Grand Space Opera 2D Entry: V. Shane

[V_Shane]

url=http://www.cgnetworks.com/challenge/entries/6/4922/4922_1099029434_large.jpg]img]http://www.cgnetworks.com/challenge/entries/6/4922/4922_1099029434_medium.jpg/img][/url

This is the initial concept that came to me. The idea is a feeling of pivotal escape, blasting action, a race of sentient androids are seeking to to escape from thier world with the first Primal Human (baby) the android woman is holding.

[V_Shane]

http://www.cgnetworks.com/challenge/entries/6/4922/4922_1099030666_medium.jpg (http://www.cgnetworks.com/challenge/entries/6/4922/4922_1099030666_large.jpg)

I decided to change the format to landscape so that I might include greater breadth of the coming onslaught and showing the path into thier ship as well, I think I may change the entire idea to something else, just doesn't feel iconic enough.

[hpslashluvr]

you might want to make your lines thicker so that it is easier to see

[V_Shane]

I'll be changing this idea altogether as I think there would be too much machinary. I'll definatley make cleaner posting soon.

[V_Shane]

http://www.cgnetworks.com/challenge/entries/6/4922/4922_1099114100_medium.jpg (http://www.cgnetworks.com/challenge/entries/6/4922/4922_1099114100_large.jpg)

Here is my 2nd concept, a mass exodus before the destruction of thier planet, taking thier cities with them through a gate mounted and built into 2 mountains. On the lower right you can see one has crashed.

[Peddy]

you really need to enhance the sense or doom to get the most out of this piece. it is a good piece, but a volcano doesnt meen the destruction of the planet. i get the feeling its not nearly dark enough, and not metaphorically, but literally - values. im thinking heavy shadow, thick layers of atmospheric smoke, meteor showers or whatever.

still, its a solid and nice concept, you just need to make sure the whole destruction thing is at worst the 2nd thing you notice at first glance of the image.

[V_Shane]

Peddy, thanks man! You really kick started my grasp on this piece. I even copied and pasted what you jsut typed onto a seperate layer, to further inspire my ideas. Now that you mentioned it, I can see it dark, flaming meteors coming down, even hitting a close by city/ship as it begins spin out of control. Plus I think the dark soot will further fill the sky and sunrise will barely stream through clouds in streaks. Dark enough as you said to feel the doom (the HUGE moon isn't imposing?) and you can see the lights on the closest city.

Oh yeah, you pegged this for me, just right. I may not get alot of views and responses but man did that one count! :thumbsup:

[V_Shane]

http://www.cgnetworks.com/challenge/entries/6/4922/4922_1099120528_medium.jpg (http://www.cgnetworks.com/challenge/entries/6/4922/4922_1099120528_large.jpg)

Well here are the suggestions, the final won't sooo cartooney. Any other guidance suggestions?

[Ranath]

you need much more dust and smoke to the sky, the whole image should be darker, the only light sources could be from ships and lava?

[V_Shane]

well I've been thinking I might just change the concept yet again, its going to end up so dark, nohting is going to be visible. Well back to the drawing board I guess. Thanks, hopefully have something up better. Not too worried about time, most of the work is in the initial concept work, painting it is only about 25% of the effort.

[ymonkato]

Hey v_Shane,
First of all I want to thank you for giving me some feedback. It's giving me some good things to consider and change. I like your concepts, they are full of action. I personally like the your line drawing the most. I like how close the action is but I also understand that you want to add in that huge landscape of action. You could add in this huge huge ship in the far far distance with some explosions to make us feel like its very grand. I don't know, that line drawing is just very informative and I just like the idea. Hope to see some more soon.

[V_Shane]

hi your welcome, thanks for the input as well. Its hard one this, by trade I typically illustrate novels for clients who already have a general idea for thier cover, AND its usually fantasy. I have been practicing on SF Matte Painting when I have time, but to me the biggest challenge is the initial idea. And unless it grabs me immediatley its very hard to continue a piece. I was around for the first challenges but never completed them. So in a way, just completing this is the challenge in itself for sure.

[coCoKNIght]

So in a way, just completing this is the challenge in itself for sure.
You say it!
So you work as a novel illustrator?
I would try to make the stargate as original as possible...

[V_Shane]

Yes, not as often as I would like though. Be nice to be busy and have no free time to do contests! Well, not really, I'd always find time to sqeeze out those random musings of ideas :argh: . I'll be posting a whole new concept that will be the final one I am going with probably by tomorrow. It has as many of the elements for "Space Opera" drama that I could put in one picture with a structured composition. Not too machine heavy, but I think it will give an other worldly feel. Soon to come! Thanks for stopping by, really.

[Tinselsnips]

It would look wicked if you had some impact craters on the other side of the gateway. After all, there's nothing to stop the occasional stray meteor from going through the gateway as well, right?

[kaparo]

Well you have great ideas here! I dont know why you rejected the first. When I saw those android-women with the human baby I was thinking in the paintings of Adolphe W. Bourguereau and their angels carrying a soul or a little boy. I imagine this as a complex picture that revolves around a little (illuminated perhaps?) human baby. I even think you can fix the two ideas in one. The ships leaving the planet, and all the epic image,etc, but in first place the android women with the baby behind the glass shield of their ship looking the scene like us.
Think about it.

[V_Shane]

kaparo,Tinselsnips, you guys are truly helpful and creative. Thanks for the support of the concepts, but they don't quite fit what I want to "see" as epic with an illustration feel. However the Android/immaculate concepted human baby piece, I really like, but requires close up shot for character development, not something that can be easly conveyed for a "sweeping" Space Opera. I would have to pan put too far. If there is time I will make that one a second entry, but my first priority is with the latest concept that is already in "Line Art" mode. should be up tonight, at least the concept anyway. thanks again for the support!
I know I need it :thumbsup:

[V_Shane]

http://www.cgnetworks.com/challenge/entries/6/4922/4922_1099299243_medium.jpg (http://www.cgnetworks.com/challenge/entries/6/4922/4922_1099299243_large.jpg)

Finally! Decided on the contest piece. Granted the sketch is rather loose, but I feel I clearly interpreted everything that to me says "Space Opera".
My major influences on this final idea were 3 fold (and I don't mind sharing the inspiration)
A. Star Wars
B. Dark Crystal
C. Heavy Metal

Hopefully the final result will create a feeling of an Amalgam of these inspirations. In the next picture I'll explain my elements further and color code it so you can see the order in the mess (lol).

