Machineflesh 2D Challenge Entry: Brian Read

[flyingP]

that bluer version was just a suggestion from hdri the greener version is my original and how it "still" looks.

[duddlebug]

oh...i see...

:)

[flyingP]

http://www.cgnetworks.com/challenge/entries/4/2600/2600_1083352226_medium.jpg (http://www.cgnetworks.com/challenge/entries/4/2600/2600_1083352226_large.jpg)

Just trying to resolve the lack of depth on his chest/stomach etc. .........can't say I'm finding it easy.

[Squibbit]

"before / after" arg , starting to look like a bad commercial ,
anyways , maybe "after" looks a bit too lumpy ?

[BloodTaster]

It's getting better, every time i see!
great job!!

[Freewave]

flyingP your work is going very well. I love the sense of atmosphere and overall mood that is being communicated in your piece. Great Job!!! :thumbsup:

[shawnalanpeters]

Brian,
I love what you have going...and I do have some suggetions since you are open to them.

The biggest thing for me is color harmony. I think that bringing 40% of the backgroud color would help..this will bring everything to the same place and tone down the hot spots. Also it evens out the background and make it a little darker.This make it feel like the creature is deeper in the water and is a more ominous setting. Then you can bring you highlights up again..It will allow you to have a slower , more refinded approach to modeling the light also. The bubbles could be toned down also if the light isn't that strong..this helps with keeping your eye moving along the character... you could use them to your benifit...when move the eye around the composition..but I think it would help if they were subtle....I also thought more creature swimming in the abyss could help move your eye around the composition.

A soft blue reflected light from the bottom would help seperate the character from the background ..at the bottom of the page were it is darkest. and add to the modeling of the characters form..

hope you like it.! You have a great piece.

I will forward a jpeg of these suggestions painted over your piece

[flyingP]

http://www.cgnetworks.com/challenge/entries/4/2600/2600_1083442259_medium.jpg (http://www.cgnetworks.com/challenge/entries/4/2600/2600_1083442259_large.jpg)

Thanks for the input guys, just a small update here (the stomach again)

@ shawnalanpeters, there will be more blue coming into this in a layer that I plan to place over the top, just haven't got around to doing it yet and there are a few things like the stomach (his other leg, the fish, one or two toes...... :hmm: ) that I want to resolve before I do so.

Actually the bubbles were added with the intention of using them as a compositional element, but are still just a rough background layer ATM, more work will be going back into that later.

There may also be one or two other elements coming in to solve a few issues that no one's really mentioned so far but which are bugging the hell out of me, but I'll look into that later.


Cheers guys

[shawnalanpeters]

Brian ..do you have an email ..so I can forward the image I painted over... I think you will appreciate the suggestions.
I forwwarded it to the adim... but I haven't got a reponse...and I don't know how to post it on your thread..( which I don't think I can)



Originally posted by flyingP
http://www.cgnetworks.com/challenge/entries/4/2600/2600_1083442259_medium.jpg (http://www.cgnetworks.com/challenge/entries/4/2600/2600_1083442259_large.jpg)

Thanks for the input guys, just a small update here (the stomach again)

@ shawnalanpeters, there will be more blue coming into this in a layer that I plan to place over the top, just haven't got around to doing it yet and there are a few things like the stomach (his other leg, the fish, one or two toes...... :hmm: ) that I want to resolve before I do so.

Actually the bubbles were added with the intention of using them as a compositional element, but are still just a rough background layer ATM, more work will be going back into that later.

There may also be one or two other elements coming in to solve a few issues that no one's really mentioned so far but which are bugging the hell out of me, but I'll look into that later.


Cheers guys

[OKMER]

Wow,man a really great job!!!:surprised !!!Even if i feel a little the same way as Shawnalanpeters,and that i also think that maybe a backlight of another color could seperate a little more the character of the background.But I suppose you're working on that.So all that i've got left to say is that i really love what you've got going there!!!!respect!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[flyingP]

Originally posted by shawnalanpeters
Brian ..do you have an email ..

Yes.....and no, my blasted email sever is down again, at least I can't seem to send or receive any thing ATM (been happening a lot lately sod it :banghead: )



and I don't know how to post it on your thread..( which I don't think I can)
If you have any web hosting, then just give us a link.


