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Other Topics => Forum Archive => Art Class => Topic started by: vrt on December 05, 2010, 09:45:17 am

Title: Lesson 1: An Introduction
Post by: vrt on December 05, 2010, 09:45:17 am
Art Class is finally starting off!

As a first lesson, we'd really like to see where you're at right now. Because of that, I'm going to give an assignment that can be pretty hard, but you have to remember: It's okay if your art doesn't look good yet. We're only just starting, so there's no shame in anything!

Lesson 1: Assignment:

For the first lesson, you're asked to make a completely new piece for the Changeling (http://elementscommunity.org/forum/index.php/topic,12976.0.html) Card Idea. It's a flexible concept, so I'm very curious to see how this will go. No matter what you create, I expect you to work to the best of your ability - as limited as you may believe this is, yourself. Remember, this is not a test, it's just a way for us to get to know you and your work!

Other assignments may demand that you post one or more progress shots, but for the first one, it's optional. If you decide to do it, we'll give you feedback where needed.


This assignment will run for 2 weeks. On Monday, December 19th, Lesson 2 will start.



Lesson 1: Add-on:

As a side to this assignment, we'd also like to know a bit about you. Why do you attend the Art Class, what have you drawn before, what do you expect from the Art Class? Of course, anything else you think goes in there; you're welcome to post it.



Good luck!
Title: Re: Lesson 1: An Introduction
Post by: ArtCrusade on December 05, 2010, 10:11:11 pm
First entry I see :)

I draw with pencil/pen for around 6 years. I always loved drawing since I was young, and I still love drawing, though today I am busier than the Devil. I'm happy that I could revive my deviantArt-page, and even happier to have found enough time to make art for other guys here or now for this lesson. I attend this class, because I want to get better with what I do. I think I have my own style already, but there is always room for improvement. I hope you guys can give me some good feedback ;)

Now, serious business is calling! I use a Wacom Bamboo Fun Pen&Touch (16:10) and Photoshop CS5. I started with a rough sketch on paper which I used to make a sketch on Photoshop. I then painted my canvas (1020x1020) and resized it after I finished. Here is my result:

(http://img12.imageshack.us/img12/8880/elementschangelingart.png)
Title: Re: Lesson 1: An Introduction
Post by: Memorystick on December 05, 2010, 10:15:12 pm
Could we have a timer for those of us who have a hard time keeping track of dates please? ;D

I've got some ideas... I'll see what I can do with them (hopefully I get my laptop back soon >_>)
Title: Re: Lesson 1: An Introduction
Post by: Dragoon1140 on December 05, 2010, 10:29:26 pm
It's very interesting to see Changeling as a first assignment for these guys.  I'll spoil the creativity if I say what I imagine the creature to look like in my mind, so I won't say anything about it.  Thus, I'm curious to see what everyone will produce.  Best of luck to everyone!

EDIT:  Perhaps I should say I'm not in the art class, and only posting here because of the card chosen.  I would love to become an artist, but I just don't have the time nor dedication to become one, to be honest.  You are all braver than I.  :)
Title: Re: Lesson 1: An Introduction
Post by: vrt on December 05, 2010, 11:10:02 pm
ArtCrusader: Quick start! Considering you mentioned it being a sketch, I'll treat it as such. First thing that I see is that your subject lack a definition; he's a bit of a 'blob' right now. Try to use some sharper lines and stronger contrasts. Perhaps playing with the Levels would be a nice place to start; you can see where you'll go from there! I'm curious to see how you'll involve the 'changeling' concept; I'd love to see it!

Memorystick: No timer for you, I'm afraid. It'd also set a specific time for pepokish and me, and considering our sometimes hectic work hours, that just doesn't work well.

Dragoon1140: I've mentioned it in chat before; I always thought the concept could make for some very amazign art. However, due to the nature of the creature, everyone will be likely to give it their own interpretation - perfect for an assignment such as this! Next to that, you used art that was distributed under a Creative Commons license in the original idea, and that's always a plus in my book. ;D
Title: Re: Lesson 1: An Introduction
Post by: ArtCrusade on December 05, 2010, 11:39:48 pm
ArtCrusader: Quick start! Considering you mentioned it being a sketch, I'll treat it as such. First thing that I see is that your subject lack a definition; he's a bit of a 'blob' right now. Try to use some sharper lines and stronger contrasts. Perhaps playing with the Levels would be a nice place to start; you can see where you'll go from there! I'm curious to see how you'll involve the 'changeling' concept; I'd love to see it!
I thought that was what the Changeling was about. Being a blob which can turn into anything. The left arm is going to be some kind of hammer while the right one is going to be lance-ish and sharp. The left leg is shaped like the clade of a tree while the other one has claws instead of toes. Well, guess you can't see that much yet, because the contrast is low (good point there). I'll see what I can do ;)
Title: Re: Lesson 1: An Introduction
Post by: wizelsnarf on December 06, 2010, 01:56:05 am
(http://img203.imageshack.us/img203/1278/lesson1changling.png)

A note about why this for changeling: I wanted something amorphous, so I went with the cloak. I made a pinky, not well defined face to represent changeling being entropy and able to change. I put the gravity mark in the hand to represent it using its ability. Finally, I read the card and decided changing doesn't actually change. It say it takes on the ABILITY of the next non shield permanent. It doesn't become anything, it just absorbs the ability. That is why I decided to make it(/her) a humanoid.

My tools: Gimp + mouse ( I went and bought one for my laptop today)

This took me 4 hours :(. I need to figure out how to be faster so that I don't burn out.

 My method: I used a lot of various colors on low opacity with the brush. After getting the general idea, I went back with smudge to feather it and make it more continuous. With 20-30% opacity on each brush stroke, it takes forever. I tossed in the gravity mark and a gimp generated nova for some more variation.

Things I wish were better: It is very flat. I don't know why. I tried harder to make shadows and light, but it still ended up look flat, I need help making things more 3d/pop more.


As for the class, I am attending to improve my art skills. This is both for making card art and just general digital art. I have no training whatsoever when it comes to drawing. I took some ceramics in high school and college which might give me a marginally better idea of how to draw. I hope the class can help me make up for that lack.

Here is a list of everything I have made for the game in order:
(http://img33.imageshack.us/img33/8458/veildarkness.png)
* effects. I used a picture of my hand for the base.

(http://img84.imageshack.us/img84/20/stalactite.png)
*effects and edit mostly

(http://img171.imageshack.us/img171/8563/stalagmonster.png)
 * the mouth was edited in, not drawn. Rest was all effects

(http://img17.imageshack.us/img17/12/converge.png)
 * all gimp effects, nothing hand drawn

(http://img19.imageshack.us/img19/9325/barbedray.png)
 * all edits/gimp effects, nothing hand drawn

(http://img810.imageshack.us/img810/6086/disperse.png)
 * all gimp effects, nothing hand drawn

(http://img192.imageshack.us/img192/1281/dualwieldother.png)
* all edits/gimp effects, nothing hand drawn

(http://img831.imageshack.us/img831/7563/caltropsv2.png)
* all edits/gimp effects, nothing hand drawn

(http://img197.imageshack.us/img197/9932/mrunstablegas.png)
* mostly edited. I did hand draw the monacle and touched up the face

(http://img835.imageshack.us/img835/9384/fourseasonsv2.gif)
All hand drawn, same style as my changeling above

(http://img269.imageshack.us/img269/5480/hornedfrog.png)
* all edits/effects, nothing hand drawn
Title: Re: Lesson 1: An Introduction
Post by: Ajit on December 06, 2010, 05:39:24 am
(http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd13/Aj1t1/forfun.png)
I'm very satisfied, I've never really painted anything digitally or traditionally, and I am really satisfied with it.  Looking forward to a critique.

I'm attending this art class because I've always wanted to learn how to digitally paint.  I am hoping to get advice from this class.

