F2019p047.jpg&hash=da36422ccc85825e02bca6c6969af4f9a25f1398)
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Madjack on May 26, 2019, 10:16:55
Someone's having a party.
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Derron on May 26, 2019, 11:06:01
Think the keyword is "snu-snu" ;)

https://futurama.fandom.com/wiki/Amazon_Women_in_the_Mood


Edit: A year ago (or some months more) I blamed the cleavage in one of your images - this time the queen has some "remarkable literal" side-boobs :-)
Also her knee looks a bit ... either skinny lower tighs and fat upper tighs or just an wrongly drawn hollow of the knee.

I focus on her as she is one of the main aspects of the image - so no reason to skip commenting it.

bye
Ron
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Pakz on May 26, 2019, 22:00:48
I kind of am looking for a pixeling tool for ios. Spritesomething is no longer supported. Pixaki costs a pretty big amount. I need spend some time looking around.

On android i can use pixly. I started drawing in it this evening. Continuing with 8x8 sprites. I started with those on the laptop and have a screenshot on the gallery here.

I notice that as with coding the time goes quick. Before i know it an hour has passed.

I attached a screenshot here. Not sure if it wil show up.
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Matty on May 28, 2019, 22:07:17
Picture drawn in cafe near work on my lunch break..."angel"

(https://www.syntaxbomb.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mattiesgames.com%2Fart%2F2019p048.jpg&hash=579813f6e0758155b0880deb06929d2a355d134d)
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Matty on May 28, 2019, 22:08:35
And picture drawn during meeting in the office

'No Title'

(https://www.syntaxbomb.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mattiesgames.com%2Fart%2F2019p049.jpg&hash=902659a041cf0e5cdb25ab79ad1ff63096f11530)

Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Matty on June 21, 2019, 23:37:00
Two more:

(https://www.syntaxbomb.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mattiesgames.com%2Fart%2F2019p054.jpg&hash=03007bfd0bfa8a57c15307a2b370300deadc29fc)

(https://www.syntaxbomb.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mattiesgames.com%2Fart%2F2019p055.jpg&hash=f4313e97eae504df3545f561854c537a56f0ef76)
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Matty on June 23, 2019, 00:43:06
(https://www.syntaxbomb.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mattiesgames.com%2Fart%2F2019p056.jpg&hash=d48134624e16521aa7473830cf76b5d6b3c031e3)
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Rick Nasher on June 23, 2019, 19:26:51
This one is a bit more puzzling, can you explain a little? Don't have to, but looks interesting enough to hear.
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Matty on June 23, 2019, 22:22:56
Thanks Rick.

Yes.

I have a notepad I write copious notes in day by day-largely because my entire existence outside work is spent alone my notepad provides a substitute for communicating with other humans. As such, sometimes while I sit in a cafe I see someone sitting far off in the distance.  So, in this case I drew their face in the top left of the page while drinking coffee.  As I did, lonely man I am I felt a longing to communicate with them, or anyone really, and so I covered their face with radiant lines, stretching out, and embedded words of varying positive meanings into their form I drew.

After that I drew a shape, which became a man's head towards the centre.  Then a woman with fancy headdress in the lower left.

In the top right I drew a background of a hill and castle or tower upon it, with medieval overtones, followed by revisiting the radiant woman in top left, and drew wings, and an angelic heart within.

Finally I emblazoned it with a plaque at the base saying what I said, however with her....and everyone in the cafe name being unknown I used a symbolic representation of her name in an imaginary language or script wishing her a good day.

And that is the story behind the page.
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Rick Nasher on June 25, 2019, 22:54:12
Thanks for explaining. Very interesting.. you have a great imagination.
And gutsy, for takes some to go sit a café all by yourself.
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Matty on June 26, 2019, 00:14:35
Thanks Rick.  I've spent a good amount of time in cafes and places alone.  I like it.  No bravery required to do so.

I drew this one this morning at the cafe after emailing my Dad and a friend.  From imagination.
attached.

Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Matty on June 26, 2019, 00:17:21
And another

Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Matty on June 28, 2019, 21:45:54
Drawn in cafe - two geometric shapes that become some kind of humanoid person.
(https://www.syntaxbomb.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mattiesgames.com%2Fart%2F2019p060.jpg&hash=84b1d90b28d7542b2f09ba0272d52d7fee1d7fc4)

A representational drawing of a desire of mine.
(https://www.syntaxbomb.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mattiesgames.com%2Fart%2F2019p061.jpg&hash=cf3f9bec7b9c4c8a012851b03b1d811f915e0618)
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Matty on June 28, 2019, 22:00:44
(https://www.syntaxbomb.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mattiesgames.com%2Fart%2F2019p064.png&hash=13bfa06ee7066169ab5fd247ff58eba23fee3ee6)
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Matty on June 30, 2019, 07:21:06
Drawn today..attached

Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Derron on June 30, 2019, 07:43:19
Tell me what to do next?

Maybe draw a hand wearing a brush, some color buckets, some drops of color, a sheet of paper containing an unfinished art work.

Why?
- draw a body part (hand) to learn proper proportions
- draw something "not human" (brush, buckets, ...)

