Machineflesh 2D Challenge Entry: Antonio Ares Gastesi

[hdri]

This is the very first post for the challenge. A sort of retro-Machine to read the dreams of the people.
http://bitofart.50megs.com/images/raff_01_lo.jpg
Highly interested on comments & critics.

[hdri]

First shaded version:
http://bitofart.50megs.com/images/raff_02_lo.jpg
Need to know the interest of the concept. PS 7.

[Kirt]

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Thanks,

The CGTalk mod-squad

[Russell_Collins]

I really like this concept (in addition to the execution of the sketch). I mean, the old fella could be dreaming about youth or other ways to use his device. It opens up a whole universe of settings you could put him in all under the auspices of a "dreamscape."

But why would it need to be integrated into his body? Is he a part of a larger system and his dreams a tool for law enforcement (a la "Minority Report")? Is he a member of an intellectual think-tank and this is just a more efficient way of capturing his brilliance before he wakes up? I look forward to seeing where this one goes.:thumbsup:

[hdri]

http://www.cgnetworks.com/challenge/entries/4/2563/2563_1079906247_medium.jpg (http://www.cgnetworks.com/challenge/entries/4/2563/2563_1079906247_large.jpg)

first raff, shaded in PS7. I was thinking on a device able to read the dreams of the people, but this is just one of the multiples ideas for this challenge. I need help to know whether it is interesting or not. (both opinions are welcome)

[CGmonkey]

Man I gotta say excellent work sofar! :thumbsup:

[Russell_Collins]

Originally posted by hdri
first raff, shaded in PS7. I was thinking on a device able to read the dreams of the people, but this is just one of the multiples ideas for this challenge. I need help to know whether it is interesting or not. (both opinions are welcome)

I think it *could* be really interesting if you give it a hook, some kind of intellectual device that lends itself to conflict or a greater story beyond just the device itself. I dig it so far, and as I posted before, maybe if the device is being used for nefarious or utopian ideals...

[flyingP]

Nice idea, love the sketch.

[hdri]

Thank you for your comments, guys.
Russell_Collins, your suggestion are very inspirational for me. Yes, probably I'll have to create a bigger and more sofisticated device. Maybe the old man has premonitory dreams and scientist try to visualize and read the nightmares...

[aniz]

I think the concept is really very interesting. The idea and the draft are surprising. Keep on working in that idea¡:thumbsup:

[RBriley]

Love it! Great technique great sketch.

[hdri]

thank you aniz and rbriley for your support. Hope I can soon post some work developing the concept.

[dreamer3dchic]

Not only do I love your sketching style, but I'm loving the concept. You could go in a million different directions with it. To me. . . it reminds me of a take off of the old Hollywood Dream Factories, all mechanically altered to give this crazy old man complete control and freedom. Maybe he's a crazy old director that could never find anyone that could satisfactorily capture the image he had in his head, so he began the process of becoming his own dream creator, capturing images and ideas straight out of his head. . . or straight out of others.

Hmm.. just a crazy idea.. I can't wait to see more.

[hdri]

http://www.cgnetworks.com/challenge/entries/4/2563/2563_1080043267_medium.jpg (http://www.cgnetworks.com/challenge/entries/4/2563/2563_1080043267_large.jpg)

I'm developing the concept of the dream machine, thank to the great feedback on the forum; From the many ideas suggested by the viewers, I decided to make a device aimed to re-create the brain images into holograms. I can't wait to know what you think.

[flyingP]

That works well IMO, certainly helps to clarify the concept.

Oh and once again great sketch :thumbsup:

[Frood]

That is just amazing, I love your concept!
It's very simple, so simple that only you thought about it! :)
Please dont change it because now I'm really excited to see the final thing!
I saw your 2nd sketch first, and I immediately thought of a machine to make your inner thoughts come true, as it was said earlier (not only remember your past dreams).
I think what he sees in his hand should be something very personnal and simple, kind of pure. Maybe with a touch of nostaligia.

Well, sorry for saying a lot, now you probably have your own idea of the all thing.
So good luck, I'll look forward to see what commes next!
:applause:

[hdri]

thank you, guys, for your encouraging comments. Yes, I think the concept is growing up, somehow it is becoming adult, and that is thank to you who help me squeeze my mind. Hope I can soon post some new work. (It will take me time to reach a good concept worth to develope)

[ardenrey]

Nice scetch and good concept! :D
keep it up!:thumbsup:

[rickycox]

Great Concept, it gets the idea across, but would also be nice to see it refined further.

[duddlebug]

lovely drawing...nice idea.

looking forward to seeing more studies...

[peanut]

Wooow !! im going to watch you closely friend love your style.

[bombproof]

hey dude,

i'm following this thread.
i'm a big fan of the style!

enzo

[dreamer3dchic]

Your updated concept is amazing. . . with all the details of machinery in his arm. The concept is great. . . the story is amazing. I honestly can't wait to see and hear more. He's so old and delicate. . . maybe his creating artificial life is sucking the life slowly out of him and his age in years is deceptively young. (and maybe i'm throwing out too many ideas :rolleyes: ) Keep it up.. it's one of my fav's so far!

[Russell_Collins]

Originally posted by hdri
http://www.cgnetworks.com/challenge/entries/4/2563/2563_1080043267_medium.jpg (http://www.cgnetworks.com/challenge/entries/4/2563/2563_1080043267_large.jpg)

I'm developing the concept of the dream machine, thank to the great feedback on the forum; From the many ideas suggested by the viewers, I decided to make a device aimed to re-create the brain images into holograms. I can't wait to know what you think.

