Spectacular 2D Entry: Kieran Edwards

[kboss]

http://features.cgsociety.org/challenge/entries/10/8478/8478_1127144767_medium.jpg (http://features.cgsociety.org/challenge/entries/10/8478/8478_1127144767_large.jpg)

Seeing as i never managed to get off the ground within the time constraints of the last challenge i'm determined to at least enter something this time :P
Here are some very quick visualisations of concepts. I thought initially of 'spectacular' as a spectacle, something theatrical, ie. for an audience. And what better embodies that than Gladiators!
the other two concepts are of the more usual approach of incredible discovery. One an ancient tomb type affair, the other a hidden mountain city/temple.
Tell me what you think of the concepts rather than execution as the images are obviously only ideas. Composition is open to attack though... Cheers all!

[Squibbit]

welcome to the challenge!


some comments..
... the1st_angel is doing a gladiatorial piece already for once.. dunno
if u wanna do the same..
aand maybe if you'd have the archeologists inside a tomb, showing
all the sarcophagi and the amazing treasures.. i mean a HUGE hall
with boats , chariots , rows of armor, statues... etc ..

well taht's what first came to mind.. carry on :)

.

[mybutterflyiris]

Well, I think the gladiator one has the best composition...however, I think it might be more spectacular if they were in the middle of the fight instead of finished. ...or maybe one gladiator outnumbered, or fighting some strange made up beast thing. ...just some ideas.
I also think the second one (the tomb) one could develope into something interresting...As it stands as well it's not very interresting (no offense)... but you could add some like Indiana Jones action with the booby traps things..or perhaps the tomb is cursed...maybe ghosts or a mummy... or being guarded by an ancient tribe...arrows fly... ummm... I don't know.. something...
It seems though that you are more interrested in the gladiator thing, so I would suggest exploring that one more... and I gues to sum it up I would say add some "ACTION ACTION ACTION"
good luck in the competition, I hope you finish, and I hope this helps some.

[kboss]

http://features.cgsociety.org/challenge/entries/10/8478/8478_1127222612_medium.jpg (http://features.cgsociety.org/challenge/entries/10/8478/8478_1127222612_large.jpg)

Thanks to Squibbit and Mybutterflyiris for your comments. The tomb idea was dull (the idea was to have more stuff in there, but the exterior perspective was a bit limited) I decided to take the advice of Squibbit and try an interior view. I still want to emphasize the aspect of 'discovery', so capture the moment they walk into the place. The image ive mocked up could do with a bit more crazy artefacts but its good enough for the general feel. The other two i did because i fancied dragons as being pretty spectacluar, the first is a guy watching a migration of dragons. Perhaps he's a hunter watching his quarry... the other is just a dragon jumping some poor sap in a forest, maybe he wandered too close to her baby dragons or something... who knows. Any and all comments are much appreciated.

EDIT: Also, cheers to Squibbit for pointing out 1stAngel's gladiatorial extravaganza... would have been a remarkably similar piece :P

[kboss]

http://features.cgsociety.org/challenge/entries/10/8478/8478_1127310630_medium.jpg (http://features.cgsociety.org/challenge/entries/10/8478/8478_1127310630_large.jpg)

Thought id slap some colour on this badboy because i quite liked the first image. Now i have im not s sure. Think perhaps the guy in foreground needs to be less dominating, or perhaps more light on him for more detail (there is literally zero atm but i was planning on having him largely silouette anyway)
Anyway, i liked the idea of a migration of dragons, thought that would be something very spectacular to watch.
Penny for your thoughts people.

[sepi]

Nice sky...very spectacular :applause: .Good luck!

[Donsam]

I like the one with the monster Batie on top! some how the other sketches share the same era... waiting for more!...

[Squibbit]

hey this new one looks real nice :thumbsup:


.

[peterstenhouse]

Hey bro. I really like the Dragons migrating in sunset. It feels as if there is a story there involving the warrior who has just (through some adventure) gained new respect for the creatures. I think more varied scale (excuse the pun) on the dragons would make it more dynamic, perhaps swooping over where the warrior is sat. Great idea man. keep it up.

[Zephyri]

Oh wow, what lovely sketch and colours! I do have to admit though, that I was that focussed on the lovely figure I didn't even realise those were dragons at first, until I read they were. Maybe you could try altering their proportions so they are even more long and sinewy, and then perhaps add more to the top of the piece to make it a portrait shot and have even more dragons closer up, flying over the figure maybe, so you can see their underbellies in glorious detail, then it would truly have a feeling of spectacular because of the size (you might only have the underbelly alone of the closest one).