Afterwards I would kindly ask you to try to do some _clear_ line art with either an ink pen - or your graphics tablet.
While some of the others might enjoy this rough "sketch look" I do only see them as what they are: sketches, no finished "artwork". I prefer some clean outlines (yet the shading could be done with some cross hatch strokes).
I think if you improve your digital painting skills you might end up with some clean artwork which you could reuse in your games without having to scale them down so much to hide the "sketch lines" you seem to prefer in your images and which result in some (maybe wanted/intented) shading of the objects.


bye
Ron
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Matty on July 01, 2019, 01:38:15
Thanks Derron...the query on the picture wasn't directed at you but rather a thought bubble I had.
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Matty on July 23, 2019, 23:40:51
Beginning of a sketch...attached..

Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Matty on July 23, 2019, 23:54:15
More details...

Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Matty on July 24, 2019, 00:08:12
Progressing
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Matty on July 24, 2019, 00:18:43
A bit more...

Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Matty on July 24, 2019, 01:39:40
Here's another sketch...drawn while out and about.

Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Matty on July 27, 2019, 23:40:44
Odd.

(https://www.syntaxbomb.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mattiesgames.com%2Fart%2F2019p071.jpg&hash=fa6b6d3ecc6e587b7ca1b9de9f3517e099b31a01)

(https://www.syntaxbomb.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mattiesgames.com%2Fart%2F2019p072.jpg&hash=6a4998af6b78e95f0b99a5f3d596cedf37155bbb)
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Rick Nasher on July 30, 2019, 19:15:06
Really like the second one.
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Matty on September 07, 2019, 23:43:48
Repainted an original piece I drew earlier this year... a bit improved....

(https://www.syntaxbomb.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mattiesgames.com%2Fart%2F2019p076.jpg&hash=b65b47072314d0d014abae75cf16d410aebc1d44)
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Matty on September 08, 2019, 23:37:25
And some dwarves and a mage...
(https://www.syntaxbomb.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mattiesgames.com%2Fart%2F2019p077.jpg&hash=f8cb4d19e836e3975cf72105d8bbb6f5a0ea88b6)
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Matty on September 11, 2019, 00:48:29
A short illustrated pdf story attached.
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Derron on September 11, 2019, 07:15:56
Some nice drawings between a pretty fun one: the one who seems to have shit in his pants (they have fallen down to his knees while he stands in front of a shelf) :-)

Seems you still prefer that "draw line over line until it suits the form you desire" with no clean line layer on top of it. Don't you trust your skill to draw a straight / non-jiggling line or do you prefer that "blurry" line style?


bye
Ron
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Matty on September 11, 2019, 07:38:12
Thanks Derron.

A bit of both actually.  I like the style of my drawings like that plus I am not confident of drawing a single line correctly.  I think I'd almost need a second sheet of paper to do so after drawing the first one.

But I haven't seen yet how it would look with single neat lines.

I enjoyed making this.

Funnily enough I can see a host of stories emerging from the pictures without using words based on my own life even including that picture you pointed out as part of the story.  It wasnt deliberate for his pants to be so low but it works in the story in my mind.

Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Derron on September 11, 2019, 08:46:56
If you are not confident of single line drawings: try it out ;-)
And as said in some multiple posts weeks before: take your sketches / multiline drawings and scan them in. Then on your graphics tablet you could try to draw on new layers - maybe it still needs multiple lines but the contour will already become more defined, more clear. Then use another layer (and lower the opacity of the below layers a bit - or add a white + 50% opacity layer inbetween). Now contours are already more defined and the new line strokes will be even more precise (but they can still be corrected).

If you used the right drawing software then you migth even be able to move and alter each stroke afterwards or to trim lines crossing each other (you do not need to exactly draw to the corners and are able to use your full pen stroke flow) - might be of interest for you. It of course depends on the style you desire to reach with your drawings.


As always: you need to exercise - and to try new stuff during these excercises. Else you will improve in some parts but also keep some of your flaws alive for ever. You must leave your comfort zone (many strokes to allow "redefining" areas or to "hide mistakes").


Maybe try a different style? Toon, abstract, ... or draw stuff like certain animals (based on references) ?


bye
Ron
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Matty on September 13, 2019, 09:08:13
Yes you are right.

I know you tell me the same things time and again.  I do listen to them but...it's not an instant process to do what you suggest.

In any case, here's a painting from this morning..(https://www.syntaxbomb.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mattiesgames.com%2Fart%2F2019p093.jpg&hash=df73f040e82f4e685e24a00c97dd049e9964ae95)
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Matty on September 13, 2019, 09:21:25
I'm surprised my art isnt listed here yet..

http://museumofbadart.org/collections/
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Derron on September 13, 2019, 10:40:46
Maybe submit some of your works :)


And Yes, I repeat this suggestions over and over - until I see you trying it (or reporting to have tried and failed so much that you do no longer want to talk about it ;)).

I think you have fantasy, you can imaginate stuff in your mind (I fail miserably when it comes to visualization in my mind - it just "flickers" in my inner eye and transmorphs into something else, faces melt into each other). This means you can imagine stuff and keep it while iterating over your painting steps.

Means you first sketch out something and then you add more and more details, draw finer lines and all this stuff. Use your digital knowledge to bring over the classical drawing you try to improve into the digital world allowing for stuff like moving parts of your image, to recolor easily without smudging, to set stuff semi transparent.
You have layers for free- without limiting the "paint material" (if you used artrage or so). Try to use water colors on foil to have "analog layers"...

