CGTalk - The Journey Begins Challenge (2D) Entry: Steven Stahlberg

Stahlberg

03-13-2006, 05:00 PM

Thanks!
How could you do this fantastic piece of art in just a moment? And you say it's boring?
Oh, no, not a moment, it took hours and hours.
And when I say boring, I don't want to give the wrong impression... I'm not playing with false humility. What I mean is, the picture is pretty, and I know I can make it even prettier, and it does speak to me on a certain level... (when I was a kid I dreamed of a situation like this, just walking walking to a far horizon, to see what was around the corner, experiencing new sights, emotions and adventures every few miles, in a glorious Swedish summer climate...) But I feel like it's not enough. It's a bit too "sweet" if you know what I mean. There's no salt or spice in this dish. :) Perhaps it needs a different light, not high noon but morning or afternoon... perhaps it needs a dark tower in the middle distance... or perhaps there's nothing to be done about it, and I might be better off going with a new idea. I'll think about this some more.

paperclip

03-13-2006, 05:21 PM

I think you should keep the landscape for sure, maybe play around with the people somewhat, get some interesting characters going that will spice up the pic? A motley crew?

May I ask how exactly do you get such great color harmony going? Do you have a technique or is it intuitive?

MVDB

03-13-2006, 05:27 PM

lovely coloring of those last two colWIPs!
the landscapes of yellow, reminds me of Van Gogh..

Good stuff! :)

Mythmaker

03-13-2006, 05:36 PM

I like the use of colour - it has a relaxing, almost dream-like quality... as if you could float across the landscape...

Nice to have you in the contest - I look forward to watching this progress :)

yoitisi

03-13-2006, 05:38 PM

The colors are amazing, I really like them. The bg is has still some undefined spots, but then there still like 70 days left :)

I think the reason it looks a bit boring as you say it is that the foreground is somewhat empty I think. Putting in another character would help, or an overshadowing tree or something (or a broken down gateway of stone or whatever :) ) A big character holding the girls hand or something.

JTD

03-13-2006, 05:45 PM

Completely beautiful. Having a city in the middle though looks more like the destination. Great to have you here as an inspiration.

Ravena

03-13-2006, 05:49 PM

Hi Stahlberg,

the background has photo quality and looks ingenious! But it harms that we can't see characters face. The atmosphere of the picture is so far great.

Ciao,
Ravena

huitlacoche

03-13-2006, 06:35 PM

Hi, I´m pretty sure that it comes a wonderful work, I will be looking for the updates, in order to see the magic takes form.

cheers and happy challenge

jevinart

03-13-2006, 06:53 PM

such rich texture, and brilliant color! your technique and perspective are top-notch. very nice work....

Duracel

03-13-2006, 06:55 PM

I don't think its a face missing. But its some more information about the character or whats going on in this landscape.

Well, now its nothing but a landscape (with a road and a hiker _standing_ there). Not that interesting. I mean, hey, landscapes are always nice to see and this is a beautiful one(its excellent done), but they never, never do it by itself. You need some motion in there.
So you might throw this attempt away, but you can also paint it over with a lot of different stuff ... and don't care for the details you painted in. Well, this landscape is a good Background for alot of ideas, but as it is ist still missing a special moment, you're not on the climax of any story. Its only somewhere.

But, well, it sounds you're knowing all this, so i have nothing but to agree, i won't go with this as it is either.

makaron

03-13-2006, 07:37 PM

hejsan Stahlberg :)

my first thought was... he is up north in sweden, "fjällen" late summer/begining fall... really nice landscape. but as you say, he don´t really show why he is walking that road... but the colors are just :thumbsup:

bagonasart

03-13-2006, 07:59 PM

wow...when I first saw your wip I was amazed, the colours are just fantastic, composition so simple and perfect, the mood is great...I can`t wait to see your final renderings...good luck :thumbsup:

DoInferno

03-13-2006, 09:21 PM

Hi Stahlberg. I just wanted to say something you already heard. It´s beautifull!

Of course i understand your toughs about changing it, and all i can say is... May the force be with you!

slickgreekgeo

03-13-2006, 09:37 PM

Everyone's in trouble now...

BaronImpossible

03-13-2006, 10:28 PM

Wonderful dreamlike quality to this. I don't see the problem with it being simple; simple images done well are, to me, usually the most impressive. A couple of things with this, though - 1) I think there are too many "layers" of mountains, making the backdrop look stagey (if that's a word, "like a stage" if it isn't) and 2) not sure about the central wall - what's it for?

ThePhotographer

03-13-2006, 10:44 PM

That looks absolutely good - and it fits exactly with the recommendations as far as I understood them ! You won't need any good luck from me !

werepumpkin

03-14-2006, 12:01 AM

Your painting is beautifull, but I wish the road wasn't so straight. I also wish I knew more about the character.

Rebeccak

03-14-2006, 12:28 AM

Hey, very cool to see you entering Steven! :cool:

Well, I'll be seeing you! *packs bags* :D

Cheers, :)

~Rebeccak

Alouette

03-14-2006, 01:29 AM

super great one.
great light and perspective.
i like the mood too

congratulation

kevinhyshen

03-14-2006, 01:36 AM

i just had to check again that it's indeed stahlberg....

