Spectacular 2D Entry: Eric Claeys

[OrO]

welcome and good luck!! :thumbsup:

[EricClaeys]

http://features.cgsociety.org/challenge/entries/10/9006/9006_1127935960_medium.jpg (http://features.cgsociety.org/challenge/entries/10/9006/9006_1127935960_large.jpg)

My concept is basically a mechanical monkey frantically trying to find a soul of his own - to become 'alive'. He swings through a lush, harshly lit jungle high above the ground. His hopes and dreams are but inches away. It's a bit of a modern pinnocio-like narrative.

I think the monkey needs to be a little more stretched and contorted - using every piston in his body to 'fly' through the tree branches. I also wanted to leave a bit of a wake in his path - snapped limbs, loose leaves, and a bit of motion blur as the limbs bend and recoil under his heavy chassis... we'll see if I can pull it off.

[Vectorius]

Hello Eric! good idea and good sketch!!:thumbsup: good luck for the challenge! will come forward see your next update! see yaaaaaaaaaaaa:scream:

[ChrisThatGuy]

Cool idea, but I think it might look more "spectacular" if you changed the composition a bit, so that the monkey-bot and soul are speeding towards the camera (or look like they're going to miss it by only an arm's width) instead of passing perpendicular to the viewing angle like they are now. Looks neat.

[EricClaeys]

http://features.cgsociety.org/challenge/entries/10/9006/9006_1127971221_medium.jpg (http://features.cgsociety.org/challenge/entries/10/9006/9006_1127971221_large.jpg)

...working on a related, but much darker concept...
The beauty of the dead bird's soul drifting upward is all that the immortal mechanical monkey sees. He is unable to comprehend death - innocently fascinated with what happens when you squish little fuzzy things.

The idea in my head takes place on the floor of a tall forest - sunlight peeking in only far above. The final image would be very verticle - perhaps showing other unfortunate souls rising higher into the canopy.

I really like this concept and will now experiment with composition and a more obvious expression of curiousity on the monkey's face.

I agree, this sketch and the previous one is much too profile and lacks depth and perspective.

Thanks for all your input!

[Korline]

I like the light very much,
coool pic, good luck :)

[duddlebug]

I love this!

This looks like a really interesting concept... kinda macabre with the dead birds and the blood on his hands, but 'spectacular' with the blue light and stuff. Is that the spirit of the birds? I prefer the more sedate composition. It looks like he's thinking about what he's doing.

A really interesting approach to the challenge... good luck!

[MVDB]

Good concept,
lotta mood in that last sketch! :) Very interesting indeed!

[conundrum]

thats a really cool concept, and so far you have also executed it very nicely. i'm looking forward to more progress.

[CryingHorn]

Now that's cruel, but really interesting and beautiful, very original, I'll be waiting to see how it will look in the final.

[Rudeone]

very cool and interesting concept, beautifull sketch, I think this will have a lot of potential.
Keeping an eye out :thumbsup:

[Zephyri]

This is a lovely concept, and the mood of the last sketch is absolutely wonderful, I have to say I prefer it's quiet spectacularness to that all out action of the other sketch. The only thing I would say is that without the narrative you added to the pic, it would be difficult to pin down exactly what was going on, other than a robot looking at the bird's soul.

But then again... having written that, I wonder whether you need more than that? *shrugs* I like it as is actually, ignore that last comment. Keep up with work, can't wait to see it more detail.

[W-I-L]

thats really good mate.. I am leaning toward androids and robots for my spectacular entry though i ahvent doen much yet... looking great!

[mr. thurner]

i loved this light! keep it going n good luck!

[Neubius]

man, absolutley love the colour sketch, looks great. will be watching : ) ....

[OrO]

this is out of this world...i love this concept...it is so cold the dead birds and cold metal monkey but it is so expressssive....it really moves ...:)

[Falcorr]

Nice sketches! .. Youre so good so why not do a few more concepts for us to wonder at :bounce:

[BaronImpossible]

Very promising, good luck :thumbsup:

[Zeitwolf]

I like that idea. Last update is great!

I'd add some more action... other angry bird souls attacking him from the back *lol*

good luck to you!