[V_Shane]

http://www.cgnetworks.com/challenge/entries/6/4922/4922_1099299550_medium.jpg (http://www.cgnetworks.com/challenge/entries/6/4922/4922_1099299550_large.jpg)

What your seeing here is NOT a color comp, but to create seperate elements of placement, so that I might more easly guage the composition.

Blue: default sky
Dark Green: The approaching villains ships
Tan: the city scape below of the little creatures using the crystal.
Purple: the crystal
Multi: the Hero
Shiva's Gate:
Basically this greatly feared and powerful mercenary was stranded here among these "weak" aliens, she come to like them, as a villain force seeks to steal the natives power source and enslave them, our heroine is at the right place at the right time and defends these natives in the final hour of need, holding off the ships to buy time for the natives to activate thier most sacred and powerful tool thier soul crystal which embodies and collects the force of the people themselves to defend thier home. So its a team effort not just the Hero, but she is vital to helping them complete thier task...just in time!

So here I have made sure these art elements are addressed:

1. Vastness; both the ships and the city below provide the feeling of bigness.
2. Technology: The oncoming ships and the Heros equipment
3. Architecture: The city below
4. Emotional: Against all odds: the native aliens and the Mercenary
5. Character focus: as above

Well thats about all I got into my head tonight, thanks for reading, hope it didn't bore you!
within a day or so I should have the line art, and be caught up with everyone else before teh end of the week..I hope....

[deaderthanred]

looking like a gorgeous epic piece! I love the dramatic layout of the latest one.. cant wait to see the details filled in :thumbsup:

[coCoKNIght]

Thanks for the detailed description! The new concept looks good so go for it! :thumbsup:

[V_Shane]

Thanks deaderthanred, CocoKnight!
I'll probably post the concepts in detail of each element, like the floating alien guys/gals, the ships, buildings below etc... seems to be all the rage to post individual detailed WIPs of each thing included, lol :scream: I am going to try to post a little sketch everynight to keep progress up and interest in it (if thats possible since I am pretty much an unknown on the boards).

[V_Shane]

http://www.cgnetworks.com/challenge/entries/6/4922/4922_1099372943_medium.jpg (http://www.cgnetworks.com/challenge/entries/6/4922/4922_1099372943_large.jpg)

Here is the final design on the Crystal Natives that are floating around the crystal. I wanted a very gentle almost childlike appearance, but very elegant. Also streamlined design for simplicity thats easy on the detail when small. Do they appear mystical? I hope so :)

[coCoKNIght]

Yes they do thanks to the posture, the eyes, the cloth and the tatooes. Great work! I wonder what colors you're gonna use for them :)
Hands are very Kewl!

[ecura]

The Crystal Native Concept line work looks great! Its very clean, free flowing and fluent. I think pastel colours would work to balance with the smooth curves if you want a mystical feel. Keep up with the nice work and good luck!

[Kadastrophic]

The Crystal idea looks really neat, I just wonder if maybe the Crystal should appear behind the hero a bit more...Just a thought.

[V_Shane]

Thanks for the replys, mucho helpful. I'll have another sketch up later tonight, probably going to go a little bit into creating the base building designs. I'll have an organic feel to them.

[V_Shane]

http://www.cgnetworks.com/challenge/entries/6/4922/4922_1099540215_medium.jpg (http://www.cgnetworks.com/challenge/entries/6/4922/4922_1099540215_large.jpg)

In the painting, the perspective will mostly entail overhead shots of the buildings. This sketch is my style guide to the fundemental asymetrical designs of the crystal natives. Note that their buildings are intentionaly designed to match the aliens look themselves. Thats not to unusual to do, but I wanted to make sure the design was clear.

next up, The invading ships.

[STARBUCK]

Hi dude,
good job for the start.
I like the sketch of the native.
Maybe your pictures are a little bit too "amibitious" (i mean there could be less thing in it).
Don't try to paint all the story! let us extrapolate (is it english??)
Try to build more your perspective (take the time to make a layout with a good vanishing point) and detach the foreground from the background.
I know, it's the begining, but try this, you won't regret it!

Good luck!

[3dcook]

Hey Shane,
It's great to see you entered in this challenge, your concepts so far are great as usual.
I'll be watching the progress with great anticipation. good luck.
Dennis

[V_Shane]

Denis!

Cool man, I was wondering if you were ever getting on this board. Hey, are you going for the challenge? I can't even remember the last time you wrote, same address? Write again if you can, or PM it to me. My mail service added new anti-spam software, so i need to double check your not in there!

Thanks again, look forward to hearing from you!

[teknotek83]

i can definetely see your inspirational references (star wars, heavy metal, and dark crystal) kicking in. very nice blend of sci-fi/fantasy. you've got an interesting style going on. keep it up!

[V_Shane]

Hi dude,
good job for the start.
I like the sketch of the native.
Maybe your pictures are a little bit too "amibitious" (i mean there could be less thing in it).
Don't try to paint all the story! let us extrapolate (is it english??)
Try to build more your perspective (take the time to make a layout with a good vanishing point) and detach the foreground from the background.
I know, it's the begining, but try this, you won't regret it!

Good luck!

Thank you Starbuck. Well certainly ambitious, as I often detail to the degree for my own work to inspire me further. Whether the detail makes it to the final still remains to be seen, but as decreed in the Space Opera guidelines its a good idea for all your WIPs to be in print format, soooo might as well make them nice (just in case) :)
Perspective: Yes often this remains in my head until painting stage, as the buildings will be more "impressions" than actually rendered dwellings, too much detail in the city would conflict with the forground, as I will for the most part create the city as monochromatic (also the ships) and put most of the color focus on the foreground characters. I ahve yet to decide about a day or night scene.

teknotek83: Thank you! Those flicks are single handedly my artistic influences to this day.