DimitrisLiatsos

03-14-2006, 01:43 AM

:scream:

Good luck, Steven...not that you'll need it...nice to see you around!

Yeah

:scream:

By the way...2d? Not 3d?

U nuts..don't give him ideas...he 's gonna whoop our a$$ too! :scream:

Hope you have fun in this challenge!

Yeah,indeed have fun ...and very pleasant colors in your image if i may add......

:)

Stahlberg

03-14-2006, 02:31 AM

Thanks everybody! :D

not sure about the central wall - what's it for?
Yes, the wall... well it's a half-hearted attempt at making the road look like a modern highway, with a divider and two lanes of traffic in both directions (you know, like a post-apocalyptic future)... I thought, if I made the road look huge in relation to the character, the sense of scale would increase - I want the landscape to look as huge as possible. But, it didn't really work that well. Plus, it lacks logic.

Using this as a background for something different - that's exactly what I've been thinking about. Let's see if I can make another sketch today.

Tigrenka

03-14-2006, 09:38 AM

Oh, really beautiful landscape! I taken with your nice colours.

Best wishes.

Stahlberg

03-14-2006, 09:52 AM

http://features.cgsociety.org/challenge/entries/12/10942/10942_1142329970_medium.jpg (http://features.cgsociety.org/challenge/entries/12/10942/10942_1142329970_large.jpg)

Okay, I'm trying to get a more interesting pose on the character in the image, here I'm thinking maybe she's sitting by the roadside waiting for some kind of carriage or bus... Probably making the character much bigger/closer than before.

emrahelmasli

03-14-2006, 10:05 AM

Great stuff steven. Nice color. Keeping an eye on this thread. Good luck.

walrus

03-14-2006, 02:20 PM

Nice pose, Steven, it very much looks like she's waiting for her Journey to begin... But of course, crouched down like that she'll take up less space on the canvas than standing, so you may need to move her even closer...

Anyhow, it's exciting to see you entering this Challenge. I hope this means that not only will we all get to learn from you as you develop your great work, but that you'll also be visiting lots of other threads to share your experience and insights! :)

Best of luck, and have fun!

-mike

GonzaloGolpe

03-14-2006, 02:36 PM

Excellent! like so much the tones of the landscape of the page 2 and the pose you put right here. Good luck man!:arteest: :wavey:

▒Zalo▒

MoonVisionStudio

03-14-2006, 03:39 PM

Amazing work as always. It looks more like, the Journey's end is in sight, or I'm half way through the journey, rather than the Journey begins.

Ramitxon

03-14-2006, 03:56 PM

I see you are going to end the journey with an outstanding image as usual. The pose of your character is great, I agree with Walrus, she must be larger in the image. I´ll be watching you Masster...

nebezial

03-14-2006, 04:32 PM

i dig the brushwork, and color balance kicks ass..great work overall:thumbsup:

domclubb

03-14-2006, 05:11 PM

The sense of depth is amazing in this picture. Gives the impression of a truly epic journey ahead. I also like the way that you can't see the finish line. Gives a sense of mystery about where exactly the character is headed. It'll be interesting to see how exactly the character fits in with this composition. Very nice so far.

tlggungor

03-14-2006, 05:20 PM

ohh yeah nice to see you in this challenge...you added excitement to the competition

beelow

03-14-2006, 05:26 PM

Yeah that could work, Just one character right? I am still unsure what u want to go for in this piece, but u have a lovely color pallete! Did u want to have the character to be alone, in a barren desolate area? I would like to see more sketches, I will keep an eye out for this one!:thumbsup:

Stahlberg

03-14-2006, 06:28 PM

http://features.cgsociety.org/challenge/entries/12/10942/10942_1142360934_medium.jpg (http://features.cgsociety.org/challenge/entries/12/10942/10942_1142360934_large.jpg)

Okay, here's a completely different approach I thought of yesterday, let's see where it leads. Because it has mostly negative associations, it may not fit the topic perfectly - "journey" to me sounds positive - but strictly speaking she is embarking on something new, and possibly long-lasting...

edit:
But I'm not flushing the landscape, not yet. I'll add in that character first, see what it looks like.

I am still unsure what u want to go for in this piece
Yes, that's it's problem right there. Awe and excitement are emotions that are very vague and also hard to evoke in any strength, so most people are left with a bit of a 'meh' feeling of this, at least so far. :)

Squibbit

03-14-2006, 06:49 PM

haha funny

.

umbrellasky

03-14-2006, 07:13 PM

I like the idea, but I think another challenger has the idea of a vampire and victim, just thought I should let ya know ;)

I really like the sketch of the girl!!

Stahlberg

03-14-2006, 08:11 PM

http://features.cgsociety.org/challenge/entries/12/10942/10942_1142367079_medium.jpg (http://features.cgsociety.org/challenge/entries/12/10942/10942_1142367079_large.jpg)

Started the color and detailing, changed her pose and stuff

Stahlberg

03-14-2006, 08:15 PM

Yes I noticed, not surprising since it's one of the first things I thought of, which usually means someone else thought of it too. :)
I resisted the idea, and I'm still not sure if it fits the theme. I mean, I can make it fit with a shoe-horn... but it's not as perfect a fit as my other idea, the one with the landscape. But then the landscape to me is a more 'bland' idea as I mentioned... (More on that wip tomorrow)

paperclip

03-14-2006, 08:21 PM

:argh:

How long did that take you to do?? It practically looks finished!