As far as drawing, these are the only two that I can think of;

http://fc09.deviantart.net/fs40/f/2009/052/3/7/Dungeons____and_Dragons__by_JacobPhilpott.png

http://th08.deviantart.net/fs40/PRE/f/2009/052/2/7/Thumbs_Down_by_JacobPhilpott.png

As far as other art:

(http://fc00.deviantart.net/fs40/f/2009/042/9/0/Fragile_by_JacobPhilpott.png)

(http://fc09.deviantart.net/fs40/f/2009/044/b/b/Money_Can_Grow_On_Flowers_by_JacobPhilpott.png)

(http://fc06.deviantart.net/fs40/f/2009/050/9/c/Absentminded_by_JacobPhilpott.png)

(http://fc01.deviantart.net/fs41/f/2009/054/4/f/Elephant_Piano_by_JacobPhilpott.png)
For the rest, including photography, here it is: http://jacobphilpott.deviantart.com/
Title: Re: Lesson 1: An Introduction
Post by: Krava on December 06, 2010, 10:47:29 am
My blood group is A-, i am from Europe, Croatia and i am mostly doing SCIENCE! Yet i have strong urge to create that makes me try various things. As you can attest at my deviant art page (http://chromat.deviantart.com/) i sew costumes, model fimo and stuff, carve, also i have real short-sword in making which isn't finished yet so no pictures. Also in my sig is link to stuff i made for ELEMENTS although everything is on deviantart. Basically wherever i find myself i find something to express upon.  SO i set my eye on digital painting and i said that i wanted to learn to paint and draw through sheer force of sustained effort. Some time has passed and i have improved, but am still not satisfied. By sheer luck (or to quote bible - seek and you shall find, knock and door will open) i stumbled upon vrt who gave me valuable criticism, and i have feeling that i will improve much faster and with less frustration under guidance of the pros.  As much as my doc thesis eats my time i will find enough to paint.

In that light:
this is my take on changeling. not very specific humanoid turning into a shield. very classic approach considering ability of the card, but i haven't spent much time developing concept. This is WIP, sketch simple pencil on paper, and i will color it in photoshop CS3 on separate layer. I usually take lot of time painting as i am going over and over details and sometimes redo parts of image. Also i am very messy while painting. Ah yes i use Logitech Mouse.
(http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c281/Chromat/cangeling.jpg)
 
Title: Re: Lesson 1: An Introduction
Post by: vrt on December 06, 2010, 01:09:24 pm
Thank you all for your entries so far! pepokish was sitting next to me as we looked through them, so these critiques are from the both of us in one go. If I fail to word her thoughts, I'm sure you'll see a post by her soon. ;D

wizelsnarf: First of all; humanoids are pretty rare in Elements. I think I see what you're going for, though, so here goes! You mentioned it yourself already; it looks quite flat. There's actually a few reasons we can trace this back to. The main part of it, is the lighting. The figure is lit from at least 3 different angles; from the bottom left on the face, from the left at the left arm, and straight from the front at the upper chest. Using a consistent lightsource would help a lot in defining the features more.

When it comes to defining features, light always follow the shape of an object. Let's take a closer look at the hood of the character. It seems you tried to use the Gravity mark as a lightsource, with the hood casting a shadow onto the face. If you'd pull it off, that'd make for a very effective way of adding depth. The problem, however, is the light. Should the lightsource be the Gravity mark, then I'd expect a rather strong highlight on the cloak, which'd obscure the face a little, with a less intense highlight on the left of the face, following the curve of the cheek and chin and gradually fading to black. If this is a bit much to take in, please tell me, and I'll do a paintover when I get back to my own PC with Photoshop on it.

FInally, the composition you're using is fairly dull. A good part of this is the crop; cropping a character at the knees is a very traditional mistake, that'll make the character pop out a lot less. I'd suggest extending the canvas a little, there. Also, don't be afraid to hide things! Right now, everything is very visible. Play with light, with overlapping, and make some parts less visible to give the character a more unique look.

I'm eager to see what you'll come up with!


Ajit: For a sketch, this isn't bad at all! I'd give you the same feedback as ArtCrusader here, though: Try and define things more, and play more with a wider tonal range. I personally see a greenish Area 52 creaturew in a dress, but pepokish, for example, saw a plant growing out of a treestump. It's key to get some defining elements in there, that really show what the figure is. Don't be afraid to start working with a stronger contrast; you can always blend in things a bit more if need be, later. Your manipulation work already shows that you know what you're doing when it comes to values, so try and apply that knowledge here.


Krava: With your current sketch, the figure is a bit flat. I think if you'd try to add some more perspective to it, you'd get a much more interesting look. Imagine the critter in 3D space, and adjust the view about 30 degrees to the right; see what you can come up with. Like with wizelsnarf, a little more overlap could work wonders compositionally. When you start working out the sketch, I'd strongly urge you to add quite a bit of detail to the 'transition'area. It's the most awkward part to look at, so try and make it as sensible as you can get it.



Alright, that's all for now. Back to sketching, and I'm very curious to see what you all come up with!
Title: Re: Lesson 1: An Introduction
Post by: Thalas on December 06, 2010, 01:20:17 pm
I drawed some kind of rainbow octopus in the pixlr. :))
I joined this class because I like drawing, but my skills are really noobish
(http://imageplay.net/img/m7Gbd108484/Changeling.png) (http://imageplay.net/)
Title: Re: Lesson 1: An Introduction
Post by: vrt on December 06, 2010, 02:59:16 pm
Thalas: The sketch you have now is a start, but it looks a bit flat, and, well - as you said, newbish. I think it's got the potential to become a lot better, though. First and foremost, I'd try to minimize the use of lineart. Try and use highlights and shadows to get the shape across. This will also allow you to get some more color variation in there. I could write an extensive critique on this, but I think that it'd be best for you to try and play around with getting rid of the lines, and see where you can go from there. A lot of this process is very natural, so I'd like to see another update when you think you got stuck on it. :)
Title: Re: Lesson 1: An Introduction
Post by: vrt on December 06, 2010, 04:56:49 pm
[unrelated posts removed]


Please keep this about art, not about card ideas. Thank you!
Title: Re: Lesson 1: An Introduction
Post by: Pineapple on December 06, 2010, 05:43:02 pm
Might as well upload my progress--although it's not much--so you can give me some criticism and answer some questions. :)

(http://imgur.com/atqhK.png)(http://imgur.com/ATgK4.png)
Concept: Human (crap, there aren't supposed to be humans in elements  :( ) babies lying around being all human and stuff while the visually different Changeling tries to be like them (teddy bear, diaper, pacifier). I plan on making the babies unfocused by blurring them. I just couldn't resist being influenced by folklore of fairies replacing human infants with changelings. ^^;;
(I hope) it fits the card because the Changeling is mimicking the babies like the card mimics permanents.

Sketch: Sorry in advance if my poor drawing skills made your eyes bleed. ^^;;
(http://imgur.com/iycuc.png)


What I've been doing is having the sketch in one layer with multiply and then using the pen tool in photoshop to make the shapes.
1. What should I do after I have the basic shapes?
2. What should I use to make defining features? For example, should I just give up with the pen tool and use  a brush and my trackpad to add some lighter/darker shades of the base color in a new layer?
3. Should I yada yada brush and trackpad black-and-white shades on a new layer and then set the layer blending to something?
4. Should I use gradients on the vector shapes? How would I use gradients?

So if you want to summarize my questions into 6 words, it would be "Tell me how to do everything." Now, I've read your feedback on the others, and apparently this isn't your style of teaching. ^^ But yeah, I have the time to experiment, so you don't have to tell me how to do everything, just lead the way and I'll find my way around this maze...maybe.

