Thanqol Learns To Draw IV: NO EXCUSES

[Thanqol]

Hi, I'm Thanqol, and sometimes I'm a jerk.

ONE PICTURE.
EVERY DAY.
NO EXCUSES.

YEAR ONE (http://youtu.be/w9pFnX01Bjo)
YEAR TWO (http://youtu.be/0GDC_x_FPcs)
YEAR THREE (http://youtu.be/CcAvRPXiDjI)

MUSIC TO LIVE YOUR LIFE TO:
ONE (http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLE1920AA3C2FBC62F)
TWO (http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLA0162EF0516770C0)
THREE (http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLr4faIn_juK2xZM9KwYxbI76WCVHqVcnA)
FOUR (http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLr4faIn_juK3HA5gmFoZUp4MycHgDv0vm)

YEAR FOUR BEGINS NOW.


1: Proportion and Placement
2: Form and Construction
3: Perspective
4: Anatomy
5: Gesture
6: Composition
7: Values
8: Colour Theory

[Colonel Fedora]

I think you've improved a lot in terms of drawing people recently.

One thing I've noticed is that you tend towards very boxy shapes a lot of the time. I think this is really holding you back for organic things.

Have you tried drawing something without lifting your pencil/tablet pen up? Maybe that would help. As like an exercise.

This (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q5R7qxw5riE&list=UUUQTqWAaSzhAKRanOpes1nA) video will probably be more helpful than my strange tips.

[Cuthalion]

You have improved immeasurably since Day 1. :smallsmile:

[Anarion]

The level of improvement is really marked. I think in particular the smoothness of your lines and the complexity of your faces and poses has come a very long way.

[Thanqol]

Thanks guys!


Have you tried drawing something without lifting your pencil/tablet pen up? Maybe that would help. As like an exercise.

I have. It's terrible. You should try it, like, just try drawing a bunch of stick figures and see what you get.

Day 1096: Easy Retirement

So how's my pone?

Commander White Noise in her new job as wasteland fashionista!

Links (http://i.imgur.com/0k0LJHh.jpg)

Music (http://youtu.be/imyBoEfN7as): Wiki wiki wiki!

[Thanqol]

Day 1097: HANDS TIME

Okay so I need to stop hiding hands in pockets/behind backs. TIME TO LEARN HANDS. But how, you ask, to make HUNDREDS OF BORING HAND FAILURES FUN?

The answer is obvious.

Links (http://i.imgur.com/gwhPW1r.jpg)

Music (http://youtu.be/xweiQukBM_k): Opposites Attract

[Zorg]

This link might be of use to you - rotatable hand models (http://www.posemaniacs.com/tools/handviewer/) (though the url defaults to a naked torso so, um, NSFW I guess)

Also a random pose generator (http://www.eggazyoutatsu.net/atarichanDrawer.html?p=sn-5d43c-3d98c-15d72n-17d67c65d38c-24d68n53d43c-2d78c-39d74n-67d07c-27d98c-4d72n60d61c-79d01c-12d25n-69d39c-107d63c-21d12n87d56c-140d74c33d36n-71d70c-187d28c-37d51n46d66c-80d37c0d00n-16d36c-91d48c0d00n62d89c-143d61c0d00n-9d98c-156d46c0d00n103d85c-179d73c112d44n9d95c-228d92c99d89n72d90c-198d35c-7d22n-54d81c-193d32c-0d93n-249d59c247d62c639d70n18d28c-103d25c18d47n30n1193d33n62d59ne&date=2013-0629).

[Anarion]

Day 1097: HANDS TIME

Okay so I need to stop hiding hands in pockets/behind backs. TIME TO LEARN HANDS. But how, you ask, to make HUNDREDS OF BORING HAND FAILURES FUN?

The answer is obvious.

Links (http://i.imgur.com/gwhPW1r.jpg)

Music (http://youtu.be/xweiQukBM_k): Opposites Attract

Doing perfect hands is extremely difficult. It's the one thing that tends to look off, even in the works of the greatest masters. Good luck.

[Duck999]

I've been out a little bit. Nice 3 years drawing, entertained me.

Ponies, ponies, hands, hands... PONIES WITH HANDS!!!! AHHH!
The newest apocalypse movie-Attack of the hand ponies.

[Thanqol]

This link might be of use to you - rotatable hand models (http://www.posemaniacs.com/tools/handviewer/) (though the url defaults to a naked torso so, um, NSFW I guess)

Also a random pose generator (http://www.eggazyoutatsu.net/atarichanDrawer.html?p=sn-5d43c-3d98c-15d72n-17d67c65d38c-24d68n53d43c-2d78c-39d74n-67d07c-27d98c-4d72n60d61c-79d01c-12d25n-69d39c-107d63c-21d12n87d56c-140d74c33d36n-71d70c-187d28c-37d51n46d66c-80d37c0d00n-16d36c-91d48c0d00n62d89c-143d61c0d00n-9d98c-156d46c0d00n103d85c-179d73c112d44n9d95c-228d92c99d89n72d90c-198d35c-7d22n-54d81c-193d32c-0d93n-249d59c247d62c639d70n18d28c-103d25c18d47n30n1193d33n62d59ne&date=2013-0629).

Thanks! Probably much more useful than glaring endlessly at my own hands.

Day 1098 is another Tuesday P&P, will upload those in bulk when they pile up.

Day 1099: Princess of the Night

Her hair is so pretty! A detour from the learning curve to play with colour some more.

One (http://i.imgur.com/GZP9zEV.jpg)
Two (http://i.imgur.com/DeKxh7X.jpg)

Music (http://jillianaversa.bandcamp.com/album/atlantis-awakening): Will o' the Wisp

[Madcrafter]

I will say that with the hands you seem to be continuing your square trend. The tops of the palms I'm familiar with are not flat as you have them there, but slightly to extremely curved, which also serves to make the little finger far shorter than the index with fingers extended (but not when bent over). Flat top probably works fine for different angles though, compensating that finger.

[Duck999]

The second ones hair looks less hair colored, but I like the colors used. And is the hair flaming, or is it falling off?:smalltongue:

[SiuiS]

One thing I've noticed is that you tend towards very boxy shapes a lot of the time. I think this is really holding you back for organic things.

I dunno. It's a relic from the way he frames his subjects, and is the one thing distinctly Thanqol that you can find even as he switches style and medium. I don't think it holds him back in any meaningful way and it does show his style clearly.


I will say that with the hands you seem to be continuing your square trend. The tops of the palms I'm familiar with are not flat as you have them there, but slightly to extremely curved, which also serves to make the little finger far shorter than the index with fingers extended (but not when bent over). Flat top probably works fine for different angles though, compensating that finger.

Even more accurate; your hands are vaguely fan-shaped, so you'll get different comparative finger lengths based on how you position the wrist. Hands are fun. They work best if you grok the bones. No amount of stacking boxes or wireframes will help if you don't grok hand bones.

[Thanqol]

Day 1100: Form Over Function

Took this lesson. (http://youtu.be/tsdkhQis34U)

Produced this (http://i.imgur.com/ZHn1RrC.jpg).

This is really complicated and interesting. I have the feeling that focusing on Form a bit will help me hugely with hands. Foreshortening and depth seem like core concepts.

[Cuthalion]

Y'know, I should try that.

[Duck999]

Very nice, especially the bottom right.

[Thanqol]

Y'know, I should try that.

You should, this stuff is blowing my brain.

Day 1101: Depth Perception

Holy crap, I'm not even sure what's happening but it's incredible. It's like I said to my brain 'figure out depth' and it's like 'yea okay, here you go'.

Links (http://i.imgur.com/Cs84bfH.jpg)

[Cuthalion]

I watched it the rest last night. It is really good. I'll have to see...

[Thanqol]

Day 1102: Down Into The Deep

This is still weird. Weird but cool.

Links (http://i.imgur.com/mNLVK8j.jpg)

[Duck999]

1101: It looks like the pony has a human hand.:smalltongue:

1102: Very nice. I like sketches much more than full out color drawings, but I think that would be good in color.

[Thanqol]

1101: It looks like the pony has a human hand.:smalltongue:

How horrifying!

Day 1103: Sunny Day

Just me and the chemtrails.

Links (http://i.imgur.com/7D9G98W.jpg)

[Duck999]

Ooh, great use of color.

[SiuiS]

The importance of dynamism and composition. (http://tatterdemalionvulpine.tumblr.com/post/58966685204/bestlols-the-importance-of-angles-wow-duly)

[Thanqol]

The importance of dynamism and composition. (http://tatterdemalionvulpine.tumblr.com/post/58966685204/bestlols-the-importance-of-angles-wow-duly)

WITCHCRAFT

Day 1104: Level Bounce

Been reading. Been reading a lot. Today has been a day wherein I have read things.

Links (http://i.imgur.com/SOdhPTs.jpg)

[Duck999]

Pretty good, especially the gun.

[Thanqol]

Day 1105 is an IOU as usual.

Day 1106: Painting Your World

Played Transistor today. Shockingly beautiful game.

Links (http://i.imgur.com/Fbg0sfD.jpg)

[Cuthalion]

What does the IOU mean?

[Anarion]

Day 1105 is an IOU as usual.

Day 1106: Painting Your World

Played Transistor today. Shockingly beautiful game.

Links (http://i.imgur.com/Fbg0sfD.jpg)

!

That's out already? I need to buy that!

P.S. Pretty picture.


What does the IOU mean?

It means he owes us.

[Cuthalion]

Ohhhhh okay. I think I get it. He will make it up at a later date?

[Anarion]

Ohhhhh okay. I think I get it. He will make it up at a later date?

As I understand it, Thanqol has been impressively consistent in never missing a day, and also impressively consistent in failing to take the time daily to move images from physical form to camera to Internet.

[Thanqol]

As I understand it, Thanqol has been impressively consistent in never missing a day, and also impressively consistent in failing to take the time daily to move images from physical form to camera to Internet.

This one. P&P stuff always looks so mediocre and I ramble really badly with my notebooks that it's basically un-viewable and I've got no motivation to upload 'em. I'll post 'em all up eventually.

[Duck999]

OOOOOHH! Pretty, I like the arm especially.

[Thanqol]

Thanks!

Day 1107: Timetable

Man I am not keeping up with anything this week.

Links (http://i.imgur.com/qcjNDP9.jpg)

[Duck999]

The bottom right nose is kind of... weird. I like the top right image though.

[Anarion]

The bottom right nose is kind of... weird. I like the top right image though.

To expand on weird a bit, it looks as though the bottom right guy had his nose broken at some point, and it wound up slightly crooked pointing to the right side of the paper, relative to the rest of the face.

[Thanqol]

Yeah, thanks.

Day 1108: Invisibility

This image has 15 layers. I was trying to do something in the Samurai Jack style and ended up making a confusing and ugly mess so I scrapped it all in frustration. Still, the background's kinda nice.

Links (http://i.imgur.com/39vjk9g.jpg)

Time: 1 Hour
Music (http://youtu.be/8GdtAElxW6g): Happy

[Thanqol]

Day 1109: Indulgent

Fanart for my LP, commenting on the brighter side of Papal indulgences.

Links (http://i.imgur.com/53hhQiZ.jpg)

Music (http://youtu.be/l35oH3BoRGU): Revenge

[Anarion]

Day 1109: Indulgent

Fanart for my LP, commenting on the brighter side of Papal indulgences.

Links (http://i.imgur.com/53hhQiZ.jpg)

Music (http://youtu.be/l35oH3BoRGU): Revenge

Did France do something bad to you?