Use the digital world to your advantage to improve - your skill to draw lines accurate or with a fresh "swing". I bet first steps look odd, not as good as you want, not as good as your analog drawn images ... this is because there is so much perfectly and stunning looking digital art (clean lines, smooth curves) but they are also digitally aided. Modern tools smooth out the curves you draw (in Krita you have to enable it - and it requires a bit of hardware power the smoother you want it).
Give it a try, fail one time, fail a second time - but sooner or later you will see that it improves or that you at least loose a bit of burdens when it comes to fix mistakes (move and pinch and scale and rotate) ...

Disadvantage is that you won't come into contact with physical material (the paint, the clothing sheet to clean your brushes, the smell of ethanol and all this things). If you do not enjoy that then the better - and if you enjoy it, hmm then maybe ignore what I said above or try to "learn" something from your digital products (better layout of your ideas, realignment of body parts to learn how it should look to not shock other viewers ;-) ...).

And do not let texts like mine demotivate you - I just want to avoid that you do not improve, that you stay at your skill level - there is so much potential in you. try to "free" it!



bye
Ron
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Matty on September 15, 2019, 12:56:24
Painting
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Derron on September 15, 2019, 15:47:19
Painting in a painting?

@ Qube
Is there a way to add some image tag thing which shows the attached image in the posting - so it uses the posting box' width. This way here I either have thi thumbnail or something which is too big to fit - and so I need to scroll. Only way around is to open the image in a new window then.


bye
Ron
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Matty on September 16, 2019, 00:47:34
Hi Derron..not quite...here's a smaller version of the two paintings done this morning and last night....

(https://www.syntaxbomb.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mattiesgames.com%2Fart%2F2019p095.jpg&hash=007dec32b6a7d9ff57abe5ae278b7d5880eaeb9c)

(https://www.syntaxbomb.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mattiesgames.com%2Fart%2F2019p094.jpg&hash=530d4ec4affb296f80850d2547e13cc522840e29)
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Matty on September 16, 2019, 21:47:46
(https://www.syntaxbomb.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mattiesgames.com%2Fart%2F2019p096.jpg&hash=e94d569fca94fe34ea3f3c742991f7c8dc185009)

Pencil sketch drawn this morning.
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Matty on September 26, 2019, 13:20:37
Digital painting from photo reference online of a cosplayer.
(https://www.syntaxbomb.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mattiesgames.com%2Fart%2F2019p109.jpg&hash=d1922210a8a0497f17d1e5837a63a56e1c627c4e)
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Matty on October 05, 2019, 21:08:01
Photo reference used of UFC fighter Megan Anderson after reading ABC article about her overcoming various challenges outside the ring.

(https://www.syntaxbomb.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mattiesgames.com%2Fart%2F2019p111.jpg&hash=030f795051fb25113a62c8eb3f55e4af6ddc041e)
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Matty on October 14, 2019, 02:15:00
Good Afternoon folks.

Today at a cafe I was sitting inside having my drink and breakfast and it was quiet. There was a woman behind my by herself doing some studies or something in a book.  I decided to ask her if I could take her photograph to paint a picture later in the day. She agreed and so I painted a picture of her just now.

It was a good thing to do and I'm glad I asked.

from Matt

See picture below.
(https://www.syntaxbomb.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mattiesgames.com%2Fart%2F2019p113.jpg&hash=a7276cd045cabe49dbdda89c754657fdf1c9e7f2)
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: RemiD on October 14, 2019, 02:57:32
it looks really better without the (pencil) outlines, well done, only colors for base colors (of materials) and for lighting shading is the way to make it look good imo (same thing for textures...)
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Matty on October 16, 2019, 08:51:41
Here is a wall of art

http://www.mattiesgames.com/art/0wall.php
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Derron on October 16, 2019, 09:13:04
- maybe randomize images (they steadily repeat for now)
- have thumbs (you load bigger images as you display)

are all the images yours - just to avoid that you have some copyright infringements ;)
http://www.mattiesgames.com/art/2018p189a.jpg


bye
Ron
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Matty on October 16, 2019, 10:33:52
Yes. That image is a photograph.  One is a portrait of me from my ex girlfriend.
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Derron on October 16, 2019, 11:00:34
> Yes. That image is a photograph.  One is a portrait of me from my ex girlfriend.

I am not sure if I got you right now ;)
That picture is a photo you did ... but it portraits some monsters :)
... monsters which most probably are not your creations or did you do them? Just want to say: just because I take a picture of a painting of yours I cannot just publish this picture without your permission (which you could have given by a "pd/cc0/cc-by... licence".


bye
Ron
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Matty on October 16, 2019, 12:01:59
I painted the monsters.  Little plastic figurines.  Posed them.  Set up the model scenery and then photographed them and postprocessed.