I love the idea. The tricky part will be rendering the holograms I suppose. It might be cool to show him imagining more original than a half-naked woman. What if he is a surgeon and the images from the scans were projected as holograms from his memory while he was working on the real patient?

[CoolBlueMan]

Incredible concept guy!! :thumbsup:

It's amazing. The drawing style reminds me someway to Leonardo da Vinci, and so does your capacity to make up ingenious things like this.

I'm going to follow this thread every day. Hope you keep it alive.

The idea looks fantastic. Would he be able to recreate visually a whole world around him? And what about truly creating solid things?

Keep it going!! :bounce:

[Phugative]

Kick ASS concept

I like Russell's idea about the hologram. I was thinking something similar, except keeping it to the dream idea he is simply seeing something from his youth, it could even be a younger him and the wife he used to have, or something much darker.

Keep up the good work.

This would be cool in 3D as well.....

[Tommy Lee]

:thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

I am speechless impressed!!!!

Cheerz

Tommy Lee

[hdri]

Thank you again , guys!
I agree with RussellCollins that the hologram shoud show a more suggesting concept: ie: the holo could be himself in case he didn't take that decision last year... But this is not easy to draw! I'll keep thinking on it.
CoolBlueMan: your comments overwhelmed me... Thanx!

[duddlebug]

Looking at himself is an interesting idea...

It'd be a challenge to make that apparent if it's a younger (or different) version of himself.

Good luck!!

[hdri]

http://www.cgnetworks.com/challenge/entries/4/2563/2563_1080121624_medium.jpg (http://www.cgnetworks.com/challenge/entries/4/2563/2563_1080121624_large.jpg)

Still not clear what image should be created in the hologram...
I'm working on the details of the mechanical parts. Tell me your oppinions.

[flyingP]

I also like the idea of him looking back on his youth, although true "tricky", you'd need something to define the passage of time, maybe even something as blatant like a clock face could work when worked in with an image/images from his youth in a nice surreal way.

[eupee]

:bounce: that is awsome. details are insane. the hologram is a bit tricky to think of what to show.

how about a lost love, his wife that has passed away and now all he has of her is a hologram of memories. He lives out his numbered days looking at these memories... just a suggestion.


keep it up mate

[eupee]

just realised that someone has already mentioned this idea... but its a good one

[NezZ]

How about a sand timer. You know the ones you turn upside down. The reason I thought this is, with all of those cybernetic implants to prolong his life, he still can not stop the aging process. Thus he sits and waits for death.

Morbid maybe.

[Tommy Lee]

I would go for a multiple hologram like this:

-A Photo of a young man.
-A picknic scene with a young couple
-A funeral

Just my to cents

Cheerz:beer:

Tommy Lee

[Russell_Collins]

Originally posted by hdri
http://www.cgnetworks.com/challenge/entries/4/2563/2563_1080121624_medium.jpg (http://www.cgnetworks.com/challenge/entries/4/2563/2563_1080121624_large.jpg)

Still not clear what image should be created in the hologram...
I'm working on the details of the mechanical parts. Tell me your oppinions.

Just pick a story you want to tell and piece it together from there. If you make it fit the character of the man with the mechanical implants, then it will work. You can set him in a nostalgic scene (i.e. going through boxes of photos in his attic) and have a fully rendered version of his wife as viewed in his hologram also appear in some of the scene in which he is set.

Oh, another thing. I see you have the hologram projecting from his wrist. You may wish to show some sort of beam so that there is a clear direction of origin for the hologram. Another idea might be to add projectors from his fingers to contain the hologram above his palm, otherwise, why would he need to have his hand opened like that? Just suggestions. Keep up the good work, dude!:bounce:

[aniz]

I llike to much your dream machine¡
The art concept is really marvelous and I would like to see more of the holograms..
Keep on working in that way¡:bowdown:

[hdri]

some people ask how will the holograms be rendered: I've no idea, but I'm working on it. This is a first atempt:
http://bitofart.50megs.com/images/raff_05lo.jpg
Again with the topic on what image should be shown: I like more and more that the holo shows himself, maybe watching something in a hologram! (but time ago) OK, I'm a bit confused. I hope I can soon advance properly in the challenge.

[Tommy Lee]

The last one is amazing!!!!:thumbsup:

go,go,go!

Cheerz:beer:

[olidale]

so interesting seeing your ideas develope.

At first i thought it was a pervy old man looking at some young girl, but i really like the idea that he's looking at himself, may be how he remembers himself, or loved ones.

[hdri]

First attempt to compose the complete image. I need your help, guys!
(yes, it is inspired on the Danae, by Rembrandt. Funny stuff, reinterpret the classics..)
http://bitofart.50megs.com/images/raff_06_lo.jpg

[flyingP]

Personally I preferred the first sketches, they had a nice melancholy feeling, would be a pity to lose it IMO.

And is that a WACOM pad in his hand? :D

[dreamer3dchic]

I agree with Flying P a bit. I absolutely love your sketching style, and this last one is great, but it does lose some of it's charm. While he is part machine, the technology that was a part of him was so organic. Maybe surround him with the things that his dreams are made of. . . rather than the machinery that brings them to life. . .

Still.. I check your thread every day. It makes my work day much more enjoyable, and I'm grateful.