Title: Re: Lesson 1: An Introduction
Post by: Kael Hate on December 06, 2010, 05:52:13 pm
[unrelated posts removed]

Please keep this about art, not about card ideas. Thank you!
The Art is for the card idea. Should it not be a match to the idea rather than some random art?

I'm an architecht / technical designer not an artist so correct me if I am wrong in this thought.
Title: Re: Lesson 1: An Introduction
Post by: bored_ninja777 on December 06, 2010, 05:58:00 pm
heres my sketch so far..
(http://imageplay.net/img/m7Gbd108934/sketch.jpg) (http://imageplay.net/)
i was going for a mirror like look. each permanent in the sketch is just an option really for it. hourglass, mindgate, eclipse, discord all of them black and shadowed. if i could figure out how to draw how i pictured it in my head id like to make it look like a glass like dome inside where it is filled with an amorphous substance that has the permanents sort of shaped out inside if that makes sense.  as far as color i would guess using a gray on the outside and black on the shapes. the eyes idk red or purple to fit with entropy. the eyes could even be :gravity icons.

as for the rest.. i have always liked drawing but only learned from a few how to  books growing up and a few art classes through school. i just want to learn how to make some decent looking art and actually know what im doing when i pick some of the random tools in the editors.
Title: Re: Lesson 1: An Introduction
Post by: Kael Hate on December 07, 2010, 07:23:34 am

About me -

 Technical Drawer, designing components for mechanical operations
 Production team dictating thematics for game worlds
 Some hand drawn art.
 Some overlay and editing using photoshop etc.
 Some costume design, primarily armour, mechanics and masks. Both Physical construction and layouts.
 http://kaelhate.deviantart.com/

This was deleted earlier as card ideas stuff rather than art, but its what I imagine in my head. so I've quoted it back.
I have a want to do this but am failing to commit mind to media. Maybe my soul is sucking back at me.

Concept:

Hate the card idea. Its name is changeling but it is an entity that is simply commiting uncontrolled mimicry once prodded. The card creator has no idea on game mechanics and the balancing of its effect seems weak and it will always be used to replicate a weapon effect.  Why does a creature pretend to be a permanent or artifact? What benefit could be gained of such?

Thinking of real life and fantasy creatures that act as such. The Mimic, a creature that acts as a chest of treaure to lure prey, and various sea creatures that follow a similar action. Do these creatures echo a changeling? maybe not. An Octopus that copies a rock or coral isn't mechanically coral. The only other thing of such that would copy is something like a protoplasmic ooze ie stem cells and various creative blank media. But why do they have an attack and defense value? Ok what can be a creature and a permanent at the same time? a shape changing machine?

This will be the topic. Give it attibutes of a machine and a living mimic like a octopus. Make its back the permanent that it copies. It has no visible eyes. Its many limbs end in sharp scythe like blades acting as its feet/hands. It has a beaked mouth into which it feeds the elemental matter stripped from its prey. The permanent sprouting from its back is the most common and recognised permanent, the "Golden Hourglass"

I will get the idea to paper/png in the next few days maybe.
and the key part
This will be the topic. Give it attibutes of a machine and a living mimic like a octopus. Make its back the permanent that it copies. It has no visible eyes. Its many limbs end in sharp scythe like blades acting as its feet/hands. It has a beaked mouth into which it feeds the elemental matter stripped from its prey. The permanent sprouting from its back is the most common and recognised permanent, the "Golden Hourglass"
Here is my pre-spec work.

(http://i118.photobucket.com/albums/o108/Kael_Hate/Changeling.png)
I sortof have the feeling I could build this in 3D easier than draw it but I'm going to try this week to.
Title: Re: Lesson 1: An Introduction
Post by: asymmetry on December 07, 2010, 04:52:52 pm
God dammit Kael xD I was sketching something similar, it was a spider instead of a floating octopus-like thing. It had a flat surface too, to spawn the desired permanent.
Weird.
Guess i'll change the concept then. :) see you soon, art class!
Title: Re: Lesson 1: An Introduction
Post by: Kael Hate on December 07, 2010, 06:59:54 pm
God dammit Kael xD I was sketching something similar, it was a spider instead of a floating octopus-like thing. It had a flat surface too, to spawn the desired permanent.
Weird.
Guess i'll change the concept then. :) see you soon, art class!
Feel free to take it develop it in any way you'd like.
Title: Re: Lesson 1: An Introduction
Post by: TENSUKI on December 07, 2010, 07:48:00 pm
The first thing that comes to mind when I think of what a changeling might look like is Sora in Anti-form:

http://fc03.deviantart.net/fs17/i/2007/144/c/a/AN_07___KH_Sora_AntiForm_Drive_by_DarkChildx2k.jpg (http://fc03.deviantart.net/fs17/i/2007/144/c/a/AN_07___KH_Sora_AntiForm_Drive_by_DarkChildx2k.jpg)
http://www.deviantart.com/download/141436023/Sora_Antiform_by_xJoeDx.jpg (http://www.deviantart.com/download/141436023/Sora_Antiform_by_xJoeDx.jpg)

(http://fc03.deviantart.net/fs17/i/2007/144/c/a/AN_07___KH_Sora_AntiForm_Drive_by_DarkChildx2k.jpg)

(http://www.deviantart.com/download/141436023/Sora_Antiform_by_xJoeDx.jpg)
Title: Re: Lesson 1: An Introduction
Post by: ArtCrusade on December 07, 2010, 08:21:10 pm
After looking at my old sketch again, I thought I should make a new one, because I felt there is more potential in my idea. Basically, I extended my concept and now try to focus on giving the Changeling body-parts from different monsters. What I try to achieve is, that you can see right from the start, without even knowing the card's effect, that it is purely a card which can have any effect.

The gun attached to his right arm will be replaced by an other weapon. I already made a whole lot of weapon sketches in the past so finding a proper one won't be difficult (here is a link (http://artcrusade.deviantart.com/gallery/#/d308icw); I think the sword in the middle would fit best). The Changeling doesn't stand in a random place before, it stands in a cave to get a deep atmosphere.

Long story short, here is the new sketch:

(http://img64.imageshack.us/img64/7830/changeling2.png)

EDIT: I'll use the hammer, since I got enough scythes and blades already. Changed the head to a blue colour, horns are yellow. Red part and brown part is fur.
Title: Re: Lesson 1: An Introduction
Post by: Kael Hate on December 07, 2010, 10:30:50 pm


Ok, I have a question here. I'm not trying to say that any of the art is wrong in technique or effort but as suiting the topic I find some of it questionable.
When  I have worked on production for CCG's and other Games we had to choose artwork that suited the topic and although creatures that replicate other creatures is cool, the changeling doesn't copy such, it copies permanents. The lead designer would reject the artwork. Are we just making Artwork or are we making art for the card?

When talking with pepokish about an art she was doing for a trade, she was free to do it how she wanted, but the subject manner had to have requirements. The two characters had to have certain features and the genre of the characters clothing and accessories had to be specific. I'm old and some things I don't understand by default anymore (brain is switched to logic mode and empathy mode doesn't work anymore) so I need to be told the answer to this.
Title: Re: Lesson 1: An Introduction
Post by: vrt on December 07, 2010, 10:49:25 pm
bored_ninja777: It's a start, but it's pretty flat as is. Try to work in a bit more perspective, or use a more dynamic pose. Experiment with some small scribbles, to see where you end up. You mention the colours, too; I'd really like to see some work on that. :)


TENSUKI: I'm fairly certain that that isn't your work. I can see why you posted it, but at this point, it's prety irrelevant. This is not about the concept.

ArtCrusade: Why the heck did you start over? If a painting seems to not work out, the best thing you can do is to keep going at it until it's completely screwed up. The more you work on it the more you'll realise where you made the mistakes - this is something you learn a lot from!