[ebrowning]

#6 has a great feel, I realize you've moved on but I thought I'd chime in just the same. It's actually got a very optimistic feel even though it's depicting a disaster, something you don't see a whole lot of in SF art. Seeing the other world is a nifty effect, I can see why in the next one you played up the disaster, to contrast with the new world.
Keep it up!

[V_Shane]

http://www.cgnetworks.com/challenge/entries/6/4922/4922_1099645452_medium.jpg (http://www.cgnetworks.com/challenge/entries/6/4922/4922_1099645452_large.jpg)

These are quick render ideas I have for the attacking force. I distinctly wanted an alien "evil" feel, so I went with the universal "sharp pointy insect like" predatory angle on the design. I feel Epic revolves around "mythic" and can inherently represent such symbologys on design. Again a rather simplistic approach, but I want the painting to have an immediate storyline just by glancing at it, and through thier designs you can tell who does what and probably why.

[element5]

coming along nicely :thumbsup:

[V_Shane]

Maybe if I hand out donuts :deal: more CGers will visit?
http://www.wacomknight.com/Remote_Art/doughnuts.gif

[Squibbit]

yay donuts , sweet ! yummy!


nice stuff you got here ... hey if u want really evil
ships make them look good , u know , angel ships !

[V_Shane]

Working on the main character now, once she is done and posted, I'll be onto the background line art, then onto the coloring WIP by this weekend!

[V_Shane]

http://www.cgnetworks.com/challenge/entries/6/4922/4922_1099729823_medium.jpg (http://www.cgnetworks.com/challenge/entries/6/4922/4922_1099729823_large.jpg)

Doh! I have been putting up final line art for the painting and kept lableing them "concept".

Anywho, here is the final line work for the mercenary chick, made sure she had a nice set of big guns :) ...... oh yeah and BTW the guns are meant to look like different models.

[V_Shane]

Forgot to mention a few things about her for the storyline (I'm no writer)

Her name is Tera Nova, intergalatic mercenary, usually works for the biggest dollar. Most of her home world people are enslaved by the very beings who hired her to scout out this planet and are attacking it. Typically she is merciless, after discovering the true plans for this race and and connecting within to her own true destiny (to rescue her own people) she combines her abilities with these Native Crystal beings and its a final showdown as they begin to invade and has declared Tera herself replace-able (which she meets up with said replacement). Now its up to the collective psychic force of these homeworlders to put an end to the tyranny.

[V_Shane]

http://www.cgnetworks.com/challenge/entries/6/4922/4922_1099882686_medium.jpg (http://www.cgnetworks.com/challenge/entries/6/4922/4922_1099882686_large.jpg)

After looking over the whole concept again, I felt the Mercenary needed an overhaul. The previous above version seems she more or less just stepped off the catwalk at a fashion show. So I decide to further create balance with larger sci-tech boots, extra leg gun holster and a ragged cape so you get the feeling of the action taking place (or going to). NOW I can get to the color WIP....

[V_Shane]

http://www.cgnetworks.com/challenge/entries/6/4922/4922_1099892380_medium.jpg (http://www.cgnetworks.com/challenge/entries/6/4922/4922_1099892380_large.jpg)

Here is the detail of finished Natives, the leader is the really detailed one you saw, the rest are the acolyte members.

[V_Shane]

http://www.cgnetworks.com/challenge/entries/6/4922/4922_1099898084_medium.jpg (http://www.cgnetworks.com/challenge/entries/6/4922/4922_1099898084_large.jpg)

Here is the begining stage, because I have a traditional oil background, I still start with underpainting in sienna. Its just the only way I can see the painting in my mind. Anyway, I leave the details of most of the city to the brush, as the buildings get closer I'll render them finer. Ships/explosions/land vehicles come after the main foundation are laid.

[3dcook]

Hey shane,
All looks great so far, One small critique for the female merc. Her left hand is kind of blended with her cape, maybe pull the cape in a little more since it does look like the wind looks stong.
Keep going man! It's looking Sweeet!!

[V_Shane]

Dennis thanks, I see what you mean, but think I might make the cape in contrast to the weapon so that the coloring is used to offset any tangent. Just as her flesh tone will be lighter/paler than the background. Perhaps I'll increase the gun's diameter.

Thanks for the help!

[3dcook]

I see what you mean, what would you think about dropping her arm down along her side and out a bit to show more detail on the gun?( just a thought)

[V_Shane]

Dennis, thanks for the POV. I gotcha, I'll sketch that up tonight and see how it looks.

[dougbot]

This is looking pretty cool. I like the sort of hard sci-fi design you got going on. I'll keep an eye on this thread.

[V_Shane]

http://www.cgnetworks.com/challenge/entries/6/4922/4922_1099299550_medium.jpg (http://www.cgnetworks.com/challenge/entries/6/4922/4922_1099299550_large.jpg)

http://www.cgnetworks.com/challenge/entries/6/4922/4922_1099898084_medium.jpg (http://www.cgnetworks.com/challenge/entries/6/4922/4922_1099898084_large.jpg)
Shiva's Gate: Her name is Tera Nova, intergalatic mercenary, usually works for the biggest dollar. Finding herself stranded with no way off the planet she finds herself caught up in the Vassago race's prophecy, that she is destined to be the chosen champion of this galaxy, she feels there is perhaps a chance to profit (pun intended). Now its up to the collective psychic force of these homeworlders and Terra to put an end to the tyranny from the inter dimensional Zrruoa, technicalogically advanced Demons.

** Note: I just reposted this together with the synopsis so people don't have to flip through pages

[V_Shane]

This is looking pretty cool. I like the sort of hard sci-fi design you got going on. I'll keep an eye on this thread.


Why'd I hit quote? Anyway, thanks! May get grittier as times goes on :argh:

[teknotek83]

awesome sky you've got there. :p

[V_Shane]

Edit: uploaded wrong pic

[V_Shane]

http://www.cgnetworks.com/challenge/entries/6/4922/4922_1099988247_medium.jpg (http://www.cgnetworks.com/challenge/entries/6/4922/4922_1099988247_large.jpg)

Here the devastation begins to take place, providing a sweeping wave movement to the fire that will coincide with the movement of the ship (previously "ships"). I am going with one large bogus ship, as the city itself provides enough of a scattered pattern, too much pattern (like bunches of tiny spacecraft) would add more to confusion rather than the Epic-ness were looking for.