No different than photographing toys youve bought.
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Derron on October 16, 2019, 12:59:09
OK  ... yes that might be some artistic freedom then. Just wanted to avoid people photographing sceneries they found somewhere...

bye
Ron
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Matty on October 22, 2019, 21:40:37
Self Portrait digitally painted.
(https://www.syntaxbomb.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mattiesgames.com%2Fart%2F2019p115.jpg&hash=a37c0bed4ba7f947fa359333a675cde77004cda5)
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Matty on October 23, 2019, 05:43:07
(https://www.syntaxbomb.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mattiesgames.com%2Fart%2F2019p116.jpg&hash=8ff84e9906bf9eafdd31f54777c5a03363054167)
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Matty on October 24, 2019, 20:53:41
One of the staff at the gym I go to....from photo reference.
(https://www.syntaxbomb.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mattiesgames.com%2Fart%2F2019p117.jpg&hash=1bd5f2eaf87caf7a216aed9f373f8d6aada3eb54)
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Matty on October 28, 2019, 20:32:28
(https://www.syntaxbomb.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mattiesgames.com%2Fart%2F2019p118.jpg&hash=e85808735ef894f647b3a7a7959d7f8c16c20aa7)
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Matty on November 07, 2019, 18:03:10
Pencil sketch coloured with Wacom, and used a picture of Brom's for a reference to sketch from (not traced, just used for inspiration)
(https://www.syntaxbomb.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mattiesgames.com%2Fart%2F2019p120.jpg&hash=e3a64290005949acdbaad72637319b7e8e59d22e)
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Derron on November 07, 2019, 18:19:00
This looks ... uhm .. just weird.

eyes (vertical displaced, almost on the side as if it was a horse) ... nose (because of the eyes) ...  body assymmetry (her left breast is 1.5* wide as her right).
And then ... Dunno what they did to her right arm but either she was born this way or they did something very harmful to her.

Her left arm ... dunno if the white is "background" but if that was a background then her arm seems to be ...  like the part below the knot on a knotted air balloon.

With a different shading on her inner elbow part ... it would look like it should (she moves her arm behind her just to smash her sword).


Color: nice choise - but you need to fade out on certain areas to not just look bluntly "drawn over" (especially her hair looks odd then)
Shading: think this is the best job in this pixture - albeit it is a bit "pillow shading" (does not matter much - as I like pillow shading).



Sorry for the harsh words this time. But I think they were needed today.

PS: Glad you are trying out the wacom (think it needs a lot of training to become confident with it - I do not have enough training yet ).



bye
Ron
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Matty on November 07, 2019, 19:04:16
I must be blind..I love it.
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Pakz on November 07, 2019, 19:14:36
@matty you look like commander wil riker from star trek :)

Btw - I was doing a bit of pixelart recently. I put a picture in the galleries on this site. Spaceships! and scifi :D
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Derron on November 07, 2019, 19:28:49
Quote from: Matty on November 07, 2019, 19:04:16
I must be blind..I love it.

without joking: you might have something in your brain/mind doing exactly this: shifting what you see. There are people who would only paint all numbers of a clock on half the circle. And others may see assymmetry not the same as others.

So: would you say that the proportions / anatomy of the painted characters over the last years were all top notch / good or do you recognize that some look a bit "odd" ?


bye
Ron
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Matty on November 07, 2019, 19:50:49
I think you misunderstand Derron.

I LOVE the imperfections.

Yes, I see them.  But....I love my own creations.

I could look at my paintings for ages.
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Derron on November 07, 2019, 20:15:35
When talking about imperfections I think it should still be looking anatomically correct.

So eyes can be a bit displaced or rotated. Ears can be dumbo-esque and ready to fly...

But your drawing either exposed wrong shading and missing color gradients to emphasize depth (arm going backwards) ... or it exposes incorrect anatomy. Exception is if the woman is disabled but I doubt it would handle the sword then.


Your last pictures catched some mimic/gesture of the people but this one is ... I better wait for your next paintings. Think you can do a lot better nowadays. Just pay attention when drawing: if this is a human being, can aarm/torso/...body part look like you just wanted to draw it? Can it bend that way without broken bones?



Regarding paintings in general: tried if you would enjoy refining your drawings with clear outlines and toon shading? I think it could help to see stuff differently ... maybe worth a try?



PS: feel free to create a thread for your compo game. Could post some ideas if you want.


Bye
Ron
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: RemiD on November 07, 2019, 21:43:19
@Derron>>having a symetric face / body is quite rare (mines are not), do an experiment : take a photo of you face, from front, then try to copy/paste the half (left or right) and mirror it, you will see...
and ugly deformed people are more and more common in France, even their "animations" are weird ahahah  :)) (quite sad actually)
but lighting/shading, you can't cheat, it either look coherent/logical or not...
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Derron on November 07, 2019, 23:41:48
I am not talking about perfect symmetry ... but you will not see much people with the left side of the chest being 150% as wide as the right side.

Also it is rather rare that warriors with defunct arms (born disabled/crippled in some way) will become warriors. Also the position of the eyes (and their orientation on the face) defines the field of view. Sharpness and angles, ... all this stuff - here it affects "melee combat" as it slightly affects "depth recognition" - a horse would even cannot see stuff right in front of it. So it sums up that this female warrior here has a lot of anatomical disadvantages.

So yes: there are of course people with weird faces, deformed extremities ... but still physics exist meaning tiny hands and arms wont wield so big swords, they can't "manoevre" them as it is required.


Maybe this is what Matty wants to express: she is kind of disabled, punched by life itself from birth on - but with a will so strong she can overcam physical limitations and still become a warrior.


bye
Ron
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Matty on November 08, 2019, 00:13:18
Derron.  Did you improve Picassos work too? (Joke)

Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Derron on November 08, 2019, 11:01:27
I am not a fan of Picasso - but am sure he would be able to draw "realistic" if he wanted to (checkout his earlier paintings - the blue/pink period).