Kael: Your sketch is rough, but a good (and effective) start. Your experience with technical drawing shows, and that's a great thing for concept art. However, you seem to be a bit too focused on the concept. The only requirements I gave in this assignment, was to create art for the Changeling card. That's it. Concept developments is quite a few steps further down the line.
Title: Re: Lesson 1: An Introduction
Post by: TENSUKI on December 07, 2010, 11:04:03 pm
bored_ninja777: It's a start, but it's pretty flat as is. Try to work in a bit more perspective, or use a more dynamic pose. Experiment with some small scribbles, to see where you end up. You mention the colours, too; I'd really like to see some work on that. :)


TENSUKI: I'm fairly certain that that isn't your work. I can see why you posted it, but at this point, it's prety irrelevant. This is not about the concept.

ArtCrusade: Why the heck did you start over? If a painting seems to not work out, the best thing you can do is to keep going at it until it's completely screwed up. The more you work on it the more you'll realise where you made the mistakes - this is something you learn a lot from!


Kael: Your sketch is rough, but a good (and effective) start. Your experience with technical drawing shows, and that's a great thing for concept art. However, you seem to be a bit too focused on the concept. The only requirements I gave in this assignment, was to create art for the Changeling card. That's it. Concept developments is quite a few steps further down the line.
That's a bit disheartening. Nonetheless, you're right.

Good luck on the Art Class! I really like what you're doing.
Title: Re: Lesson 1: An Introduction
Post by: ratcharmer on December 08, 2010, 03:24:31 am
Howdy.

here's my WIP changeling:
(http://imageplay.net/m7Gbd108982/Mimic002_thumb.jpg) (http://imageplay.net/view/m7Gbd108982/Mimic002)
It's coming out a little more "mimic" than "changeling", but I figure the card copies item abilities so it sort of fits. It's only half colored, and there's no background yet. I think I'm also going to crop off some of the left side of the image, it isn't really adding much

As to who I am, I'm a microbiology grad student. I don't have much background in art- I took one class in undergrad and a couple in high school. My preferred medium is ink, and I've only recently began coloring my images using GIMP, so I'm still very amaturish at that part. I have a lot of images I'm trying to make for cards etc. that I feel are close, but not quite there. I get to a certain point and then I get stuck trying to improve them any further.
Title: Re: Lesson 1: An Introduction
Post by: pepokish on December 08, 2010, 04:10:59 pm
Oh boy, lots of great looking sketches to be seen, here!  c:  I see some really brilliant concepts, too... 

I have been a bit busy lately, so I sincerely hope you guys can forgive my lack of presence, so far...  I will be a lot more present from here on out.  (: 

ratcharmer:  Very interesting concept!  I like how you left some of it as a sketch, so far.  I'm not going to give a lot of critique, as this is only the introductory lesson -- but I did want to point out a few things, if you don't mind?  c:  Firstly, the nearest fang on the side of the mouth is considerably smaller than the farthest one -- it makes the image feel a bit lopsided. 

Secondly, be mindful of your lightsource.  It's nice to see that you have begun putting in highlights and such -- however, not all of them agree with one another.  Of course you can have multiple lightsources, but when starting out I find it best to use just one.  Basically, an object that we see is made up of values -- light, and dark.  Parts of the object that are hit full-on by light are brighter and more saturated with sharper contrast, while parts of the object that are not hit by direct light (shadowed) are darker, with duller colours and less contrast.  Light can only move in straight lines -- so decide where your lightsource is coming from, and try to imagine your Changeling as a 3-D object in your mind.  Keeping your decided lightsource in mind, what parts will be hit directly by the light?  What parts will be shadowed?  It's not an easy thing to explain, but with practice it's something that just sort of 'clicks'.

Anyway, I'll stop with my senseless rambling.  :P  Let me know if you can't make sense of what I've said, and I'd be more than happy to clarify.

Again, great job so far, guys!  Keep up the hard work!
Title: Re: Lesson 1: An Introduction
Post by: RavingRabbid on December 08, 2010, 07:15:28 pm
(http://localhostr.com/files/7KpoqHD/Changelingd.jpg)
Here's my sketch.

It should represent a puddle morphing into a druidic staff.
In my imagination, a changeling is something slimy, and liquid. I represented it as a puddle of a strange and *black* floyd.

I don't have much experience in digital drawing, but I'm better at hand drawing, and there, I'm still nothing awesome.
(http://localhostr.com/files/YBG7SNV/XXX.jpg)The one in the spoiler is my last drawing, and it should resemble an Ulitharid floating.
Title: Re: Lesson 1: An Introduction
Post by: ArtCrusade on December 09, 2010, 05:53:34 am
Current state:
(http://img89.imageshack.us/img89/7830/changeling2.png)
Just a finishing touch on the creature and some background and I'm ready! :)
Title: Re: Lesson 1: An Introduction
Post by: vrt on December 09, 2010, 06:42:53 pm
patchx94: I'm terribly sorry! Trust me; this wasn't intentional, but rather a mix-up between pepokish and myself. When it comes to defining shapes, I'd personally suggest using the brush tool and painting it in. Of course, it's easy for me to say, considering I have a tablet, but I know from experience that it's very possible to do this with a mouse, as well - it'll just take longer. The advantage over using a pen tool, gradients or overlays, is that it's much more flexible. With overlays, colour control is incredibly difficult; and gradients would give a very unnatural look.

When you want to proceed from the basic shapes, the best thing would be to start on the lighting. As light hits a surface, it follows its shape, and thereby defines how it sits in 3D space. Let's take the toes of the rightmost kid as an example: Under the tip of a toe, is a little indentation. You can define that by adding a bit of shadow there, following the shape below the bottom of the toe. Of course, this is but a tiny example, but you can apply this logic to pretty much anything (that isn't abstract madness).

RavingRabbid: I think your piece right now looks very still, very lifeless. I'd strongly suggest to rething the angle you're using, because it does have some good potential. I took the liberty of creating an alternate sketch for you, you can find it here: http://www.vrt-designs.com/stuff/artclass/l1_ravingr.png As you can see, by dictating the shape using a base movement line, shown in red, a much more dynamic look can be created. This is just an example, though. If you have some spare time; just take a piece of A4 paper, draw 10 different movement lines, and try to make a version of each one - no matter if you think it's good or bad. It'll be a great way to learn!

ArtCrusader: I like where you're going with the textures so far, but play with the levels a bit, because your changeling could use some more contrast in colours and value. As for the sword; if you ever hit a point where you don't feel like you're achieving the look you want; look for reference images! I just googled 'sword' and came up with this image (http://www.antique-swords.net/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/sword1.jpg), which gives a good idea of where to go: Overall grey, but strong contrasting area's around the highlights and shadows. Also note that highlights are pretty quickly created on the uneven parts of its surface; a little bump is enough to produce a strong highlight.  In order to incorporate this into your image without it looking too bad, I'd start off with my first suggestion of bumping up the contrast a few notches.


Title: Re: Lesson 1: An Introduction
Post by: RavingRabbid on December 09, 2010, 07:52:16 pm
(http://localhostr.com/files/AS2pZK6/image201012090001.jpg)
(http://localhostr.com/files/3pK1Rpb/image201012090002.jpg)
(http://localhostr.com/files/ELONhig/image201012090003.jpg)
(http://localhostr.com/files/fzCbpLe/image201012090004.jpg)



Clicked post before post was ready.
Title: Re: Lesson 1: An Introduction
Post by: FredTheCat on December 09, 2010, 08:39:17 pm
A Bit about myself:
Soooo, i'm 14 years old, live in Denmark, and i like geeking around on the interwebz :D
Tried to make flash games when i was younger, but failed at the art, and thats why im here, to learn how to draw simple stuff that doesn't look retardish :)

Okay, first of all im retarded with a pencil and simply suck at drawing sketches, so i simply try to make draw what i want directly without a sketch.
For this one i had no mouse, so i was mainly trying to learn the tools instead of trying to get the perfect shape, and i didn't really use the brush either.