But other than that, it really stirred that feeling I have watching spectacular sunsets, that feeling of awe, so if you do nothing to the dragons, I would really work on the sunset and m
make that as spectacular as the rest of the elements.

Or, actually, I think the problem with the dragons is they are flying straight across the picture... why not having them receding into the sunset in the distance, across the water as it were?

Just some thoughts, good stuff this far!

[kboss]

Thanks to everyone who posted!

Sepi, Donsam & Squibbit: Cheers for the support guys :)

Opticblast & Zepyhri: Think you're both spot on about the dragons. Having them fly more over-head will be much better. And they will indeed become a whole lot more refined as time goes on, Zepyhri. At the minute they dont have any limbs at all... I promise you'll be able to tell they're dragons by the time i'm done!

Owing to my generally indecisive nature i am thinking of slapping some colour onto one or two other of my concepts. Who knows, i might even churn out a couple more before i settle on one. There is something i quite like about the feel of this last one though. I am a sucker for sentiment at the end of the day.

Ta-ta everybody!

[kboss]

http://features.cgsociety.org/challenge/entries/10/8478/8478_1127387037_medium.jpg (http://features.cgsociety.org/challenge/entries/10/8478/8478_1127387037_large.jpg)

So, here's thet 'discovering the hidden mountain temple/city' idea with a bit of colour. All very rushed so the temple look a bit like a lego building at the minute. All that can change though.
Hopefully i'll post something else later on too.
Please tell me what you think of any and all of my previous posts.
Thanks all!

[kboss]

http://features.cgsociety.org/challenge/entries/10/8478/8478_1127406602_medium.jpg (http://features.cgsociety.org/challenge/entries/10/8478/8478_1127406602_large.jpg)

I have enlarged the canvas and re-oriented the dragons. (hopefully they're becoming more recognisable as such too!)
Also stuck more colour in the sky and sharpened up the foreground figure. I thought id have him sat seperate from his sword because it gives more of the impression that he's absorbed in the spectacle, but i'm very interested in what everyone else thinks about the new composition. Check out my older version and tell me whether you prefer the sword slung on his shoulder on stuck in the turf. (i was also thinking of giving him a spear instead of a sword... hmmm)
Anywho, im not even totally settled on this one yet, opinions on all my other scribbles would be very much appreciated.

[kboss]

http://features.cgsociety.org/challenge/entries/10/8478/8478_1127491159_medium.jpg (http://features.cgsociety.org/challenge/entries/10/8478/8478_1127491159_large.jpg)

*urrk*, no time today to do nish, parties to go to, places to be. Its so hard being this damn cool... ahem. Anyway, wanted to throw up some 5 minute lines i did, just to keep the ball rolling really. B'bye now.

[kboss]

http://features.cgsociety.org/challenge/entries/10/8478/8478_1127920162_medium.jpg (http://features.cgsociety.org/challenge/entries/10/8478/8478_1127920162_large.jpg)

Progress has been a ittle slow on this one, having been distracted somewhat other bits and bobs. I have shuffled things around a bit to get the perspective better. Which involved enlarging the canvas a touch. I've worked on the water and started adding some detail to the foreground silouettes. I've not touched the dragons because i haven't yet settled on exactly how i want them to look. Same with the guy too really, last sketches i posted are already out the window... was having a bad day that day. Anyway, as always C&C is always welcome.

[Zephyri]

Hey kboss... this is looking really wonderful now, using the perspective on the dragons has worked a treat, and leads the eye round the image much more. The lighting is really nice too, from the beginnings of the details that you've started on, though, don't forget to include some of the light colour on the more reflective surfaces like the rock in the foreground, even if it's really subtle. Looking good though.

[kboss]

http://features.cgsociety.org/challenge/entries/10/8478/8478_1128526501_medium.jpg (http://features.cgsociety.org/challenge/entries/10/8478/8478_1128526501_large.jpg)

Slloooow progress. Done a little more on the rocks and the reclining figure, at the moment only showing reflected light from the sunset. I will add more texture and slight colour variations as the life of the piece progresses, but thought i should post something as i've not for a while. Next stop: Clouds!