[MrFreeman]

:thumbsup: Great concept and nice to see something a bit different. I love the atmosphere and moody lighting - should look great with the bg you've described...

I suppose you could age the robot to suggest immortality and that he's been around a long time - also maybe add a few more birds?? ...keep the great images coming

[walrus]

Neat concept. Nice lighting, too. I almost missed the birds, making them a tad lighter could help... but them, when they're more thoroughly rendered, they'll pop more too. Anyhow, great work so far. Good luck!

-mike

[Lync]

I find myself oddly fascinated by the scene - almost as much as the robot! lol.

This is a really great concept that is a little different from the rest. I particular like your last sketch and the lighting is done really well. I am not sure if you need to pull back or look up and see other souls. I like the focus of the image as it is. :thumbsup:

[EricClaeys]

http://features.cgsociety.org/challenge/entries/10/9006/9006_1128110046_medium.jpg (http://features.cgsociety.org/challenge/entries/10/9006/9006_1128110046_large.jpg)

I think this is a more dramatic angle for the image - bringing the viewer in a bit closer. I like how you don't see the dead critters immediately - giving you a glimpse of the monkey's fascination... then you realize what he's done.

[EricClaeys]

thanks for all the comments!

MrFreeman - I agree, I want the monkey to look aged and pretty corroded - though still entirely functional. I'll try to add the affect rusty streaks from ages of rain, small dents and scuffs from his wanderings.

Next, I'll really try to work out the details in his body - plently of little mechanical parts. In all, I really want to emphasize the lighting and draw your focus to the skeletal soul.

[OrO]

that is a very good idea...it already is very intense and the angle dose wonders for the picture
just as a sugestion: you know that it is thought that the sole is housed near the heart in the chest...so why fon't you make a cavity of some sort in the middle of his chestfool of mecanical stuff rusted and old...a sort of crying metalic wound...:)

[Vectorius]

OH Yeah!! another one:) ...i like this one..maybe more than the lastest...keep goin 'on!! very good ambiance i like...see you later man!!:thumbsup:

[gra7]

wowww man this is so good.. amazing.. i love it.. :thumbsup:


best luck !

[ahbeejieh]

Half of me wants to laugh my ass off coz of the idea that the monkey's innocently "squishing" the life outta those birds... And half of me somewhat feels sick. I dont know why. The idea that he's doing it out of fascination kinda gets to me. Why not make the idea lighter like say, his data got mixed up and he thinks the birds are bananas or something :scream:

Just kidding. Keep it sick :eek: And again, I dont know why I want you do that...

I'm not sure about your current composition man. I say, make the scene more dynamic by going for either a higher or lower angle. Scene looks too flat. Perhaps you can show more of where those bird-souls are going... Bird heaven or something...

[CryingHorn]

Allright it's developing quite well, I like that you scaled the image so it could be seen other souls. But I liked more first perspective of monkey.. but that's just my opinion. in any case it already looks awesome Good luck I'll be watching this one :thumbsup:

[MasonRoberts]

I love teh character and colours man, keep it going!!:thumbsup:

[cyberarts]

I really like what i'm seeing right now! I like the idea. The mechanic monkey look's cool!
Keep up with your good work!

Good luck!:thumbsup:

[EricClaeys]

http://features.cgsociety.org/challenge/entries/10/9006/9006_1129146324_medium.jpg (http://features.cgsociety.org/challenge/entries/10/9006/9006_1129146324_large.jpg)

I started working on the details and mechanical stuff. I want a decent contrast between large areas of corroded/aged metal and the small intricut mechanical joints.

I had thought of the idea of some sort of empty cavity in his chest - suggesting his soul-lessness. I think it will work well with it image - as long as it is not super-obvious.

Thanks for all the input!

[bakanekonei]

i believe i like you new concept alot better than the old one. everything you've submitted so far is it's own work of art.
one thing i might suggest is giving some sort of brow to the mechmonkey's face......even if it's just a little lip of metal.