Squibbit

03-14-2006, 08:21 PM

:surprised

.

Rebeccak

03-14-2006, 08:21 PM

Umm...LOL the expression of the guy is just kind of funny. :D

This might be hard to take seriously...:)

nebezial

03-14-2006, 09:24 PM

haha well looks to me like hes trying to sneak a peak lol not sure bout anyone else havin a vampire pic..i allmost started makin vampires..but there have been way too many of those ..but im sure id notice one in the challenge..but dont hold me to it i was aaway for few days..personally i liked the other one more..maybe its because i have some sort of an aversion to metaphoric illustrations,,then again i called mine on the ssame topic the night i ways born ..so in the end it might be slightly hipoctitic from me..anyways..maybe a lil more dramatic position on the girl would add to the mood and kinda establish the feeling of her startin a journey..ah dunno ..ignore me .too much caffeine tonight lol:banghead:

beelow

03-14-2006, 09:37 PM

Well, I can connect that a woman getting converted can be a beginning of a journey, Almost all the entries seem literal though compared to this one. Hehe, someone already beat u to the punch, I dislike that sometimes, haha! Nice sketches dude! Keep the juices flowing! Maybe, u need to take a walk around the city and get some inspiration, or maybe think about something relative to your life. That usually helps me! Will keep an eye out for ya!:thumbsup:

Mythmaker

03-14-2006, 09:55 PM

I definitely think the landscape idea fits the theme better - the link is a bit ambiguous with the vampire pic.

Just keep playing around with ideas til you find something that feels right - that gets you excited. It's not like you're running out of time! ;)

03-14-2006, 10:02 PM

haha well looks to me like hes trying to sneak a peak lol ...

exactly what i was thinking :)

LorisArts

03-14-2006, 10:10 PM

Hey Steven. I like the work on the latest one a lot. Very interesting idea. But the first sketch with the landscape is more of a journey but for me is a bit boring concept. I think you can find another aproach as interesting as your latest one but reflecting more of the journey, not nessesary being too visual as your landscape one!! Good luck and is good to see you taking part in this challenge!! I'll be checking out! :thumbsup:

dannyfalch

03-15-2006, 12:49 AM

HI Steven!

I like the idea, that the journey is not a journey along a long road, but more a journey in a mental and physical evolution, going from sweet innocent young girl to vampire,.
I think it will work out very good:thumbsup:
Very good concept artwork!

RedSquirrel

03-15-2006, 12:51 AM

lol, I love the expression on the guy's face it's hilarious, looks as if he's a bit bored and rather than concentrating on that juicy leg he would rather stare out the window :D . Its great how you have given the image that gloomy Victorian feel, although the white highlight's makes it seem as if its happening during the day time.

My favorite piece though is "moving down the highway" :applause: , the colours in it are really amazing don't know why but it reminds me of the colour palette that Vincent Van Gogh used (must be the oranges and yellow's). I also like the close up of the character, I would like to see it combined with "moving down the highway", although keeping the silhouette of that character looking down the highway, as if their traveling companions. The one taking her break while the other look to see whats ahead.

Anyway, great work. :buttrock:

tAstyBITs

03-15-2006, 01:08 AM

Yo Steven, best of luck with the competition.

I'm a bit in the same boat you are with subject matter. My piece is implying that there will be a jorney after a illustrated event and I'm wondering if it will fit within the theme of the competition.

Your landscape really has great depth and looks great.

Together Forever; maybe a different moment in time would better imply a jorney she wants to take. Like her begging to be bittin on the neck. Or her smiling lovingly at the vampire after she has been bitten. just my 2 cents.

danielh68

03-15-2006, 01:17 AM

Wow...very cool. This is a very original interpretation of the theme "The Journey Begins". I favor this one over the first. While I love the impressionist palette of the first one, I find the composition a bit predictable.

In any case, great work :thumbsup:

Stahlberg

03-15-2006, 03:20 AM

How long did that take you to do?? It practically looks finished!
Thanks... several hours, can't remember exactly, somewhere around 3 - 5 (from the previous black&white)

looks to me like hes trying to sneak a peak
Hehe, yeah you're right... I was just trying to keep eyecontact between them, but in hind-sight that's a dumb idea in this pose... I'll just close his eyes.

Stahlberg

03-15-2006, 05:54 AM

http://features.cgsociety.org/challenge/entries/12/10942/10942_1142402059_medium.jpg (http://features.cgsociety.org/challenge/entries/12/10942/10942_1142402059_large.jpg)

Here's the landscape idea, with the added character in the foreground. I tried having them both in there, the old one with the new one, but it looks crowded.