[Thanqol]

Did France do something bad to you?

Converted to Fraticelli, which is a Catholic heresy that doesn't believe in material wealth. They think that the only way into Heaven is prayer and virtue. Pffftfffftft!

[Thanqol]

Day 1110: Numerical

Oh thank goodness, day 1111 is going to be past soon. I always hate the numerically significant days.

Anyway, didn't have much brain today. My new writing project is eating most of that.

Links (http://i.imgur.com/V6OkeM6.jpg)

[Sean Mirrsen]

Day 1110: Numerical

Oh thank goodness, day 1111 is going to be past soon. I always hate the numerically significant days.

Anyway, didn't have much brain today. My new writing project is eating most of that.

Links (http://i.imgur.com/V6OkeM6.jpg)Well, at least your basic skills seem to be in good shape.

[Anarion]

Well, at least your basic skills seem to be in good shape.

Yep, that's an excellent drawing of Lyra.

[Colonel Fedora]

new writing project




http://i2.kym-cdn.com/photos/images/facebook/000/641/298/448.jpg

But seriously, good luck on that. I'm looking forward to it. Whatever it is.

[Thanqol]

Day 1111: write write

Write. Write. Think about writing. Write. Write. Maybe draw.

Links (http://i.imgur.com/SYQTcb6.jpg)

[Duck999]

That is a great written piece. :smalltongue:
I like it.

[Thanqol]

Day 1112: where does the everything happen

This was going to be better but I put my linework on the same layer as my sketch. BAH!

Links (http://i.imgur.com/1RWCHwe.jpg)

[Duck999]

I like the facial features, though the eyes look different.

[Madcrafter]

In Photoshop you can select by colour range, and then just cut and paste in place to a new layer. Not sure if SAI (IIRC that's what you're using) can do that too. Otherwise next time, you can just magic wand it up.

[Thanqol]

It's possible to do it's just a pain in the butt and I didn't feel like it. Also it roughs up all the pixel edges.

Day 1113: Speedpaintin'

Something light and relaxing. Commander White Noise.

Links (http://i.imgur.com/TjqUXM4.jpg)

[Duck999]

I like the shades of blue on that beautiful equestrian beast.

[Thanqol]

I like the shades of blue on that beautiful equestrian beast.

Thanks!

Day 1114: Friends Don't Punch Friends

Let's just all take a second to contemplate that rule. Isn't it a good rule?

Links (http://i.imgur.com/cGJuA1G.jpg)

[Duck999]

Wait, I'm not supposed to punch friends? Whoops...

I like the picture, but the writing is hard to read that size.

[Thanqol]

Day 1115: We'll Do The Rest

I got called in to work today.

"But I don't have a job," I said to the lady on the phone.

"You do today, for one day only," she said.

I put on my Sunday best. I went out to a big city Law Firm and rode a fancy elevator up to the glittering skyline. I walked into a beautiful office full of high-class lawyers, like a set from Suits. And then I walked into a hot room filled with boxes and stacked paper for eight hours. I spoke to no-one. And then I walked out of the hot room, across the beautiful office, back into the fancy elevator, and back down to the street and unemployment.

This is the story of how Thanqol is not the protagonist.

Links (http://i.imgur.com/mtFXtGl.jpg)

Music (http://youtu.be/hzM71scYw0M): Hello, I Love You

[Anarion]

Day 1115: We'll Do The Rest

I got called in to work today.

"But I don't have a job," I said to the lady on the phone.

"You do today, for one day only," she said.

I put on my Sunday best. I went out to a big city Law Firm and rode a fancy elevator up to the glittering skyline. I walked into a beautiful office full of high-class lawyers, like a set from Suits. And then I walked into a hot room filled with boxes and stacked paper for eight hours. I spoke to no-one. And then I walked out of the hot room, across the beautiful office, back into the fancy elevator, and back down to the street and unemployment.

This is the story of how Thanqol is not the protagonist.

Links (http://i.imgur.com/mtFXtGl.jpg)

Music (http://youtu.be/hzM71scYw0M): Hello, I Love You

Although the lawyers may have been in a slightly cooler room, their experience is much the sane, albeit extending to twelve hours and with a greater quantity of electronic documents.

[Thanqol]

Although the lawyers may have been in a slightly cooler room, their experience is much the sane, albeit extending to twelve hours and with a greater quantity of electronic documents.

And a slightly bigger paycheck I'd imagine :smalltongue:


Day 1116: FaceFace

Best mural. (http://i.imgur.com/Alcpk.jpg) Simple hackjob, hopefully more better next week.

Links (http://i.imgur.com/jBPG7xl.jpg)

[Thanqol]

Day 1117: Wuh Oh

So tired.

Also Phenomenon is this weekend.

GONNA DIE.

Links (http://i.imgur.com/v3BmlIh.jpg)

[Duck999]

Ooohh, nice heads.

[Anarion]

GONNA DIE.


That is a terrible plan, don't do that.

Your 3D perspective in the last couple weeks has gotten a lot better.

[Thanqol]

That is a terrible plan, don't do that.

Your 3D perspective in the last couple weeks has gotten a lot better.

Thanks guys. It's one of them perspective shifts.

Now, just a general disclaimer, Phenomenon is coming up. Phenomenon is a gaming convention where I am gonna be LARP'ing from 7am-midnight three days in a row. It's an incredible emotional rollercoaster and it's going to absolutely wipe me out. I may not be human for a bit after that happens.

Day 1118: MANLY

FLEX DEM BONES

Links (http://i.imgur.com/LJrPrKk.jpg)

Music (http://youtu.be/1UgvAJ8pATU): Chant of Mirth

[Duck999]

Nice! I like the facial expressions. There is a weird looking corner on the left side of the top left one though.

[the_druid_droid]

Thanks guys. It's one of them perspective shifts.

Now, just a general disclaimer, Phenomenon is coming up. Phenomenon is a gaming convention where I am gonna be LARP'ing from 7am-midnight three days in a row. It's an incredible emotional rollercoaster and it's going to absolutely wipe me out. I may not be human for a bit after that happens.

Day 1118: MANLY

FLEX DEM BONES

Links (http://i.imgur.com/LJrPrKk.jpg)

Music (http://youtu.be/1UgvAJ8pATU): Chant of Mirth

Ok, wow! The top two heads are legitimately impressive in terms of form and expression. I'd really like to see more along those lines.

[Thanqol]

CAN DO

Day 1119: DOUBLE MANLY

Studying the Manly Guys (http://thepunchlineismachismo.com/) style.

Links (http://i.imgur.com/I3fH6ZV.jpg)

[Duck999]

HAHA! Nice! However, middle heads mouth is tilted, and his hair is rectangular. This fixes are only necessary for a perfectly realistic picture though.

[Anarion]

HAHA! Nice! However, middle heads mouth is tilted, and his hair is rectangular. This fixes are only necessary for a perfectly realistic picture though.

Those details look to me like they're present in the original, so I don't think that's a knock on Thanqol's work so much as a statement that he got the style right.

[Thanqol]

Thanks guys!

Day 1120: WHARP

Still working on today's piece, taking longer than expected. Will be edited into this post.

Still a WIP but I'm tired.

Links (http://i.imgur.com/1nnkizH.jpg)

[Duck999]

Oooh, a map. I wish I could draw maps...

[Anarion]

Oooh, a map. I wish I could draw maps...

Don't we all, Duck999, don't we all.

[Duck999]

Don't we all, Duck999, don't we all.

Except Thanqol: He already can.

[Thanqol]

There's a lotta different ways to do maps. A lot of them are pains in the ass.

Day 1121: Away

Gonna be out for the next four days. Presumably a big update at the end of it.

Possible flag for Iselsi Aurala.

http://i.imgur.com/m77xewp.jpg

[Duck999]

I like it. It makes me think.

[Thanqol]

Days 1122-1125: Decompression

Pheno was great, as usual. I was worried that some of the early games were duds but after that it really got into the full swing. It even left me with a brilliant new concept burning a hole in my pocket, which is pretty sweet.

These were done, like, standing up at a bus stop so whatever.

One (http://i.imgur.com/2zct9bS.jpg)
Two (http://i.imgur.com/IifxgjV.jpg)
Three/Four (http://i.imgur.com/UUL5trM.jpg)
Five (http://i.imgur.com/xvllVTr.jpg)

[Duck999]

All very nice. The top of five looks kind of weird. Also, there is a creepy thing staring at me in four.

[Thanqol]

Day 1126: Lessons Learned

I guess what I learned from Pheno this year is that I really enjoy stirring up trouble.

http://i.imgur.com/V8DDU7f.png

Music (http://youtu.be/4eur8dSyigc): Sister Luna

[Duck999]

Equine chess piece... Now I have to look up equine (MLP) chess.

[Thanqol]

Day 1127: One More Turn

Just a bit longer, bit longer, bit longer - oh crap it's 11.45 and I need to do a picture.

Today I saw Edge of Tomorrow. Here is my in depth review:

It was an action movie starring Tom Cruise.

Links (http://i.imgur.com/L2TB2ju.jpg)

[Duck999]

Kinda sketchy. Is that hair, cuz if it is...:smallbiggrin::smallcool:

[Thanqol]

Day 1128: I AM THE ANTIPOPE

LIKE A HAMMER HITS A CANTELOPE

Links (http://i.imgur.com/K8EjzMx.jpg)

Music (http://youtu.be/GGBHfXPqbgI): I AM THE ANTIPOPE

[Duck999]

MY GOD! Not his god, MINE! :small tongue: I like the upside down crosses.

[Thanqol]

Day 1129: Femme

[/whining]

Basically I'm coming to the conclusion that I'm not going to do anything productive until I get of this EU4 hit.

Links (http://i.imgur.com/8KKwtKD.jpg)

[Duck999]

Good drawing. I would consider that productive.

[Thanqol]

Day 1130: ARGENT OR DEATH!

Still no emotions. Hmm.

Links (http://i.imgur.com/Q19eAwj.jpg)

[Duck999]

Nice, but some of the lines look a little too straight where they should be curved.

[Thanqol]

Nice, but some of the lines look a little too straight where they should be curved.

Style experiment. Worked better some places than others.

[Duck999]

Style experiment. Worked better some places than others.

Yeah. I think the bottom of his lifted foot should be more rounded. That's just my opinion though.

[Thanqol]

Yeah. I think the bottom of his lifted foot should be more rounded. That's just my opinion though.

Opinions are fine. You have a functional set of eyes and haven't been staring at the piece for an hour solid, that's all the qualifications you need :smallsmile: Thanks.

[Madcrafter]

Well, that leg also looks to be a fair bit shorter than the other, even if it's been foreshortened a bit to come out towards the viewer. And the joint on the back leg where it connects to the body doesn't make sense to me. His sideburns are something else though, and I like his cape/scarf.

[Thanqol]

Day 1131: Soul Tracer

I'm trying and trying to avoid using hard black lines whenever I can because those are kind of a trap, I think. So here's another experiment. Turned out pretty cool, I might stick with it.

Links (http://s16.postimg.org/htchuw7th/Day_1131.jpg)

[Tiki Snakes]

It's not so much that hard black lines are a trap as it is that line-art in general can be a bit of a trap.

I think, anyway.

[Thanqol]

It's not so much that hard black lines are a trap as it is that line-art in general can be a bit of a trap.

I think, anyway.