[Newke]

The last is great, but it's missing something IMO, the mood maybe, i don't know...

Keep it up !

[Tommy Lee]

Originally posted by flyingP
Personally I preferred the first sketches, they had a nice melancholy feeling, would be a pity to lose it IMO.

And is that a WACOM pad in his hand? :D

Have to agree. U lost most of the mood. Its not tragic no more, its just a nice drawing now. Sorry to serve u this icecold!:blush:

[butisen]

:bounce: Congratulations HDRI, its really interesting the concept.
I love the draft.

[Frood]

I'm sorry but I'll go on strike against the last one hdri .
Please go back to the first sketches!
Nice try, but no! ;)

[BloodTaster]

Wow, awesome sketchs !!
great job!!

[hdri]

Thanks to your help, I've realized I was in the wrong way. So I'm working on the original idea. I thins he could be a sort of minority report's agent, who's able to visualize the future or the past...(still not clear, I know). Hope you help me with this sketch as helpfully as you did with the last! (plenty of work: I know I'm going slow with the sketch... but I also think the draft is the key)
Thank you, guys!
http://img3.imageshack.us/img3/4438/raff_07_LO.jpg

[flyingP]

I still feel you are losing something, the more detail you seem to be adding to the environment the more you seem to be detracting from him, the first sketches had a really nice quality to them, a sort of very "personal" sadness.

PLEASE just note though these are just my own views and I don't want to push in any false directions, I just REALLY LOVED THOSE FIRST SKETCHES

[eupee]

i agree with flyingP... but i reacon this last sketch could do without the chick on the left... keep the main character "main" and have him in the centre.. i like the equipment around him however....

same with flyingP, these are my thoughts, and just ideas on what i think.

its INSANE though anyhow!

[Tommy Lee]

Originally posted by flyingP
I still feel you are losing something, the more detail you seem to be adding to the environment the more you seem to be detracting from him, the first sketches had a really nice quality to them, a sort of very "personal" sadness.

PLEASE just note though these are just my own views and I don't want to push in any false directions, I just REALLY LOVED THOSE FIRST SKETCHES

Exactly same thoughts here!!!!
Damn, flying P, are u my long lost identical twin:beer:

[Russell_Collins]

For some reason this incarnation reminds me of the scene in the Muppet Movie where Mel Brooks' mad scientist character has Kermit the Frog in that strange chair device...
...note to self, if nobody else sees that relation or gets the reference: stop smoking crack... :P:surprised

[flyingP]

:surprised Tommy.... BRUDER! :bounce:
:beer:

[bonestudio]

You could have one killer pict here !!! Keep goin' you're very close to something.

I really like your first concept

[hdri]

Hope you like this sketch more than the last ones...
http://bitofart.50megs.com/images/raff_07lo.jpg

[flyingP]

Hmmm the face still seems a bit comical to me, maybe the eyes :hmm: (but like I said just my opinion, I'm starting to feel rather self conscious about that).
The pose I like, especially the hands which I feel should give a good frame for what ever you place in there as hologram,
How's about maybe bringing his legs up again as in that earlier sketch as well?
Just thoughts :)

[SideAche]

Absolutely beautiful drawings. I agree with some of the others that the sentiment in the first few drawings really translate well. Your work makes me say, "I wish I had done that.":applause:

[Ketka]

Very nice old man!
Bravo! :applause:

[AirbORn]

I agree with flyingP I fell in love with the first 3 sketches you did. They make you feel sad and at the same time understanding for the character. Sadness work perfect with this character in my opinion. Symbolically with the first few sketches you did, your creating a world depreived of human interaction, that is why the old man works so well alone with just the projected dream image.

What do you think about all of this hdri?

[hdri]

I agree with all your crits, as usual. I was trying to show on his face some surprise and illusion, but I've lost the nostalgic mood of the first sketches. I think I'll redraw his expression. (Can't wait to lighten the scene!) Do you think the magnifyer lens on the eye may disturb the mood -sort of Mr. Magoo...-?
Thank you all.

[flyingP]

Originally posted by hdri
Do you think the magnifyer lens on the eye may disturb the mood -sort of Mr. Magoo...-?


kid of, yep

[bonestudio]

No I don't think... It depends on the all face expression.

I like that pose anyway ;)

[Russell_Collins]

One of the things I liked most was the way your first few sort of resembled Leonardo DiVinci's sketches. That gave the oldness some extra emphasis and made the mood feel right. I agree about the expression losing its poignancy in that regard.

But I like almost all of them anyway so what else can I say?:beer:

[flyingP]

Originally posted by bonestudio
No I don't think... It depends on the all face expression.


Yeah, might just have a point there.

At any rate hdri you are getting close to a extremely powerful piece of work here so keep it going. :thumbsup:

[Igor D]

Hdri, while your initial sketches introduced us to a unique concept, a man who's only joy is also his torture, you are now in danger of losing the elements which should be intrinsic to your piece, the elements which give it poignancy and a beautiful sadness.

A list of my thoughts:

1/ The holo-image should not be covered by the man's other hand, this creates the wrong impression - that of a machivellian wizard conjuring some illusion.

2/ The old man must be the only figure in the composition,
otherwise the piece would be robbed of the intimate, personal feel.

3/ Having him sitting on a bed is a good idea - it adds to the feel you want.