[Koekebakker]

Wow, amazing atmosphere and detailed lineart so far...I love it! :)

[Lync]

Awesome! Excellent work, beautiful lines and colour control

:)

[EricClaeys]

Thanks! Pretty much the only chance I have to work on it is during lunch at work. I'm getting married in a week, so the preparations consume much of my time at home.

I've thought about adding a brow, or more primate-like featuress, but I want him to look as innocent as possible - to contrast his actions. I need to upload some of my preliminary sketches (I keep leaving them at work) - some had a brow or a jaw, but didn't really added what I wanted to his personality. I'll try to get all my quick sketches together tommorrow.

[Neubius]

really nice, love the concept, love the design.

top,
A

[OrO]

OrO:...just as a sugestion: you know that it is thought that the sole is housed near the heart in the chest...so why fon't you make a cavity of some sort in the middle of his chestfool of mecanical stuff rusted and old...a sort of crying metalic wound...:)
wonder where the idea with the cavity came from :shrug: ...the angle looks so good! and the lines so fluent..great job!! you could make a small glass cage in the midle of the chest cavity and put in it a little bird soul(make it look like one) and surrounded by machines and mechanical components...a small speck of life and light in a dead iron shell...good luck!

[Neubius]

yeah, a cavity of some kind, with receptors and things... nice idea. further iterates the 'longing' aspect.

cool

[EricClaeys]

Oro: wonder where the idea with the cavity came from...

:banghead: Hey, sorry Oro, forgot to give you credit for the chest idea. I had thought of it before and your poetic description made me decide to go with it. I was writing my comment while I had a quick break at work and meant to quote ya, sorry. Thanks for the great input though! :thumbsup:

[Geci]

I like this concept... maybe his tail should look more mechanical too...

Cant wait to see it finished!

[OrO]

no problem :) i was having a bad day so i got pushy with you...sorry...waiting to see what comes next :deal:

[Ducklator]

hey, great sketches... the line art looks great... I'll wait to see more..:thumbsup:

[Zims]

Come on …..show some color!!

:thumbsup:

[EricClaeys]

http://features.cgsociety.org/challenge/entries/10/9006/9006_1131396122_medium.jpg (http://features.cgsociety.org/challenge/entries/10/9006/9006_1131396122_large.jpg)

I worked out some of the details in the monkey and started polishing out his head - getting a feel for how I want him to look.

I haven't had much of a chance to work lately - got married and was on my honeymoon.

Enjoy!

[wildcory1]

nice use of metal texture

[SquishMe]

Congratulations on your wedding and a great picture!
The textures are looking great. I'd love to know how you achieve that effect.
The lineart is very detailed too. Nice job.

[Neubius]

fantastic texture and colour! love the robot design.
A

[elmasfeo]

I haven't had much of a chance to work lately - got married and was on my honeymoon.

...That's a good reason for not working... congratulations!

You have a very good imagination for all of those tiny robotic details, and the head coloring is looking great!
Very good job:drool:

[OrO]

congradulations my friend!! and by the way the small components and da huge cavity look damm good! nice to see that you have already prepared for painting the bird spirit with the blue accents...good luck:thumbsup:

[EricClaeys]

http://features.cgsociety.org/challenge/entries/10/9006/9006_1131655377_medium.jpg (http://features.cgsociety.org/challenge/entries/10/9006/9006_1131655377_large.jpg)

I have the head basically finished now - except for the reflection in the eyes (haven't drawn the soul yet).

Process: Basically I start by blocking in a shape (in photoshop) and applying a basic corroded texture or two to it. I then start working in my lights and darks and specific details . I paint in textures where I need them and use certain affects and layer overlays to achieve the desired look (i.e. several textures and some motion-blurring on the main head shape to make it look like it has been worn by rain.) After that, I add a little bit of blue reflection and lighting from above to get the atmosphere right. Randomizing your brush settings (jitter sliders) can really help in painting your own textures.

Thanks for all the congrats!

[OrO]

:thumbsup: good tutorial :)

[cyberarts]

It's been a while that I didn't see your work. From what i see now I can tell you that your robot look really good so far! I'll continue to follow your progress!

Keep up!:thumbsup:

[weslouie]

Hey, Eric.