Yeah, exactly. There's an upper limit on how good line art can get while that barrier doesn't seem to exist in the same way with lineless stuff. But it's also way, way, way harder and more time consuming to do lineless stuff.

[Tiki Snakes]

Arguably, I guess. Doesnt have to be that much harder to give it a go though. I always had good fun working on rough brown paper, using chalk and charcoal. (and black and white conte crayon, but thats just an extra for sharpness here and there).

Could be a fun thing to experiment with.

[Duck999]

The lifted leg looks thinner, but good drawig anyway.

[Anarion]

Day 1131: Soul Tracer

I'm trying and trying to avoid using hard black lines whenever I can because those are kind of a trap, I think. So here's another experiment. Turned out pretty cool, I might stick with it.

Links (http://s16.postimg.org/htchuw7th/Day_1131.jpg)

Squeeeee! You totally nailed the design to my mental image, including picking a good eye color, which I totally forgot about.

I will echo that the lifted leg does look slightly atrophied compared to the others, I think it's that the proportions on the upper muscles where it joins the body are off. That is, if it were just a tad shorter but equally thick, I doubt anyone would notice, but being a tad shorter and proportionally smaller to the other legs draws more attention.

I'm considering using this as an avatar for a while after the game gets started if I can figure out how to shrink it down without making it look awful, or maybe just use the head.

[Madcrafter]

Ponies tend to shrink down to avatar size decently well. The main thing that you might want to change is just thickening the lines around the nose because those seem to disappear the fastest.

[Anarion]

Ponies tend to shrink down to avatar size decently well. The main thing that you might want to change is just thickening the lines around the nose because those seem to disappear the fastest.

I am unfamiliar enough with basic art programs that I have no idea how to do that.

[Thanqol]

I am unfamiliar enough with basic art programs that I have no idea how to do that.

You'd want me to do that anyway so I can get rid of the background and such. I'll do it this evening.

E:

http://i.imgur.com/FdQfOUX.png

[Thanqol]

Day 1132: Generic Anime Chick #401540

yep

Links (http://i.imgur.com/nNKuP3e.jpg)

Music (http://youtu.be/C1htoqWPVus): Love and Peace Or Else

[Anarion]

You'd want me to do that anyway so I can get rid of the background and such. I'll do it this evening.

E:

http://i.imgur.com/FdQfOUX.png

Nice, I'll tag this in when I get home tonight. Don't want to save it on my work computer.


Day 1132: Generic Anime Chick #401540

yep

Links (http://i.imgur.com/nNKuP3e.jpg)

Music (http://youtu.be/C1htoqWPVus): Love and Peace Or Else

Haha, she has a bow on a sailor suit. I can't figure out what the linework at the end of her left arm is supposed to be though.

[Duck999]

Nice! Can I see the other 401539?

[Thanqol]

Day 1133: Mild Surprise!

I got nothin'.

Links (http://i.imgur.com/l7r3MSQ.jpg)

[Thanqol]

THE NEW SYSTEM

Okay I'm mostly recovered from Pheno at this point and, once I kick this EU4 addiction, I'll be back in business. But I've been feeling vague and drift-y for a little while now, not knowing how to structure my daily drawing especially when I'm tired or busy. So I'm making this handy-dandy little roster that I'm going to cycle through for the foreseeable future, sourced from this video. (http://youtu.be/piKV5nXL-C4)

So:

1: Proportion and Placement
2: Form and Construction
3: Perspective
4: Anatomy
5: Gesture
6: Composition
7: Values
8: Colour Theory

One day on each topic, down to the next one, and then loops back to the beginning. Keeps me working on a wide variety of things and forces me to think a little more about what I'm out to learn each day while also not being rigorous enough to get me to forget. It's a good system, let's see how it goes.

[Thanqol]

Day 1134: (1) Instant Regret

WHY DID I DO THIS PROPORTIONS ARE SO HARD AND BORING

Seriously, though, I needed this. And I think that the circly method I discovered here has real potential 'cause I cannot hack that eight-heads-line thing for more than I physically have to.

Links (http://i.imgur.com/wGP3uEN.jpg)

[Duck999]

Really. Those look kind of weird. And why must there always be a pony?!?!

[Anarion]

Really. Those look kind of weird. And why must there always be a pony?!?!

Your question in white text makes no sense. If you're drawing a picture of a pony, obviously it's going to have a pony in it.

[Duck999]

Your question in white text makes no sense. If you're drawing a picture of a pony, obviously it's going to have a pony in it.

Not this again. The pony is a part of a picture, then there are those other weird fleshy things called humans. (Hue-mans)

[Thanqol]

Day 1135: (2) STARING AT CUBES

I stared at my dice for twenty solid minutes, gently turning it over in my hands and making sketches. It was driving me insane. Everything I knew said that I shouldn't be able to be seeing the things I was seeing. How can it be possible to see four sides of a cube at the same time? How was I supposed to draw it without it coming across as some weird optical illusion?

Then I remembered that I have two eyes. Two eyes together can focus on a small dice from different directions. Closing one eye solved my problem.

Goddamn it.

Links (http://i.imgur.com/XYpc5j9.jpg)

[Duck999]

Nice. I really started laughing at the I have two eyes :smallfurious: at the end.

[Anarion]

Day 1135: (2) STARING AT CUBES

I stared at my dice for twenty solid minutes, gently turning it over in my hands and making sketches. It was driving me insane. Everything I knew said that I shouldn't be able to be seeing the things I was seeing. How can it be possible to see four sides of a cube at the same time? How was I supposed to draw it without it coming across as some weird optical illusion?

Then I remembered that I have two eyes. Two eyes together can focus on a small dice from different directions. Closing one eye solved my problem.

Goddamn it.

Links (http://i.imgur.com/XYpc5j9.jpg)

Costs of depth perception. Also that dice cube in the angry eyes picture looks like a stylized nose.

[Colonel Fedora]

Much respect for making something of a training regime. I've been doing the absolute minimum for weeks and it's starting to become bothersome.

Only one solution for that I suppose.

[Thanqol]

Day 1136: (3) like a line with lines through it

I really want to do some in-depth work with perspective but I need videos and materials for that and today I just gave my LP another shove on the path to Maximum Hitler and also worked or something idk

Links (http://i.imgur.com/OPXtO4R.jpg)

[Duck999]

Such pony. Wow.
http://fc01.deviantart.net/fs70/f/2013/299/e/4/doge_princess_luna_by_rayscratch-d6rvrmk.jpg
I like the obscenely long leg.

[the_druid_droid]

Day 1135: (2) STARING AT CUBES

I was honestly expecting a cubism joke in there somewhere...

[Thanqol]

Day 1137: (4) Shoulders

Following along (http://youtu.be/hctC43wq0pY)

Nothing remarkable today other than being tired to bits. Anatomy's a lot easier for me than most of this other stuff, so this was a welcome break.

Links (http://i.imgur.com/uXdO8pp.jpg)

[Duck999]

If those are supposed to be plain shoulders, they look like they have pads or armor. If they are supposed to have pads or armor... good job.

[Thanqol]

If those are supposed to be plain shoulders, they look like they have pads or armor. If they are supposed to have pads or armor... good job.

Exposed musculature.

[Anarion]

If those are supposed to be plain shoulders, they look like they have pads or armor. If they are supposed to have pads or armor... good job.

Did you watch the video? This is basically an anatomy lesson about how to portray bones and, as Thanqol said, exposed musculature. It's for being really accurate and catching all the details of a real subject.

[Thanqol]

Day 1138: (5) Triangle People

A useful trick to 30-second gesture drawing is to draw people as arrangements of triangles. You'll notice that my figures today became a lot more comprehensible when I started doing that.

This system is actually really great for me. I haven't had a lot of time recently and art's started to be one of those 'urgh' things, but now I'm actually starting to get really pumped for drawing again. As soon as my calendar opens up next week I'm going to commit a lot harder to this stuff because I'm starting to taste the fun again.

Links (http://i.imgur.com/cVMBw4o.jpg)

[Duck999]

I have never seen such good drawings out of triangles. That will be my method whenever I am not supposed to be using stick figures now.:smallbiggrin:

[Thanqol]

Day 1139: (6) Imaginaaaaation!

Today I'm doing composition using the Metal Mask colour palette!

Links (http://i.imgur.com/tFkDYrL.jpg)

[Anarion]

Day 1139: (6) Imaginaaaaation!

Today I'm doing composition using the Metal Mask colour palette!

Links (http://i.imgur.com/tFkDYrL.jpg)

Very Picasso-esque.

[Duck999]

Very Picasso-esque.

Yes, yes it is. With the use of shapes...

[Thanqol]

Day 1140: Missed

Merde, I judged my time badly. This will have to do for today.

http://i.imgur.com/lmfcMob.jpg

[Anarion]

Day 1140: Missed

Merde, I judged my time badly. This will have to do for today.

http://i.imgur.com/lmfcMob.jpg

My apologies, I'm not making it any easier for you. Scene wrap-up logistics are the worst.

Sweet meteor though. Being able to identify every stick figure corpse is a morbid feeling.

[Duck999]

Looks like something I would draw (stick figures), except it has depth and an amazing fireball/meteor that I would never be able to make look good. ...I suck at art.:smalltongue:

[Thanqol]

Day 1141: (7) Valuesable

Tried to do a couple rounds of the values game but if you put a tablet in front of someone they forget about helping you out and just start messin' around.

I do not remotely have the hang of values, this has completely passed me by as a topic. I need to do some serious grinding here. So here's a tentative first step.

Links (http://i.imgur.com/GnPnHrh.jpg)

[Duck999]

Great shading. That's how you make a black and white picture look amazing.

[Thanqol]

Day 1142: (8) Horse Colours

yay i get fired tomorrow

Some colour designs for Long Live the Princess.

Links (http://i.imgur.com/x49IHfz.jpg)

[Duck999]

Great color scheme. I wish I could do that, especially with the blue.

[the_druid_droid]

Day 1142: (8) Horse Colours

yay i get fired tomorrow

Some colour designs for Long Live the Princess.

Links (http://i.imgur.com/x49IHfz.jpg)

I have the suspicion that Goldie's mark in that picture is an Atlantean rune (which was basically what I was thinking in my mental image) but I can't recall which one it might be and am curious.

Also, it looks good!

[Thanqol]

I have the suspicion that Goldie's mark in that picture is an Atlantean rune (which was basically what I was thinking in my mental image) but I can't recall which one it might be and am curious.

Also, it looks good!

Prime Shielding.

[the_druid_droid]

Prime Shielding.

I was leaning toward Prime something. Good choice...

[Thanqol]

Day 1143: sweet freedom

yay i'm unemployed again

Links (http://i.imgur.com/h20RIZ7.jpg)

[Duck999]

And the facial expression in your drawing reflects that greatly.:smalltongue:

[Thanqol]

Day 1144: The Great Forgetting

Recommendation: King Leopold's Ghost. (http://www.amazon.com/King-Leopolds-Ghost-Heroism-Colonial/dp/0618001905)

Possibly the most powerful thing I have ever read. Buy it, read it, understand the world a little better.

Links (http://i.imgur.com/zVJZPVo.jpg)

[Duck999]

How do you get that effect of the fingers being real while they don't look attached... or did you just paint your hand and stamp it?:smalltongue:

[Thanqol]

How do you get that effect of the fingers being real while they don't look attached... or did you just paint your hand and stamp it?:smalltongue:

That's not a hand, that's a rooster D:

[Duck999]

That's not a hand, that's a rooster D:

Hmmm, well it has a alight resemblance to a turkey as well...