[Hillartsympho]

Great painting so far, i think the mercenary character's toes are too close to the bottom of the canvas. try moving her around and see what you think.
good luck!

[V_Shane]

Great painting so far, i think the mercenary character's toes are too close to the bottom of the canvas. try moving her around and see what you think.
good luck!

Hillartsympho, youre right, I seen that but wasn't sure anyone would notice :eek:

Now if I move her back a little, I'll have to re-size a tad so she doesn't appear so giant to the Natives, or maybe that wouldn't be too bad that way either. I may have to resize, at current size her Gun tip (pointing up) would end up coming tangent with the clouds, not a good thing. I'll have a repost tonight for her size and probably change the position of her Left Arm gun (as suggested by 3dcook).

[Moon Dragon]

This one is coming along very well, keep up the good work, and good luck! :)

[element5]

The background looks great :thumbsup:

[cosmiccorpse]

That background is just, wow. I really cant wait to see the final peice.

[V_Shane]

http://www.cgnetworks.com/challenge/entries/6/4922/4922_1100073325_medium.jpg (http://www.cgnetworks.com/challenge/entries/6/4922/4922_1100073325_large.jpg)

Then everyone says "what the heck is that big teal thing!" Well my friends, if you re-read the synopsis you'll find this is my interpretation of the Zrruoan's ship phasing in to destroy thier one threat, the mythic keepers of the fabled Shiva's Gate stone. Basically the ship will appear VERY ghostly as it comes in striking with laser like bolts of lightening. Hope I am providing everything clear?

[bolchover]

great idea, shiva's gate :) I like your sketches. Could maybe make more epic by altering POV or making more horizon or sky visible. Anyhow, keep it going!

[V_Shane]

great idea, shiva's gate :) I like your sketches. Could maybe make more epic by altering POV or making more horizon or sky visible. Anyhow, keep it going!

Thanks, I am certainly considering opening the right portion of the sky further to show the rim of a large moon to give it a more "spacial field".

[kaparo]

Hi! Few days have past since my last visit! Your work has advance a lot! I like the shape of the ship. It doesnt look like the most of the ship we find around, very hi-tech. It is more curved, mistic, some way. If you are planning to place it betwen the fog it will be greater, misterious. I have one thing to coment: the girl and the crystal has the same size and importance in the composition, so both shapes seams to fight to call our attention. I think it could be better that the girl stand alone over the rock leaving the crystal and its little people behind. That way you enphasized her, who is our protagonist.
Color and atmosphere looks great! Good look and see U around!

[3dcook]

bolchover and kaparo both have great points. the merc needs to be between the crystal and the menace, but the natives still should look like they have power also. maybe drop the village into a large open plain and have rods stationed around the perimeter with some sort of force field, that will also make the scene more dynamic. (just a few ideas)

[V_Shane]

3dcook,kaparo I really appreciate the insights. I think I'll have to pass on the force field poles, as I have enough surrounding the these guys as it is. I see what you mean about the size relationship focus. I think I will reduce her size and put her then more at the front of the rock, and move then down a little. Hopefully have another update later this morning.

[V_Shane]

http://www.cgnetworks.com/challenge/entries/6/4922/4922_1100155844_medium.jpg (http://www.cgnetworks.com/challenge/entries/6/4922/4922_1100155844_large.jpg)

Here the "phazing in" ship is primarily done, and the sky opened up with token moon :)

You might think the ship is bright, but later on the crystal in the front will appear much more "lucid" and bright to create a triangular light balance.

[V_Shane]

edited for space. It wasn't interesting anyway :argh:

[V_Shane]

Sooooo, anyone have any thoughts on this? Does it work/not work for you? Any opinions are appreciated. I think it could work, but I'm on the fence about this one. Suggestions?

Well, I'm jsut used to client feedback :hmm:

[3dcook]

Hey shane,

Ya there's something to flat about the ship, I think if you use several tones of blue underneath the ship to add depth and also toned shadows where the tenticles overlap , It may help. Don't use black, It's to stark. ( but you know that already) great work so far.

[3dcook]

Hey shane,

Ya there's something to flat about the ship, I think if you use several tones of blue underneath the ship to add depth and also toned shadows where the tenticles overlap , It may help. Don't use black, It's to stark. ( but you know that already) great work so far.

[W-I-L]

I like this idea very much. I think the ship needs alot of work . . . as other say, it is too flat. Love the solid characters though and the composition thus far is very nice . . . add more depth! Good luck!

[V_Shane]

Sooo I guess this is my "challenge" for the Challenge; How do you give depth to a ship that is "phazing in" from another dimension?

I may have to go with a different ship design altogether? Tough one. Trying to keep it unique but also convincing. I'll have to think of another way to give the visual effect of phazing.

[V_Shane]

http://www.cgnetworks.com/challenge/entries/6/4922/4922_1100330684_medium.jpg (http://www.cgnetworks.com/challenge/entries/6/4922/4922_1100330684_large.jpg)

Ok, I dumped the other ship design in favor of a more gothic gargoyle feel to these intergalactic demons. And moved the Heroine up on the rock and the Natives back and began the base coloring for the crystal (in which I'll have to create energy patterns and a "facet" effect manually to match the shape). I still have quite a bit to do on the city below and greater fleshing out of the ships even before I start the REAL fun of doing the chracters.

Why? Well, we all have different inspirations that keep us going in our work. I have found for myself that if I finish off the best part of a piece first, there is a 80% chance I won't even finish a painting. Being bogged down with tedious work with nothing to look forward to just drains ya, so this is one of my weakenesses and I have learned to work around it to get my motivation up to finish nearly all my work these days.

[V_Shane]

http://www.cgnetworks.com/challenge/entries/6/4922/4922_1100424035_medium.jpg (http://www.cgnetworks.com/challenge/entries/6/4922/4922_1100424035_large.jpg)

Final detailing of the ships and beginning the fleshing out the details on the city.

[V_Shane]

I like this idea very much. I think the ship needs alot of work . . . as other say, it is too flat. Love the solid characters though and the composition thus far is very nice . . . add more depth! Good luck!

Well, I had changed the ship completely and worked it up quite a bit, hopefully not too flat.
The next stage is putting in the "mid" city work. Well if anything, It will be a good portfolio piece. Thanks again!

[monsitj]

hi ! very detail work!! the new ship is much better!! keep goin!

[YeeWu]

I really enjoyed looking at your sketches. :)

I think the "flatness" of the ship doesn't necesssarily lie in your technique, but rather, it's in such a head-on, symmetrical perspective. Feel free to disregard this, but perhaps re-drawing it in a slightly more dynamic angle (like showing more of the under or topsides of the ship, rotating it slightly so the wings aren't symmetrical) would help? I think changing the view on the background planes would also help a lot too.

It's looking good :thumbsup:

[V_Shane]

I really enjoyed looking at your sketches. :)

I think the "flatness" of the ship doesn't necesssarily lie in your technique, but rather, it's in such a head-on, symmetrical perspective. Feel free to disregard this, but perhaps re-drawing it in a slightly more dynamic angle (like showing more of the under or topsides of the ship, rotating it slightly so the wings aren't symmetrical) would help? I think changing the view on the background planes would also help a lot too.

It's looking good :thumbsup:

YeeWu, I certainly hear what your saying, as I wouldn't disregard a fellow creative's perspective. Maybe I could provide a secondary ship to the left diving up from a swoop. I am wrestling with the lead ship's perspective (lead has 3 drop-down lasers), changing the perspective even slightly will move the feeling of "target" from the viewer and from our group of heroes. Its a tough one, but I may provide alternate views of the ships just behind that one. Thanks for the input :)

[3dcook]

Nice job on the new ship, I especially like the others in the background. Maybe to add even more depth you could add more ships just above the clouds by the planet waaaayyy far back so it looks like a never ending menace coming. The main ship has great lighting.

[V_Shane]

http://www.cgnetworks.com/challenge/entries/6/4922/4922_1100596843_medium.jpg (http://www.cgnetworks.com/challenge/entries/6/4922/4922_1100596843_large.jpg)

Click the Pic to get a larger view !
This is the Shiva Crystal, that the natives will use to consume the I.D. (Interdimensional Demons), providing they don't get blasted. I situated Terra Nova between the Oblivion ship and the Crystal, and her shadow I think nails down her spatial relationship. Comments welcome as always, I greatly appreciate everyones input!

[NinjaA55N]

Im wondering how I didnt noticed this thread before! It is a great pic, Lots of dynamic and details, I also like the technique (the flying attacker is just awesome!). U did a really good job with the composition and with all those character designs. But Im missing something big in the background to make that pic really grand. Maybe some mothership of those flying attackers, or maybe something else... but Im missing something :)

[NOOB!]

love what u did with the ship,my fave part are those *kids* around the crystal things...very nice!!!

[V_Shane]

Im wondering how I didnt noticed this thread before! It is a great pic, Lots of dynamic and details, I also like the technique (the flying attacker is just awesome!). U did a really good job with the composition and with all those character designs. But Im missing something big in the background to make that pic really grand. Maybe some mothership of those flying attackers, or maybe something else... but Im missing something :)

NOOB!, NinjaASSN, thanks! Yeah I know what you mean, its like I don't have a big enough canvas (I don't want to reduce the main characters). Maybe exchange the moon in the background with a mother ship approaching? I couldn't make it too "moon" like, it would be a steal from StarWars. But your right NinjaASSN I really want to put somehting big there but worried I may crowd up the peice. Hmmmmm maybe I'll rework the original ship back in the background as the mother ship? I'll post an update on that tonight.
:thumbsup:

[V_Shane]

Nice job on the new ship, I especially like the others in the background. Maybe to add even more depth you could add more ships just above the clouds by the planet waaaayyy far back so it looks like a never ending menace coming. The main ship has great lighting.

Thanks Denis! I did according to your request :applause:

[3dcook]

WOW! shane,
I dig the ships in the back, The mercs got her hands full now. maybe she should be blasting some of those ship.
Keep it going man, looks great.

[NinjaA55N]

Its not necessary to put something detailed in the background, which will definetely crowd the pic. Put just one big silhouette of a mothership and that will tell more than enough to read the image properly. Just my suggestion :)

[V_Shane]

All taken into consideration, thank you. Good to hear words :)
Just able to get back on this tonight, post soon!

[Androgs]

The ship is top notch!! I think your image really have a high potential!! Good job!!

[lenz79]

Very nice ship design. I like the background, but i think it needs a little bit more atmosphere :D What i don't like is the color of the cristal, but that's my personal taste (i generally dislike pink:shrug: ). Good luck with the contest :thumbsup:

[V_Shane]

edit, wrong update

[terraarc]

Pretty interesting and "readable" story behind your last image!:thumbsup:
The colors look cool too! Only thing that I think it's kind of is the crystal coloring....:shrug: Just a comment though...no suggestion to make...

Keep it up! :applause:

[V_Shane]

aw, man, now thats two people who are anti-crystal color :scream:

Thats alright, you'll see at the end how it works out. By having a warm background I am providing a cool foreground which helps seperate the two events. Its a common technique used in in alot of fantasy RPG novels and modules. Usually flip-flopped, with the cool in back and the warm up front. The backlighting that will occur with the cool crystal lighting is what will really pop out the Merc.

Thanks for the cocern though, as I may tone down the saturation levels a bit.

[NOOB!]

damn did this have a story??? i musta missed it.

[NinjaA55N]

The mothership should be a lot bigger (at least half of the screen) and more just a silhouette than a detailed design. Thats my suggestion, which might work really well and especially grand. But design in over all is great! :)

[tlggungor]

great chaos ambient


:thumbsup:

[YeeWu]

I tried posting this earlier today, but there was an error, and my entire post was lost (-_-)

Anyway, I don't have any problems with the crystal colors (I like 'em :D). It's too early to say whether or not they work since the rest of the foreground elements haven't been rendered.

Forgive me for bringing up the ship perspective again, but I think this time around I can better explain what I mean. I am under the impression that the heroes are on very high elevation for the ships to appear so head on like that. If you were to perhaps show the mothership in a more dynamic angle (more of the underside showing), it would give it a larger sense of scale (more grand and epic). I know that your concern with the attacking ship's perspective in drawing relationships between it and the targetted heroes, but I think you could maintain that relationship while angling it down (more of the topside). I even think you could make it look like a more menacing threat. Because these ships are so head on, it almost seems like they are conveniently on a flight path perfectly according to the camera plane. I hope you don't mind, but I tried to diagram what I mean here (http://www.effloresce.com/spaceopera/diagram.jpg) (I kinda put the camera plane in the wrong place, sorry) Regardless of how high up each of the different ships are, if they point directly towards the camera plane, like in the top diagram, then the perspectives on each ship won't match, and the ships will tend to flatten out, almost like cutouts.

I hope that was kinda clear, but again, this is just my opinion (which is usually wrong anyway :P) The design on the mothership looks really cool, and I can't wait to see the next stage!

[V_Shane]

http://www.cgnetworks.com/challenge/entries/6/4922/4922_1100838481_medium.jpg (http://www.cgnetworks.com/challenge/entries/6/4922/4922_1100838481_large.jpg)

I took a big leap and went ahead and designated this final coloring stage. I was surprised I could get a giant "mama" ship in there with some slight of hand on composition (notice no tangents!). I swear I stared at this piece for an hour before making the adjustments. Hope you dig the new ship.
As far as the "pink" crystal, its part of a "triadic" though I'm not final on the actual hue it will take on, but I definatley wanted something very unearthly and abnormal looking. Considering Shiva is a divine feminine aspect, it does kind of fit on a basic level. But hey we'll see!
Thanks for the comments and support my friends!

[V_Shane]

I am under the impression that the heroes are on very high elevation for the ships to appear so head on like that.

Yes, as a matter of fact the highest area in the city. Since this whole race watches over the crystal.

If you were to perhaps show the mothership in a more dynamic angle (more of the underside showing),

Now thats a good thought, I'll look into that.

I hope you don't mind, but I tried to diagram what I mean

Naw, thats cool. I see what your talking about and appreciate the extra effort to get your point across.

NOOB! Yes in the earlier pages, there is a somewhat outline of "Shiva's Gate", the Merc is called Terra Nova.

NinjaASSN Half the screen? You must be a design major :) Thats the last thing I am is a "ship designer", my strengths are characters, hence the prominence they take in the painting. Thanks for the input!

-tolga- appreciate your visiting, come again!

edit: typos

[misledtomisery]

v_shane, there is a great sense of urgency conveyed in this piece. i like the sky and ships right now, and i want to see the rendered figures. killer wip right now. goodjob.

[terraarc]

Nice update! :thumbsup:
I think you've made your point on coloring "crystal" clear :applause: !


Original post by V_Shane
Thats the last thing I am is a "ship designer"
They work pretty fine to me!:thumbsup: I would just add some more sship types in the final composition to break abit the one ship attack (the black ship outline is filling the most of the upper part of composition), adding two to three more types would look fine!

Keep it up! :bounce::bounce:

[NinjaA55N]

Just one more point why I should resize the motthership... It is the same size than a small fighter at the first plan right now, so its hard to read at the first sight. Thats why even that we know that the mothership is way in the back, it doesnt make that grand feeling.

[V_Shane]

Just one more point why I should resize the motthership... It is the same size than a small fighter at the first plan right now, so its hard to read at the first sight. Thats why even that we know that the mothership is way in the back, it doesnt make that grand feeling.

Hey buddie, I understand what your saying. The thing is, that there are several facets to the term "grand", the aspect I am working on in this piece is as pointed out by Misledtomisery is the sense of urgency. Here is the exact quote from the Challenge I am working toward:


Legends of heroes, of heroic battles won against unimaginable odds, of crushing defeats and enemies that swarm through entire galaxies.Legends of oppression and abject poverty.

Create an iconic image that captures a moment of galactic civilisation or conflict.
The subject could be an individual or group, a space ship or fleet, a city or city-world. Whatever it is, it should capture a pivotal moment that is part of a vast galactic civilisation or conflict.

I'm not dissing your suggestion by a long shot, matter of fact it was you whom inspired me to push it a little further to enhance it with the mothership. And I like it the way its working out now, thanks again. But my strengths in illustration are story telling, conveying an entire story in a single image. Its what I do 10/7. It has been excellent to have the input of so many talented creatives, and I hope it continues. Just from my perspective all the elements are in place to my satisfaction, now its just a matter of painting.

misledtomisery Thanks! I did my best to get that across.
terraarc lol, yeah I'm pretty headstrong when I try to get my point across (as you can see above)

[3dcook]

Ya!!! Let's Cut The Cake And Get To Eatin'.

[NinjaA55N]

U r aboslutly right! :) Continue ur way and make it magnificent (I dont doubt about that :)). Those were just my suggestions, from my point of view. U r doing a great job!

[V_Shane]

Hey man, thanks, glad you understand :thumbsup: Been recording music all night and hadn't had the time to paint, now my fingers ache from the keyboards...ouch, maybe this weekend i hope :D

[V_Shane]

http://www.cgnetworks.com/challenge/entries/6/4922/4922_1101203953_medium.jpg (http://www.cgnetworks.com/challenge/entries/6/4922/4922_1101203953_large.jpg)

Here is a slow detailed progression of how I am approaching the buildings that are closer. Everyone have a good thanksgiving to those who celebrate it, and all my fellow creatives! I'll be back for a more detailed update at the end of the month.
Thanks for looking!

[V_Shane]

http://www.cgnetworks.com/challenge/entries/6/4922/4922_1101802101_medium.jpg (http://www.cgnetworks.com/challenge/entries/6/4922/4922_1101802101_large.jpg)

Still establishing the buildings and getting a greater range and feel for the lighting and depth.

[V_Shane]

http://www.cgnetworks.com/challenge/entries/6/4922/4922_1102493054_medium.jpg (http://www.cgnetworks.com/challenge/entries/6/4922/4922_1102493054_large.jpg)

Now starting to fill out the crystal natives and juggling thier lighting. Had to take a break for a bit to catch up on some other work, but I am looking forward to finishing this before christmas. C+C welcome

[Jezzarts]

Fantastic mate, lots to keep the viewer interested here :thumbsup:

[terraarc]

Great progress on the buildings! :thumbsup: The colors added a lot of depth to the image so far!

Keep up the great work mate!

:wavey:

[bolchover]

hi, this is looking nice. The colours work well, and the clouds look especially good. I wonder, you might try threading a bit of teh blue into the background of teh image too. On teh clouds or figures. Just a thought

[V_Shane]

Jezzarts: Thanks, much appreciated, I certainly hope it doesn't turn into "confusing" :scream:

terraarc: glad you think so, it was a risk to flip flop the standard "cool in back, warm in front"

bolchover: I'll give that some thought but it might be tricky, considering the blue is only given off by the crystal. I'll play around with it this weekend and see what happens. Thanks for the crit!

[NinjaA55N]

Nice progress! I just wish to get some more information about the material, some textures and so on in the first plan.. About everythink else I dont have any crits. :)

[NinjaA55N]

sorry. double post :rolleyes:

[V_Shane]

Nice progress! I just wish to get some more information about the material, some textures and so on in the first plan.. About everythink else I dont have any crits. :)


You mean more apparent textures rendered into the objects in the painting like the buildings and the slate of rock thier standing on? Yes, that is coming, if thats what you were asking. Thanks for noticing :)

[NinjaA55N]

yea, thats what I thought :) great!

[element5]

Mr Shane, I see your image is coming along nicely...your colouring is just fantastic....looking forward to more updates :applause:

[Impenetrable D]

Nice ambient lighting surrounding the main characters, can't wait to see your solution for their completion.:bounce:

My space Opera:

http://www.cgnetworks.com/challenge/grandspaceopera/image.php?entry_id=23562

[YeeWu]

I haven't visited in a while, but this is looking pretty good!

I think pushing the values on the crystal natives would help pop them forward a little. As they are, certain parts seem to get lost.

Looking forward to seeing yours completed before Christmas :)

[V_Shane]

Hey guys, thanks for keeping in touch and looking. I have been bogged down this week with catchng up on things before x-mas. I'll more than likely have one update before then, thursday I'm hoping.

[V_Shane]

edited this one, came out way to washed out. reposting

[V_Shane]

http://www.cgnetworks.com/challenge/entries/6/4922/4922_1104221734_medium.jpg (http://www.cgnetworks.com/challenge/entries/6/4922/4922_1104221734_large.jpg)

Worked on mercenary base coat and added texture to rock.

[V_Shane]

Not sure whats going on with the brightness when posting. Its much darker on my screen. I'll have to compensate and upload again.

[V_Shane]

http://www.cgnetworks.com/challenge/entries/6/4922/4922_1104292543_medium.jpg (http://www.cgnetworks.com/challenge/entries/6/4922/4922_1104292543_large.jpg)

I made some major alterations to the composition of the ships and position to create a more natural flow and to enhance the vastness of the Mother ship. also adjusted the contrast and saturation on the background. Right now I running with 5 layers. Usually start with like 10 and as I get closer to finishing I have less layers.

[V_Shane]

http://www.cgnetworks.com/challenge/entries/6/4922/4922_1104304543_medium.jpg (http://www.cgnetworks.com/challenge/entries/6/4922/4922_1104304543_large.jpg)

Gave the Main ship an overhaul. Removed the tedious little ships in the sky that were over-done. Re-enhanced and gave more epic full-ness to the clouds that in turn support the size and immenseness of the ship. As well I redefined the fire rampaging through the city. Hope you guys dig it, though no one seems to be biting. Probably have another update tonight on the Mercenary Tara Nova.

Edit: Please click on the pic, as this reduced size seems WAY over sharpened.

[Squibbit]

hey thanks for paying my thread a visit , dude. I like your concept ,those
aliens with the crystal look cool . I would throw some crits on the way of
that mothership , which seems somehow out of perspective. Also , now
that there's no ships in the cloudless area , they all seem like they're hiding,
avoiding the open air on purpose...
Then a minor adjustment suggestion :) I'd put her blasting a wing off that approaching
fighter .. then I'd bring another fighter closer so as not to lessen the feel of immediate
danger in the situation.
Of the inspirations you mentioned early on in your thread... I saw the Heavy Metal
animation movie and you definitely get that sort of feeling from the pic.

[V_Shane]

Suibbit, thanks for droppping by. I appreciate the POV, hopefully I'll have this finished by Dec. 31st so I can enter it in Spectrum Annual as well.

Shane

[terraarc]

Nice going here mate! :thumbsup:
Coloring is working pretty great so far....IMHO your mercenary lady-alien needs some more definition and contrast..the background is great! :)

[V_Shane]

Nice going here mate! :thumbsup:
Coloring is working pretty great so far....IMHO your mercenary lady-alien needs some more definition and contrast..the background is great! :)


Nope your right! Out of about 10 stages I have for painting a figure, she is about at "6". Thanks for the input. heres what has to be done still:
1. Mercenary definition from clothes to skin
2. all the aliens around the central crystal
3. more solid rendering of the city buildings
4. Ship touch ups for various squad ships.

thanks again for dropping by!

[llllllll]

hi shane my name is boali


certainly I like the strange story which is going on in your painting,but my freind i woud play around with colours,in some area they work tonaly,but in others ex:the background it does not have the best effect.because of its warm color rang.
nice try man

[V_Shane]

Hi boalid, thanks for looking. I appreciate your POV, but its an angle of application that has been applied by many pro artists ex: Whelan, Hildebrandt, Maxfield Parrish etc... So I certainly feel confident in my approach and the pallette I have chosen.