Not too much of a problem anyway Shawn I understood what were saying before.

Bit busy at the moment, hope to be able to update in a few days though

cheers

:beer:

[madshooter]

good concept....like the artwork....sketch is cool.

waiting for the next step:thumbsup:

[urubat]

Wow, the sketches really cracked me up... but you do have great style. A wonderful humorous kind of sketching. I really think your solar concept is quite powerful.

Great work... keep it up! looks like u're having fun!

[Atwooki]

The stomach's looking a LOT better; can't help but think the 'hard-outline' on the far side of the torso doesn't help give the body it's full 'depth-effect' tho' :shrug:

Palette's looking better an' better, and the translucency of the finger webbing's great :)

Atwooki

[bonestudio]

I really like it what a mood on that piece !!!

I agree for adding more blue in it, and perhaps adding more depth to it, I think it's a bit flat for an underwater situation....

[flyingP]

Thanks guys......Atwooki I am in the process of removing that line right at the moment (good point :thumbsup: ).
bonestudio I've got a few ideas with the depth issue, I see what you mean though.

So at any rate I'll spend a bit more time on this before making the next update where hopefully I'll have resolved a few of these issues, cheers guys and thanks once again for the input.
:beer:

[flyingP]

http://www.cgnetworks.com/challenge/entries/4/2600/2600_1083624183_medium.jpg (http://www.cgnetworks.com/challenge/entries/4/2600/2600_1083624183_large.jpg)

Haha OK looks like I'm going to update after all as I got a bit further than I had expected today, gives you and idea I hope of where this is heading.

Cheers

[OKMER]

Yap,it do gives the idea of where you heading!!!And that idea feels good!!:D
Maybe a strange kind of light(don't know really if it's called backlight but anyway)coming from the bottom of the sea wil bring more depth and mystery.
I like this one a lot!!!!

[Squibbit]

very good addition , the light :applause:

you might not have added more hair on the head of
the creature ... it's starting to look like me .. *shudders *

[Cartesius]

This just keeps getting better and better! :thumbsup:

/Anders

[JasonChan]

Wow:bowdown:

This one is looking awesome! I really like the way you've got the transparency of the skin working :thumbsup:

[brunowerneck]

Brian,

Nice illustration so far man... I really like his face... You don't wanna come across this guy when you go take your scuba diving lessons...

Anyhow...maybe you're saving the best for later, but since you've already defined where your light is coming from, isn't it time to layout the blacks and dark tones on this guy ? I think that would really do it man... Add that extra noir-Shazan to it... (but don't overdo it...)

Now, I saw you were posting impressionist paintings on your thread so you probably know that real painters choose not to use pure blacks on their paintings. I think however an exception can be made for digital paintings. It adds a morer dramatic cinematic look to it, and it contrasts against the bright white monitor light real nice.

that's my 2 cents. Keep up the good work. And boy, you are famous dude. I whish I had one third of the many views and posts you get. Maybe you can chec my humble entry here:
---my entry--- (http://www.cgtalk.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=136875)

cheers

[artjunkie]

Awesome to see the progression of this FINE piece of artwork. All I can say is 'keep going, dude... keep going!' :thumbsup:

[Godlewski]

Man, Your concept painting as become unbelievable. Such an imagination. I can tell that much thought as be put into the mechanics of your creature. Well Done. No critic here. :bowdown:

[londero]

IT'S AMAZING.

Your job is fantastic, nice colors and movement of composite. INSPIRATIONAL!!!

Sugest: try a more dense color scheme (dark blues, shadows. etc.) in the water, ressalting the person and your dramatic expression...I loved the yelow parts!!! :thumbsup:

Sorry for the inexperience in the english language!!!:hmm:

see my project in the challenge: a Knight TEMPLAR (http://www.cgtalk.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=141195)

[Danimation 3D]

Just wanted to say that your work so far is awesome! You've got my vote! Cheers

P.S. Did you use photoshop?

[flyingP]

http://www.cgnetworks.com/challenge/entries/4/2600/2600_1084551746_medium.jpg (http://www.cgnetworks.com/challenge/entries/4/2600/2600_1084551746_large.jpg)

That was not funny !!!!!