4/ The man should have a solemn expression on his face, possibly a tear running down his cheek, possibly a sad smile, but avoid the cheerfull expressions in your last sketches.

P.S. Please forgive my adamant tone - I have been so assertive only because you have the potential to create something very beautiful and moving here.:thumbsup:

[hdri]

http://bitofart.50megs.com/images/raff_07locolor.jpg

[hdri]

Hi, Igor D:
First of all, don't worry about the tone: the more clear the more helpful.
I agree with most of your comments -wich are, in the end, a concrete expression of what people felt when they critizised the last sketches-
I'll keep him alone; that's clear to me. And I will also give him a deeper expression. I'm not yet sure of wich pose is the good one for his hands (even I understand what you mean of the sorcerer's resemblance)
And, once again, THANK YOU ALL FOR THE GREAT FEEDBACK ON THE FORUM. It is very important for artists to be collaborative and share the thoughts. I'm learning a lot in this challenge thank to your comments!!!

[E.T]

o. wow.

Really impressive lighting.

Sometimes you get through a day thinking: hey i can DRAW.
And then you come across someone like you, and decide: well perhaps i can DOODLE.

Wonderful. Tells a whole story (although its kind of unclear what kind ;)

[Frood]

hdri, this last one is admirable!
The mechanism is getting more precise and impressive. Maybe you can put some mechanical stuff on his right arm too, since he's using it as well (not too much though, to keep this assymetrical nice feeling).

But do whatever you want with my opinion!
:beer:

[tedjel]

I think you have a great concept!
Looking at all he sketches you did and most of the suggestions, I had a crazy ideea: what if he is not dreaming, what if he is a sort of teacher/ memory bank/ entertainer of sort and he is forced to show others what he has stored up in his brain, while he actually wants to think about something else. Maybe as he is showing the holographic images in the "program" to us- the audience- he is trying to remember something different and the hologram is distorted (parts of the different memories mixed-up)
Then again, it is just a thought - it looks great even if you leave it the way it is now.
TJ

[hdri]

http://www.cgnetworks.com/challenge/entries/4/2563/2563_1080914481_medium.jpg (http://www.cgnetworks.com/challenge/entries/4/2563/2563_1080914481_large.jpg)

this is a new entry for the concept sketch, just to update the entries, and find some good oppinios on lighting so I can reach the colouring step...

[Ducklips]

Hi There-

Unbelievable artwork, keep following your own heart. If you listen to all opinions then he'll end up looking like a wookie. Insight is good, but spilling your own soul onto that paper is even better.

Keep up the good work, you are doing a spectacular job on everything.

-Ducklips

[Squibbit]

love the light always


still kinda lich thing (dungeons&dragons
aging wizards made themselves undead with
unholy rituals , kinda like machineflesh grandpa ..)
(eek..arg..)

o yes , this bein my first post here i feel need
or need feel to show how incompetence spoileth
good idea like mine try to change volunteer sergeant
Aggo into super cyberwarrior

result image here :
http://www.geocities.com/learnerever/sarge

credits supremo magnificentieus go to Falcor ,
a competitor in this here contest and a good friend
who taught about lights n stuff cause i thought whole
world was black well little did i know

[cjewell]

Really cool idea!!, Keep up the excellent work, I love the expression on his face!!


- Cjewell_01

:applause:

[Slav]

i think the head is a tad too small in the final image.

good work otherwise.

[hdri]

I'm working on mechanical details:
http://bitofart.50megs.com/images/close_up_01.jpg
http://bitofart.50megs.com/images/close_up_02.jpg

[kjc]

The concept itself is great. It's one of those 'now why didn't I think of that?' moments. Very cool. Can't wait to see where you bring this piece.

[mtague]

Hi, I really like your style and I think your image is turning out great.

The lighting test is nice (I agree that the green so far is kinda creepy), but I think the mood from the first concept works better than the smile/glee from the lighting test.

Sorry to just repeat what others have been saying, but the feel of the first sketches was just so nice.

[Carlocki]

Do you remind me Frezzato Style in famous comic "THE MASER"

[zilla]

brilliant character design and i really love your drawing style!! you've created a great atmosphere!
beautiful piece my friend keep rockin! :buttrock:

[element5]

way to go dude!

I really like the sketch with him in the chair, nice composition.

:beer:

[p4b10]

I like very much the way you achieve the retro futuristic look. Great mechanical designs.

Buen trabajo. :beer:

[bonestudio]

what a great sense of details what size is your drawing ?

[CoolBlueMan]

I love the detail sketches and I'm willing to see them on the final composition.
Everything is turning outstanding.
Keep it going. :buttrock:

[adrianis]

I like a lot your work! Inspirational :arteest:

[hdri]

Thank you alll for your comments. I'm sorry I haven't posted new stuff. I hope I can soon post.
Bonestudio, the paper size is 27 x 34 cm.

[flyingP]

Originally posted by hdri
I hope I can soon post.


Hope so too!! :bounce: :bounce:

[berilac]

First time looking through this part of the comp. Your initial work was very impressive.
We agree with others in that it had more emotion, impact and style than the later work.
I haven't fully read this entire thread and will do.
But what are your intentions in where this design is going.
Do you want to go with a softer look or more what you started with???

Keep up the great work.