[monkeybeach]

the composition and lighting is perhaps too similar to this (http://www.gfxartist.com/features/tutorials/974) so i think you should try to move stuff around a bit, so the judges don't freak :)

[kboss]

Ah, dammit. I guess i should thank you for pointing that out Monkeybeach, but its kinda thrown a spanner in the works...Although I suppose the similarity really is just the use of a silouette overlooking a sea. Hopefully by the time mine is done there will be less in common because of the other elements in my picture (dragons clouds etc)
I think, for now, i'll push on as is. I was hoping to do another piece before the time is up anyway, we'll see what people think at that point. As it is i'll work with the assumption that great minds must think alike... :P

[kboss]

http://features.cgsociety.org/challenge/entries/10/8478/8478_1129900421_medium.jpg (http://features.cgsociety.org/challenge/entries/10/8478/8478_1129900421_large.jpg)

this is a continuation of the last image. Tighening up the foreground. I have done a little work on the clouds immediately above the character, reworked his armour and painted in more detail. The main figure is still not finished though. I will add more fiddly bits and ambellishments toward the end. But this is the finished bas. Next i will finish the (out of picture) clouds and the dragons. then do the water and make the island look less like a blob. Please please leave comments. All are more than welcome.

[kboss]

http://features.cgsociety.org/challenge/entries/10/8478/8478_1130172056_medium.jpg (http://features.cgsociety.org/challenge/entries/10/8478/8478_1130172056_large.jpg)

So, i've moved on to the dragons and have started working some colour and detail into their sillouettes. hopefully they'll end up sharper than they are right now, but probably not by a great deal. The clouds behind are, by the way, still very much of the rough variety. Anyway, thought i'd share my progress. Please leave comments, all are more than appreciated. Thanks all.

[khaleghi]

good work I like your Idea and colors,keep going:thumbsup:

[kboss]

http://features.cgsociety.org/challenge/entries/10/8478/8478_1130338592_medium.jpg (http://features.cgsociety.org/challenge/entries/10/8478/8478_1130338592_large.jpg)

So, i've done lighting on dragons and added more detail to the clouds. All thats left now is the sea the island and the foreground land. Then lots of little details (especially on main figure to make it look all nice :)
Not enough comments everyone! Keep em coming!

[Ducklator]

hey... great concept! I like it! cool colors... keep it up! I'll wait for new updates:thumbsup:

[kboss]

http://features.cgsociety.org/challenge/entries/10/8478/8478_1130852369_medium.jpg (http://features.cgsociety.org/challenge/entries/10/8478/8478_1130852369_large.jpg)

So, as promised, I've finished the clouds, done the water, made the island more of an island and less of a blob, added some more texture to the foreground and added a bit of shine to the main character. This image is, to all intents and purposes, finished. I would like to add a lot more detail to the foreground character; engraving and nobly bits on his armour etc. But for now i think i might try and crack on with that second image i said i'd do. Perhaps i'll come back to this one later if i decide this is my final entry.
Thanks to all who have left comments, to all those who have not; please do.

[RedXR]

Great concept and brilliant atmosphere, you can almost feel the soft breeze. Great work.

[kboss]

http://features.cgsociety.org/challenge/entries/10/8478/8478_1131027910_medium.jpg (http://features.cgsociety.org/challenge/entries/10/8478/8478_1131027910_large.jpg)

Very very rough (obvously) thrown up in a few minutes for idea of composition. This concept is borne of my initial thoughts of 'spectacular' as something that requires 'spectators' and so i thought a David v Goliath type boxing match with a shocking KO by the David of the piece would be spectacular for all the pundits around the ring. As i choose a composition the two combatants will become more distiguishable as giant and giant killer ratherthan two indistinct figures. Please please tell me which you think works better aesthetically, and also in terms of describing the action. (Also feel free to comment on my previous finished piece) Thanks all.

[kboss]

http://features.cgsociety.org/challenge/entries/10/8478/8478_1131378700_medium.jpg (http://features.cgsociety.org/challenge/entries/10/8478/8478_1131378700_large.jpg)

Here is the diminutive character with the very beginning of some details slapped on. Not a great deal of progress but i wanted to share it anyway. As always comments are welcome, and please check back and comment on my previous piece if you like. Cheers for now.

[HerrAlejandro]

I like so much the dragon's concept, I think you have a continue with him... good luck...:thumbsup:

[kboss]

http://features.cgsociety.org/challenge/entries/10/8478/8478_1131645081_medium.jpg (http://features.cgsociety.org/challenge/entries/10/8478/8478_1131645081_large.jpg)

Just a small progress post of the diminutive boxer throwing his knockout punch. Take it away with the comments folks.