Ok It's back, and in as the final colouring now

[ET]

thats a hell of a great job...

congrats pal...:applause:

[Atwooki]

Hey there, Brian!

Truly, truly superb piece :)
Sumptuously rendered in every way, beautifully controlled palette and paint-work, wonderful design and stylisation - Gorgeous stuff all-round :applause: no real room for a crit at this stage, other than the 'saturation' and 'highlighting' of his tongue (looks too much), and the angle of it's shadow perhaps...

Atwooki

[flyingP]

Originally posted by Atwooki
other than the 'saturation' and 'highlighting' of his tongue (looks too much), and the angle of it's shadow perhaps...

Atwooki

:surprised Oh bugger.....yeah see what you mean, is at least a quick fix, thanks mate :thumbsup:

[Cartesius]

Man, I wish I could paint only half as good as you... The colours, the shadings, the blending of tones, the shadowing, it all adds up to one truly great piece of art! :applause:

/Anders

[flyingP]

That's OK Anders I 'm rather jealous of your texturing skills too :D

and thank you :thumbsup:

[Luter]

Great work ! Could you show us some close-up please ? I would like to lose myself in the colors and the lines..

[flyingP]

Ok a couple of close ups (which should show up the rest of the mistakes :scream: )

I've still to correct what Atwooki pointed out before too.

http://www.bjread.joice.net/fposts/detail2.jpg

http://www.bjread.joice.net/fposts/detail3.jpg

[JamesMK]

Without any eloquent feedback as could be expected from more seasoned 2D critics, I'll have to resort to stating that it looks bloody brilliant and completely awesome in all aspects of it.

What gets me the most for some reason, is the way the depth of the creature itself is handled, the subtle tonal shifts and lowered level of detailed strokes on the parts further away. Brilliant it is.

[artjunkie]

Absolutely brilliant... man, you're talented! Great dynamic pose, wonderful use of color and a disturbingly brilliant blend of machine and flesh. I hope you win this one... inspiring stuff!

:beer:

[Luter]

:bounce: :wavey:

Thank you ! Thank you! Ah...I take a great pleasure t o look your work closely..I like it ! You do something I don't know.. you go to the essential and it is...essential. Thank you again. I think you gonna win.
:thumbsup:

[Virtuoso]

Even more wonderful close-up!!!!:buttrock: ........Everytime i look upon your piece here Brian i somehow picture or see it moving,what nice flow and such a great dynamic set up.Colors,style,it's all here.1 Frame but looks like a few seconds of movement,great sense of action and movement in one frame..........................Lovin it............:buttrock: :beer:

[flyingP]

Virtuoso you are as eloquent with your words as with your modelling, many thanks :D

artjunkie, goli Thanks guys glad you like it, as to winning... ahhh let's just wait and see, there are a few others I'd like to see win as well.
:beer:

[pigwater]

holy smokes!!! ... (those were my exact words) ... i had no idea this coolness was goin on ... serves me right for not lookin over here

this thing is fab!! ... this is really,really nice ... the colors hit me right off .. you've captured the translucency of water as well as the feel of the distorted movement it possesses .. then the contrast of the yellows and oranges kick it up another notch .. wonderful details and intricacies of the seperate components .. great pose .. believable anatomy ... this is sweet

crits ...none

thanks for the link (and wallpaper??) ...the power of pork definitely shines in this thread
:thumbsup: :thumbsup:

a little late but now subscribed

[vincentvv]

Still beutifull...in the close ups it is like u can se the the brushes almost like a real oilpainting, its a very classic techniq u have, where im using dogde/burn/smudge/soften etc etc tools it looks like u just paint and paint and paint:)

[flyingP]

Originally posted by vincent_v
it looks like u just paint and paint and paint:)

Then it looks right, that's what I'm doing

@ pigwater power of pork, hehe I like that, and thanks for your words

Cheers :beer:

[vincentvv]

What Opacity do u have on brush?
Im never using anything higher then 20

[flyingP]

I'll have to look a bit later got to run ATM, but I tend to vary it, and it's linked to pen pressure.