[Thanqol]

Day 1145: (1) down the stairs

The light is broken.

And yet every time I walk into the room, I reflexively flick the switch, and then stumble confidently and blindly into the dark.

This was a joke on The Simpsons.

Links (http://i.imgur.com/VeVmrjc.jpg)

[Anarion]

Day 1145: (1) down the stairs

The light is broken.

And yet every time I walk into the room, I reflexively flick the switch, and then stumble confidently and blindly into the dark.

This was a joke on The Simpsons.

Links (http://i.imgur.com/VeVmrjc.jpg)

Looks painful.

Also, I've pulled out my trash can sometimes to take it out then thrown stuff into the empty space under the sink. So, yep.

[Duck999]

Looks very painful considering his legs look probably broken from the angle they are bent at.

[Thanqol]

Day 1146: slight improvement

OKAY I'm finally done with the Walking Dead game series (excellent). Here is your customary tribute.

Links (http://i.imgur.com/cDvb58W.jpg)

[Duck999]

Nice. I really like the shoreline. You managed to make it look very realistic.

[Thanqol]

IOU day 1147

Day 1148: Don't Take This Away From Me

I am so unbelievably angry right now. Don't ask it's just... urgh.

Links (http://i.imgur.com/NVwalyI.jpg)

[Duck999]

Your anger is portrayed well in that amazingly cute weirdly shaped face.

[Thanqol]

Day 1149: (2) The Shapes Of A Face

This was actually really revelatory. Wow.

I think I'm overcommitted with stuff right now. I'm going to work to permanently conclude a few of my current projects.

Links (http://i.imgur.com/nhhnNtF.jpg)

Music (http://youtu.be/TOtgA0NDj9I): This Man Is Dead

[Duck999]

His hair looks much too square.

[the_druid_droid]

Day 1146: slight improvement

OKAY I'm finally done with the Walking Dead game series (excellent). Here is your customary tribute.

Links (http://i.imgur.com/cDvb58W.jpg)

The Walking Dead games have sort of been my guidelines so far for thinking about decision-making for Kingdom. I'm still trying to get a handle on proper scope for Crossroads and such, but I think they really do a good job with decisions and consequences there.

[Thanqol]

Day 1150: (3) boxytime

I'm either going mad or I have plans.

Links (http://i.imgur.com/VpR7Lkf.jpg)

[Duck999]

Very... interesting. I like the depth of it.

[Anarion]

Day 1150: (3) boxytime

I'm either going mad or I have plans.

Links (http://i.imgur.com/VpR7Lkf.jpg)

Such things are not mutually exclusive. I like the spider.

[Thanqol]

Day 1151: Soul

I'm starting to see how all these pieces fit together.

I'm also coming to the very, very belated conclusion that the #1 thing stopping me from producing art for extended periods is my ancient, non-ergonomic desk bargained from some shifty-eyed antiquities dealer before I'd even been born. I'm going to replace it with some soulless piece of 21st century ergonomic trash even if it means risking the gypsy curse.

Links (http://i.imgur.com/5kHftBK.jpg)

Music (http://youtu.be/p5lYXH_Epx4): Soul

[Duck999]

Some of the corners kind of make it look like the people are made of something thin, like paper.

[TheAmishPirate]

Day 1151: Soul

I'm starting to see how all these pieces fit together.

I'm also coming to the very, very belated conclusion that the #1 thing stopping me from producing art for extended periods is my ancient, non-ergonomic desk bargained from some shifty-eyed antiquities dealer before I'd even been born. I'm going to replace it with some soulless piece of 21st century ergonomic trash even if it means risking the gypsy curse.

Links (http://i.imgur.com/5kHftBK.jpg)

Music (http://youtu.be/p5lYXH_Epx4): Soul

As somebody who just recently purchased a non-euclidian keyboard because his wrists and elbows hurt too much to type...it's worth at least a moderate gypsy curse.

[Madcrafter]

Oh man, having some sort of ergo desk various jobs would have saved me much pain. Risk the curse.

How do you know he was shifty-eyed if you weren't even born yet?

[Tiki Snakes]

Dunno if ergonomics come into it really, but a good workspace can only help. For digital art, you really just want space. A huge desk that lets you sit the proper distance from the screen (and so gives you plenty of space for tablet work) and for traditional art, you can't go far wrong with an easel really.

I'd love to see you give chalk and charcoal monochrome a seasonal go, really dig into your shading and stuff, kick linework to the curb for a bit.

[Thanqol]

Oh man, having some sort of ergo desk various jobs would have saved me much pain. Risk the curse.

How do you know he was shifty-eyed if you weren't even born yet?

Some things you just know.


Dunno if ergonomics come into it really, but a good workspace can only help. For digital art, you really just want space. A huge desk that lets you sit the proper distance from the screen (and so gives you plenty of space for tablet work) and for traditional art, you can't go far wrong with an easel really.

I'd love to see you give chalk and charcoal monochrome a seasonal go, really dig into your shading and stuff, kick linework to the curb for a bit.

Hmm. Maybe. Dunno the settings to do that in my current program suite yet.

Day 1152: Daylight Dancer

Just pointlessly iterated on a sketch.

New desk tomorrow.

Links (http://i.imgur.com/U82TUxU.jpg)

[Tiki Snakes]

Settings? You set some paper on a board and set some chalk and some charcoal nearby and then you rub it all together in vary quantities and patterns. :smalltongue:

I'm talking non-digital, dirty finger media. Its fun. You'll want some unscented hairspray to fix it when you're done.

Or, you know. You could just try that with digital media if you prefer.

[Thanqol]

Later on the traditional media. I'm onto something right now.

Day 1153: Fasic construction

This new desk is so much better I literally have no idea how I survived using that old one for my entire life.

Got a huge amount of stuff that's been weighing on me cleared up today, too, so that's pretty cool.

Links (http://i.imgur.com/K0UTTuK.jpg)

[Anarion]

Later on the traditional media. I'm onto something right now.

Day 1153: Fasic construction

This new desk is so much better I literally have no idea how I survived using that old one for my entire life.

Got a huge amount of stuff that's been weighing on me cleared up today, too, so that's pretty cool.

Links (http://i.imgur.com/K0UTTuK.jpg)

Maybe the gypsy curse was being satisfied with the desk for years?

[Cuthalion]

I really like the top right one.

[Duck999]

Agreed. The top right one is amazing. If you tilted the head up a little it could be deep in thought, or it could be the I didn't do it/anything expression.
it wasn't me.:smalltongue:

[Thanqol]

Day 1154: (4) Mild Undress

Didn't do much today, but watched a bunch of training videos. Some of the sketches are mildly undressed, fair warning.

Links (http://i.imgur.com/jzQYpnL.jpg)

[Thanqol]

Day 1155: Sun's Gone

So I bought a mac.

Anyway, this. Another iterative sketch experiment and it turned out pretty rad. Took like 9 layers and about an hour but it was worthwhile.

Links (http://i.imgur.com/dXTBxIM.jpg)

Music (http://youtu.be/sXt5QHHq5wM): Academy

[Anarion]

Day 1155: Sun's Gone

So I bought a mac.

Anyway, this. Another iterative sketch experiment and it turned out pretty rad. Took like 9 layers and about an hour but it was worthwhile.

Links (http://i.imgur.com/dXTBxIM.jpg)

Music (http://youtu.be/sXt5QHHq5wM): Academy

To go into more detail than the other thread, I really like this drawing. You caught a very distinct mood with the eyes glancing sideways at the corners and her face turned away, and the curves of the body and face are really good.

Would love to see it colored at some point.

[Thanqol]

To go into more detail than the other thread, I really like this drawing. You caught a very distinct mood with the eyes glancing sideways at the corners and her face turned away, and the curves of the body and face are really good.

Would love to see it colored at some point.

Thanks, I should do that.

Day 1156: but not today

There's a game called The Last Federation. It's like a space 4x except instead of a planetary government you play the last survivor of the galaxy's master race who zips around, manipulating all the lesser races to his whim.

i'm not gonna get much done in the foreseeable future is what i'm saying

Links (http://i.imgur.com/QkKHkW3.jpg)

[Tiki Snakes]

Day 1155: Sun's Gone

So I bought a mac.
Can't say I really understand why you'd do that, but hey, new toys are always cool. :smallsmile:



Thanks, I should do that.

Day 1156: but not today

There's a game called The Last Federation. It's like a space 4x except instead of a planetary government you play the last survivor of the galaxy's master race who zips around, manipulating all the lesser races to his whim.

i'm not gonna get much done in the foreseeable future is what i'm saying

Links (http://i.imgur.com/QkKHkW3.jpg)

That does sound pretty neat. More sandboxy somehow, perhaps.

[Thanqol]

Day 1157-1158: (5) War and Re-War

damn you last federation

Links (http://i.imgur.com/e3km6gS.jpg)
Two (http://i.imgur.com/UI8gkax.jpg)

[Thanqol]

Day 1159: Partial Iteration

Hmm, this looks all right but I'm not quite satisfied. I messed around a lot with outlines/visible layers and such and couldn't find anything I really liked. I think I'ma have to watch some more training videos.

Links (http://i.imgur.com/0dGekbt.jpg)

[Anarion]

Day 1159: Partial Iteration

Hmm, this looks all right but I'm not quite satisfied. I messed around a lot with outlines/visible layers and such and couldn't find anything I really liked. I think I'ma have to watch some more training videos.

Links (http://i.imgur.com/0dGekbt.jpg)

She looks pretty cool.

I do think that there might have been something lost though. The image feels a bit flat to me, somehow.

[Thanqol]

She looks pretty cool.

I do think that there might have been something lost though. The image feels a bit flat to me, somehow.

Yeah know what you mean.

Day 1160: Tricolour

Pretty in pink! Gonna need to do some more flags soon though.

Links (http://i.imgur.com/Ghg1pD6.jpg)

[Cuthalion]

Day 1159: Partial Iteration

Hmm, this looks all right but I'm not quite satisfied. I messed around a lot with outlines/visible layers and such and couldn't find anything I really liked. I think I'ma have to watch some more training videos.

Links (http://i.imgur.com/0dGekbt.jpg)

Her right elbow is a tad strange.

[Thanqol]

Day 1161: damn kids

Last Federation, Kelly-style.

One (http://i.imgur.com/RfE8nGs.jpg)

[Thanqol]

Day 1162: (7) STOP LOOKING AT THE SKY

Today while staring at the clouds I came up with a great spin on the values game. Clouds are basically black-and-white with all kinds of interesting shades of grey so getting a photograph of the sky and trying to eyeball the values would be a great way to do that exercise, right?

It is! It just so happens that I suck at values. Need to do more like this. I did three cloud screenshots like this and they were all about as bad.

Links (http://i.imgur.com/lC1TYrZ.jpg)

[Thanqol]

Day 1163: (8) The Worst Colour

I hate the colour blue.

It's the worst colour by far. It either looks hideous or it looks like some other colour. The only time when it is halfway acceptable is when it's directly adjoining purples and greens. It's garish, and glaring, or it deepens into a pointless muddle of near-black or near-grey. It's this entire 20% of the colour wheel which all looks exactly the same. If someone tells you their favourite colour is blue they've just proven they have no taste.

Compare to brown, which is amazing. Brown has so much depth to it; change a value by 5 in any direction and we can tell the difference instantly. Brown has depth and character, brown has personality; brown covers everything between orange and gold and which one you're seeing depends on what's around it. Brown is awesome.