DeeVad

03-15-2006, 07:35 AM

Hello, I really like the landscape idea, I think it answer the best to the initial instruction. Your tones/and colors value are really well worked, and the contrast yellow/violet is working well. Your characters looks to have a direct sight to the illustration observator, and I think on this point there is something to work more. I'm curious to see how the illustration will evolve, and I will come back to see and read your thread , Great & amazing work !
-David

Ramitxon

03-15-2006, 09:42 AM

Fantastic work Steven, I prefer this concept to the vampire. The colors have mesmerized me, the point is that the fact the girl is looking at the observer maybe doesnt make clear the idea that she is waiting beside the road for someone to take her on the long journey. But that's only my opinion, the truth is the concept and image are brilliant.

Neubius

03-15-2006, 09:50 AM

absolutely love the tones in the shadows.
fantastic sense of scale.
nice one,
A

kfc

03-15-2006, 10:03 AM

Hey Steve,
Haven't seen u in a long time. How are u?
Glad to see u in this challenge. Looking very good so far for me. I'm surprise that u still got the time for this challenge tho.
Looking forward to work for u again.
:thumbsup:

paperclip

03-15-2006, 11:02 AM

Hehe, yeah you're right... I was just trying to keep eyecontact between them, but in hind-sight that's a dumb idea in this pose... I'll just close his eyes.

You could screw up his nose, like he's tucking into a really juicy steak or something. :D :scream:

Also, you can really tell you're a 3der from the 2d sketches...they have such a solid feel to them.

vader

03-15-2006, 01:00 PM

so so so distant, great sense of depth! :thumbsup:

Stahlberg

03-15-2006, 01:22 PM

Thanks guys! Good point about her eyes, I'll have her look off into the distance instead of into or near the camera.

I'm surprise that u still got the time for this challenge tho.
Well, you know, now that I'm a freelancer again, work comes and goes, and occasionally - rarely - there's a bit of a breathing space. :)

umbrellasky

03-15-2006, 01:36 PM

Awsome! I really like this idea, wonderful colours!!

I also agree about have her looking away from the viewer, but you already get that ;)

Great work!

deejee

03-15-2006, 01:45 PM

wonderful use of colours. looks great.

walrus

03-15-2006, 04:11 PM

I tried having them both in there, the old one with the new one, but it looks crowded.

Have you tried moving her over really far to the left? As in, maybe even partially cropped off of the screen? It might not work, but it could leave a lot of open space in front of her for... well, that's for the viewer to ponder. The empty space might really lend itself to a feeling of anticipation, a sense that something is coming to fill the space, soemthing to take her away...

Plus, I've always seen your foreground as the semi-post-apocalyptic decrepit road that you intended to be, so part of me wants to tell her, "Get out of the middle of the road! Do you want to get run run over?!" :)

Anyhow, just an idea. Good luck!

-mike

Duracel

03-15-2006, 04:18 PM

I really don't like this attempt. It looks really pasted on like the girl was photographed in a studio. The whole pose(in profil) and face direction doesn't make any sense to me; the rimlight on her back seems to be totally out of the whole lighting-situation, and you seperated the first foreground too much from the rest now.

The girl really looks like you have no clue what to do with her.
Waiting for a carriage bus or something, heh? Yeah, thats the point, she's looking really pointless.

The one with the vampire looks like you had this insteresting first idea but you're too fast into detailing, too. The guy is looking like he's just holding the pose until the photograph takes the shot.

Well, you're paintings are very well done, but they lack story. Things have to interconnect, not only in a graphical way, but in a way of making sense, too!
This is the good about illustration, you can tighten things up easily, while for a good photograph you have to wait or to search for a long time until everything comes together in one moment. But you don't use this advantage in your pictures shown in this thread.

You must have a clear message and you have to make all elements strengthen this. But all you have is some nothing but rough first ideas you put your cool Stahlberg-Filter over.
Hey man, this is a challenge, but you try to win it with nothing but something you can come up with easily; it won't work this time, the winner have to make more than just a cool artwork.

Well, i know most people won't agree with me, cause you're painting-skills blind them or they tend to go for the nice comment instead of critizising something not that bad, but don't go fishing with all those good-looking detailed but nontheless nonsense pictures. You waste your time. You're better than this!

For example, you could go for a race starting on the lanscape one. You had this banner over the street in the first version - could be some "START" on it and _dozens_ of drivers/runners in front of it waiting for the signal, thiss could turn out really cool.
Or in the vampire one, you have this pose like everydays fetish-business and this barock-style background like the filmcrew need this for a cool sexmovie; but it may work if the woman try to keep from her beginning life of a vampire and the scene playing in her "life", a house where the is really living and where things get old showing where her journey really begins or something making totally clear, what you try to tell us.

This challenge is going for a story! Tell us one!

Ranath

03-15-2006, 05:53 PM

that's actually pretty impressive painting work there.

and I kinda agree with Duracel and I kinda disagree with him: this reminds me of the vastness of Asia (silk road kinda stuff or something). Looks like a journey.. so not completely a miss unlike Duracel thinks. However that's it, there's nothing else for me - that's where I agree with Duracel. Obviously people might flame me because my own piece looks like nothing at the moment and probably is confusing as hell and doesn't tell any stories, but I can still have my opinion.

So nice painting, but a bit empty.

Cyberone

03-15-2006, 06:29 PM

Duracel i agree on most points......lighitng as a studio shot put into yummy back drop....i dunno....it sorta matches but at the some time doesnt.......sotra matte'ish..