Drawing "creatively" can be done when you are confident with your tools (pencil, brush, ... digitizer ... what you prefer).
So do not use "creativity" as excuse for being a bit sloppy when drawing the anatomy and shading. I am sure / I bet you can do better - if you focus a bit on the stuff you need to improve on. You've come a long way (comparing your pictures) but sometimes you fall back into your old habits.



bye
Ron
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: RemiD on November 09, 2019, 12:00:49
Quote
it is rather rare that warriors with defunct arms (born disabled/crippled in some way) will become warriors
they already were warriors, according to you ( just trollin' ;) )


Quote
So it sums up that this female warrior here has a lot of anatomical disadvantages.
you can encounter similar weird faces on dating websites/apps :-X  , and they are most likely not warriors, so i agree


however you forgot one thing, halloween was only a few days ago, so maybe it is a costume ? :))


more seriously, when drawing humanoids or animals, usually you start to draw the basic shapes with lines and primitives, to have the appropriate proportions for each body part, and the correct perspective...
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Matty on November 11, 2019, 21:13:42
Sketch attached of staff person at gym I run at.

I'm happy with it.
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Matty on November 12, 2019, 16:13:20
Smaller version
(https://www.syntaxbomb.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mattiesgames.com%2Fart%2F2019p121.jpg&hash=0914408485c42d918b0222443391f7bb69052221)
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Matty on November 13, 2019, 17:16:41
Staff member at local cafe I go to...

(https://www.syntaxbomb.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mattiesgames.com%2Fart%2F2019p122.jpg&hash=fd2b8b53e7e628ccdb20555f9e786147bc9634fd)
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Matty on November 16, 2019, 01:43:48
Another staff member at a different cafe...

(https://www.syntaxbomb.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mattiesgames.com%2Fart%2F2019p124.jpg&hash=7b68fcbb3769d8881e3d9be3daf53a8e38e4ad04)
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Pakz on November 16, 2019, 05:37:16
One of my uncles is rather a master at pencil point drawings. Only doing dots to make a drawing.

I think you are stil improving!
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Qube on November 16, 2019, 06:16:49
QuoteAnother staff member at a different cafe...

I can see you're making good progress, nice one :) - The only thing I'd advise is to improve your structuring and proportions, unless this is the style you are going for?. Nice shading on the facial outlines.
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Derron on November 16, 2019, 09:16:37
Yeah shading is something Matty improved on (even if some look like pillow shading - but as said, I like pillow shading so I wont blame that :D).
Albeit her nose looks a bit odd this time I think "nose drawing" also improved.

What is still missing is: hair drawing (he either does not enjoy it or is afraid - or just likes that "fuzzy sketch line"-look).

Proportions - as Qube mentioned already - are still a construction area in your skills Matty. I think RemiD already mentioned that others tend to outline proportions with basic shapes first (you surely know these ovals with lines over it to mark the center of a face etc). Sooner or later experienced painters can do this in their mind but as long as you fail here and there I think nobody would laugh at you for using this helpers as base of your drawings. Sketches can of course be done without - saves time and avoids the object being gone already while you still are drawing the chin area :D


@ teeth
Did you draw in the teeth later on?
The front teeth are visually the widest and then width degrades further the more "in the back" they are. No biggy if this is looking a bit odd in that area.
What looks odd is that "clear outline" there. The stroke is a bit "hard". Especially to the soft shading around this area it makes the teeth "stand out" as if they were forgotten or drawn in "afterwards". A bit of shading / less hard outlines would make them look more "belonging to the face".


I have a question questions: what do these staff members say about their portraits? Do they give feedback? Do they like them, are they surprised, do they look shocked but do not tell it to you ... ? How do you convince them to allow getting drawn?


bye
Ron
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Matty on November 16, 2019, 10:00:26
Thanks all...much appreciated comments.

Derron re your question about staff members.....

Sometimes they know I'm drawing them if I ask for a photo to use as reference.  So far there hasnt been an opportunity to show them.

Other times I pick a photo off the company webpage...so no, they are unaware. 

If I had actual real life friends....i'd paint them...but alas no friends (or even family beyond immediate) so I paint whatever people I come across in real life who I can also either take a picture of or find one online.
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: iWasAdam on November 16, 2019, 10:19:28
You eyes are starting to get much, much better :)
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Derron on November 16, 2019, 11:00:40
Regarding Reference photos:
https://www.thesprucecrafts.com/paintings-from-photos-in-books-or-field-guides-2573675

While you surely can paint for your own and keep it private you must make sure to be allowed to "publish" (post about it). Stuff could especially become ugly if the person you have drawn with a "just do it" attitude of that person... if this person does not like what you painted. You as painter have a ownership of the painting - the person rights to secure their being.
So the more they are "identifyable"/"recognizeable" and the more they do not like what they see (eg you twirled their eyes, draw some dirty teeth - even if they have some, ...) the more problems you can face.

Think most people you draw will not have problems, most people will not see the pictures and identify themself (the better you become, the easier it becomes to identify one). This is because you present it in a tiny tiny corner of the web - yet it _can_ result in issues. So better tell people if you "copy" their faces, not just using them as reference / idea spender.


@ eyes
Yes. But Matty needs to concentrate to not loose certain stuff he learned some paintings earlier. He had improved in "symmetry" and proportions but later he missed these things as he concentrated on other aspects.
People often do not see what is "very well done" - but rapidly identify what is done "poorly" or "not as good".


bye
Ron
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Matty on November 17, 2019, 14:39:15
Looks like a good book, thanks will have a read.
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Derron on November 17, 2019, 14:53:07
Quote from: GfK on November 17, 2019, 12:11:06
OK... I'm not going to blow smoke up your arse here - I'd be doing you a disservice if I did.  That's what everybody else seems to be doing and as such, you're just continuing with making the same mistakes.