And for the changeling i kind of imagined a dark form of ditto from Pokémon. Some kind of creepy dark slime thingy.

But enough talking, heres my drawing:
(http://img834.imageshack.us/img834/2520/lalr.png)
Really enjoyed the Bevel function :D
Title: Re: Lesson 1: An Introduction
Post by: ArtCrusade on December 10, 2010, 09:06:44 pm
First finished version:

(http://img528.imageshack.us/img528/7830/changeling2.png)
Title: Re: Lesson 1: An Introduction
Post by: TimerClock14 on December 11, 2010, 12:01:09 am
*snip*

ArtCrusader:

*snip*
Just realized I didn't have a post to keep tabs on this :D.

I do believe it's ArtCrusade, not ArtCrusader.

If I may:
@ArtCrusade, I really like what you have there, but I really have a hard time adjusting to the harsh contrasts (?) of that background. Perhaps tone down the brightness a bit? I also understand what vrt and pepokish are trying to get at with the light source thing. I'd suggest adding some more depth to the shadows on the jagged stalagmite and stalactite.
Title: Re: Lesson 1: An Introduction
Post by: pepokish on December 11, 2010, 12:02:43 pm
RavingRabbid - Nicely done!  I see some much more interesting dynamics going on, here.  Getting movement in a piece of artwork is something that I personally struggle with -- I find myself focusing on getting the technical aspects correct, and end up with something that looks technically nice, but altogether not very interesting.  Using movement lines is a great way to add interest to art, because I think we have a tendency to gravitate towards making something straight up-and-down, right in the center of the paper.  And.. well.. that tends to be pretty boring.  :P  So, great job with that little exercise, and thanks for posting it!  I'm sure we will go more into depth about movement lines, composition, and perspective later on.


--

FredtheCat - Ooh, awesome colours.  :D  Jumping right in without a sketch is definitely a-okay.  That's actually a technique that I know vrt prefers.  I personally always start with a drawn sketch, but there's really no right or wrong way to make art (well... maybe there is, but I'm sure you get my general meaning, right? Heehee...). 

So, I love the background.  It looks like an acid trip.  :P  The backgrounds used for Elements card art tends to be pretty abstract, so I see no reason to worry about having any kind of scene or anything going on.  I also like where you're headed with your creature, but unfortunately the bevel function makes him pretty flat.  If this was your intention, that's not a problem -- but personally, I think the image could be a lot more interesting if the creature had a bit more depth.  Using the same technique that you used to draw the facial features, you can add highlights and shadows to the creature yourself.  This will make him more interesting to look at, and more believable as a creature.  It's up to you to decide, as you work on the shading: is he lumpy, goopy, gaseous, shiny, furry, etc?  Simply adding highlights and shadows to an object have the ability to translate these types of characteristics to your audience.

Anyway, I know you specifically said that you didn't use the brush much, because you're just getting used to the tools and such -- and that's perfectly fine!  This is a really casual lesson, vrt and I won't be getting too deep into feedback or anything for this lesson, but I did want to mention how even a few simple highlights and shadows can work wonders for translating textures and shapes.  C:

--

ArtCrusade - I have to say, I love the furry texture of your creature!  Sadly, the texture seems to get lost a bit when you add such a dark background...  I'm going to agree with TimerClock here, and say that I think solid black may not be a wise choice for the darker parts of the cave.  Maybe a really dark blue-grey, instead?  I do like your concept, though!  And you have quite a lot of really nice textures going on, here.  It looks like you've really put a lot of effort into this. 

One little thing I wanted to point out, is that the texture of the rocks in the background sort of compete for the attention of the main figure.  This is problematic, as you really want your creature to be the main focus of the artwork, for this purpose.  One thing that would really help, might be to up the contrast on the creature (brighter highlights, deeper shadows) and lower the brightness of the highlights on the rocks in the background.

May I ask what program you're using, right now?  (:
Title: Re: Lesson 1: An Introduction
Post by: ArtCrusade on December 11, 2010, 10:52:24 pm
Thanks for the advice, Timer and Pepo, I'll be happy to follow it ;)

@pepo: Using PS CS5 :)
Title: Re: Lesson 1: An Introduction
Post by: SunnyGreens on December 11, 2010, 11:29:53 pm
(http://img205.imageshack.us/img205/662/changelingversion210.png)
It has been a day of false starts, frustrations, and mistakes as I figure all this stuff out. I also just realized I drew the darn thing in landscape which isn't very useful for a card. Sigh. My hand is cramping, so I will leave it at this sketch for today.

Basic idea: Changeling as a mass of black goo shifting into a skull masked thing holding a crappy version of the vampiric dagger. The new shape is still only half formed in the image and rising from the goo. I shall spend tomorrow figuring out how to paint it halfway decent and post again.

Why I am doing this: I need something creative to do. I had been making things for the competitions, but have wanted to pick up drawing again. An art class is a great way to keep myself from getting lazy and the feedback/suggestions would help me improve. I have done some art with charcoal drawing, but not really all that much. Zero with digital, so this is all new to me.


Edit: Now that I look at it again, I think it needs a chin.
Title: Re: Lesson 1: An Introduction
Post by: wizelsnarf on December 12, 2010, 12:44:29 am
I tried to take what you said into account on this second edit, vrt. Mind you I kind of understood the basics of what you said about light... Still I don't think I quite absorbed everything you said. Also, I extended the canvas as you suggested. Since it isn't square it might not fit the card correctly but this is primarily an exercise rather than for real use so I think I will just leave it as a rectangle.


(http://img52.imageshack.us/img52/95/lesson1changling2.png)

(http://img203.imageshack.us/img203/1278/lesson1changling.png)
Title: Re: Lesson 1: An Introduction
Post by: asymmetry on December 12, 2010, 06:05:15 am
Hi... i'm finally able to post something  :)
I join this art class mostly for the huge admiration towards vrt and pepokish's artistic skills. I am certain they have a LOT of interesting stuff to share with us.


About me
Picture this if you will... I'm at my third year of graphic design, yet my drawing/painting background is almost null.
I like both traditional and digital art, with an inclination over digital.

I do (both web and print) layout design, corporate identities, photomanips, make music, bla bla. Not necessarily related to art.

I spend a lot of non-college time playing with image, audio and video editors aswell as some weirder stuff like strange attractors and experimental rubbish, 99% of the time not knowing what I want to achieve, but with an urge to do it.
Time, college and clients also hardened me regarding critiques, so if any of you guys have anything to correct, go ahead, throw your biggest stone without regrets.
Class 1, step 1 Edit: Tools as regards this... err.. PS CS4 and Wacom Bamboo. (the old one)
(http://img146.imageshack.us/img146/9885/class1v.jpg)
Still, there are probably more errors i'm not aware of and you guys are.
Title: Re: Lesson 1: An Introduction
Post by: wizelsnarf on December 12, 2010, 05:27:21 pm
Wow. That was great asymmetry. Reads like a comic and was quite humorous.


I like how far you made it in your final version, though obviously there is plenty more that could be done. I think the effects look awesome but there is definitely a disconnect between them and the rest of your work....

Okay I will leave the critiques to those more qualified to me....

Title: Re: Lesson 1: An Introduction
Post by: Kael Hate on December 13, 2010, 09:45:45 am
Ok started a linear model to ink over. Didn't realise my linework had got so bad.

Hourglass forming on the tabletop with halos and oraculous. Energy, curtain and tendrils to be drawn in.

(http://i118.photobucket.com/albums/o108/Kael_Hate/linear.png)
Title: Re: Lesson 1: An Introduction
Post by: Krava on December 13, 2010, 01:47:37 pm
Ow! look at the time! I better hurry...

so i changed perspective but i like it less than previous one..
I think this will be one easy to paint.