[kboss]

http://features.cgsociety.org/challenge/entries/10/8478/8478_1131987834_medium.jpg (http://features.cgsociety.org/challenge/entries/10/8478/8478_1131987834_large.jpg)

I have added the 'goliath' character now getting knocked out by the skinny dude. have done little to no work on the original boxer's boots or shorts, and the big guy is just basic colour blocks atm... to be honest ive not actually finished the skin of the first boxer either yet... so its all WIP... tell me what you think anyway.

[kboss]

http://features.cgsociety.org/challenge/entries/10/8478/8478_1132583097_medium.jpg (http://features.cgsociety.org/challenge/entries/10/8478/8478_1132583097_large.jpg)

The progress is fairly plain. Still need to finish both boxer's legs, boots and shorts. As well as some details on gloves and faces. ive begun blocking in the crowd to give a better feel of the finished composition. PLEASE leave a comment! anything'll do :)

[Litho]

Some suggestions about the sunset and dragon pic:
1) the clouds behind and around the dragons, IMHO, are way too detailed. That way the eye focuses on the clouds rather than the majestic beasts. Too distracting
2) Make a bigger variety of the dragons. Black, Gold, White, Green, whatever :] it'll make the picture a lot more interesting.
3) Make it brighter. There's mostly darkness occupying the rest of the picture - island, land, the warrior and even the dragons themselves.

That would be a lot of work, though :\

[Screenblind]

That fat boy is going down. Good luck with it. I like it. punchy.

[kboss]

http://features.cgsociety.org/challenge/entries/10/8478/8478_1132684004_medium.jpg (http://features.cgsociety.org/challenge/entries/10/8478/8478_1132684004_large.jpg)

I made a return to my old image and added the detail to the main figure's armour that i have been perenially harping on about. Think i'll probably enter this as my 'spectacular' piece and just paint up the boxing one as a seperate piece at this point in time. If you have an opinion i'd love to hear it. Cheers all.

[wildcory1]

Nice colors and contrast keep up the good work

[kboss]

http://features.cgsociety.org/challenge/entries/10/8478/8478_1133266751_medium.jpg (http://features.cgsociety.org/challenge/entries/10/8478/8478_1133266751_large.jpg)

So, lots of little jiggles and touch ups, but the main thing here are the clouds. I destroyed the (possibly) excessive detail and made them more out of focus so attention would be more drawn around the ring of important elements: foreground figure through landscape to dragons. Dont know if it works or just makes the image more slapdash. This is where i really need some input everyone! If you have an opinion, please share it.

[duddlebug]

Cool concept... i like the idea a lot!

As far as suggestions...

How about some flames from the dragons? Maybe just from one or two of them?

And some refelctions of the dragon shapes in the sea could look good! (and reflections of the flames if you liked that idea!)

Also... it could be nice to desaturate some parts of the armour. So that it's gold and silver (or steel).

[kboss]

http://features.cgsociety.org/challenge/entries/10/8478/8478_1133273052_medium.jpg (http://features.cgsociety.org/challenge/entries/10/8478/8478_1133273052_large.jpg)

Thank you for your comments Duddlebug. Owing to those i have indeed dropped the saturation on parts of the armour and i reckon its made an improvement. i also added some flames from a couple of dragons, but im not so sure about that. Again, any and all opinions are more than welcome.

[kboss]

http://features.cgsociety.org/challenge/entries/10/8478/8478_1133353737_medium.jpg (http://features.cgsociety.org/challenge/entries/10/8478/8478_1133353737_large.jpg)

The fabled migration of dragons, a centenial event, as each brood of dragons from around the globe congregate to mate and propogate the continued existence of their race. As they pass overhead they trumpet and blast out tendils of fire in exuberance. We join a dragon hunter as he watches the spectacular vision, his sword thrust in the dirt to symbolise no blood will be spilled this night.

[kboss]

As an adendum, I would still very much like people to tell me what they think of my finished picture. Any comment is a good comment as far as i'm concerned. Cheers folks.

[Slav]

cool work i just must comment on the fire ... it is i assume fire... doesnt really look like it. it doesnt have the glow nor the Umph fire has... i might suggest going over your final again and taking a quick referance to fire at camps and such things to make it glow ... as of right now it looks more like fleshy vomit as opposed to fire. i hope i didnt sound rude if i did sorry. but i am just noting something that bothers me. over all aside that fact your image is looking good. good luck.

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