Well, you're paintings are very well done, but they lack story
well its quite clear in this case but also very simple and on one level....i think (hope) the judges in this one go for story rather than landscape painting talent....lol....realy many of the folks here could paint a cool landscape or fgure but the ideas are drivinf them more....

basically man Ducal sums up my views....lol....i reeeeeeeeaaaallllyyy hope to see you challange you self more then this....

anyway... i expect my post to be lost in the haze of praise...lol...as well as Duracels loving push for creativity rather than lush paintery strokes....

love CYB

Stahlberg

03-16-2006, 02:56 AM

http://features.cgsociety.org/challenge/entries/12/10942/10942_1142477804_medium.jpg (http://features.cgsociety.org/challenge/entries/12/10942/10942_1142477804_large.jpg)

New concept sketch

Stahlberg

03-16-2006, 03:10 AM

http://features.cgsociety.org/challenge/entries/12/10942/10942_1142478638_medium.jpg (http://features.cgsociety.org/challenge/entries/12/10942/10942_1142478638_large.jpg)

New concept sketch

Stahlberg

03-16-2006, 03:15 AM

http://features.cgsociety.org/challenge/entries/12/10942/10942_1142478950_medium.jpg (http://features.cgsociety.org/challenge/entries/12/10942/10942_1142478950_large.jpg)

New concept sketch

Stahlberg

03-16-2006, 03:24 AM

http://features.cgsociety.org/challenge/entries/12/10942/10942_1142479441_medium.jpg (http://features.cgsociety.org/challenge/entries/12/10942/10942_1142479441_large.jpg)

New concept sketch

alancamara

03-16-2006, 03:32 AM

Can I sell a sketch? :D

Man you don't stop. Every days I come to check your thread and every days you've a new idea, you're the master mate. Congrats Steven :thumbsup:

Cheers,

Alan

Stahlberg

03-16-2006, 03:39 AM

I've also been thinking about these ideas:
A kids face in close up, lit from below by a shiny big trumpet he's looking at in awe
A sculptor standing with chisel and hammer in front of a huge marble block
Vikings leaving shore

I'll think some more.

MichaelZHsee

03-16-2006, 03:49 AM

whoa~the last one reminds me when i left my hometown to futher up my studies,giving my gf's the last hug before departing into the express bus liner.just the mood is different~.lovely lovely sketches u have got steven:thumbsup:

rynosseros

03-16-2006, 04:34 AM

Hey Steven

Lots of emotion happening in the last concept, which is pretty much the key theme of the challenge. But I've gotta admit I quite like "the key" ....

danielh68

03-16-2006, 04:41 AM

Wonderful sketch for The Key. I also like the "sculptor on a creative journey" idea. :)

Stahlberg

03-16-2006, 07:06 AM

http://features.cgsociety.org/challenge/entries/12/10942/10942_1142492779_medium.jpg (http://features.cgsociety.org/challenge/entries/12/10942/10942_1142492779_large.jpg)

Another concept sketch. Getting abducted by aliens during her romantic outdoor-jacuzzi swim... could be the beginning of a very long journey.

Stahlberg

03-16-2006, 01:49 PM

http://features.cgsociety.org/challenge/entries/12/10942/10942_1142516987_medium.jpg (http://features.cgsociety.org/challenge/entries/12/10942/10942_1142516987_large.jpg)

With colors

03-16-2006, 01:54 PM

Hi, Steven!

Of all sketches you´ve made, the one wich called me more attention was the lady and the train. There´s lots of feelings on that image, all these stuff of emotions of departures on a journey for long time. That´s just my opinion. Keep it up.

Best

LadyMedusa

03-16-2006, 03:33 PM

Mr. Stahlberg!? You! Here!
Were doomed :p

I really like your last sketch there, specially the effect it has on the water.
Will be looking forward to see more :)

Good luck :)

patbb

03-16-2006, 03:41 PM

Yea, i like "the lady and the train",
"The key"
and the "goodbye" ones.

Actually i like the good bye one better but if it was like 1920 with a steam train instead of the bus.

The key is amazing; great feeling to it but i don't think it's well suited for the contest.

The last one isn't quite as successful to me; took me a while to understand what was going on without reading the title; at first i tought it was an underwater scene and the girl was supposed to be some kind of mermaid.
And it doesn't have any feeling to it.

just my 2c.

-p

Squibbit

03-16-2006, 03:47 PM

fook wowz dat's fast n good at the same time like nuthin else , bravo dude!

the latest one is sweet, funny too!

keep on rockin steven

.

MVDB

03-16-2006, 03:51 PM

These concept are looking mighty fine!

I would stick with the colorful landscape tho (MO)..

Very cool stuff in here. :thumbsup:

otre

03-16-2006, 04:59 PM

Really cool stuff. You know your lighting. :)

Think I like the distant scenery with the futuristic car/hovercraft best so far. I don't think the last idea reads that well. Can't really connect a ufo to just a lightray coming down. Maybe if you put the camera on the ground behind the guy, wide lens, so you also look up towards the ufo and where the lightbeam ends? That way you could also show the girl's face expression better, since she would be facing the camera. would give the image more dynamic/depth i think.