Mike

[Dobryi_Jedai]

Y-A-H-O-O-O-O-OOO!!!!!!!! :bowdown:

[MorteR]

Hahahaaaaaa!!!
Love it!
:applause:

[hdri]

I'm looking for gesture and expressions for the old man, let's see if I find the correct mood
http://bitofart.50megs.com/images/oldmen.jpg

[Frood]

Amazing sketches! :buttrock:
The one on the right is pretty scary, I guess it hurts sometimes to make your dreams come true :surprised

[aniz]

Hi,
I like too much the one on the left.
You´re the best.
Good job.
:bounce:

[CoolBlueMan]

Come on hdri, we are waiting for more and more.

About the sketches, they all rock but the one on the left is more suggestive than the others.
I would try a mix between that one and the one on the upper right.

I think you are going back to the look of the initial sketches... and I like it. Much better.

Go on.

[hdri]

sorry for taking so much time on updates,... Time is ending, so I must hurry up. I think I'll finally develope this concept: poor old man in a poor old country, trying to get some cash. "The puppeteer" will be his name. And that's his work: animate puppets through his mind thanks to the new generation graphic cards -but everything in the poorest style-. I've been working in the concepts, evolved from the original up to this, I hope u help me to get the point!
http://img3.imageshack.us/img3/9128/raff_09LO.jpg

[Squibbit]

ok , I instantly got an idea . . hundreds of wires would hang
from the puppeteer's fingers .Each wire he could move and
assign color to , if he himself wouldn't move and would just
concentrate on the "puppeteering" . The wires would move like
snakes ,making any form he wanted . In addition he could make
a space between two wires illuminated with holographic color.
Now if you could imagine this I think it would be a sight to see.

After shows some of the wires would have inevitably gone
knotted and would be unusable until he sorted the wires out.
Afterall it's just his brain thinking of an image the wires would
form for display , he could not possibly control each individual
strand .

??

[cabertevon]

Just change the angle ( Camera View).

The rest.... ROCKS!!!!

cabertevon
Visit my 2D Machineflesh Thread (http://www.cgtalk.com/showthread.php?postid=1294224#post1294224)

[Frood]

The evolution of your concept makes sense, and it seems that you've been thinking a lot about it. So I'd say "keep this one".
It's nice, and the old men look great, I feel sympathy for them.
Now just a crit about the design of the machine part on the right : it seems to be way to uncomfortable. I mean the thing on his arm looks heavy (why would he put it there and not on the ground next to him?), and the one on his head too. It seems to me that the glass part is gonna rip off his head any moment. Only skin could not make this stay in place.
Otherwise your sketches are still amazing, andI'm eagger to see some color one day!
Your pic is going to be a masterpiece! :applause:

[Squibbit]

ok, and this is also one of the threads in which every
single sketch is so great it makes you wanna cry that
You're only gonna finish one of them.

and more idea wise...
you really wanna get the point through you put a sign
next to the old man that says "puppet shows , 10c" or
whatever :)
also , you could have a bunch of children there , some
sitting , some standing ,one lying on the ground , smiling ,
laughing and watching the puppet move

then you could have coins on the cobblestones , payment
for the performances . You could also have gifts given to the old man.
Like a child's drawing or a flower in a small vase , stuff like that

[hdri]

http://www.cgnetworks.com/challenge/entries/4/2563/2563_1083063699_medium.jpg (http://www.cgnetworks.com/challenge/entries/4/2563/2563_1083063699_large.jpg)

Finaly I decided to develope this concept: the puppetter- a beggar playing a virtual holographic puppet to get some money.

[hdri]

first step on colour. Working primarily on the BG.
http://img3.imageshack.us/img3/7853/colorWIP01.jpg

[cuppacam]

Your style is so cool. Love it.:surprised

[viag]

nice line and the color will be great !

[hdri]

next update of colour version. Not too different from the first....
C&C are welcome and needed.
Thanx!
http://img3.imageshack.us/img3/189/colorWIP02.jpg

[flyingP]

OHHH WOW, can't believe I missed these before, man I love your stuff :buttrock:

[PedroToledo]

Very strong and beautyfull style. Wonderfull characters!

Good work man! :applause:

[masahiro]

You got really nice ideas and painting skill man! Ur last work is really cool but I feel a little ambigueous... haha! Are you gonna keep this style or go back to the the first few, more cartoony style? I think both would be fine.... cuz u got the talent! Yeah! By the way, if you do have free time, give my works some opinions as well ok! Love ur work!! :thumbsup: Good Luck!!

[bonestudio]

Oh great !!! The last one is definitely my favorite of all the contest.

We really see that you worked a lot, I hope you will be rewarded for that. :beer:

[hdri]

http://www.cgnetworks.com/challenge/entries/4/2563/2563_1083155732_medium.jpg (http://www.cgnetworks.com/challenge/entries/4/2563/2563_1083155732_large.jpg)

Inspirational for colour are the great masters, as usual: Rembrandt, Caravaggio, Ribera, Fortuny...
Wish one day I can paint just a 1 percent in the way they did!!!
Meanwhile, I try to learn from them.

[pogonip]

That is looking awesome man ...I love the way he looks like he is manipulating a holographic puppet !!!

[foane]

I really like the tone of your painting, makes him kinda isolated from the world, but still keeping his emotional background of his life....really nice.
your sketches are nice as well, altough my absolute favourite is the last brownish sketch of your puppeteer, I felt the mood of the old star wars movies in it.....excellent work, good luck with the judges!

[kress]

Looks like you're the competition ;) I think his head thing has gotten away from you a little. I liked the very first sketch a lot. You may not want to change it at this point, but maybe you want to think about exagerating (?) the design so it's function is a little more apparent at a glance?