Then you might have missed many of my postings in this thread.


The book you suggested ... I think I started to read until she wanted the reader to do the first excercise - did not have the time for it so stopped reading.
Right above my head I have a book I got from my parents maybe 25 years ago - Burne Hogarth's Zeichenschule ("drawing school"). Never finished that too - but you learn a lot of anatomy and possible "positions" of your extremities. Book contains lot of advanced drawings I never even tried to draw myself.

bye
Ron
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Matty on November 17, 2019, 20:03:56
Book seems good so far and gets good reviews.

As a little defense of my actual improvement I will show 8 images below of faces drawn from when I began in 2016 until now.  I may still make errors but you can see definite improvements below.

2016:

(https://www.syntaxbomb.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mattiesgames.com%2Fart%2Fp9.jpg&hash=511444baa741d8c1da2ef0905ef661adce14355f)

(https://www.syntaxbomb.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mattiesgames.com%2Fart%2Fp94.jpg&hash=1bc50d04d326c3aa435ce61f46c3843885154fe8)

2017:

(https://www.syntaxbomb.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mattiesgames.com%2Fart%2F2017p011b.jpg&hash=eb01e566635a8364e8eef4d96e47ea482363ea9c)

(https://www.syntaxbomb.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mattiesgames.com%2Fart%2F2017p313.jpg&hash=8e3410b5f40ef5a388d21ca3ec61c5b17686c7d8)

2018:

(https://www.syntaxbomb.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mattiesgames.com%2Fart%2F2018p035.jpg&hash=9e42c26c13e7e28d775929209e2ebbb3779dfeaf)

(https://www.syntaxbomb.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mattiesgames.com%2Fart%2F2018p239.jpg&hash=9a4cad5b5e44f4058132b52604fa975503d9a100)

2019:

(https://www.syntaxbomb.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mattiesgames.com%2Fart%2F2019p096.jpg&hash=e94d569fca94fe34ea3f3c742991f7c8dc185009)

(https://www.syntaxbomb.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mattiesgames.com%2Fart%2F2019p121.jpg&hash=0914408485c42d918b0222443391f7bb69052221)
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Matty on November 19, 2019, 20:19:39
Reading the book that GfK suggested I got an idea that I'd forgotten about....drawing with the reference image being shown upside down.

It's a technique that forces you to draw what you see not what you think you see...

It's a very helpful technique.  Guiding rectangles and squares work as well, but this works even better to help assist get the image closer to the reference.

Interesting that a person can draw better by having to look at something upside down - ie change the way the brain works to draw....

Picture below (note low resolution because it is a cropped version of what I drew immediately before to colour it)

(https://www.syntaxbomb.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mattiesgames.com%2Fart%2F2019p127.jpg&hash=baa5a3c8f79135ee756f45d5205f89c43017a951)

full image (uncoloured)
(https://www.syntaxbomb.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mattiesgames.com%2Fart%2F2019p126.jpg&hash=fcc80bc3cd372fc82860f339ac540dbadb62bed3)
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Matty on November 20, 2019, 19:44:16
Using upside down technique again.....works better this way...

(https://www.syntaxbomb.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mattiesgames.com%2Fart%2F2019p128.jpg&hash=925993923be581b37081a254e0e0eb27e9417362)
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Matty on November 22, 2019, 20:56:40
Canvas painting of UFC fighter Megan Anderson after reading ABC article (about her overcoming some challenges)

(https://www.syntaxbomb.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mattiesgames.com%2Fart%2F2019p129.jpg&hash=8b06309201feb2f1c09b07b4d214f018a23c7588)
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Matty on November 28, 2019, 03:13:22
Painting is fun!
(https://www.syntaxbomb.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mattiesgames.com%2Fart%2F2019p131.jpg&hash=a4d0fcefad75839117a9309499a7ba48eb9206dc)
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Derron on November 28, 2019, 07:01:32
Are these all apples (and a banana of course :D). Or are these apples + dragon fruits?

Asking as the shapes of the left ones is oval/longish instead of roundish. Also the bowl itself is a bit squished (more than this perspective should do - of course not all bowls need to be round). I think I said it some time ago that your brain might distort what you see a bit - so that you actually drew what you saw that time.


Colorwise it looks nice and also the basic shading looks pretty spotted. A pity that the photo is a bit blurry - and the drawing itself of rather coarse/rough strokes (your name/sign shows how big brush was at least). Some like that - I prefer the "finer details"-images. so personal taste...


PS: Nice to see some object drawings instead of humans ... concentrate a bit on learning shape drawing - coloring and shading is on a higher skill level compared to your human anatomy drawing ability. Anatomy benefits from your basic drawing skills.



bye
Ron
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Matty on November 28, 2019, 09:26:21
Thanks Ron....

Painted this one as well ... before I read your comments...

(https://www.syntaxbomb.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mattiesgames.com%2Fart%2F2019p132.jpg&hash=65b0d75ca8258ba1ccd80acb6e5d864871d5b9e3)
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Derron on November 28, 2019, 12:24:59
what is the original size of them?