:wavey:

[vincentvv]

Cya there Buzzyman

[sketchfiend]

I dont know how i could have ever missed this awe inspiring piece of work, love what you have done. Truely inspirational and motivational, ive only recently come accross the challenge so im starting very late, but i hope to get into it very soon.

Absolutely wicked, i did like your story of the underwater white collar adapted freak, but im glad you stuck to whats more real. Great piece of work. :beer: :thumbsup: :applause:

[flyingP]

Originally posted by sketchfiend
i did like your story of the underwater white collar adapted freak,

:cool: had more or less thought that had been ignored up until now, I'm still in two minds about that one myself.

[flyingP]

http://www.cgnetworks.com/challenge/entries/4/2600/2600_1085164269_medium.jpg (http://www.cgnetworks.com/challenge/entries/4/2600/2600_1085164269_large.jpg)

OK I have some spare time on my hands, so I thought I'd go back and play with the first concept a bit, working here a bit on the head and the download tower........not really happy with download tower on the right, but it's a starting point.

[Thool]

/bow
my deepest respect to you and your skills
its really an awesome piece of work
:D

[rattlesnake]

hey your work is looking great man!... love the concept and the composition... one of the strongest here no doubt!... ill be tuned for more... good luck man!

[cuppacam]

Damn, Darn Didley!!!! This is awsome. What program?

[flyingP]

@ Thool :beer:

@ rattlesnake thanks mate, reminds me I was wanting to write a comment to yours the other ay as well, just got interrupted, I'll correct that shortly :beer:

@ cuppacam Painter 6, with the tonal values adjusted slightly in PS afterwards. :)

[Cartesius]

Originally posted by flyingP

OK I have some spare time on my hands, so I thought I'd go back and play with the first concept a bit
Whohoo, more eyecandy! Excellent :thumbsup:

/Anders

[EmpY]

My god P, thats simply beautiful!!!:buttrock:

[vincentvv]

Keep flowing that new ones:)
MUST SEE

[duddlebug]

The final image looks great!! Good luck with the judging...

The close ups are a great addition too. They reveal much more about how you've rendered the image, and there's some lovely brush work in there. being able to see the texture of the paper also helps give it a painterly edge.

Really nice work....

And just to show off you're starting another one!! When some of us haven't even started our first colour piece!!! :)

[flyingP]

thanks for thew comments guys doesn't look as I will have as much time to continue with the solar beast thing after all, at least not for this contest, got possibly a bit of other work to do this week and into next, then I taking bit of a holiday, just hope I get the upload info for the final image before then (still waiting on an answer to that) otherwise I'll miss the deadline :hmm: .
been fun anyway :D

[sketchfiend]

Its been a pleasure seeing your work FlyingP, i look forward to seeing the final upload. Congrats on the final piece its awesome. Goodluck with everything else mate :thumbsup: :beer:

[duddlebug]

That's a shame... i always liked that solar beast. Especially the one with the umbrella... :)

Maybe you could knock something up at a later date and post it in the 2D section...?

But your finished machineflesh piece is fantastic!! So enjoy your holiday!! (but make sure you get that TIFF uploaded!!)

[flyingP]

>>>That's a shame... i always liked that solar beast. Especially the one with the umbrella... :)
Maybe you could knock something up at a later date and post it in the 2D section...?

definitely hope to do so :)

>>>(but make sure you get that TIFF uploaded!!)

that'll depend on when we get the upload info, I have asked about that in the questions thread but no answer yet :shrug:

@ sketchfiend back at ya mate :beer:

[EmpY]

Can't you give an asingnment to a friend
to upload the final tif whilst you are away??
Anyway, I think it's time they open the FTP
for uploads, hmmm! They must!!!

good luck!!!

[bonestudio]

your close ups are great ! I think you pushed as far as you could !!! I think you have great chances to win, because it's so well executed and so original :)

[mosconariz]

You're a paint master!

[Virtuoso]

Do the sloar beast too,you know in-between your other activities................it's a real cool idea and start Brian.........Your work = :buttrock: :buttrock:

[flyingP]

well that has been a pretty crappy week :banghead: (sorry guys I'm in rant mode) .


@ EmpY Leigh has kindly replied to my upload issue and I'll see if I can't sort that out with her next week, if we don't otherwise get the upload details beforehand.