[XIA]

Good God!!! your lighting blows me away!!! Great job man!:surprised :thumbsup:

[Neozoom]

very good job and concept but for me the first idea wioth little alone old man and his fairy was most emotionnal... but anyway good job ^^

[modelFarm]

great !
:bowdown: :bowdown: :bowdown:
your painting tecnic is very good!!

[hdri]

Thank you guys for your comments, crit ones and encouraging ones, are both welcome :-)
Maybe the first sketches were more suggesting. Usually the first idea is the best one. But I didn't find an interesting way to develope it. On the other hand, I feel comfortable with the way the concept has evolved. Obviosly, it is late to go back. I'll finish this pic, which, anyway, I find original enough...
Any critic is absolutely welcome. (It's not being easy to colour this! but I'm enjoing alot)
Thanx again!:blush:

[Frood]

Hey hdri, your lighting and colors look really great!
There are still good feelings in your pic. But I think that some ideas Squibbit said sounded really nice.
Maybe your character is just a bit too "stuck" in the pic, maybe you should leave more room in front of him so we can see some people or kids of the audience. In other words I think a kind of 1st plan could bring a lot of depth in the image. :shrug:
Another tiny detail that bugs me too: the dish for the money is really right under his nuts. I would be too uncomfortable to put change in it. Of course maybe the scene lays in a country where nudity is more common in the street...

No other crit, I promise! Keep your great work going!
:bounce: :bounce: :bounce:

[hdri]

updating colour.. not still big difference, so I post a real size portion. I'm working on details, but I wouldn't like to reach a rigid style;I'd like to keep freshness of brush and so...
http://img3.imageshack.us/img3/8356/colorWIP04.jpg

[Squibbit]

I so liked the first pis and this new one is SO much more
original and deeper. :bowdown:


I really like the way you get people feel your images .

that's depth in there :bowdown:

and in conclusion
:bowdown:

I wonder though if you can make it even better with maybe
little detail in the end ? .. hmm

[Sakor]

:buttrock: There are no words, the best :bowdown:

:eek: :eek:

[Virtuoso]

the puppetter...................I am sorry I have missed your thread until now................But happy to have found it now.Beautiful work Antonio,I love the look and feel,the mood,the colors,well all of it.The idea too is touching and a bit whimsical.......excellent art,and Caravaggio.....and many other classic artists would be applauding your efforts for sure............................Wonderful........:buttrock: :buttrock:

[banter3]

Fantastic work, HDRI. All your sketches bring a lot of feeling to your character. Personally, I like the sketches with the old man having more of a pensive sadness to him, as if he were reconstructing a hologram of someone he has loved and lost in the past, and is obsessed with the image enough to construct his body into a device that produces the image of ‘Her’. Your first couple of sketches really evoked the above for me, especially the one of the character curled up in the chair, which is astounding.

The only other comment I have is that you’ve got great detail that you’ve spent a lot of time on, which seems subdued by the overall red tone of your palette in the newer, colored posts. The mood is great, but I’d like to see those cool mechanics you’ve developed more clearly. Can’t wait to see your final.

RPJ

[londero]

I am impressioned with your art. IS AMAZING!!!:thumbsup:

[hdri]

Little update. I was planning to put manipulators on his hand, I'm not very satisfieed with those... I know I still have lot of work on the mechanical devices.
http://img3.imageshack.us/img3/2320/colorWIP05.jpg

[flyingP]

coming along beautifully hdri I love the texture you getting into this.
Fantastic work :applause:

[XIA]

Damn!!! beautiful...:drool:

[Ville]

Well, not gonna coment artwise cause that would be unecessary(:drool: :drool: :drool: )
But I love the concept! your idea is wonderful and the art (here I go, hehe) is Fantastic!!!
Congrats, and LOTs of it!
Daniel

[bonestudio]

I think we have a winner here :) It's comin so nicely, I love it

[OKMER]

Really nice embiance and great art:applause:

[JasonChan]

That's brilliance, man.

Wow.

Right now the board hanging from his arm is the focal point. i don't know if this is intentional or not. It's just that green light...

But yeah. Wow

:bowdown: :bowdown: :bowdown:

[AirbORn]

Very nice, I like the mood you are creating with the colours and the overall composition.

[duddlebug]

Have you used Painter for this?

There's some wonderful texture in the image (and contrasting textures such as the glass against the skin) and the lighting across the figure works really well. The green tubes going into his arms are a nice touch...especially where they are semi-transparent as they go into his skin.

The puppet reminds me of a francis bacon painting of a cardinal (can't remember the name of it!!) partly because it's quite abstract and vague.

good work...

[hdri]

thank you for your comments, guys.
Have you used Painter for this?
No, it is just PS7 with custom brushes. And not too many layers.(I'm trying not to multiply layers innecesarely, becouse the image size is huge: more than 4000 px)
The puppet reminds me of a francis bacon painting of a cardinal
Duddlebug: could it be the portrait of Innocence X? Not sure; Bacon made lot of sketches an paintings over the same subject. Anyway, thanx for the compliments. I'm planning to paint an indian puppet, wich is the reference I've used for it. (My brother bought two puppets in India; they're nice!)
Ah, it' amazing how you've seen those tubes coming into the skin!! At this size is almost imperceptible. It is one of those details I'd like to enhance.