(http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c281/Chromat/cangeling2.jpg)
Title: Re: Lesson 1: An Introduction
Post by: f22raptor on December 14, 2010, 04:48:06 am
just found this and thought i might give it a go but im a terrible drawer but ill try
Title: Re: Lesson 1: An Introduction
Post by: bored_ninja777 on December 14, 2010, 06:02:22 am
heres my sketch so far..
(http://imageplay.net/img/m7Gbd108934/sketch.jpg) (http://imageplay.net/)
i was going for a mirror like look. each permanent in the sketch is just an option really for it. hourglass, mindgate, eclipse, discord all of them black and shadowed. if i could figure out how to draw how i pictured it in my head id like to make it look like a glass like dome inside where it is filled with an amorphous substance that has the permanents sort of shaped out inside if that makes sense.  as far as color i would guess using a gray on the outside and black on the shapes. the eyes idk red or purple to fit with entropy. the eyes could even be :gravity icons.
(http://imageplay.net/img/m7Gbd110366/007.jpg) (http://imageplay.net/)
my new version. still no color. i want to get the actual picture right first.. i tried to rotate it a little and gave it a shadow. it is to look like its hovering.  hopefully its better than my original
Title: Re: Lesson 1: An Introduction
Post by: f22raptor on December 14, 2010, 10:24:37 am
just wondering can i use bits of current element cards
Title: Re: Lesson 1: An Introduction
Post by: asymmetry on December 14, 2010, 03:14:49 pm
just wondering can i use bits of current element cards
Well, vrt stated that he wants no copyrighted material, but if you're just going to reference an in-game object (look at Kael's awesome hourglass, it's his own take on the item) then I guess they 'll have nothing against that.

Title: Re: Lesson 1: An Introduction
Post by: vrt on December 15, 2010, 12:34:32 am
just wondering can i use bits of current element cards
As asymmetry said; reference using is fine. Directly copying it into a final product is not.


I'd really like to go in-depth on everyone's work so far, but real life isn't very forgiving right now. I'll give everyone a short statement to work with, though; I hope it's alright. Please mention it if you feel you need more help!


wizelsnarf: Not quite there. I'd do a paintover, but time is lacking; I'd strongly suggest using a photoreference such as this one (http://image.shutterstock.com/display_pic_with_logo/122689/122689,1270589440,1/stock-photo-shot-of-a-hooded-girl-looking-anxious-50370694.jpg) to check your lighting. Don't be afraid to screw things up, just use a new layer and experiment!

asymmetry: Great progress shots, and a good job so far. For depth, the simplest solutions can work: Try extending the forward part of it to overlap a little.

Kael: Great start, quite intriguing. Keep at it, but don't focus too much on keeping your lines clean. You're still in a sketch phase!

Krava: Still a bit careful with the perspective and movement lines there. I'd highly suggest just making 10 sketches of the creature, all with different poses or angles. I think there's a lot more to gain here, compositionally!

bored_ninja777: Try letting the shadow sit a little below the figure for a floating effect. I'd also highly recommend you to do the same as Krava; experiment!


Finally, let me make one thing clear: If I write a critique to someone else, chances are the same applies to your work. Any techniques or exercises  I have mentioned in this thread, will be helpful to you. And if you're afraid of the workload, you could be in trouble: Lesson 2 is promising to become about 5 times as big..
Title: Re: Lesson 1: An Introduction
Post by: wizelsnarf on December 15, 2010, 12:43:52 am
just wondering can i use bits of current element cards
As asymmetry said; reference using is fine. Directly copying it into a final product is not.


I'd really like to go in-depth on everyone's work so far, but real life isn't very forgiving right now. I'll give everyone a short statement to work with, though; I hope it's alright. Please mention it if you feel you need more help!


wizelsnarf: Not quite there. I'd do a paintover, but time is lacking; I'd strongly suggest using a photoreference such as this one (http://image.shutterstock.com/display_pic_with_logo/122689/122689,1270589440,1/stock-photo-shot-of-a-hooded-girl-looking-anxious-50370694.jpg) to check your lighting. Don't be afraid to screw things up, just use a new layer and experiment!

asymmetry: Great progress shots, and a good job so far. For depth, the simplest solutions can work: Try extending the forward part of it to overlap a little.

Kael: Great start, quite intriguing. Keep at it, but don't focus too much on keeping your lines clean. You're still in a sketch phase!

Krava: Still a bit careful with the perspective and movement lines there. I'd highly suggest just making 10 sketches of the creature, all with different poses or angles. I think there's a lot more to gain here, compositionally!

bored_ninja777: Try letting the shadow sit a little below the figure for a floating effect. I'd also highly recommend you to do the same as Krava; experiment!


Finally, let me make one thing clear: If I write a critique to someone else, chances are the same applies to your work. Any techniques or exercises  I have mentioned in this thread, will be helpful to you. And if you're afraid of the workload, you could be in trouble: Lesson 2 is promising to become about 5 times as big..

I will keep trying until the deadline is up.


Still, your last comment about the workload is not very encouraging :(
Title: Re: Lesson 1: An Introduction
Post by: Wardead on December 15, 2010, 12:46:57 am
Oh, I am so going to draw...But paper + Pencils isn't very beautiful-ish. I'll try my best though...

_______________________First Attempt_______________________________

A Morphing creature, to me, is basically like a cell or molecule. Different, yes, but still the same. It creates stuff. So I drew a cell within boundaries of 2 symmetrical spikes. Basically like a, umm, covering for the cell.

This is my first attempt (And a crappy one) but I'll try to modify it better. I just need some advice on how, since I never actually knew what to do if you finish a drawing.

And the cell has a scar  ;)

EDIT: For some reason, the picture can't come up.....http://img687.imageshack.us/i/dsc00084th.jpg

_______________________________Background_______________________

I'm 13, and I love drawing. Mostly random things though, I like "fancy" stuff....Mostly with spikes. Or I like drawing lethal stuff, like snakes and swords etc...

Here are some stuff I drew in my school notebook today while during math.


EDIT: This one too  :(  http://img33.imageshack.us/i/dsc00085v0.jpg/
Title: Re: Lesson 1: An Introduction
Post by: pepokish on December 16, 2010, 08:15:29 pm
Ah, don't worry about that, wizel.  You're doing fine.  c:  We can't give too much work, after all -- we're busy people, too!  I think 5x the work is a bit of an exaggeration.  (At least, I'm hoping it is, for my own sake!)

Let's see, here...

ShadyGreens - Nice sketch you've got started, there!  I like.  I see some wobbly shapes, though -- especially in the neck area.  I know it's hard to see the 3-dimensional forms for the lines that define them, it's something I have trouble with a lot.  But it's important to think about your drawings as 3-dimensional things.  Try to visualize what you're drawing as something with weight and form.  What really helps me, is to define the basic 3-dimensional shapes within the figure -- a sphere makes up the better part of the skull, a cylinder for the neck, etc.  That's something we'll definitely help you with, later on -- and there will be plenty of examples and practice available, if you'd like.

Wizel - I just wanted to say that the folds in the cloth are looking good.  The shading definitely has room for improvement, but we will help you with that later on -- like vrt and I have both said before, this is really just a casual 'see-what-we-can-do-right-now' kind of thing, no pressure.  C:  But it's nice to see that you've got a general handle on the way cloth drapes and folds.  Very nice proportions to your figure, as well!

Assymetry - Just... awesome.  :D  That looks great!  I like the way you put everything together as a walkthrough, too.  Don't be shy to deviate from more traditional methods, if you'd like -- layer styles really seem to work well with you, so don't be afraid to utilize that in your art!  What I'd really like to see with the example you posted, is bolder strokes.  Don't be afraid to use a big brush with high opacity!  Go with big chunks of value first, and work on refining and texture later on.  As for depth, vrt had an excellent suggestion with overlapping.  You also said yourself that a bit of atmospheric fog would go far for suggesting distance.   