@ Virtuoso thanks mate, yeah I'll end up continuing the solar beast in the 2D WIP forum at a later date, I'd like to see it finished too, and think I might just take it to 3D affterwards.

@ bonestudio, mosconariz thanks guys :beer:

[shivacola]

looks awesome, nice details and mechanic parts design :thumbsup:

[Tremoside]

Hi flyingP,

I'm speechless...:bowdown: Your work here is the highest quality...
I wish I could be as good as you just for 10 percent....
Congratulations:beer: :beer:

[MrFreeman]

Just gets better and better - one of the best entries and a real contender

What more can i say...:thumbsup: :thumbsup:

[leigh]

Hey I posted this in the other thread you mentioned your issue as well but thought it best to post here too...

It's disturbing that your emails are not getting through to me... next time, try emailing through this actual site and hopefully that will work :)

Well, if we haven't got the upload system up and running by the time you leave, please email robert@ballisticmedia.net and beg him for help Tell him I told you to contact him... he should be able to help you out.

[flyingP]

Thanks Leigh, yeah not quite sure what's up with the mail, may even be a problem on my side :shrug:
Trouble is that I really am a bit short on time at the moment (lot of last minute stuff), I'll try and send Robert a mail too and see if we can't get something sorted, I'll also send a copy of the final tiff on to a good friend of mine here JamesMK just so you guys know, in the hope that he'll be able to upload it for me if I can't.
I'll be uploading the final image milestone as jpeg in a few minutes at least, if it all doesn't work out then it just doesn't work out, I do however REALLY need this holiday :)

[flyingP]

http://www.cgnetworks.com/challenge/entries/4/2600/2600_1086331856_medium.jpg (http://www.cgnetworks.com/challenge/entries/4/2600/2600_1086331856_large.jpg)

OK like you can read above I have planned my holiday this year a bit badly and are cutting it a bit tight with the upload of the final tiff, all the same it has been fun in here, you guys are the greatest, and here's wishing you all the best with your entries....kick ass guys :D

[rattlesnake]

this image is great friend! your artistic skillz are just impressive... the under water effects youve done are great... the bubbles are my favorites! and the concept rock too! well wish u happy holidays... hope ull be able to upload your image ...
go and have a kick ass time there!

[Cartesius]

Ahhhh... Just beautiful.

/Anders

[Virtuoso]

You know what I think Brian............Your piece is as good as it gets,it is full of motion and color,and my eyes move all over the place,and all in one frame.......................Have a nice trip and congrats on a great piece of art..................:cool: :buttrock:

[Luter]

.........................:bowdown: Congratulations:bowdown: ................

Composition
Drawing
Colors
Sense

.............................................:applause: .........................................

Have a nice trip !

[cabertevon]

Very DYNAMIC.....Hats off Brian...

Leigh, your texturing tut is awesome.



Visit my 2D Machineflesh Thread (http://www.cgtalk.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=131262&perpage=15&pagenumber=5)

[Atwooki]

Very well done, Brian - Congrats on a superbly rendered image :applause:

I'm rootin' for yer, and have a great holiday :)

Atwooki

[leigh]

Uploading is up, Brian!

Hope you see this in time - http://www.cgtalk.com/showthread.php?threadid=146902 :)

[flyingP]

Thanks.......um just one question I'm on a mac using stuffit ie a .sit file it doesn't do .zip :shrug:

Edit: just got a hold of a friend with a PC :D

Edit edit: actually it would sem stuffit does do .zips.......... :blush:
I'll upload shortly
And many many thanks for the help Leigh !!

I'll reply to you other guys shortly :D

[JamesMK]

:D

[flyingP]

@ rattlesnake thanks mate and here's wishing you all the best with your fantastic entry as well, you have done an awesome job and I'm looking forward to seeing the final version when I get back

@ Cartesius.....and yours scares the crap out of me but then as that is intended I believe you have really pulled of a brilliant piece of work. :applause:

@ Virtuoso and yours I REALLY cannot wait to see when I get back, I'm dying to see to the flesh gets integrated into that awesome machine of yours :D

@ goli what can I say, your entry has worked it's way with rapid speed into my personal favourites, my friend you have some REAL talent :buttrock:

@ cabertevon Many thanks mate

@ Atwooki I still want to see that entry of your finished at some stage mate , many thanks for your input during this as well, and best of luck once again with that other stuff.