[hdri]

Due to stupid people, who has nothing better to do than bothering... cgtalk has gone over. Thanks (God) it is ok now.
So I'll post my last work. I'm just going to post a new pic, as if nothing happened.
(For those of you who have followed my challenge): I've been thinking on the colour scheme, and the dominant red colour, and, as some of you suggested, I want to break this palette, just to enrich the global mood. So, after big deliveration, I decided to place a bike on the right. I'd like to know how do you feel it.
I've also added some detail on the eyes.
Keep going!
http://img17.imageshack.us/img17/6492/colorWIP10.jpg

[Frood]

Hey hdri, The whole picture seems to be clearer, now that you desaturated the colors. But I think I like the puppet brighter though.
I don't mind about the bicycle, but it looks really too brand new to me. I think it will be better if it looked all rusty and worn, you know with the very old tires with cracks on the sides.
Otherwise, I didn't understand what you said about bothering guys, what happened? :surprised

[edit] Sorry, I heard of the story now. Well, as you said, life goes on, so just keep sending your pics, and just keep make us dream!
:beer:

[MrFreeman]

:) As I said previously (before data was lost) the concept and image is superb.

I agree with your thoughts on the palette, though I find the bike a bit distracting as it takes your eye away from the subject matter.

This is really being very picky and this is by far one of the best entires I've seen in this challenge.

Keep up the good work:applause:

[madone01]

intesting concept amazing drawing style keep up the good work .:applause: :beer:

[NinjaA55N]

Damn!!! what a masterpiece was created when i was gone! The bike on the right makes the composition OK, dont worry about that.
I'll wathc that thread more often, not to miss the whole progress agian. And yes, do some more details, sharpen the lines... make me drool :drool:

[Luter]

I LIKE IT !!:bounce:
:applause:
:applause:
:thumbsup:

A LOT.

bravo

[JasonChan]

I agree that the bike is a little distracting. Maybe if it had some of those warms in it? It just looks too cool right now and draws my eye since it's reall the only cool object in the scene. Still, the piece as a whole is still amazing :)

[sketchfiend]

Awesome, truely amazing work, i love that old dude. The detail in the image is really nice, i esspecially love that little bit of rope tieing his head to the brain cover, hehehe.:thumbsup:

Is he meant to be blind? because his eyes have a nice pale gloss over them. Overall the composition, idea, colour, everything is fantastic. You wouldnt consider putting some coins on the ground because atm he hasnt made a cent. Poor guy:p Not even the rats a bothering to have a look at the show, every showman should have an audience.

Love the work, congrats on the piece.:thumbsup::beer:

[Newke]

Wonderful piece of art :thumbsup:

I'm agree with frood, the bike needs some rusts and scratch IMO.

[hdri]

Hello, guys!
Sorry for the lack of updates. I've spent 15 days on holiday, visiting my brother in India. I could realize that the mood of the scene I'm working on matchs perfectly with coarse reality... If you want to know the truth, reality is much crude and terrible. I'm planning to upload to my web some pictures I took wich will be inspirational to follow the puppeteer pic.

Thank you all for your comments and critics. Of course I'll rust the bike. It is just a first atempt to place it correctly on the layout. I agree I should turn it to warmer palette, for it not to be so distracting.
Yes, I'd like him to be blind. I thought blind people imagination could be something pretty interesting to show on.

Hope I can soon show you more. Just fighting with jet-lag :-P

[londero]

Fine work! I'm anxious to see the corrupted bike...

:thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

Força companheiro!:buttrock:

my entry (http://www.cgtalk.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=141195)

[NinjaA55N]

update update :wip:

dont be angry with me for not being patience... i just love ur work and the way hows progressing :thumbsup:

[mickatt]

very nice work !!!!

I vote for you ;)

[p4b10]

Great improvement since i saw your progress, great design , and i like the cool tones you have added.

keep it up. :thumbsup:

[AirbORn]

hdri, your piece is just breath taking, such beautiful story telling in this piece, the colours, composition, is perfect. What can I say, it is perfect!!! :applause:

[illustr8r]

Beautiful textures!

[hdri]

Thank you very much, guys, for your encouraging comments, but I'm a bit on a sort of "cul de sac", it means: nowhere to go; I'm lost at this point, and I really need your angry side to reveal, and tell me all you dislike, hate, would improve, etc. Seriously speaking, the lack of updates is due to the lack of inspiration to continue... It's sad and humiliating, but it is true. So the question is: What do you, CGTalker, think I should add, substract, change or whatever, so I wouldn't have to send this pic as the final work? (not to take into account the rusting of the bike and similar obvious details)
Any crit will be strongly and sincerely appreciated.
And, once again, I have to say the feedback is great!

[Newke]

It's really hard to find somethings to add or substract in your painting.
As some of us said before, the bike might be rusty to better mix with the other elements, and you surely have already tweak this.
Maybe try to add some coins in the bowl, but i don't think that will really improve your image. All is already there and your painting is brilliant ! :buttrock:

[shawnalanpeters]

I shouldn't even make the coment...I about to make ...beacause it is simply personal taste...but looking at the overall quality and technique used on the painting... The eyes of the character seem out of place.. have you considered a more realistic yee shape for the character... ? my personal opinion is that it would match the It looks like you have put a lot of time in to it....good work.

[hdri]

little update. I'm working on the bike and bit details. The image is 25 % size.
I've added more light to the puppet, and desaturated the BG.
http://img29.imageshack.us/img29/5358/colorWIP11.jpg

[Luter]

May I give you a suggestion...I think this famous bike is not realy so important,...in fact i think that the bike could be a little bit in shadow..it's too strong, it's a focus out of the character...maybe you have just to suggest it, not too precisely..

anyway !

It's a very, very good work...

Composition is great.
Drawing very nice and personnal.
Colors harmony is very good.
Idea..so much poetic and nice.

Congratulations !.:thumbsup:

[Luter]

May I give you a suggestion...I think this famous bike is not realy so important,...in fact i think that the bike could be a little bit in shadow..it's too strong, it's a focus out of the character...maybe you have just to suggest it, not too precisely..

anyway !

It's a very, very good work...

Composition is great.
Drawing very nice and personnal.
Colors harmony is very good.
Idea..so much poetic and nice.

Congratulations !.:thumbsup:

[Luter]

May I give you a suggestion...I think this famous bike is not realy so important,...in fact i think that the bike could be a little bit in shadow..it's too strong, it's a focus out of the character...maybe you have just to suggest it, not too precisely..

anyway !

It's a very, very good work...

Composition is great.
Drawing very nice and personnal.
Colors harmony is very good.
Idea..so much poetic and nice.

Congratulations !.:thumbsup:

[r3studios]

i DON`T think that i a future, that far, where a poor got that kind of technologie on his body, that there will be SUCH A BIKE like this. i think you need to think some more to find a bike deisgn which looks old, but still futuristic. cause this bike you got there would be 500 years old :D image when this kind of technologie would be available for a poor guy.

otherwise great image!

[hdri]

http://www.cgnetworks.com/challenge/entries/4/2563/2563_1086970049_medium.jpg (http://www.cgnetworks.com/challenge/entries/4/2563/2563_1086970049_large.jpg)

This is where I've reached with the pic. Sorry if you expected more talent...

[hdri]

Now the challenge is almost over, and there is no posibility to copy or appropiate ideas, somebody may find interesting to check other web contests with similar topics. I spetially like the photo fakes that appear in worth1000. If you want to check them, there they are:

www.worth1000.com/cyborgs (http://www.worth1000.com/cache/gallery/contestcache.asp?contest_id=2944&display=photoshop)

[TeemuR]

Haven't I posted in this thread before? If not here it comes:

You have done great job! :thumbsup:
Interesting idea and nice color scheme too.
Gotta love those squeezers in the hand! :D
Good luck! and don't worry, you obviously have talent enough! :beer:

[duddlebug]

Absolutely fantastic job!!

I've not posted on your thread for a while now, but i've been dropping in to look at your progress and to admire your technique. I really like this entry (i used to do a street puppet show!!) and i think the finished image really does your concept justice.

Good luck!!

[element5]

good composition, great colouring. :thumbsup:

[londero]

dude

this image

will fixed in my mind

for years!

Congratulations!!! I love the final image.

The colors, techinique, final aspect, composition, and the damn bicycle to complete the maddnes...

congratulations!!!! :applause:

and FORCE

londero.

Del pecado de mi pueblo comen, y en su maldad levantan su alma. (http://www.cgtalk.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=141195&perpage=15&pagenumber=11)

[Drumwhore]

I love it! Great idea, and you have some awesome skills :) I 've been staring at your pic for something like 2 minutes... :)

The only thing that looks a bit weird to me (I don't know if it has been mentioned before) is the skin on his stomach.. It looks too wrinkled for the straight position he's having.. But maybe that's just me.. :)

Anyway, congratulations!! :beer:

[smilingdemon]

don't worry about your talent, dude :bounce:

your pic is one of my topten favorite :thumbsup:

[BloodTaster]

fantastic Work!!
Good luck!!

[shawnalanpeters]

nice finish.. It's cool seeing a different take on torn flesh... I have been struggling with it on my piece.. looks like you put in a lot of time and work.. good job.. !

[aniz]

It´s really fantastic. I llike it so much.
Congratulations
:bounce:

[Shinwa]

:applause: I just want to say that A - you produced something very professional, so don't even comment about talent level....I love the texture, it feels like a painting - hard for many people to do on a computer... and B Your idea is truly unique, it tells a story in and of itself that I have seen nowhere else. Your expression for him is also GREAT...I feel like I could run into this guy in some back alley somewhere and he might try and get me to toss some change.... Good Job.

[hdri]

Thank you very much, Shinwa, fot your encouraging and optimistic comments! They're are as helpful as serious critics for me. I hope there will be soon a new contest, becouse I' not in the challenge, due to a small technical problem, and I was so interested in participating, just to know how my work sounds in the world... It will be next time. Meanwhile, comments like yours are really appreciated! Thank you again!

[duddlebug]

aaAAAaaRggHH!!!

I can't believe you aren't in the challenge!!? What went wrong!!!

Your piece is so strong and i think you'd have been right up there in the final judging. I was just trawling through the entries looking for yours so i could put a vote in for you... and i was confused because i couldn't find your picture... so came to look at your thread...

Really bad luck.

It'll be great to see you in the next challenge!! Hopefully we won't have too long to wait...?

[Slav]

i liked the original idea a whole lot more the whole shape of the head which you changed i dont think suits the characters he looks kind of like a goof. at 1st you had a serious image going here then it seemed to have turned into a very illustrated image , as if it where made for children. great work on it none the less.

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