Anyway, top stuff. You look to be a winner. :)

walrus

03-16-2006, 05:02 PM

I really like the last one: It's funny, it lets you paint a beautiful woman (why not play to your strengths?) and I love the bulge in the water, which makes sense with a tractor beam but is also slyly reminiscent of how things might look if the man were in bed under the covers... bulge in the sheets, et. al. :)

As for the couple saying goodbye by the bus, I've seen lots of entires here so far on a similar theme, a couple's parting kiss/hug/farewell. It's an obvious place to go... but too obvious at this point, imho, without bringing something new to the table.

Anyhow, you'll come up with or decide on something. Good luck!

-mike

JTD

03-16-2006, 05:21 PM

Last concept is awesome and hilarious! I like how the guy's not reaching for her. Maybe if he was still holding his beer that would be funny too. Or maybe you're not trying to be funny and you're showing that he is so afraid he can't move. Either way, this is great!

paperclip

03-16-2006, 05:45 PM

I say go for the last one.

Stahlberg

03-16-2006, 05:57 PM

sh@ke - yes reminds me of something similar too.

LadyMedusa - thanks, I appreciate the sentiment, but I don't agree. :D

patbb - everybody's 2 cents is important to me. :)
Even if I don't reply directly to someone, you guys can trust that I'm taking everything to heart.

Squibbit - thanks but it's impossible to compete with you for sheer creativeness!

So, I'm kinda undecided between the landscape and the last one, and maybe the train too... I'll develop them a little further to see.
And if I end up with two concepts and I can't decide, there's always the 3d challenge (if I have time, because 3d always takes at least twice as long, for me anyway). :)

Elsie

03-16-2006, 06:00 PM

Steven - both "Departure" and "Goodbye" were stunning, really struck a chord with me. I'd love to see some more work on those :thumbsup:

Glosep

03-16-2006, 07:30 PM

Hi Steven, great sketchs. I prefer the last one, the idea is more interesting than the other drawings, a different kind of journey. I also like the first one with the landscape.
No critics, maybe too many sketchs haha.
Good luck and keep going.

beelow

03-16-2006, 07:56 PM

I still like the landscape one, and the last one is interesting too! I would like to see those developed further! Good luck man! My have u been busy!:thumbsup:

MichaelZHsee

03-17-2006, 02:28 AM

great sketch on the last one~u have great control on both the cool and warm lighting in ur scenes,those water being sucked up reminds me of something i once did using realflow,and the translucent effect within the water is awesome:thumbsup:
i agreed like everyone else about the train sketch

CodeNothing

03-17-2006, 03:55 AM

hahaha, i love the lighting in the water, but shouldent he be trying to help her? LOL

cool idea :)

Stahlberg

03-17-2006, 11:10 AM

http://features.cgsociety.org/challenge/entries/12/10942/10942_1142593809_medium.jpg (http://features.cgsociety.org/challenge/entries/12/10942/10942_1142593809_large.jpg)

Here's the line drawing of the Abduction. I used myself for reference for the guy, and the woman I used an old illustrators reference book I had.

anilduran

03-17-2006, 11:16 AM

that scene is really so different and dynamic bro.
i can imagine the detailed one and that will be so interesting....

congra...
go on:scream:

emrahelmasli

03-17-2006, 11:29 AM

Ahaha! Very interesting scene man! I'm really looking forward to the final images. This is great.

Cyberone

03-17-2006, 01:14 PM

i vote you go for the abduction one...its a MUCh more original idea and not such a "high school art" concept...

i think this idea is alot more worthy of your skills :)

beelow

03-17-2006, 04:02 PM

I am so interested in the painting now, cool update!:thumbsup:

TheFirstAngel

03-17-2006, 08:35 PM

lol, and of course they pick the girl to take her on a trip. the stahlberg girl, who wouldn't ;)
I liked your earlier sketches very much, the strong mood and the romantic touch, but a well executed funpiece so far is fine too.
courious taking seat in the show, fun is over, steven is here, lets work it :p
have fun and let it rock

DivineRAiN

03-17-2006, 08:50 PM

wonderful sketches n ideas..
What I liked was the train (minus the lady) and the cpl hugging goodbye (minus the bus)... couple n train.. I'd like to see how they would look combined.
Vikings leaving shore sounds like a good idea.
The girl on the road tho.. after looking at all the other sketches I still prefer that 1. Dunno, the pose made sense to me (great pose btw)

rawwad

03-17-2006, 08:53 PM

Great working man! I love idea, fantastic poses and composition, looking foward to see more :D

wsanyi

03-17-2006, 09:31 PM

http://features.cgsociety.org/challenge/entries/12/10942/10942_1142479441_medium.jpg (http://features.cgsociety.org/challenge/entries/12/10942/10942_1142479441_large.jpg)

New concept sketch

ohh.. it's wonderful!
i like it!
GRAT!

vivien82

03-18-2006, 04:15 PM

i absolutely adore the colors in the landscape! it reminds me of an impressionist painting, especially in the very first sketch...can't wait to see how this turns out! ps i hope you dont mind but i saved the first sketch, it's a beautiful desktop :)

Womball

03-20-2006, 04:40 PM

I'm kind of torn between the train picture and the impressionistic outdoor picture with the sitting girl. Her face could use some more details, but otherwise its amazing! And you work so fast! I also have to thank you for the topology you provided in the topology thread. It really helped with modeling my own journey character. As for you most current idea with the floating girl, I'm not sure what type of journey that is. Its a fantastic image but not sure if it fits in with the theme as well as the others.

W-I-L

03-20-2006, 05:09 PM

what cani say flawless idea. flawless lines.. this is gonna be great!

Kirt

03-21-2006, 01:33 AM

Pfffff ... who drinks wine or champange out of martini glasses? Just kidding. :D

I really couldn't think of anything else to critique so I'm throwing out that weak observation. This one really makes me chuckle because the expressions on the faces are just perfect.

Oh, maybe one more slight crit ...

Lift the bottle off the ground slightly and have the alchohol raising up from the glass as well? His necklace is affected by the abduction beam, why is his drink undisturbed?

Stahlberg

03-21-2006, 02:59 AM

Thanks everyone! :)

who drinks wine or champange out of martini glasses?
LOL and who has little umbrellas in them? This guy does.
I think he's some kind of criminal, mafia thug or con man or something... anyway he's suddenly got some money now but inside he's still white trash, and he spends all his money on flashy things like bling and jacuzzis and cars. He's also got a vibrating waterbed with a mirror in the ceiling, and tiger-striped briefs. :)

The bottle off the ground, yes that would be better, thanks.

penartist26

03-21-2006, 06:03 AM

ok thats it i quit! hehehe :shrug:

Lunatique

03-21-2006, 08:07 AM

I'm not participating in this challenge (too busy with moving back to the States), but just wanted to comment.

Oh man, so hard to pick one. I like the funny ones, but I also like the emotional ones. I think in general, humor pieces almost never win the awards, because somehow, humans perceive humor as less profound (even if it's a clever piece with irony or satire). I like the one with the girl squatting down--reminds me of The Longest Journey (one of my favorite games of all time). The bus stop one is nice too, but maybe a bit mundane (this IS the sci-fi/fantasy crowd afterall).

Agamemnwn

03-21-2006, 09:31 AM

Tjena Steven,

a warm welcome to the challenge and good luck . i like the latest concept with the abduction of the girl . Very original concept and i like the way u made the line art and the dynamic of the girl floating away and the water lifting up :D

Stahlberg

03-21-2006, 06:49 PM

http://features.cgsociety.org/challenge/entries/12/10942/10942_1142966944_medium.jpg (http://features.cgsociety.org/challenge/entries/12/10942/10942_1142966944_large.jpg)

Putting the line art together with the coloring on this one, adding more details. I'll get cracking on the landscape later, after I return from 2 weeks in Copenhagen, and after I've shot some references for the girl.

paperclip

03-21-2006, 06:59 PM

It's looking really good! The background seems a bit off though, color wise, not sure why. I love that blue glow, it's looking very eerie and excellently freaky!
......I particularly love the blobs of water being lifted up, great touch.

By the way, thanks for your paintover of my challenge pic, I really appreciated the pointers and right now I'm trying to integrate them. The clouds are :banghead: though. Ah well, isn't that always the way...!

Have fun in Copenhagen, hope to see you back here before too long though!

W-I-L

03-21-2006, 07:24 PM

copenhagen.. i went there last holiday...

so anyways loveing it.. i think its great how the girl is reaching for the bloke and he is just in awe of the huge spaceship, ignoring the chance to save her... funny

paperclip

03-21-2006, 07:27 PM

robertmekis

03-21-2006, 07:30 PM

Paperclip: She is propably trying to grab her boyfrend by hand. It is like to swim in strong stream and lost control :)

beelow

03-21-2006, 07:31 PM

Nice update, U will be going far with this one! This entry has became my favorite now! I particularly like the colors that u have chosen. I don't know how u will fit that a batch of flowers in, but I guess I can wait, for the next update! 2 weeks of no steven!? NOOOOOOO! JK! Have fun Steven hope to see u back here in the challenge in 2 weeks, peace homie!:thumbsup:

Squibbit

03-21-2006, 07:43 PM

already rocks :thumbsup:

.

authentic

03-21-2006, 08:42 PM

Hi steven. Glad to see someone like you in this challenge.
You have post great sketches. Concerning the one you're doing I've got a little crit. I don't find it really understandable. Maybe it's me but I had to refer to the title and to your notes to understand the concept. At 1st sight, I find it beautiful with great potential but I didn't see the realtion with the matter and didn't know if the girl was not at the origin of the color.

good luck with something that wil surely a new great piece of art.:)

kmest

03-21-2006, 09:09 PM

owww..its realy good..i like it much more than the previus versions...
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monsitj

03-22-2006, 01:37 AM

oh! just discover your thread! my fovourite artist joined! very nice work as alway and concept is unique! I'm sure this thread will become a great learning resource!

DoInferno

03-22-2006, 04:46 AM

That was a cool concept! The best one in your thread! All right!