There's actually a scientific reason behind this too - our eyes aren't nearly as sensitive to blue as brown and green. The reason? Because the sky is such an intense blue it'd burn our eyes if we could see it in the same detail as we see brown! As a result of that little evolutionary quirk we're stuck with a bitch colour that has to be as much not-blue as possible to be palatable.

Only one of the swirls in this image is a 'proper' blue instead of very delicate fringe-blue. You can see it instantly because it's the ugly one.

Links (http://i.imgur.com/Y6a1e50.jpg)

[Anarion]

Day 1163: (8) The Worst Colour

I hate the colour blue.

It's the worst colour by far. It either looks hideous or it looks like some other colour. The only time when it is halfway acceptable is when it's directly adjoining purples and greens. It's garish, and glaring, or it deepens into a pointless muddle of near-black or near-grey. It's this entire 20% of the colour wheel which all looks exactly the same. If someone tells you their favourite colour is blue they've just proven they have no taste.

Compare to brown, which is amazing. Brown has so much depth to it; change a value by 5 in any direction and we can tell the difference instantly. Brown has depth and character, brown has personality; brown covers everything between orange and gold and which one you're seeing depends on what's around it. Brown is awesome.

There's actually a scientific reason behind this too - our eyes aren't nearly as sensitive to blue as brown and green. The reason? Because the sky is such an intense blue it'd burn our eyes if we could see it in the same detail as we see brown! As a result of that little evolutionary quirk we're stuck with a bitch colour that has to be as much not-blue as possible to be palatable.

Only one of the swirls in this image is a 'proper' blue instead of very delicate fringe-blue. You can see it instantly because it's the ugly one.

Links (http://i.imgur.com/Y6a1e50.jpg)

So how come purple and green are so kickass?

Also, while I make no claims on blue, I like that black color that people think is blue if you look at it in direct light (or is that the blue color that people think is black when it's too dark?).

[Thanqol]

So how come purple and green are so kickass?

Also, while I make no claims on blue, I like that black color that people think is blue if you look at it in direct light (or is that the blue color that people think is black when it's too dark?).

Green kicks ass because it's forests and we're REALLY good at seeing things in forests. Purple is amazing because it's got all the advantages of green and yet rarely appears in nature, which gives it a delicious depth and scent of exotic novelty. Dark blues do look more black than 0/0 black unless they're next to 0/0 black, it's a weird effect.

[Tiki Snakes]

Green kicks ass because it's forests and we're REALLY good at seeing things in forests. Purple is amazing because it's got all the advantages of green and yet rarely appears in nature, which gives it a delicious depth and scent of exotic novelty. Dark blues do look more black than 0/0 black unless they're next to 0/0 black, it's a weird effect.

I was taught that pure black is essentially a dead colour. Compositionally, or maybe specifically in painting and stuff like that, you should almost always avoid using it.

I must say, I dislike blue in general myself. Not for your reasons though. I'd say all of those shades are close enough to be called blue, really. Or, well, blue-ish? I've always preferred my blue's on the slightly-green end of the spectrum.

No, I dislike blue because it's the designated guy colour. It's part of the whole men-don't-have-fashion thing in modern life. You're a guy, you wear light blue and/or denim. You're allowed a pair of trousers and any number of shirts or t-shirts and anything else is a little weird or fruity. Screw that so screw blue, basically. [/ranty tangent]

[Madcrafter]

Aww so much blue hating. I like blue, even if it's a bit muddly and vampiric to other colours. And I think all would agree I have no taste, so no surprise there.

As for black, as the saying goes, you can't go back. Using it in a composition immediately caps your ability to use darker shades, and probably does some other fancy colour theory stuff I'm not too familiar with.

The guy thing I'm not fussed about. Give it another 70 years and it'll probably be pink again, or something stranger. People are fickle fashion fadsters.

[Anarion]

I was taught that pure black is essentially a dead colour. Compositionally, or maybe specifically in painting and stuff like that, you should almost always avoid using it.

I must say, I dislike blue in general myself. Not for your reasons though. I'd say all of those shades are close enough to be called blue, really. Or, well, blue-ish? I've always preferred my blue's on the slightly-green end of the spectrum.

No, I dislike blue because it's the designated guy colour. It's part of the whole men-don't-have-fashion thing in modern life. You're a guy, you wear light blue and/or denim. You're allowed a pair of trousers and any number of shirts or t-shirts and anything else is a little weird or fruity. Screw that so screw blue, basically. [/ranty tangent]

When I worked in Japan, acceptable fashion choices were: white shirt, light blue shirt, white shirt with a light blue stripe.

[Thanqol]

Also, let us not forget that Paradox games have taught me a psychopathic hatred towards any patch of blue of sufficient size.

Day 1164: Forget It, Man.

P&P, not uploading today. Someday I'm gonna batch upload these.

I was going to do any number of big, impressive things today. Make decisions, write chapters, put in significant art effort...

Instead I did one small thing that might well be better than all of the rest.

I dunno though.

We'll see how it goes. We'll see.

Anyway, watching some classic movies. Chinatown, right now. I think the biggest tell between an old movie and a new one is all in the fight choreography - no modern movie could handle the ineffective flaily grapples you see in this thing.

[Tiki Snakes]

I ate till I wanted to stop existing and watched Akira tonight. Haven't seen that film in ages. Old films, ho!

[Thanqol]

I ate till I wanted to stop existing and watched Akira tonight. Haven't seen that film in ages. Old films, ho!

That was a strange film.

Day 1165: Man With The Harmonica

Hmmm~

Links (http://i.imgur.com/uWY6dL8.jpg)

[Tiki Snakes]

Yeah. Admittedly, I've seen a lot stranger than that since I first watched it.

Great soundtrack and lovely visuals though.

[Anarion]

That was a strange film.

Day 1165: Man With The Harmonica

Hmmm~

Links (http://i.imgur.com/uWY6dL8.jpg)

I am surprisingly distressed by the lack of a harmonica on that picture.

[Tiki Snakes]

I am surprisingly distressed by the lack of a harmonica on that picture.

Almost certainly strung around his neck and under his shirt, iirc.

[Thanqol]

Day 1166: Adjusted Moonbutt

Needed to design a flag for Islamic Denmark for my LP. Wonder who'll notice that it's an edit of moonbutt's butt symbol?

I watched Repo! The Genetic Opera and Up recently. Both great movies.

Fell off the wagon for a bit, for the best of reasons. Back into it starting tomorrow.

http://i.imgur.com/gB0SorO.png

[the_druid_droid]

Day 1166: Adjusted Moonbutt

Needed to design a flag for Islamic Denmark for my LP. Wonder who'll notice that it's an edit of moonbutt's butt symbol?

I watched Repo! The Genetic Opera and Up recently. Both great movies.

I really should re-watch those sometime...

Been on a cheesy B-movie kick myself, thanks to MST3K coming out on Netflix.

[Thanqol]

Day 1167: New Best

Today I watched Citizen Kane and Groundhog Day. Citizen Kane was a masterpiece of photography. Groundhog Day, however, actually might be my new favourite movie of all time.

Anyway, tried a bunch of new inking design techniques here but they proved surprisingly complex. Hmm.

Links (http://i.imgur.com/221x9b0.jpg)

[Thanqol]

Day 1168: Jumping

Sketched kangaroos in the park until the sun set. A nice day.

Day 1169: What Are The Odds?

Found a cache of awesome photographs and spent literally an hour staring at them. Would legit never have done that if I wasn't drawing. Got so much out of it. Gonna use 'em as models.

This old dude just came to life the more I fiddled with his design. By the end of it he became a fully fledged character.

Links (http://i.imgur.com/yddrjYW.jpg)

Music (http://youtu.be/8Gv0H-vPoDc): Word Crimes

[Thanqol]

Day 1170: (1) Shapeways

YER BLOWIN MY MIND, SYCRA (http://youtu.be/KwmcJYtdLp0)

Look at these. Look at how expressive they are. These were just me sketching photographs but exaggerating the shapes slightly and they capture so much character in them.

Links (http://i.imgur.com/o2kGyrw.jpg)

[Anarion]

Day 1170: (1) Shapeways

YER BLOWIN MY MIND, SYCRA (http://youtu.be/KwmcJYtdLp0)

Look at these. Look at how expressive they are. These were just me sketching photographs but exaggerating the shapes slightly and they capture so much character in them.

Links (http://i.imgur.com/o2kGyrw.jpg)

The mustachioed guy in sort of the bottom center appears very strong to me. And very...lifelike I guess? He looks real.

[Thanqol]

Day 1171: thpthpthp

Watched Silence of the Lambs and did sketches. Good movie.

Day 1172: SPACE

Watched 2001: A Space Odyssey. What an awful movie.

Anyway, this was a weird experiment, and this day was pretty weird in general. It's really showing progress though.

Links (http://i.imgur.com/mCr3CaM.jpg)

Music (http://youtu.be/0L21AR4oqQ8): No Chance!

[Thanqol]

Day 1173: (3) Blue Horse

I tried for half a fricking hour to figure out even the basics of drawing a car and couldn't do it. Perspective is really hard.

So then I drew White Noise instead cuz why not.

Links (http://i.imgur.com/zv1Mytv.jpg)

[Tiki Snakes]

...Actually, having thought on the subject a little more I'd kinda be interested in hearing some more of your thoughts about Space Odyssey.

[Thanqol]

...Actually, having thought on the subject a little more I'd kinda be interested in hearing some more of your thoughts about Space Odyssey.

When discussing it with my mother I learned a new ten-dollar phrase: Pre-trans Fallacy. What that means is when you look at something that you don't understand and project upon it a transcendental spiritual message it doesn't deserve. 2001 has a lot of pretensions of being that grand spiritual awakening, something that is so completely beyond the realm of our collective audio/visual experience that we have no words for it. It is not. Its message is remarkably trite and relies entirely on raw symbolism to the exclusion of every other mode of human communication.

And this is the difference between something genuinely transcendental and something pre-transcendental: it's mastery of all levels of human iconography and reality. 2001 is limited to understanding humanity only through symbols that are dropped incredibly ham-handedly over everything. That's not a transcendental understanding - that's a mythic understanding! And while mythic understandings can be beautiful they are only at their best when combined with the full range of other human realities. Citizen Kane, a masterpiece, is grounded extraordinarily heavily in mythic understandings, and everything outside that collapses as Charles Kane declines and fades, culminating in the word 'Rosebud'. That is a story with multiple different aspects of human development coming into play, changing, flowing, rising, falling - it's beautiful!

2001 is just the symbolism with nothing else to tie it together, and the symbols are - worse - boring, repetitive, grinding and incredibly ham-handed. It's not making a statement, it's just Film Brain shouting 'SYMBOLISM (http://youtu.be/nbsWQqnWS_s)' at the top of his lungs. And if that's all there is then even most of the symbols aren't any good. They reference nothing but themselves. Sure, the Monolith evidently represents a milestone in human development and consciousness, but if you don't accept the idea that we are working on ascending into a race of pure energy - which the story does distinctly not sell, at all, as a logical outcome of humanity's current progress - then that symbol is bunk and means nothing. It's creating a deity for us to worship, which isn't transcendental, it's mythic.

And this isn't even getting into the spectacularly annoying 40 minutes of the movie which is literally just some dude mouth-breathing into the microphone. The audio direction for this movie sucked in general.

So, once you realise that all the symbolism in the movie is just really basic mythic thinking, everything else falls apart. The special effects are dated. The acting is atrocious. The photography is uninspiring. The extended sequences of nothing are boring and tiresome. There is barely a script.