Kael - Very interesting!  I'm seeing a lot of uncertainty in your lines -- clean lines can often be obtained via fewer, longer strokes, rather than many shorter strokes.  It takes some confidence to make long strokes -- don't be shy about moving slowly and really focusing on your lines as you create them.  Sometimes when I'm doing linework, I suddenly realize that my nose is practically touching the screen/paper, because I'm so absorbed in focusing on drawing nice, long, clean lines.  :P

Krava - I definitely agree with vrt in terms of composition... but for a first entry to the class, I think it's looking really great!  Nice job, and keep up the hard work!  I don't really have a lot to say, at this point -- other than to perhaps read over what I said to ShadyGreens about trying to see the basic 3-D shapes within your figures.  (:

Bored_Ninja - Hey, great job adding in the perspective, there!  C:  This angle is way more interesting than flat-on, don't you agree?  My only critique here is that the two 'feet' of the mirror are identical in size.  This isn't easy to explain right now in so few words, but basically as things move off into the distance, they appear smaller and closer to the horizon line.  If I were you, I'd just nudge that far 'foot' up a bit, and make it a tiny bit smaller, to enhance the perspective.  Right now, the mirror is at a great angle, but the feet are still on the same plane.

Wardead - Very cool sketches.  For some reason, the first image isn't loading for me at all, though.  ):  I think it's just my silly computer, no worries -- I'll take a look tomorrow again, see if it wants to cooperate.  For now, I'll go off your other sketches, if that's alright?  c:

I love the shapes and curves of that cutlass/sword...  The only problem I really am seeing right now is wavy/uncertain lines.  They say you don't need to be able to draw a straight line to be an artist -- and that's certainly true (thank god for me), but only to an extent!  It's okay to use rulers and such, to help get things straight and even.  I do it all the time, and so does vrt (though we typically use the digital straight-line feature of photoshop, it's the same principal).  Something that really, really helps to spot unevenness in your drawings, is to hold it up to a mirror.  Seeing it reversed like that really helps you see things with a fresh eye, and you can easily spot where things are off.  (:
Title: Re: Lesson 1: An Introduction
Post by: bored_ninja777 on December 16, 2010, 08:50:04 pm
thanks vrt & pepokish

here is my newest hopefully near last version b4 i add the color.. im thinking a silver for the outside edge, horns and the claws. the rest is shadows.

(http://imageplay.net/img/m7Gbd111136/DSCI0001.jpg) (http://imageplay.net/)
i knew right away what u meant pepokish.. i also did the same concept to the horns.
i switched the shadow direction and made it lower to hopefully give it more of the hovering look.
Title: Re: Lesson 1: An Introduction
Post by: Memorystick on December 17, 2010, 09:14:47 am
Okay... After getting through various personal issues and distractions via chat and games, I've gotten to this:
(http://img535.imageshack.us/img535/6207/changling1.png)When I envision changling, I think of a robed humanoid with an unstable form, hence the hourglass body and fahrenheit arm. I also think of red eyes peering under a hood, although I haven't decided on the color for the pupils... I've got marks for the center of the picture (center of the hourglass) and the face (along with a grid over it), although I'll also need to work on the legs... and I'm not very good with hands...

Sorry I've got this in so late, I procrastinated a week hoping my laptop would be fixed by then and... well, it isn't. (Being able to manipulate the anchors for lines would have been very helpful here, and was something I had come to take for granted >.<)


Most of the other stuff I've drawn has been either messing around with MSPaint, or trying to develop stuff for a video game I've thought up, or for a book series I've been thinking about.
(http://img715.imageshack.us/img715/8769/cyborgarm.png)(http://img152.imageshack.us/img152/1838/magneticharpoon.png)(http://img148.imageshack.us/img148/3263/electrosword.jpg)For my game, most of it's only tentative and will be reworked... eventually... although I've pretty much shelved that for now...
(http://img34.imageshack.us/img34/2323/mobiusnecklace.png)The book stuff, though, I'm working on... although slowly atm... ideas have been scarce lately :[
Title: Re: Lesson 1: An Introduction
Post by: 991woot119 on December 18, 2010, 10:51:51 am
its getting pretty late and I didnt wanna do a drawing and take a pic then upload then transfer then upload so I just did this in paint

About me: I don't know much about art I'm TERRIBLE at drawing but I am EPIC at colouring

This is what I INSTANTLY came up with when I saw it (well kinda like this its hard in paint)

(http://i1120.photobucket.com/albums/l486/991woot119/weird.jpg)
Enjoy my colourful cowboy! :))

Mod edit: Please don't do that.
Title: Re: Lesson 1: An Introduction
Post by: SunnyGreens on December 19, 2010, 03:21:51 am
(http://img822.imageshack.us/img822/3250/changelingversion217.png)
Well, I thought we had until Monday to finish assignment 1, but seeing as assignment 2 is already up I guess I will post the progress I made on 1 and move on to 2. I was mostly just playing around and figuring out how to work the program. I posted an image without the sketch lines I showed in my first post and with only some basic colors for most of the image. I was trying to make the black ooze the creature was rising from first, using light reflection to give it shape. I think I was starting to get the hang of it by the end, but I am still not entirely happy with the result.
Title: Re: Lesson 1: An Introduction
Post by: Kamietsu on December 19, 2010, 09:36:31 am
(http://img262.imageshack.us/img262/7493/changling2.jpg)
This is what I came up with. "What does this have to do with the changling card idea?" you might be asking yourself, and I will tell you! To me, a Changling in it's default state is a weaker creature. Vulnerable, without strength yet. But instead, it has the potential to be something more, something great. So this small beast is a vulnerable pinkish shade, almost like a new born animal. It's appearance might be weak, but hidden potential lies within. The alchemy circles on its back are what give it the power to change into any form it wishes, forming into a more powerful being. We see here now that this particular Changling is about to change as it's alchemy circles are radiating with energy.


A little about myself now. I've always been interested in drawing since I could hold a pencil. I'd always doodle random things in class all through school, but I didn't really start getting into it until high school. Freshman year is when my passion for it picked up some, and in my sophomore year I started to develop my skills more. I found that I had a knack for copying an image by eye, and have done several images that way. I used to draw the covers of a few different mangas I owned, and I was impressed with myself with how they came out. They were only line art though. I hadn't done any shading/coloring type of work yet. I would draw on and off through the years until i graduated and moved on to a graphic design college where I learned about color theory and shading more so than small classes back in middle school.

And that's the extent of drawing and me. Nowadays I work with photoshop a lot after being taught how to use it basically in college and believe I have picked it up very nicely.
Title: Re: Lesson 1: An Introduction
Post by: vrt on December 19, 2010, 02:44:50 pm
Lesson 2 has started. This topic will be locked when Lesson 3 begins. However, feel free to finish this lesson if you wish, pepokish and myself will still provide feedback!


bored_ninja777: Now that's getting there! The foot in the back could be made even smaller, but it's come a long way from your first sketch!

Memorystick: For MSPaint, that's pretty good! And that'd include the rest of your work. It's amazing to see there's people that are willing to use that program - and that they even can use it well. However, since this is art meant for use in Elements.. It's not very fitting. The obvious flaws are in the shading and perspective, but that'd be incredibly time-consuming in MSPaint. That's why I suggested to use http://www.splashup.com/ in chat.

woot: I'm not sure at all what I'm looking at, here. It's very.. Colourful, I suppose, but there's no coherency, no clear overall figure. I honestly don't know what it is, or what it is supposed to be. I'd work on defining it a bit more.

SunnyGreens: Brilliant work! I like where you're going with this, the shading is done quite well. Be sure not to let the pure black overpower it, though! Also, you can still finish this piece, the topic will remain open until early January.