@ Leigh Just once again thanks for your efforts, and sorry if I caused you too much trouble.

@ James MK hehe...can't expect me to know everything. Thanks mate.

OK I've uploaded :bounce:
once again all the best to the rest of you guys.

[BloodTaster]

Hey, flyingP!

Your work is awesome, congratulations!!
Great piece of art! And nothing more to say:bowdown:

[leigh]

Originally posted by flyingP
@ Leigh Just once again thanks for your efforts, and sorry if I caused you too much trouble.

No trouble at all! :) That's what I am here for. Congratulations on a wonderful image and good luck with the voting! Oh, and have a great trip!

[NinjaA55N]

i wish i colud do such an atmosphere and bring life to the pic as u did... great work :bowdown:

[ioio]

Just amazing...
great work dude!!!

[fishermanDavis]

The colours and the composition are just beautiful. Very nice work! All the best.

[stormeffex]

good job....looks great.

[Antropus]

You have an AWESOME work here, my friend! I wish you luck and :beer:

Cya,
Kris

[vincentvv]

Now that contest is closing i just feel like wishing you good luck. You was my first friend in this challenge and im honored to have the chance following you thread.

U know how i feel about ur work.

it turned out awesome.
I hope we stay in touch after contenst.
( wrote the same to a couple of other guys....)

Cheers Frede

[JamesMK]

Besides, I think you would have an even better shot at grabbing the first prize if you had put a decent set of boobs on this baby. :wise:

[flyingP]

WAAAAAHHAHAHAHAHAHAAAAHHHA......hehehe :D :D

[duddlebug]

hey brian

congratulations on reaching the final... we nearly got there, eh?

i'm sure you'll join me in the next challenge...? :)

[JamesMK]

There will be an allround joining in the next challenge. I want to see everybody in here again :thumbsup:

Oh - again - congrats, pig!

[flyingP]

hey brian

congratulations on reaching the final... we nearly got there, eh?

i'm sure you'll join me in the next challenge...? :)

you too mate and gladly, I enjoyed it. You might also want to check your PM by the way :D

@JamesMK: Yes sir and thanks again Wabbit

[Cartesius]

Congratulations for making the finals, Brian! You had one helluva entry and I'm surprised it didn't get a better placement, but still --> :beer:

/Anders

[flyingP]

hey we can't all win and I'm happy I enjoyed it and made some cool new friends. :D

[Godlewski]

Well Buddy, I voted for you. I was sure you would have been at least in the top three. Just know you did a great job and you sure inspired me. I can’t wait to see what we all do on the next one. Later –Brian G.-

[flyingP]

thanks mate, I'm really quite flattered by that, not sure I deserve it but thanks :)

[Atwooki]

Such a beautiful piece, Brian :)

Certainly your works will grace many a gallery for years to come, and doubtless the memory of your participation in such a challenge will be cherished long into the future also.

Winning? I think in one way or another everybody who made it to the final submissions should consider themselves 'winners' (that excludes me, of course!) and have great pride in their contribution to the community at large :shrug:

Let's smile, relish our past endeavours, and look forward keenly to the next challenge ;)

All the best Brian

Atwooki

[rattlesnake]

hey congrats ...i think u really deserve what u have...and more....your concept is great and painting is great too!....i hope to see you the next one....:thumbsup:

[flyingP]

Let's smile, relish our past endeavours, and look forward keenly to the next challenge ;)


nicely written Chris, and many thanks :)

@rattlesnake I think I could be talked into having a go in the next comp too, be it 2D or 3D, I've also learnt a lot out of this last one :thumbsup:

[JamesMK]

Yeah, what they said ^^^

You're still one coffee mug and a t-shirt short :D No rest for the wicked - on with the next challenge!!

[flyingP]

You're still one coffee mug and a t-shirt short :D

Ohhhhhh it's like that is it :) guess I am going to have to enter the next challenge then Wabbit :D

[JamesMK]

Indeed! And you'll do it in 3D this time. You know it will rock. :buttrock:

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