Are these nuns or knights? Colours look like nuns bit some seem to wear a shield - the shield of believing? :D


Sometimes it might be nice to drop 1-2 lines for your image: intention of drawing ("came to my mind", "wanted to try/learn ..."). Also you seem to hmm "rush through" the images. They contain the objects to capture the scene - but else it is more of a "placeholder" (blurry / unsharp background) which does not have much details.
Only detail catching my eyes - next to the nunny knights (:D) is that animal-esque thing on the right side of the picture: some fox-tailed thing which spread his back legs (dead?).


bye
Ron
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Matty on November 28, 2019, 19:55:01
Thanks again.

Fruit are apples bananas and mandarins.

Yes understand you prefer finer detail over larger brush that I use.  I am not yet skilled enough with the fine brush but then I also like the messier look. 

Nuns or knights?  Or...police? Or robed lecturers? I'll let the viewer decide.

I enjoy painting quite a bit.

Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Matty on December 02, 2019, 03:28:12
Dragon and two captives painted on canvas.

Pencil drawing done on notepad yesterday and this morning. Then sketched on canvas board, finally painted with acrylics on canvas.

I was simply redrawing a digital painting I did in 2017 which was of my ex girlfriend facing off with a dragon.

I wanted to try painting a fantasy scene - I'm glad I bought the larger canvases, rather than the smaller ones I'd been using as it came out much better than I imagine it would have small.

I'm experimenting with trying different colours on objects - such as the dragon with its mix of various colours on its head for instance, to bring out the shapes and colours better.

(https://www.syntaxbomb.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mattiesgames.com%2Fart%2F2019p133.jpg&hash=4f76d22dfccd236c28d3c621baebca61410b2318)
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Matty on December 07, 2019, 20:04:18
Cabin in the woods, similar to where I stayed once with a romantic friend.

(https://www.syntaxbomb.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mattiesgames.com%2Fart%2F2019p136.jpg&hash=2f1e19bb6dee5dfb37048d9618550377af72630d)
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Matty on January 28, 2020, 19:57:59
Painting of some fantasy figures digitally.
Painting of myself as a late Christmas present for some family members - first time I've painted a self portrait with paints...acrylic on canvas. It's not centred - I stuffed that bit up quite a bit.
(https://www.syntaxbomb.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mattiesgames.com%2Fart%2F2020p001.jpg&hash=d7b18bcf0b1650d67541ddf1b56181dbf3cf76d8)
(https://www.syntaxbomb.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mattiesgames.com%2Fart%2F2020p002.jpg&hash=8248edba06781e0fb8265c5fc463913b8c6b7f92)
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Matty on February 17, 2020, 02:06:01
(https://www.syntaxbomb.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mattiesgames.com%2Fart%2F2020p003.jpg&hash=068ec8ed7df01a40e0af4485ef4b3d4d9e054e5f)

Here lies a man, in a hospital bed, being force fed television clips of sporting events, while being whipped by robotic brain in jar entities and pumped drugs by two circus performers striking mallets against a 'test your strength' syringe wired up to the patient's body.
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Matty on February 24, 2020, 04:13:51
Pastel painting of gym trainer
(https://www.syntaxbomb.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mattiesgames.com%2Fart%2F2020p006.jpg&hash=db4e3333e286f44362424a0fcc3b99aefdafc25e)
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Derron on February 24, 2020, 11:49:50
Just read that you can use the "Mac apps" for Windows too:
https://bundlehunt.com/?ap_id=macOS&campaign=2020NewmacOSBUNDLE

It contains
Rebelle: https://www.escapemotions.com/products/rebelle/index.php
and FirePainter: https://www.escapemotions.com/products/flamepainter/index.php

The first one looks pretty interesting (with stuff like "ArtRage" provided of some years ago).

The bundle costs 5,50 Eur or so ... and afterwards you can register the these both products at escapemotions and download the Windows version too. The products normally cost 90 or so.


Dunno if you are MacOnly or also are using a PC. Maybe it is of interest for you - if not, sorry for interruption.


@ pastell image
Leg proportions look good - assuming this thing behind her right leg is not her left leg - so what is she squeezing between her legs? elastic gym band?


bye
Ron
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Matty on February 24, 2020, 14:18:20
Those programs look really nice Derron.  Rebelle looks good. Haven't checked the other yet.
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Matty on February 29, 2020, 13:44:05
Another gym instructor.  I asked the staff as a whole if I could paint them.  This was painted immediately after.  The painting face is a little too wide versus its height.  But in natural light on canvas looks quite nice.

(https://www.syntaxbomb.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mattiesgames.com%2Fart%2F2020p009.jpg&hash=d593d720b4337e1a579b74c0ca1156970f49b9b5)
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Matty on March 01, 2020, 00:30:46
And a goblin wolf rider by an artist effectively on LSD or how they would imagine it....I wanted to do something colourful.

(https://www.syntaxbomb.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mattiesgames.com%2Fart%2F2020p011.jpg&hash=ed794573bbcb9fe2cfb5bc27c8ff528052ec9a24)
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Qube on March 01, 2020, 03:03:32
Woot woot! you've drawn the perfect picture of Dabz ;D

Quote from: Matty on February 29, 2020, 13:44:05
Another gym instructor.  I asked the staff as a whole if I could paint them.  This was painted immediately after.  The painting face is a little too wide versus its height.  But in natural light on canvas looks quite nice.

(https://www.syntaxbomb.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mattiesgames.com%2Fart%2F2020p009.jpg&hash=d593d720b4337e1a579b74c0ca1156970f49b9b5)
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Matty on March 01, 2020, 17:02:57
Thanks Qube.

I am enjoying the fun of pastels and their vibrant colours...here is a knight on horse in front of some mountains...lots of colour...

(https://www.syntaxbomb.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mattiesgames.com%2Fart%2F2020p012.jpg&hash=4d026299ef061ba3e33ce7e601b882620f7a7311)
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Matty on March 02, 2020, 19:41:05
A short video



Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Qube on March 03, 2020, 10:59:06
That's a cool showcase, nice one :)
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Matty on March 03, 2020, 19:58:12
Thanks Qube.....

Here's an update on the pastel painting...done digitally...same style....

(https://www.syntaxbomb.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mattiesgames.com%2Fart%2F2020p017.jpg&hash=7e4aabd99c19f6d3866b81358c4883d9fa15da9d)
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Matty on March 03, 2020, 21:01:40
And another...
(https://www.syntaxbomb.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mattiesgames.com%2Fart%2F2020p016.jpg&hash=ef6146c1a9c9e8bc0d2af6480313d96f54de4c4d)
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Matty on March 05, 2020, 20:46:39
Good morning,

As you know I try and improve my art and love drawing fantasy images.

I came across a video this morning showing a technique digital fantasy artists use to paint characters and such.

It revealed something to me that made me a little disappointed and perhaps sighing a bit about what I consider 'cheating'.  Of course the resulting image is good.  But it just feels as if I had been and am still aiming to paint images one day like the below without having known the amount of 'copy and paste' that goes on.

See, the artist in the video has a decent sketch, much better than most of mine which is fine, but then they go and grab other images of the clothing and such and use filters and programs to manipulate these other images to fit their image which they paste over and shade and such.

In my mind it is cheating, though effective.

I had wanted to paint images both digitally and on canvas like the finished result simply by using simple pen and ink and brush tools.  I don't mind tracing too much either, but the method of cutting say armour from another image and pasting it over the body of the character just feels like....these artists true level of skill is not necessarily so many orders of magnitude better than mine afterall.

I suppose I believed that the artists painted every chain link and every stitch in cloth they drew or painted...and that is what....kind of makes it feel less impressive to me now.

There are artists who do paint every chain link etc.  These are artists who work with traditional media.  And they are amazing.  But...digital art allows for so many tricks of the trade that make things faster but give the illusion of the artist having so much more actual pen/brush skill than they necessarily have.

Anyway it is worth seeing the techniques they employ.  They are still great artists and great art.  It is a bit like finding out your heroes use performance enhancing tools that while not illegal certainly make their job so much easier.


https://youtu.be/T6zHy6R20KM


And one of mine from yesterday..

(https://www.syntaxbomb.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mattiesgames.com%2Fart%2F2020p019.jpg&hash=ebf375cfa26a3e95897775aee42716ceb238989d)
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Derron on March 05, 2020, 21:40:01
Hope they asked Jaimie Alexander for using her face.


BTW there are a lot of artists not doing this "copy paste" - albeit I confess that decent photoshop (or affinity or ... krita or ...) skills are still skills not everybody has.

bye
Ron
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Matty on June 20, 2020, 22:10:56
Someone I once loved...and myself at a holiday spot in Olinda in 2016. Painted this morning.


(https://www.mattiesgames.com/art/2020p026.jpg)
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Matty on June 24, 2020, 20:06:11
With my mental health and mental illness I used to experience mental distress about paranoid thoughts regarding very human level type conspiracies.

Things like exploding phone batteries, my workplace sending out emails about me, and all sorts of things.

These days those delusions and paranoias are gone.

However in their place have (which I manage somehow) entered visions and imaginations even more horrifying such as this one:

(see attached)

If you can't understand the image....read the text at the bottom it might give you some insight into what I'm suggesting I sometimes feel I may be going through.

(https://www.mattiesgames.com/art/2020p027.jpg)
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Matty on June 26, 2020, 15:25:56
Thanks.  I do appreciate your comment.
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Matty on June 26, 2020, 21:13:02
Ps-I have seen various professionals for over 20 years.  While I agree in principle with your comment I do not believe they necessarily have all the best nor right answers.  And....a 30 minute chat once per 4 weeks is not  a perfect solution by any means...
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Matty on July 22, 2020, 22:11:28
(https://www.mattiesgames.com/art/2020p030.jpg)
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Derron on July 23, 2020, 11:27:14
As proportions etc seem very good I assume you draw by reference or directly traced an image?

Do not really like the harsh "strokes" (hair). A bit blending would help I think. Also the outlines have an ... dunno how to describe ... odd shape, like "paper cut outs glued on top".


But as said - proportions and positions (eyes, nose) look quite good.


bye
Ron
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Matty on October 19, 2020, 21:25:52
Something a little different......

I wrote a program to paint in a slightly more 'impressionistic' style with dabs of light....

(https://www.mattiesgames.com/art/debriefbk1.jpg)
(https://www.mattiesgames.com/art/debriefbk0.jpg)
(https://www.mattiesgames.com/art/debriefbk2.jpg)
(https://www.mattiesgames.com/art/matt.jpg)
Title: Re: Artwork (progress)
Post by: Matty on January 31, 2021, 19:34:57
First painting done with Wacom Tablet this year - an original from an imagination I had just after waking from a dream.

(https://www.mattiesgames.com/art/2021p001.jpg)