Kamietsu: Great effort. I like it, but it kind of reminds me of a show we had when I was little, called "Dinobabies". I have to say that the level of finish on this one is pretty good. However, there's still a few things I'd change. You work a lot with lines in the face, I think shading would work much better to define features - especially the eye. If you've seen pictures of foetuses - human or otherwise - you know how creepy those eyes could look. I also think the contrast on the creature itself could stand to be increased, to define it's shape a bit more. Finally; the square fingertips are rather.. Square. If you were planning a fin-like look, I'd enhance that a bit more, possibly by making them a bit transparent looking. Still, you're off to a great start!
Title: Re: Lesson 1: An Introduction
Post by: Memorystick on December 19, 2010, 03:06:30 pm
Yeah, it's a massive pain to deal with shading and whatnot. Plan was to get the main stuff done in MSPain then do the more detailed stuff in Pixlr. Most of my other work was done in school, during video game design class (which, sadly, was a dismal failure due to school incompetence) and so didn't have access to the internet (in other words, had to make due with what I had) Fortunately, I've got my laptop back now, so I'll be able to get the harder stuff done easier now :)
Title: Re: Lesson 1: An Introduction
Post by: bored_ninja777 on December 19, 2010, 09:58:22 pm
i think the only thing i have to fix is that back claw and i should rotate it as well, a frontal view of the claw doesnt make sense if its turned for this perspective.. ill add color as i do the newest one. unfortunately i dont think i can get it drawn on my computer and will still be a drawing on paper. the next one is gonna be rough for me too..
Title: Re: Lesson 1: An Introduction
Post by: ratcharmer on December 20, 2010, 12:31:47 am
Just wanted to post some of the changes I made after feedback:
-I shrank the left (his/her left) tusk a little. I wanted the critter to look lumpy/mishapen but it wasn't balancing well. Balance still isn't perfect, but the image would need cropped to work in a card anyway. . .

-I fixed some of the lighting issues by adding shadow to the top of the head. Good catch.

(http://imageplay.net/m7Gbd112013/Mimic002_thumb.jpg) (http://imageplay.net/view/m7Gbd112013/Mimic002)
Title: Re: Lesson 1: An Introduction
Post by: bored_ninja777 on December 24, 2010, 03:46:15 am
my first try at using splashup as suggested by vrt for the next one.. wanted to give it a shot with my first idea.

(http://imageplay.net/img/m7Gbd113411/Webcam_capture.jpg) (http://imageplay.net/)
i used webcam capture option from paper and pencil to give me an outline and then i painted from there.. i have only a touchpad so its not the best... but a start.
Title: Re: Lesson 1: An Introduction
Post by: Pineapple on December 24, 2010, 04:21:20 am
I gave up, scrapped my old idea, made a lot of mistakes with this new idea, and used some photoshop effects to try and hide those mistakes.
(http://imgur.com/05TTw.png)
About me:
I'm pretty young compared to the majority of you.
I'm very immature. Like mentally-five-years-old type immature.
I give up a lot, am very lazy, and am a tad amotivational.
I don't think I should even take part in this class, because I'm very bad at putting effort into something and I can't from the top of my head think of a time where I've actually followed through with anything.
But maybe I'm just in one of my depressing moods.
Title: Re: Lesson 1: An Introduction
Post by: EmeraldTiger on December 26, 2010, 04:48:58 pm
I want to do this, but I'm afraid that if I do what I consider confined art, my stuff that i do purely from inspiration will be tainted. I will allow anyone to take what I make and improve them. I know I should learn to draw limbs and full body structures, but wish to stay in the abstract end of art.

I would like to thank vrt and pepokish for providing this service.
Title: Re: Lesson 1: An Introduction
Post by: pepokish on December 27, 2010, 08:51:34 pm
patchx94:  I wanted to welcome you into the class, and to let you know that you're always welcome to join!  We have a very open format, so you can participate in the lessons that inspire you, and pass on the ones that don't -- it's no big deal!  (:  I can be pretty amotivational, as well (don't tell anyone.. haha!), and I do art for a living.  So don't worry about that.  :P

At any rate, thanks for participating in lesson 1!  I'm sorry that we are a bit slow to getting feedback, as we are focusing primarily on lesson 2 at the moment, and we've been insanely busy with Christmas (and now New Years!). 


I want to do this, but I'm afraid that if I do what I consider confined art, my stuff that i do purely from inspiration will be tainted. I will allow anyone to take what I make and improve them. I know I should learn to draw limbs and full body structures, but wish to stay in the abstract end of art.

I would like to thank vrt and pepokish for providing this service.
You can never unlearn something by learning something else.

If you feel that this class is not for you, then of course you don't have to join in!  We work with representational art, and don't have much experience with abstract -- and we can teach only what we know, nothing more.  But I can see no real harm in learning something new -- I can't see how it would taint your ability to create abstract art, only improve your ability to make representational art as well.  (:  I find that learning proper anatomy has only freed my imagination further, by allowing me to put into proper form the things I imagine... but that's just my experience, and I'm sure yours may be different. 

In any case, you're very welcome!  I'm sure I may speak for vrt as well, when I say that this is something we really enjoy, and I'm so glad that we have this chance to help out!
Title: Re: Lesson 1: An Introduction
Post by: EmeraldTiger on December 29, 2010, 12:25:27 am
Please allow me to attempt to take up the role of providing art that makes an idea good enough for crucible. then when an idea makes it above crucible that is when more refined art should be required. there are others here that i have seen that can provide art for crucible and/or provide the more refined art that would make an idea good enough for game.
Title: Re: Lesson 1: An Introduction
Post by: SunnyGreens on December 29, 2010, 09:24:29 pm
Here's another version of my changeling. The background is simple since I still need to figure out how do do a decent one. I will leave it at that for now. I am hoping that as I improve I will be able to work faster.

(http://img695.imageshack.us/img695/8740/changelingversion223.png)
Edit: Just saw this on another screen and it is much darker for some reason. Is the white shading on the black ooze clearly visible for everyone else? I am hoping its just that this screens brightness/contrast settings are messed up.
Title: Re: Lesson 1: An Introduction
Post by: ArtCrusade on December 29, 2010, 11:12:53 pm
Clearly visable for me ;)
Title: Re: Lesson 1: An Introduction
Post by: Krava on December 29, 2010, 11:27:46 pm
I also see shading..
And this flaming pink background is little painful to look at...
Wow sunny, that is nice texture!  How much work is thus far?
Title: Re: Lesson 1: An Introduction
Post by: asymmetry on December 29, 2010, 11:35:22 pm
+1... That skull texture is looking awesome, Sunny :b
Title: Re: Lesson 1: An Introduction
Post by: Pineapple on December 30, 2010, 12:24:49 am
I can't really see the black ooze's texture at all unless I look at the screen from an extreme angle...All are see are the white highlights.
Title: Re: Lesson 1: An Introduction
Post by: TimerClock14 on December 30, 2010, 02:30:12 am
...
And this flaming pink background is little painful to look at...
...
I agree. It clashes with the horns and, as mentioned, difficult to look at. Perhaps recolor the background with a more pastel version of that pink, or lowering the brightness and flip up the contrast a touch. Other than that, it's looking really good. I am loving the texture you have on that black ooze.
Title: Re: Lesson 1: An Introduction
Post by: SunnyGreens on December 30, 2010, 04:05:46 pm
@Krava: This took way too long.

@Krava + TimerClock14: I'll make the background less neon.

@Patchx94: Ah, see this is what I was worried about. The shading is clearly visible on my computer, but I tried another computer and had the same problem as you did where only the highlights are visible.
Title: Re: Lesson 1: An Introduction
Post by: vrt on January 03, 2011, 06:26:14 pm
We're two lessons ahead; this topic will now be locked. To all who participated; well done and keep it up!
blarg: