Prometheus illustration - C&C welcome

[Matt]

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/stores/detail/-/books/0399507914/reader/1/ref=lib_dp_TFCV/103-1151819-8760664#reader-link

[Hookflash]

Originally posted by Matt
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/stores/detail/-/books/0399507914/reader/1/ref=lib_dp_TFCV/103-1151819-8760664#reader-link

Yeah, that's a pretty good book. However, I think simply replying with that link and no constructive criticism/praise is a little brusque.

dmcgrath: I personally like the image, but I'm no expert in human anatomy (maybe Matt will come down from on high and give you some pointers).

[Shaf33k]

I can see by the general image that you understand the concepts of shading and rendering. Your proportions are close as well. The book that Matt suggests, I have, isn't really that helpful in my opinion. What I see in your work might be that you're thinking about it too much; working it too rigidly. I would suggest that you loosen up the line work in your pencil stage, work with broader shapes and larger curves. Don't really worry at first about details. Do a bunch of gestures to loosen up the pose. When you get that feel then you'll be able to refine. But keep thinking in shapes; like what does the nose generally look like? sort of like a Pyramid. Then ask yourself what would it look like at this particular angle. Then you'll be able to see the shapes adding details will come in time. But observe the shapes and think about them before you draw them, with practice (and from my own experience a lot of it) you'll get there and it will be almost inate. Keep it up! and BTW the Prometheus is a good idea lots of potential with the concept. Well hope that helps.

[Matt]

I gave him the link because it's an awesome book, and without proper instruction, very few people can draw the human form correctly.

Even the most accomplished artists benefit from the study of the human form, starting from the bone structure, working your way outward.

When you understand how each system interacts with each other, then even the most complex illustrations of the body seem to flow easily. Ever sat there thinking hard about which way a muscle should bend? Get the book.

There are plenty out there to choose from.

Also, try doing things like drawing an arm connected to a leg, and make it look natural as if it was supposed to be that way. Make the muscles work together seemlessly. If you can convince yourself that it doesn't look ridiculous, and looks like something Dr. Frankenstein would make, then you may be on the right track.

Depth needs work as well, however I believe that comes along with time.

[Matt]

Also, there are some good tutorials online about drawing hands.

edit: This reminds me of the scene in the Matrix when Morpheus breaks free from his shackles when he was in the federal building.

[Shaf33k]

Well the objection I had with the book (as I did not explain myself earlier) is that it teaches you how to draw with a particular style. If you want to draw like that then go ahead. But the main issue with books of this nature is that the end result looks like the authors' work. It teaches you basics that can be found in practically any book, but the end result is more towards what the author perceives. Though if you like a particular style then books of this nature are definitely the right approach.
The best tool is real life, and therefore I would suggest drawing your own hand/face first then moving to friends, family, pets, then reference books. Or something like that. But observation is the key, observe first then draw.

[dmcgrath]

I respect the later posts alot. Thank you Matt for coming back, and with something more than a link to buy a stupid book. I actually attend the AAC in S.F I am not. So I know about books.
This has never been one of my strong points, drawing the figure from imagination, I feel like I am better than what I have posted here.
My challenge was to try and draw the face from such an extreme angle, and an arch in his back that doubles him over. Plus, the hands, I never really was happy with them, oh well.

Thank you for the constructive crits!!!:beer:

-dan

[CGTalk Moderation]

This thread has been automatically closed as it remained inactive for 12 months. If you wish to continue the discussion, please create a new thread in the appropriate forum.