There's only a brief period where the movie does work, and that's the HAL9000 period. And that works because while the computer is increasingly human, all the humans are totally robotic. They move, act, and respond without the slightest bit of empathy or compassion - more robot than the robot. When HAL is being killed it's begging for it's life but the human just keeps remorselessly turning keys without acknowledging it. That section was cool, that section was a real movie - but it was extremely abrupt and sandwiched between two extended pieces of meaningless drivel.

I did some reading after the movie, and I noted that the director staunchly refused to discuss or interpret his movie, preferring to leave it open to interpretation. That was what really confirmed for me that this movie was a case of the Pre-Trans Fallacy. To put your own work up on a pedestal like that is to deify it, to worship it as divinely inspired and having come from beyond you, to be consumed by your own symbols like a shaman or a prophet. And for a culture that has lost touch with it's mythic elements, 2001 seems strange and visionary when it's really just backwards and uncomplicated.


tldr: It wants to be spiritual, instead it's just mythic, and not even particularly good myth at that.

[Thanqol]

Day 1174: Regular Folks

So many movies/shows/things

losing all sense of time and reality

so many ideas coming into my head

Links (http://i.imgur.com/zVsEXUA.jpg)

[Thanqol]

Day 1175: mere exhaustion

unplugged from the interzones

walked around for like five hours

tired

Links (http://i.imgur.com/bDLuOKo.jpg)

[Anarion]

Day 1175: mere exhaustion

unplugged from the interzones

walked around for like five hours

tired

Links (http://i.imgur.com/bDLuOKo.jpg)

Be careful with that, I've done it a few times, and going on a really long exhausting excursion after not doing that for a while tends to make me catch a cold.

P.S. Dude on the right in that sketch doesn't look trustworthy and I would not trust him.

[Tiki Snakes]

When discussing it with my mother I learned a new ten-dollar phrase: Pre-trans Fallacy. What that means is when you look at something that you don't understand and project upon it a transcendental spiritual message it doesn't deserve. 2001 has a lot of pretensions of being that grand spiritual awakening, something that is so completely beyond the realm of our collective audio/visual experience that we have no words for it. It is not. Its message is remarkably trite and relies entirely on raw symbolism to the exclusion of every other mode of human communication.

And this is the difference between something genuinely transcendental and something pre-transcendental: it's mastery of all levels of human iconography and reality. 2001 is limited to understanding humanity only through symbols that are dropped incredibly ham-handedly over everything. That's not a transcendental understanding - that's a mythic understanding! And while mythic understandings can be beautiful they are only at their best when combined with the full range of other human realities. Citizen Kane, a masterpiece, is grounded extraordinarily heavily in mythic understandings, and everything outside that collapses as Charles Kane declines and fades, culminating in the word 'Rosebud'. That is a story with multiple different aspects of human development coming into play, changing, flowing, rising, falling - it's beautiful!

2001 is just the symbolism with nothing else to tie it together, and the symbols are - worse - boring, repetitive, grinding and incredibly ham-handed. It's not making a statement, it's just Film Brain shouting 'SYMBOLISM (http://youtu.be/nbsWQqnWS_s)' at the top of his lungs. And if that's all there is then even most of the symbols aren't any good. They reference nothing but themselves. Sure, the Monolith evidently represents a milestone in human development and consciousness, but if you don't accept the idea that we are working on ascending into a race of pure energy - which the story does distinctly not sell, at all, as a logical outcome of humanity's current progress - then that symbol is bunk and means nothing. It's creating a deity for us to worship, which isn't transcendental, it's mythic.

And this isn't even getting into the spectacularly annoying 40 minutes of the movie which is literally just some dude mouth-breathing into the microphone. The audio direction for this movie sucked in general.

So, once you realise that all the symbolism in the movie is just really basic mythic thinking, everything else falls apart. The special effects are dated. The acting is atrocious. The photography is uninspiring. The extended sequences of nothing are boring and tiresome. There is barely a script.

There's only a brief period where the movie does work, and that's the HAL9000 period. And that works because while the computer is increasingly human, all the humans are totally robotic. They move, act, and respond without the slightest bit of empathy or compassion - more robot than the robot. When HAL is being killed it's begging for it's life but the human just keeps remorselessly turning keys without acknowledging it. That section was cool, that section was a real movie - but it was extremely abrupt and sandwiched between two extended pieces of meaningless drivel.

I did some reading after the movie, and I noted that the director staunchly refused to discuss or interpret his movie, preferring to leave it open to interpretation. That was what really confirmed for me that this movie was a case of the Pre-Trans Fallacy. To put your own work up on a pedestal like that is to deify it, to worship it as divinely inspired and having come from beyond you, to be consumed by your own symbols like a shaman or a prophet. And for a culture that has lost touch with it's mythic elements, 2001 seems strange and visionary when it's really just backwards and uncomplicated.


tldr: It wants to be spiritual, instead it's just mythic, and not even particularly good myth at that.

Hmm. Well, I didn't expect to necessarily agree with your take or anything, but that was certainly as interesting a point of view as I suspected it might be. Good stuff.
Though, I'd just like to say for the record; Dated effects? Damn, man. Be fair. Compare it to some other films from what, 1968? Those are astonishing visuals for a film that old. It's not competing with star wars, or star trek the motion picture, they're both a decade younger than it. It's competing with things like Planet of the Apes (http://youtu.be/08OpupJW4ao) and Fantastic Voyage (http://youtu.be/dLDITeurAPI).

For the record, I've not seen Fantastic Voyage but I'd actually recommend Planet of the Apes if you haven't already seen it. It has plenty of problems of course, but it also has rubber-faced monkey people. What more do you want out of a 60's scifi film?

[Thanqol]

Hmm. Well, I didn't expect to necessarily agree with your take or anything, but that was certainly as interesting a point of view as I suspected it might be. Good stuff.
Though, I'd just like to say for the record; Dated effects? Damn, man. Be fair. Compare it to some other films from what, 1968? Those are astonishing visuals for a film that old. It's not competing with star wars, or star trek the motion picture, they're both a decade younger than it. It's competing with things like Planet of the Apes (http://youtu.be/08OpupJW4ao) and Fantastic Voyage (http://youtu.be/dLDITeurAPI).

For the record, I've not seen Fantastic Voyage but I'd actually recommend Planet of the Apes if you haven't already seen it. It has plenty of problems of course, but it also has rubber-faced monkey people. What more do you want out of a 60's scifi film?

Relying on special effects at all is an insane risk with how quickly they date. The only winning move is to tell a story compelling enough to stop people looking behind the curtain, which 2001 did not do.

Day 1176: still wrecked

so tired

King of Dragon Pass is addictive

Links (http://i.imgur.com/1YhlKI5.jpg)

[Tiki Snakes]

Relying on special effects at all is an insane risk with how quickly they date. The only winning move is to tell a story compelling enough to stop people looking behind the curtain, which 2001 did not do.

Day 1176: still wrecked

so tired

King of Dragon Pass is addictive

Links (http://i.imgur.com/1YhlKI5.jpg)

It's an interesting viewpoint, but I can't say it has much traction with me. I think on the whole, whatever other flaws the movie has, it is quite visually astonishing.
http://dearjesus.files.wordpress.com/2010/04/2001_a_space_odyssey_1.jpg

http://www.francescastephens.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/2001-a-space-odyssey-original.jpg

http://www.collativelearning.com/PICS%20FOR%20WEBSITE/stills%202/2001_a_space_odyssey_movie_image__3_.jpg

http://images.sequart.org/images/jogging-2001-space-odyssey-screenshot-6701.jpg

http://designkultur.files.wordpress.com/2010/02/2001_space_odyssey_still10mb.jpg

http://moviesdrop.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/2001-A-Space-Odyssey.jpg

http://archetypeonlinemagazine.files.wordpress.com/2014/06/2001-a-space-odyssey-screenshot-1920x1080-9.jpg

http://1989nineteeneightynine.files.wordpress.com/2013/08/2001-a-space-odyssey-screenshot-1920x1080-14.jpg

Purely as a visual spectacle, I think it holds up incredibly well, blowing many much, much younger films out of the water without even trying.

[Anarion]

It's an interesting viewpoint, but I can't say it has much traction with me. I think on the whole, whatever other flaws the movie has, it is quite visually astonishing.
http://dearjesus.files.wordpress.com/2010/04/2001_a_space_odyssey_1.jpg

http://www.francescastephens.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/2001-a-space-odyssey-original.jpg

http://www.collativelearning.com/PICS%20FOR%20WEBSITE/stills%202/2001_a_space_odyssey_movie_image__3_.jpg

http://images.sequart.org/images/jogging-2001-space-odyssey-screenshot-6701.jpg

http://designkultur.files.wordpress.com/2010/02/2001_space_odyssey_still10mb.jpg

http://moviesdrop.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/2001-A-Space-Odyssey.jpg

http://archetypeonlinemagazine.files.wordpress.com/2014/06/2001-a-space-odyssey-screenshot-1920x1080-9.jpg

http://1989nineteeneightynine.files.wordpress.com/2013/08/2001-a-space-odyssey-screenshot-1920x1080-14.jpg

Purely as a visual spectacle, I think it holds up incredibly well, blowing many much, much younger films out of the water without even trying.

Maybe it's because they're stills, but I don't really find any of that impressive. If you wanted me to watch it as a historian and remark on all the places where they were ahead of their time, I'd probably have a greater interest in it than trying to evaluate it on some objective scale.

[Tiki Snakes]

I don't know about watching it as a historian, but you've really got to remember that a film comes from almost fifty years ago when watching a film that comes from almost fifty years ago, you know?
http://www.gonemovies.com/WWW/Pictures/Pictures/PlanetApes37.jpg

http://www.gonemovies.com/WWW/Pictures/Pictures/PlanetApes11.jpg

http://www.gonemovies.com/WWW/Pictures/Pictures/PlanetApes17.jpg

http://www.wired.com/images_blogs/underwire/2009/08/scifi_10a.jpg

http://www.webomatica.com/wordpress/images/movies/fantastic-voyage.jpg

http://cdn.blu-raydefinition.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/blue.png?43a9dd

And remember that films like Star Trek (http://youtu.be/h5vK8hCVrFg) came out over a decade later than Space Oddyssey (http://youtu.be/E8TABIFAN4o).

[Anarion]

I don't know about watching it as a historian, but you've really got to remember that a film comes from almost fifty years ago when watching a film that comes from almost fifty years ago, you know?
http://www.gonemovies.com/WWW/Pictures/Pictures/PlanetApes37.jpg

http://www.gonemovies.com/WWW/Pictures/Pictures/PlanetApes11.jpg

http://www.gonemovies.com/WWW/Pictures/Pictures/PlanetApes17.jpg

http://www.wired.com/images_blogs/underwire/2009/08/scifi_10a.jpg

http://www.webomatica.com/wordpress/images/movies/fantastic-voyage.jpg

http://cdn.blu-raydefinition.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/blue.png?43a9dd

And remember that films like Star Trek (http://youtu.be/h5vK8hCVrFg) came out over a decade later than Space Oddyssey (http://youtu.be/E8TABIFAN4o).

I don't agree. Things become outdated. You don't see many, if any, 50 year old cards on the road because they're unsafe and environmentally harmful. People mostly don't sit and work at 50 year old desks with 50 year old chairs because they're not ergonomic and they'll mess up your body.