[V_Shane]

http://www.cgnetworks.com/challenge/entries/6/4922/4922_1104733531_medium.jpg (http://www.cgnetworks.com/challenge/entries/6/4922/4922_1104733531_large.jpg)

I knew it needed something, so I thought if this were the still in movie, what would I expect to see? Then I realised, I want to see her kicking thier butts as the enemy totaly underestimates her firepower..one hit KABLOOEY!! She is picking them out of the air like flies, sooo they start to bring in the mother ship....well I think it looks much better. I bent her knee a little, gotta fix the shadow to correspond with her new pose. BTW her whole new arm and the exploding ships (including the effect) are litteraly scribbled on there. I'll be refining those tonight, but wanted to get this up for quick peeps.

[V_Shane]

http://www.cgnetworks.com/challenge/entries/6/4922/4922_1104742161_medium.jpg (http://www.cgnetworks.com/challenge/entries/6/4922/4922_1104742161_large.jpg)

Lots of things fixed, defined, skewed, contrasted. Still a bit to go on the mercenary and the natives, background is essentially finished.CLICK TO SEE LARGER IMAGE as this is way to sharpened than what I uploaded.

[ChrisThatGuy]

It look very nice. I like the composition. I think the foreground doesn't quite stand out form the background enough, though. Maybe it needs more contrast, or a little bit of subtle haze around the silhouette of the foreground to put some atmospheric depth between it and the background. Keep up the good work.

[V_Shane]

http://www.cgnetworks.com/challenge/entries/6/4922/4922_1104772058_medium.jpg (http://www.cgnetworks.com/challenge/entries/6/4922/4922_1104772058_large.jpg)

Good suggestion, I had overlooked that with all that fire there has to be smoke/haze. I wonder if this is enough?

[NinjaA55N]

Its coming out really nice! I like the colors which make a good contrast between first and back plan, i like the characters and the story that the picture tells us.. maybe just create more depth coz right now the first plan is too equal to the back plan. maybe darken elements a bit would help. Otherwise a very nice entry!

[ChrisThatGuy]

Good suggestion, I had overlooked that with all that fire there has to be smoke/haze. I wonder if this is enough?
Uh, yeah, that works, although what I meant was if the haze is only between the foreground and background, not in the foreground itself, eg: behind those blue-purple rocks. Also, you may want to try making it slightly orange to match the tint of the background.

[V_Shane]

No problem, I just threw this in to see exactly what your talking about. I actually had a Santa Claus hat on everyone, but forgot to post it for Christmas.

Thanks for pointing it out futher!

[element5]

I see Shane your piece is developing...what exciting colour!! I have no crits just praise my friend....love your work :thumbsup:

[V_Shane]

http://www.cgnetworks.com/challenge/entries/6/4922/4922_1104906817_medium.jpg (http://www.cgnetworks.com/challenge/entries/6/4922/4922_1104906817_large.jpg)

Well so far so good, this is nearly done. I'm posting this for any last comments or suggestions. I'll be finishing this by tomorrow. Lots of final things rendered, hazed, sparkled, and contrasted. Thanks to EVERYONE for all your suggestions and comments, anda wonderous thanks to CGTalk for hosting this awesome contest. Incredible work out there and tight competition!

[Heliogabalo]

good work...a magical touch in the draw...my english is bad...but your work is very good

[Heliogabalo]

a magic touch in your good work....bellisimo trabajo.......very nice...a magic fusion with sci fi

[V_Shane]

jorge moreno, thank you! much appreciated. It took many many hours. Longer than I usually get to spend on a painting. This was a generous deadline. Normally I have to complete an entire book cover in like 1 month from sketch to finish. So I was able to speckle it with details I would normally omit.

Thanks again!

Shane

[V_Shane]

http://www.cgnetworks.com/challenge/entries/6/4922/4922_1104979547_medium.jpg (http://www.cgnetworks.com/challenge/entries/6/4922/4922_1104979547_large.jpg)

Well that was a blast. In the final image I touched up things (like her cape) and adjusted contrast on the background...again. I wish luck to all, and for the record, I did do my best and put aside time specifically for this contest. I am enthralled to be a part of this contest...I will be back for another!! you can count on it! :)

[cgkrusty]

A feast for the eyes to be sure. I would have preffered slightly more desaturated colours. Regardless, you've got great control of the palette you've used and the imagination in the piece is excellent.

Good luck!

[Jezzarts]

Hi there V_Shane, congrats on finishing your painting. It's been an exciting process... just hard trying to get time to work on it!! I've always liked your composition... kind of like a race against time. To me the vast contrast in colour used in your painting separates the two zones well but also is a bit destracting. If anything, maybe splash a little more of the background light into the forground. Just a small observation, otherwise I love it. Well done mate!

[Squibbit]

yea and the aliens with the crystal is a great idea . The clouds
and the moon are very well done too.The angle of the mother ship
still looks odd to me :) . Otherwise good job, dude

[NinjaA55N]

Great finish buddy! Although I have some suggestions, that I would change if this was my thread.. so dont bother with that, coz its just my opinion :)
I think that the mothership still doesnt show its grandness, there r missing some tiny light, tiny details. And my second thought is, that on the cristal there r too many lights which slightly unbalance the pic. The brigtness of that part is ok, but shiny dots disturbes a little.
Anyway, that is my opinion, so dont bother if u like it, that the most important thing :)
Congratulations for finishing this challenge. It was a great pleasure looking at ur thread. Good luck with the woting :)

[element5]

Congrats on your awesome finish....worth waiting for :) . You have to be proud of this piece....:applause:

Goodluck my friend...

[ChrisThatGuy]

Yeah, that's the kind of haze I was talking about. :) Looks great. Best of luck.

[YeeWu]

Wow...I missed out on a lot. You're done??? Yikes, I need to check these threads more often or something.

Anyway, it looks great! The architecture is fun to look at :) I kinda wish there was a little more sharpness to the highlights, but I guess that's just a personal opinion :P The exploding ships were a very nice touch. Good luck to you!

[terraarc]

Nice done painting mate! :thumbsup:

The coloring surely it's an eye-candy by itself and the image is quite interesting! :thumbsup:

Wishing the best!

[V_Shane]

Thanks for the wishing well! One of the msot important things is FINISHING what you start eh?!

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