That's some really nice texture on the robot's head. I also like the contrast between the warm and cool metallic colors.

[Ducklator]

amazing coloring...:eek: I can't wait to see more...:thumbsup:

[CryingHorn]

This one is going to be amazing, I know it...

[Dutchman]

Wooooow! :eek: That's looking sooo dynamic & stylish! :bounce: Really awesome lighting/texturing/feeling/mood! ;) Also the way you described your process is really interesting and cool: I'm very gratefull to you for posting that! :p

I wonder if you yet work on final (print) resolution, or that you now just work on half of that or so... Cause I know printresolution & painting in mány layers in Photoshop, is just a bad mix! ;) (that's why I'm planning to use After Effects now for compositing this challenge :hmm: )

This looks sooo promising! I can't wait for updates!

Good luck to you & All the best in the challenge! :)
-Gijs

[EricClaeys]

http://features.cgsociety.org/challenge/entries/10/9006/9006_1132261040_medium.jpg (http://features.cgsociety.org/challenge/entries/10/9006/9006_1132261040_large.jpg)

Just working on some more details...

Actually, I work at full resolution (larger than the requirements), but at the moment I am building the monkey in separate file - haven't started on the background yet. I have like 50 layers so far, but everything seems to be running smoothly.

Thanks for all the comments and support!

[PixelPlay]

Wow, I am loving the details you are painting. Looks amazing! Your textures are great. Can't wait to see the final image. Best of luck!

[tAstyBITs]

Nice to see a update, it looks really good!

[IKIN]

This is a really awesome effort, I can wait to see the finished picture,
well done so far. :thumbsup:

[Somhairle]

Hi Eric,

I'm loving the lighting in the last updates. Great the way you captured emotion in his pose. great work!

- Sam

[rawwad]

Perfect technique of working! I like it very much, rusty matel rendering is amazing. Keep on rocking Eric! :applause:

[OrO]

oh my God......:scream: ...i am speechless..the detail is incredible...brillian tjob!! three cheeres for you my friend..i want to see this finished!!:wip: :bowdown:

[walrus]

Looking good, Eric! The details are really coming together. Cool work on the glows, too.

just a random thought - can that robot even move with his joints all rusty like that? It's beautiful texture work, but is it functional at all? Just a thought - when I look at construction vehicles in my city, the outer parts are all rusty and beat up... but they always have those hydraulic joints which are in perfect condition, perfect tubes of chrome. It's quit a contrast, the nice, shiny hydraulics with the rusted exteriors, but it makes sense: the body can be as rusted as you want if the moving parts stil slide correctly.

Anyhow, just thinking about that in relationship to your piece, maybe something to keep in mind as you get to the lower section. Still, it's beautiful texture work, man!

-mike

[madone01]

this by far the most texturus pice i have ever seen how are managing this
work well done
:beer: good luck

[Neubius]

just wanted to say, yours is my favorite. best of luck,
A

[Gunilla]

Wonderful work! Looks like a mix of 3d and 2d, very cool style. Good luck for finishing on time :thumbsup:

[NinjaA55N]

wow!!! make sure to finish this piece in time.. Its one of my favorite images and its not even half finished I see.. please, finish this one! good luck :)

[EricClaeys]

http://features.cgsociety.org/challenge/entries/10/9006/9006_1132965600_medium.jpg (http://features.cgsociety.org/challenge/entries/10/9006/9006_1132965600_large.jpg)

Just working on some more details. Thanks for the input!
I think I will keep his joints relatively rusty - after working on a farm most of my childhood - I have seen 100-year-old rusty and corroded equiptment work like a charm. I wanted the monkey to seem timeless - never aging/never dying.

[EricClaeys]

http://features.cgsociety.org/challenge/entries/10/9006/9006_1132996619_medium.jpg (http://features.cgsociety.org/challenge/entries/10/9006/9006_1132996619_large.jpg)

I think I have the bird's soul finished - I wanted it to look a little contorted, but a still kind of peaceful.

[EricClaeys]

now that I see it again - I think I need to adjust the left reflection...

[rawwad]

Fantastic rendering here! I like rusty metal rendering very much, bird skeleton looks great too, keep it! :applause:

[SquishMe]

Wow, looking fantastic. The reflections are great! :applause:

[Zims]

Your Idea is super!:thumbsup:

[walrus]

Looking wonderful. That reflection in the eyes just ties everything together perfectly. Just keep going...! :-)

-mike

[EricClaeys]

http://features.cgsociety.org/challenge/entries/10/9006/9006_1133073286_medium.jpg (http://features.cgsociety.org/challenge/entries/10/9006/9006_1133073286_large.jpg)

With a little critique from my wife, I decided to make the bird more peaceful - less flapping and stressed. I liked how he looked in my sketches - something was lost in my previous post. He almost looked like he was attacking the monkey - not what I had in mind.

I also experimented with the lighting of the monkey - more blue-ish tones help bring the monkey and the soul together.

Thanks again everyone, your comments have really helped me refine my image and concept.

[rawwad]

New bird looks great, also is great reflection of blue light on robot monkey :)

[NinjaA55N]

hmm... looks a bit crowdy with this new position of a bird.. I would go with a previous one. Nevertheless, its a great rendering!

[yumurcak]

hello your concept and sketch very good but i think that the robot's head and face not similar to a monkey.if you can edit it, your work will be more successfull.good luck

[Falcorr]

Very tight detail! :cool:
Ok now you have to finish it. What kind of background are you going to draw?
Good luck! :wavey:

[glenn23]

I don't know how I missed this one. Your painting is beautiful but somehow it didn't catch my eye as a thumbnail until you added the glowy bird soul. Now I've gone and looked at all your updates and have to say you're doing a great job. I especially love the little story! How about a graphic novel telling more about this little guy?

Definitely one of my favorites!

Glenn

http://features.cgsociety.org/challenge/spectacular/view_entries.php?challenger=9224

[MichaelZHsee]

very solid rendering u've got~great painting technique on the rusty surface.cool stuff indeed;)

[Lync]

This gets better with each update I see. Very precise detailing.

Beautiful.

[gra7]

wow man.. u re going to the first !!

amazing..

[MichaelCTY]

this is really a specail work in this challenge ,I love your detail and texture from the robot,fantastic technique,hopefully to see you update soon ,and good luck

[Pat-Piper]

This should be in the 3D challenge!! Excellent job, and a very spectacular design indeed! Keep it up!

[ori@r.a.m]

wow! i saw this picture and i thought : "why does he posting it on 2D section?". really impressive work.

[Ducklator]

wow... the colors and the texture looks awesome!!! I can't wait to see the image finished!!!

[ogar555]

Damn, those details are "Spectacular"...
Can't wait to see the finished version! :D

[EricClaeys]

http://features.cgsociety.org/challenge/entries/10/9006/9006_1133245936_medium.jpg (http://features.cgsociety.org/challenge/entries/10/9006/9006_1133245936_large.jpg)

Thank You for all the wonderful comments. I really appreciate all the positive feedback I have been getting. It is very motivating. I still have quite a bit of work to do...

[Norberg]

Eric, your renderskills are amazing!
Reminds me a bit of those airbrushpainting from the eighties. Anyway, this is something extra. The shades and colors are flawless.
Looking forward to the finished pic.
Good Luck!

[EricClaeys]

http://features.cgsociety.org/challenge/entries/10/9006/9006_1133324632_medium.jpg (http://features.cgsociety.org/challenge/entries/10/9006/9006_1133324632_large.jpg)

I finished the mechanical part of the painting... now to work on the environment and deceased critters.

Just a tip: something that works for me when drawing an object with multiple light sources is to draw the entire shape with highlights from one light source, then add in the other(s). In this case, I drew all the parts lit only from above, then added the blue reflections. In all, it makes the texture look more metallic and less rock-like. Hope that helps...

I'm satisfied with how he and the soul turned out - I hope I can do as well on the entire scene.

[ori@r.a.m]

wow! wow!! the details! the realistic look! fantastic work! the Robot design is very unique, a thing that i didn't see for a long time. the metal texture u gave it is awesome, and almost looks like a 3D work.
keep up with this, i really want to see the finished scene.
good luck! :thumbsup:

[kbarts]

Oh man! Wonderfull! I hope You have enough time to finish!

[HamsterFly]

WOW ! details Looks GREAT ! :thumbsup:
whish you good luck !

[anilduran]

that seems interesting design, i like it. But i think the leg and foot design could be harmonious with the other elements like hands...
But this is good too...
good luck..

[ChrisThatGuy]

Great lighting and texturing.

[se7enthcin]

That's sweet. I'm looking forward to the finished product :bounce:

[ogar555]

Just a tip: something that works for me when drawing an object with multiple light sources is to draw the entire shape with highlights from one light source, then add in the other(s). In this case, I drew all the parts lit only from above, then added the blue reflections. In all, it makes the texture look more metallic and less rock-like. Hope that helps...

I have immortalized your tip in a textdocument in which i keep several great tips! :D
But, now... Paint like a madman so the wonders of the finished pic will be bestown upon us watchers!

[PixelPlay]

It is looking awesome! Now hurry, hurry, hurry! Best of luck!

[cyberarts]

you have some patience with all the detail on the mechanical. I like the look of that mechanic beast.

Keep up!

Good luck!

[EricClaeys]

http://features.cgsociety.org/challenge/entries/10/9006/9006_1133417785_medium.jpg (http://features.cgsociety.org/challenge/entries/10/9006/9006_1133417785_large.jpg)

The reminents of the bird are now in his hand, and I started mocking up the background - I'm working a lot more free-form than the monkey, so things seem to be moving a little faster.

I like how it is looking, but I am not sure if this background suits the scene - too light/dark? or too detailed?

I intend to work on the foreground trees a bit more - bark and knots and such. Also still need to add the other critters, a couple souls higher in the canopy, pebbles & stones, experiment with lighting, and add some minor vegetation on the ground.

Again, thanks for all the helpful comments!

[ori@r.a.m]

amazing work! i just can't move my eyes from it!
though, i imagined it as a dark scene, at night.. but i also love it like that.
you'r going for the grand prize!! :thumbsup:

[Lync]

That is amazing work. I had imagined a darker scene, but the light in it seems to work anyway.

Top Stuff :thumbsup:

[MichaelZHsee]

i love the effects of the bird.awesome rendering especially the mecha monkey~awaiting for the forest to complete!:bounce:

[Pat-Piper]

I can totally see this on the front cover of expose 4 or something.....excellent work......but not sure about the ground, it looks metallic, is it finished?

Definitely one of the top ten for me.

[PixelPlay]

Eric, I love the progress so far on the mechanical monkey but not crazy about the background. Don't know if there is time but it might look better if you could pull the background in a little closer. Like maybe dense jungle close around him rather than being able to see off through the trees. Of course, in the close foreground you need leaf little and other detritus found on the forst floor, but I am sure that you were already going to add that. Great piece you have here. Can't wait to see it finished!

[weedlog]

Really great idea, lighting and mood. Nice robot design. Good work.

[Slav]

finally a long awaited back drop. i have been keeping an eye on this for aquite some time and i must say i am excited to see the rest of this :) :buttrock:

[Screenblind]

That came together pretty quick at the end there! well done - lovely painting.

[EricClaeys]

That's exactly what I needed to know - I thought it might need a darker background, but wasn't sure. The ground still needs a lot of work - pebbles, stones, and small vegetation. I agree that the background needs to be drawn closer to the monkey - I think small vegetation, ground litter, other deceased critters, and a little crisply-lit sapling will do the job. Perhaps some vines among the trees to make it more of a jungle environment instead of just a forest...

Thanks!

[6800AD]

hey great work....amazing detail....great lighting...see it in the final for sure

[anilduran]

It seems really good with the detail and background.Lighting top of the work is impressive. may be at the flor you can add much more detail.
good luck bro....

[RaresH]

Hey Nice Work! The monkey is very finely detailed. My crit involves the background and the floor.

I think the background could use some more interesting use of light. Not necessarily brighter, but varied. The floor is looking a little too close to the texture on the monkey. Give it more contrast by adding twigs and leaves such as one would see on the forest floor. Showcasing the contrast between the machine and the organic surroundings is what will help make this piece shine.

[EricClaeys]

http://features.cgsociety.org/challenge/entries/10/9006/9006_1133590424_medium.jpg (http://features.cgsociety.org/challenge/entries/10/9006/9006_1133590424_large.jpg)

Just adding a few more details - I think the little sapling and the fern really help pull the background forward - still plants to add though. I added a little detail to the ground, but I still need to add debris and the other critters.
Thanks for the input and encouragement!

[Steve-h]

Excellent work Eric.

I'm amazed how fast you did this, I was wondering how on earth you were going to get it all done in time! But you have, and it's very nicely painted too.

[EricClaeys]

Thanks Steve-h, hopefully I have plenty of time tomorrow to finish it up. Best of luck!

[Squibbit]

wow, bit sad for the birdie, but a great pic , dude



.

[beelow]

Great image, I never expected you to finish this, a lot of detail in this image good luck!:D

[monsitj]

excellent image ! you done it! very great detail and emotional image too! good job , hope you finished on time !

[Kapow]

This is coming along nicely. And, man, you're quick!


This is defintely in my top three. Good luck, man!

[GonzaloGolpe]

Very beautiful image!!:thumbsup: Good luck to you!

[EricClaeys]

http://features.cgsociety.org/challenge/entries/10/9006/9006_1133644053_medium.jpg (http://features.cgsociety.org/challenge/entries/10/9006/9006_1133644053_large.jpg)

Just looking for some feedback before I post my 'final image'. Bascially I just added some more detail, souls, corpses, and a little vegetation.

[Lync]

It's awesome. It is a beautifully polished piece.

Well done!:thumbsup:

[weedlog]

You are the winner man! :]

[EricClaeys]

http://features.cgsociety.org/challenge/entries/10/9006/9006_1133685148_medium.jpg (http://features.cgsociety.org/challenge/entries/10/9006/9006_1133685148_large.jpg)

Story: The beauty of the dead bird's ascending soul is all that the immortal mechanical monkey sees. He is unable to comprehend death - innocently fascinated with what happens when you squish little fuzzy things.

Basically, I wanted to create an image that gave a little tug to one's emotions. A glimpse of the monkey's blissful and innocent disregard for life contrasted against the darkness of his actions and the apparent lack of a concious. He unable to comprehend death - seeing everything as an eternal infant.

With a bit of feedback from my wife and friends, I decided to remove the small tree (it was too distracting), and shorten the image a bit - there was a lot of dead space above the focus.

I really appreciate all the guidance and encouragement. Hope you enjoy it, I did.

[MichaelCTY]

It is already good enough,I think adding more detial is meaningless,is detail enough
my suggestion is adding some blue reflection on the robots head, and that should be perfect
anyway thats really a awesome piece,amazing skill dude:)

[Mythmaker]

A great pic! Congratulations!

I really love the texture work on the robot - very effective. :thumbsup:

[cLos71]

Glad to see this finished. Congratulations and best of luck!

[barbapapa]

good luck , this one will be one of the finalists for sure.

[Koekebakker]

Congratulations with this amazing image. It's definitely one of my favourites. :thumbsup:

[MechaHateChimp]

Eric,

I just read your thread...congratulations on your marriage and finishing the challenge :beer:

This is a beautiful piece, one of the best in the challenge in my opinion. Your technique is impecable but what really gets me is the emotion you manged to portray. I really is a striking image.

Theres not much I can say that hasnt been said already. Good call on removing the small tree although I think you would have been ok with the overall length since the souls floating upwards would have made it ok. Either way, I think your final image is outstanding and definitely merits serious props. Awesome work! - Joel

[gra7]

:applause: amazinggg mann..


best luck now.. c ya !

[ogar555]

Give. me. your. skills.

[FrozZT]

Man.. The texturework looks awesome! The whole image looks great... Good job!
Congrats on finishing and good luck with the judging!

[MichaelZHsee]

congratulation mate~very very welldone~:thumbsup:good luck to u in the finals

[tAstyBITs]

wow this is really good. Good job. Good luck on the judging.

[walrus]

Really great work, Eric. A wonderful attention to detail. (And your wife didn't steer you wrong - I think the piece looks better without that small tree, too! :) )
Congrats on finishing!

-mike

[Tranchefeux]

Hi, very beautiful technique and good environment
good luck.
E.T :cool:

[Atris]

Hi! You showed your idea skilfully! The excellent work! This looks very impressive! Congratulations! Good luck! :)

[CryingHorn]

Man you've made a true masterpeace, I really like your image it's one of my favorites! :bowdown: :applause:

[KiLLjoY_]

Well Eric, after watching you piece this together at work for a while I just wanted to say the final is awesome. Congrats on completing it and best of luck with the judging. I'll throw you a party after.

p.s. I read the comments about being fast and wondering if this would get done in time. I just wanted to say that this boy is a prodigy of art and unbelievably fast, UNBELIEVABLY!!

I'm happy to get see your work everyday and incredibly sick at the same time.

good luck.
Dave

[Fish-KAart]

Fan!:thumbsup: Good work! :applause:

[beelow]

Again this is a very stunning image, best of luck to, that is a gang of detail in this image!:thumbsup: :thumbsup:

[1541]

Very nice, you are in my TOP3 (2D) :)

[OmeN2501]

Man Im not even wishing you good luck kuz u r finalist for sure. This pic is amazing. both concept and drawing skilz are superb. Wish I coud do like that ;P

[EricClaeys]

Wow, I didn't think I'd get such positive feedback - I really am grateful for all your support and compliments. There is a lot of great artwork in this challenge and I am honored that your consider me a 'contender'.

I wish everyone the best of luck with their entries! This was a very fun challenge - the 'vague' theme really got people thinking of very creative and uniquie ideas.

~thanks for the head-enlargement, Dave! It's awesome having such talented people to work with.

[Narida]

I'm afraid that my english (and maybe even polish) is not good enough to say what I have in my head. This is the first work here that is really GREAT AWESOME etc. not only due to skills of the maker, but also due to a wonderful idea. The idea is just.... When I realized what the picture shows I've just lost my tongue. Brilliant! I must say that you're a genius! Can you teach me that?? :D

[Korline]

congrats man :bounce: :bounce:
love the light in this, you did awsome, beatyful textures :buttrock:
good luck :thumbsup:

[Nomad]

It`s a great magical mood you did here Eric :applause:

You made a fantastic image :thumbsup:


Good luck for the final vote :bounce:

[MrFreeman]

:applause: :bounce: Fantastic image Eric

Just love the lighting and you've managed to keep the sentiment and feel of the original idea and yet add such detail very quickly. One of my faves...

Good luck and see you in the next challenge :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

[Kapow]

My favorite piece here! Good luck on whatever you win (Cause yer gonna win somethin'!). :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce:

[cyberarts]

Your final art is looking really good. You are very talented!

So, good luck! :thumbsup:

[tuck]

This is an impressive image
Congratulations for finish.
Good luck:thumbsup:

[anilduran]

That is one of my favorites.
good lucks...

[HuiTian]

wow great job~~
5 stars

[maurodelia]

Fantastic.

Love this monkey robot ! Very nice details and texture. Good luck ! :bowdown:

[hhssuu]

Congratulations!! Simply amazing!!

[Atris]

Hi Eric! You did really great image! Very impressive! Congratulations! :)

[Rebeccak]

Congrats! A really beautiful and haunting image!

Cheers, :)

~Rebeccak

[zpapageo]

Congratulations, Eric!

[Tranchefeux]

Hi, Congratulation for your price and your great image.
E.T :cool:

[GonzaloGolpe]

Congratulations Eric:)

[NinjaA55N]

hi man! Congratulations for ur excellent piece and gaeting reworded for it. Most deserved!

[Pat-Piper]

This is one of the few pieces that I knew will win something for sure! And it did....and it should've won a prize in the 3d challenge too, you artistic human rendering whiz!! Congrats...see u next challenge!

[Neubius]

congratulations all over the place man, my favotite from the first colour sketch.

nice one,

neubius

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