Movies, television, etc. from the past interest me as a historian (I was a history major in college) because they give me insight into the people of an era. They generally do not interest me for their quality and impressiveness because there are so many works out there of objectively superior quality and impressiveness and I can't even get to all of those.

I am in complete agreement with Thanqol that if you want to recommend a work to me to stand on its merit or because it's impressive, I expect it to either be the best out there or to have something timeless that transcends the limitations of the age in which the work was made.

As an example, I recently saw the play, Private Lives. The entire thing was basically two to four people talking in a room for a couple hours. All the settings, props, and unique turns of language were deeply rooted in the high period of the 1920s and the characters would make no sense outside of that time period. However, the play was also a witty and really sublime example of a pair of lovers who absolutely loathed one another: a situation that I'd venture to say applies to all humans to some lesser or greater extent.

[Tiki Snakes]

The technology behind a 60's car is outdated, sure. But a 1960's Ferrari would still be one of the most beautiful things you could see on the road, and is probably still immense fun to drive even if it doesn't have anti-lock breaks or traction control.

Similarly, the Special Effects in 2001 are using antiquated methods and will show rough edges, but the visual direction and design of the film isn't really something that dates, that's the artistic and creative aspect. That side holds up perfectly well for me, I'd stack it against all manner of more modern endeavors, even if the film itself is that particular kind of high-concept scifi that so often translates into crippling boredom, topped off with a distinctive but kind of, almost meaninglessly abstract ending.

[Thanqol]

Day 1177: (4) Awkward Habits

Today I fell back on a really old habit. I used to do it all the time but I guess I must have become tired of it or something. It's socially unacceptable and pretty awkward, yeah, but it feels really good in a twisted kind of way? I think it's part of watching slow-paced movies - my former girlfriend used to do it to me all the time when we were watching movies together. Now, the problem with this habit is that if you do it for more than a few hours your hands start to get really sore and cramped, and even though I've been doing it literally all day I still don't feel like I'm done. I just feel kind of tired and sore.

I am talking of course, about that most primeval and base of human habits: *plucking out your facial hair with tweezers*

Anyway, that's why I didn't have the right-hand co-ordination to do more than a cursory bit of work today. This entire week's been a bit of a bust, really. I may be in a bit of a funk.

Links (http://i.imgur.com/5s2Jhwu.jpg)

[Anarion]

I am talking of course, about that most primeval and base of human habits: *plucking out your facial hair with tweezers*


wat?

http://i1163.photobucket.com/albums/q551/Archrose/one_wat__by_haute_claire-d4sj4f1.png

[Thanqol]

wat?

http://i1163.photobucket.com/albums/q551/Archrose/one_wat__by_haute_claire-d4sj4f1.png

You get a set of tweezers and then you pluck out every single hair on your face, one by one.

[Madcrafter]

You get a set of tweezers and then you pluck out every single hair on your face, one by one.

But... why? :smallconfused:

Plus, most people look weird without eyebrows.

[Anarion]

You get a set of tweezers and then you pluck out every single hair on your face, one by one.

Yeah, so, for reasons that aren't entirely clear to me, having hair forcibly removed in any way beyond shaving one's beard just gives me the creeps. *shiver*

[the_druid_droid]

Yeah, so, for reasons that aren't entirely clear to me, having hair forcibly removed in any way beyond shaving one's beard just gives me the creeps. *shiver*

Maybe it's an Australian thing?

[Thanqol]

From the sounds of this you guys think I'd be less weird if my sexual innuendo was actually serious.

Day 1178: TEST-I-FY!

I re-watched Repo! The Genetic Opera again tonight and I immediately wanted to watch it a third time, back to fricking back. I think I'm in love with this movie.

Also, I really like the sketching style/brush settings I figured out here!

Links (http://i.imgur.com/WMxcdJ6.jpg)

[Anarion]

From the sounds of this you guys think I'd be less weird if my sexual innuendo was actually serious.


less weird

Probably, but it would be like moving around grains of sand on a beach. :smalltongue:



Links (http://i.imgur.com/WMxcdJ6.jpg)

Your old bearded wise men are consistently good and are really indicative of the style you're developing, I think. I'm sorry I'm not educated enough in art to tell you why they feel distinct and consistent to me, but here we are.

[Thanqol]

Probably, but it would be like moving around grains of sand on a beach. :smalltongue:



Your old bearded wise men are consistently good and are really indicative of the style you're developing, I think. I'm sorry I'm not educated enough in art to tell you why they feel distinct and consistent to me, but here we are.

I love drawing old men and Africans. They just have by far the most interesting faces.

[Thanqol]

Day 1179: Lime In The Coconut

Watched Reservoir Dogs. Quentin Tarintino is kind of a genius.

Links (http://i.imgur.com/tQoKzMF.jpg)

Music (http://youtu.be/aA9OqUuA6a0): Put The Lime In The Coconut

[Anarion]

Day 1179: Lime In The Coconut

Watched Reservoir Dogs. Quentin Tarintino is kind of a genius.

Links (http://i.imgur.com/tQoKzMF.jpg)

Music (http://youtu.be/aA9OqUuA6a0): Put The Lime In The Coconut

I just watched that one earlier this week. I still can't figure out that movie because I hated every character (Mr. pink was kinda okay), but I loved the movie.

[Thanqol]

I just watched that one earlier this week. I still can't figure out that movie because I hated every character (Mr. pink was kinda okay), but I loved the movie.

Tarintino doesn't speak the same language as the rest of humanity. He speaks the language of sound, motion, music, rhythm and emotion. He is the essence of style over substance. All his movies are like that - they're filled with clichés, ridiculous garbage, horrible characters and long, totally pointless conversations. But no matter how bad the substance may seem to rational thought or analysis every aspect of it is communicated with such charisma, such grace, and such flawless understanding of tension, pacing and audio it grips you by the throat.

Tarintino movies are like what an alien would make. If they were a person they'd be Christopher Walken - a strange, compelling person who can dance like a God. Walken's presence in Pulp Fiction is legitimately the most Quentin Tarintino moment you will ever encounter.

[Thanqol]

Day 1180: adventures in lack of time

THE SLUMP CONTINUES

Links (http://i.imgur.com/R4SfAn4.jpg)

Music (http://replacer.bandcamp.com/track/im-daring-feat-evdog-poni1kenobi): I'm Daring

[Thanqol]

Day 1181: happy

i think i have identified the problem
the problem is that i am too happy
i am perfectly happy with everything
and as such i have no desire to exert myself at all
like i am an enlightened zen monk existing in the moment
this is a serious problem

Links (http://i.imgur.com/Ybns8jP.jpg)

Music (http://blackgryph0n.bandcamp.com/album/immortal): Zero Gravity

[Anarion]

Day 1181: happy

i think i have identified the problem
the problem is that i am too happy
i am perfectly happy with everything
and as such i have no desire to exert myself at all
like i am an enlightened zen monk existing in the moment
this is a serious problem

Links (http://i.imgur.com/Ybns8jP.jpg)

Music (http://blackgryph0n.bandcamp.com/album/immortal): Zero Gravity

I'd offer advice, but I don't think I've ever experienced this problem and I have no perspective on it.

That's a very nice sketch of Pinkie Pie's head though.

Edit: Also, that album you were listening to for today's art is really awesome.

[Thanqol]

I'd offer advice, but I don't think I've ever experienced this problem and I have no perspective on it.

That's a very nice sketch of Pinkie Pie's head though.

Edit: Also, that album you were listening to for today's art is really awesome.

Yup.

Day 1182: Yup

P&P sketch.

Day 1183: Four! Ha! Ha!

Trying to muster some motivation by doing some exaggerated designs of famous characters. Not much is coming to me. I just have no motivation to write anything, which is seriously compromising my ability to generate stories of any kind. I just... don't have anything to say.

Links (http://i.imgur.com/jnS7s0L.jpg)

[Zorg]

If you wish to exert yourself some ideas:

- draw not-people. You've said you wish to improve perspective work, so draw some buildings. The book Putting things in Perspective (http://www.amazon.com/How-Draw-Manga-Volume-Perspective/dp/4766112563)* by Graphic-Sha is an excellent guide on the subject, and not just buildings.

- draw not-portraits. Most of what you draw is people's faces and people standing. Draw people doing. Walking with groceries (you should be able to tell if the bags are heavy or not by how their posture shifts), climbing a ladder, changing shirts, riding a bike, cooking dinner, making out.

- draw from different pov's. No more 3/4 views. Overhead perspective, someone one the ground looking up etc.

- draw not-sketches. I think this one is the most important. Even if it takes a week finish a picture. I worry that while your sketchwork is very solid you're not working on the techniques that come after. Refining the areas where the sketching is lacking (hands and feet! Body language and posture!). For instance on day 1180 jacket collars don't sit flat like that, his shoulders are uneven and if he's leaning on his cane that shoulder would be higher (see here (http://www.housemd-guide.com/season7/7images/711house-cane.jpg)).
But the thing is just sketching nothing but rough skeletons won't improve detail work. Just drawing hands works, but not drawing them then attached to a person is not good. Also what level of detail and finish works at different scales. A finely detailed hand makes sense when it's a closeup, but with a distance shot you have to economise so it doesn't look messy, or put detail on everything so it doesn't stand out. Knowing which hand to put on which body and the like.

All this leads into next point:

Copy, copy, copy!

There's a thing floating around called Screencap Redraw (just google image it) where people take a fave shot form a show or game and redraw it. Not tracing or copying the style, but use it as a reference for your own style. Even if it means you don't have something 'new' every day but update progress I reckon where you're at now you'll benefit more from finishing pics than loads of sketches.


* This whole series is really good, but a lot of it is aimed at traditional artists. However the perspective book, some of the clothing books and ones on subjects like couples, male and female characters, and combat are great references.

[Tiki Snakes]

Yeah, at the risk of repeating myself, I do feel that there is a degree of comfort zone that has established itself here, with the line-work thing.

[Anarion]

I'd particularly echo Zorg's suggestion to draw not-people. You complained a week or so ago that you had no clue how to draw a car and then you let that drop and went back to sketching people instead of, say, learning to draw a car.

[Thanqol]

If you wish to exert yourself some ideas:

- draw not-people. You've said you wish to improve perspective work, so draw some buildings. The book Putting things in Perspective (http://www.amazon.com/How-Draw-Manga-Volume-Perspective/dp/4766112563)* by Graphic-Sha is an excellent guide on the subject, and not just buildings.

- draw not-portraits. Most of what you draw is people's faces and people standing. Draw people doing. Walking with groceries (you should be able to tell if the bags are heavy or not by how their posture shifts), climbing a ladder, changing shirts, riding a bike, cooking dinner, making out.

- draw from different pov's. No more 3/4 views. Overhead perspective, someone one the ground looking up etc.

Right-o; I was working through an interesting portrait gallery recently with a lot of cool faces but it kind of limited me to face-shapes. Stepping out is a great idea.


- draw not-sketches. I think this one is the most important. Even if it takes a week finish a picture. I worry that while your sketchwork is very solid you're not working on the techniques that come after. Refining the areas where the sketching is lacking (hands and feet! Body language and posture!). For instance on day 1180 jacket collars don't sit flat like that, his shoulders are uneven and if he's leaning on his cane that shoulder would be higher (see here (http://www.housemd-guide.com/season7/7images/711house-cane.jpg)).
But the thing is just sketching nothing but rough skeletons won't improve detail work. Just drawing hands works, but not drawing them then attached to a person is not good. Also what level of detail and finish works at different scales. A finely detailed hand makes sense when it's a closeup, but with a distance shot you have to economise so it doesn't look messy, or put detail on everything so it doesn't stand out. Knowing which hand to put on which body and the like.

The major block I'm having here is that I haven't figured out a technique I like for taking something out of sketch form and into something approaching a finished piece. Do you know any videos or tutorials on the transition from sketches, to linework/paint flats? Basic stuff, not 'draw a circle, then draw the rest of the pony' stuff. The techniques I have are very inelegant.


Copy, copy, copy!

There's a thing floating around called Screencap Redraw (just google image it) where people take a fave shot form a show or game and redraw it. Not tracing or copying the style, but use it as a reference for your own style. Even if it means you don't have something 'new' every day but update progress I reckon where you're at now you'll benefit more from finishing pics than loads of sketches.

Okay, sounds legit.


Yeah, at the risk of repeating myself, I do feel that there is a degree of comfort zone that has established itself here, with the line-work thing.


I'd particularly echo Zorg's suggestion to draw not-people. You complained a week or so ago that you had no clue how to draw a car and then you let that drop and went back to sketching people instead of, say, learning to draw a car.

I blame people with beautiful faces.

[Thanqol]

Day 1184: Mothership

Xyber Hueg Screenshot Challenge.

This is based off a screenshot from the excellent movie, Ender's Game (I have no idea why that movie didn't do better, it's really good). I decided I didn't much like the Formian's ship design, though, so I decided to spice it up by drawing in it's place the Protoss Mothership (I am mad keen on competitive Starcraft). This is going to be a proper challenge.

I think a point that's subtly made it harder to do this in the past is how I save my WIP files; this one I saved as 'Day 1184-1194'; I've got ten days to work on this and see where it goes! It's going to be a huge challenge but hey, I might learn something.

WIP feedback is encouraged.

Original Screenshot (http://i.imgur.com/oV7XkmI.jpg)

WIP Day 1 (http://i.imgur.com/mxlCVGQ.jpg)

[Madcrafter]

Any reason why you changed the viewing angle of the ship so drastically? The original is from below, to make it look intimidating, but yours is from above. Is is because you don't see the underneath in game?

[Thanqol]

Any reason why you changed the viewing angle of the ship so drastically? The original is from below, to make it look intimidating, but yours is from above. Is is because you don't see the underneath in game?

The mothership has a top-heavy design; I've got an image of it from below (http://img2.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20100115231423/starcraft/images/thumb/b/ba/Mothership_SC2_Art1.jpg/500px-Mothership_SC2_Art1.jpg)but it's less interesting, especially at the shallower angle I'd have to use to replicate the screencap. This angle gives it that flying saucer-y look that it's based off.

Day 1185: Mothership2

Just slammed down some flats, not worth an upload.

Colourwise I want to take my cues from this (http://scwalls.com/large/201308/5.jpg)glossy little thing; a very blue space and a very glossy, reflective material. No idea how I'm going to make that work though. I think I'll start on the space and do the ship itself last.

[Thanqol]

Day 1186: Mothership3

Here's where I'm at.

Links (http://i.imgur.com/zQzgcrG.jpg)

[the_druid_droid]

Day 1186: Mothership3

Here's where I'm at.

Links (http://i.imgur.com/zQzgcrG.jpg)

The space background does look like it's coming along well.

[Thanqol]

Day 1187: Mothership5

Basically sat and stared at the picture for a while figuring out what I should do next.

[Thanqol]

Day 1188: Mothership6

Updated the linework and put down a lighting map. It helps to stop thinking of this as a finished products but a series of individual things that I don't know how to do, which lets me come up with better methodology. The lighting map is me sketching out the location and direction of light sources, which is useful and helped me avert a big mistake later. Also named all my linework layers; I'm in this for a while.

[Thanqol]

Day 1189-1190: Mothership7+8

[/whining]

SO MUCH TO DO

Links (http://i.imgur.com/LWZAsdr.jpg)

[Thanqol]

Day 1191: Mothership9

Did shields and ship lights. I'm getting the hang of this extended piece thing mentally even if the results aren't super memorable right now.

[Thanqol]

Day 1192: Mothership10

Shields, lights, and the beginnings of shading.

Links (http://i.imgur.com/IYHZFa5.jpg)

[Anarion]

Day 1192: Mothership10

Shields, lights, and the beginnings of shading.

Links (http://i.imgur.com/IYHZFa5.jpg)

What's weird is how just adding the dome with the little bit of glare on it suddenly gives the picture a ton more 3D perspective.

[Madcrafter]

For sure. Though I might suggest rounding it a bit more, right now it's asymmetry throws the whole image right, and accentuates the ship's.

Strange how appearance of a thing like that that doesn't even exist can be so... well known.

[Anarion]

Strange how appearance of a thing like that that doesn't even exist can be so... well known.

Not really strange. I could tell you the name, home, and backstory for every playable character in the Mass Effect series, but I don't know what state any of my co-workers were born in. Welcome to the weirdness of modern alienation.

[Thanqol]

What's weird is how just adding the dome with the little bit of glare on it suddenly gives the picture a ton more 3D perspective.

That's why they're called flats.


For sure. Though I might suggest rounding it a bit more, right now it's asymmetry throws the whole image right, and accentuates the ship's.

Strange how appearance of a thing like that that doesn't even exist can be so... well known.

Counterpoint: Batman.

Day 1193: Mothership11

More shading and detail. Increased the number of stars by a factor of 100 and grouped bunches of them up, looks way better. I think the ship's about done, I might start working on the viewing platform next.

[Thanqol]

Day 1194: Mothership12

Aw yea, this is starting to come together. I'm just chipping at it in 30 minute intervals per day but it's actually a really nice counterpoint to trying to slam out a bunch of sketches that don't go anywhere so I'm finding it actually becoming really relaxing. I think it's going to get really interesting once I've got it to the point where I'd normally call it good enough - trying to figure out how to go that last mile is something I don't think I've really done before.

In amidst all the stuff competing for my attention, I've been reading Shattered Sword, the definitive account of the Battle of Midway. I don't think any horror story has terrified me half as much as the stunning level of incompetence at work in the lead up to that battle. I guess I've learned that the real way to intimidate Thanqol is systemic incompetence.

Links (http://i.imgur.com/IoMgPF1.jpg)

[Thanqol]

Day 1195: Mothership13

Erased a bunch of linework which made the ship look a lot better. I think that might be something to keep in mind later - partial erasure of linework. Messed around with light and shading and the ship's looking pretty good, I think. Now I just need to figure out how to do the observatory section. That's especially tricky because I significantly changed the colour dynamics of the picture to go with the more vivid and bright Starcraft style rather than the blue-grey Enders' aesthetic. I'll need to think about that.

[Anarion]

Day 1195: Mothership13

Erased a bunch of linework which made the ship look a lot better. I think that might be something to keep in mind later - partial erasure of linework. Messed around with light and shading and the ship's looking pretty good, I think. Now I just need to figure out how to do the observatory section. That's especially tricky because I significantly changed the colour dynamics of the picture to go with the more vivid and bright Starcraft style rather than the blue-grey Enders' aesthetic. I'll need to think about that.

If I may offer a suggestion, put some dark red on the Terran guy's uniform. It will contrast with Protoss ship and make the man stand out even with brighter colors everywhere.

[Thanqol]

If I may offer a suggestion, put some dark red on the Terran guy's uniform. It will contrast with Protoss ship and make the man stand out even with brighter colors everywhere.

That was my immediate thought, basically using Valerian (http://img2.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20100717005249/starcraft/images/8/88/ValerianMengsk_SC2_Art1.jpg)'s colour scheme (god I'm suddenly reminded of how bad SC2's story was) but it's way trickier than it looks given that he's standing against a solid black background. It needs a lot of experimenting. The golden hair came out okay though.

[Thanqol]

Day 1196: Interjection

P&P sketches. Also watching lots of television. Gosh, Nathan Fillion is... Nathan Fillion. I love Nathan Fillion. Best pony.

[Anarion]

Day 1196: Interjection

P&P sketches. Also watching lots of television. Gosh, Nathan Fillion is... Nathan Fillion. I love Nathan Fillion. Best pony.

Have you seen him in Joss Whedon's version of Much Ado About Nothing? It is just...it's Nathan Fillion. In Much Ado About Nothing. It's glorious.

[Thanqol]

Day 1197: Mothership14

Gonna try and get this done in three more days. Getting pretty close. Any thoughts?

Links (http://i.imgur.com/pQWD4FH.jpg)

[Thanqol]

Day 1198: Mothership15

I'm having a hard time figuring out what else needs to be done, or what else I can do that'd be an improvement. Unless someone springs in with some insight this might be the end of this little project.

Links (http://i.imgur.com/WvNQ1eu.jpg)

[Madcrafter]

Day 1198: Mothership15

I'm having a hard time figuring out what else needs to be done, or what else I can do that'd be an improvement. Unless someone springs in with some insight this might be the end of this little project.

Links (http://i.imgur.com/WvNQ1eu.jpg)

Two small things I see:

That railing in front of the standing person needs some depth I think. You did fix up the bottom a bit with this last iteration, but I find that while intellectually I can figure out that the bar is supposed to curve out in front of them because otherwise the base where it connects would make no sense, it doesn't look like it does at the moment. Maybe add some curve to it appropriate to the viewing angle, or at least some colour differentiation there to give it a rounder feel.

I think some of the sky could do to be darker, because space is dark.

As always, feel free to ignore at your leisure.

EDIT: Oh and if the planet has an atmosphere (which given it's barren look, it may not), at that close distance it would probably be visible I believe.

[Thanqol]

Day 1199: CARRIER HAS ARRIVED

And it's done.

Spun around the hue and saturation buttons right at the end and they brought out a really nice colour and depth. I'm happy to call this one done.

Links (http://thanqol.deviantart.com/art/Day-1199-477332260)

Music (http://youtu.be/jRMJqgOq23A): Dancing In The Clouds

[Anarion]

Day 1199: CARRIER HAS ARRIVED

And it's done.

Spun around the hue and saturation buttons right at the end and they brought out a really nice colour and depth. I'm happy to call this one done.

Links (http://thanqol.deviantart.com/art/Day-1199-477332260)

Music (http://youtu.be/jRMJqgOq23A): Dancing In The Clouds

You couldn't have picked a piece of music with a picture that was slightly more SFW? :smalltongue:

Edit: Oh well, too late anyway, I guess the Senate computers will just have an Internet history that includes romantic ponies. I'm sure I'll never have to explain this to anyone.

Anyway, I think that turned out really well. I like the finished picture. My suggestion for the next one is to really spend some time on the early parts of the picture cleaning up the linework and doing all that stupid geometric perspective stuff. I think the colors and lighting on this one turned out well, but the outline and shape of the ship came out a bit cartoony and less realistic than other pictures I've seen of the Protoss Mothership.

[Madcrafter]

You couldn't have picked a piece of music with a picture that was slightly more SFW? :smalltongue:

Edit: Oh well, too late anyway, I guess the Senate computers will just have an Internet history that includes romantic ponies. I'm sure I'll never have to explain this to anyone. There's probably worse on there if you go looking for it. I wouldn't.


I think the cartoony look is just Thanqol's style, though I have no objections to you trying something more realistic. My main gripe is with the lighting, specifically shadows. I didn't really notice earlier before you went all crazy on the colour at the end, but they look like they've been burned on rather than being the natural colour of the ship.