Chupacabra

03-22-2006, 08:31 AM

Hello Steven,

I love the idea but i didn't understand the story before i read the title. The trouble i had was that i couldn't see if she is falling into the pool or if she's been pulled out of the thug's pool.
My suggestion would be to make the thug-guy look much higher towards the sky and you'll avoid that he looks like he's been shocked by some chick falling into his Jakuzzi(which is also a cool idea though, wright:).
Maybe i'm just stupid and don't see things right away but then again, this might be something to think about.

Anyway, i'm deeply impressed by your color palette and your courage to block all those blues and greens and reds onto canvas...

Best regards and big respect

Khan alias Chupacabra

My Journey Begins (http://forums.cgsociety.org/showthread.php?t=323929&page=1&pp=15)

CG Portfolio (http://chupacabra.cgsociety.org/gallery/)

Nazirull

03-22-2006, 03:09 PM

How can i miss this thread!!???

Running out of words to describe the effortless efforts over here...:thumbsup:

I think 'The Key' can be developed further.
It can be very deep. :wise:

Also the journey with the highway before him is amazing...do that one also..heheh

Of course im subscribing!!!

jsn

03-23-2006, 12:33 AM

Hi there Steven!

Love your Art work, mate!

Keep up the fantastic work!

jas

MasonRoberts

03-23-2006, 10:01 AM

Wow... just wow... You are another inspiration of mine man, I LOVE this concept and the colours your using it really gives it an excellent feel! Good luck!

Screenblind

03-23-2006, 01:07 PM

Actually, that reminds me of something I meant to say earlier but forgot: Her hands make it look like she's diving. If I was being sucked up by aliens, I'd be waving my arms quite frantically...or maybe she's just in shock..?

I guess this is because of the reference material used for the figure. My favourite by far is this abduction scene. The bulging water is great, the guys' stare transfixed on the ship rather than his rapidly departing companion is great. The fact that she looks like she's diving even though she's out of the water I find funny, but it confuses the issue; and I'd rather see her depicted as if she was really being sucked up by a tractorbeam - you said you were going to get some other ref. material for this... so .. good :)

If you could somehow marry the sense of distance in your first piece with the concept of the last.... hmmm.

PaulAdams

03-23-2006, 04:25 PM

As beautiful as the first idea is (I'd like to see it continued, it really is that stunning), it's quite an obvious choice for "A Journey Begins" - a long stretch of road with the character about to set off to get to the destination.

This abduction one is a much more original and fun idea, looks great already. I hope you continue running with this one.

Erikoinen

03-23-2006, 05:03 PM

For some reason, I think that if someone who don't know the idea of your latest image would look at it, he'd be just "yeh right she's falling to the water, so what?" (as I was before I read your description). I think you should add something there that says "hey I'm raising to the sky, not falling from there".. Just dunno any ideas what it could be tho. :)

Squibbit

03-23-2006, 05:40 PM

I dunno what some of u peoples are babbling about , that pic is clear as a day for
anyone having heard the couple typical UFO stories, and most of us have.
You can't always make it understandable to everyone, cause there's always some
people who havent seen or heard of some stuff

the water has risen with the tractor beam, as well as the dude's necklace and the
bottle, the dude is looking up beyond the girl, astonished, now what could be there, hmm,
and the girl is reaching for her boyfriend/hubby, i think it's clear :)

there could be some glass nearby , say a greenhouse , where the reflection of a UFO
could be seen, to make things clearer, but again, those having never heard of UFOs or
tractor beams might still have difficulties understanding the pic :)

.

antTON

03-23-2006, 05:47 PM

Damn! The atmosphere and colors on the second one just amazing!!! :bounce:
The first one's good too but it seems the woman is diving from the sky to this guy....
and he suprised alot! ;-) I can't advise you anything cause I'm sure you know exactly how to do it the best way, but I think the pose of a woman should more feeble...
Good luck!

Stahlberg

03-23-2006, 05:49 PM

Thanks for all the helpful and motivating replies!

say a greenhouse , where the reflection of a UFO
could be seen
hehe, that's a creative idea... I was thinking to put another UFO in the background, using their abductor-beam in someone else's backyard, with another tiny person halfway up... quite far away, so you don't notice it right away... sort of like the aliens are abducting left and right in the neighbourhood. :) That should make it a bit clearer I suppose.

Squibbit

03-23-2006, 07:55 PM

I was thinking to put another UFO in the background, using their abductor-beam in someone else's backyard, with another tiny person halfway up... quite far away, so you don't notice it right away... sort of like the aliens are abducting left and right in the neighbourhood. :) That should make it a bit clearer I suppose.

yea and you could put a newspaper page in the air, caught in the tractor beam,
where one could see a big picture of a field with crop circles in it on the front page. :)

http://www.saunalahti.fi/panuom/CropCircles.jpg

Hexodus

03-23-2006, 08:09 PM

Wow! What a great idea Steven! I guess the aliens must be masculine becaus they capture the women and not the man:)

anilduran

03-24-2006, 10:20 AM

I like this concept, the anatomy on the girl and the dynamizm about the concept is so good.And the other good part of is we don't see the ship or whatever it's.
I'd like to see the water which driping from girl and a wet body....
that will be so good bro...

paperclip

03-24-2006, 10:45 AM

Or the water dripping UPWARDS from the girl. :scream:

I love the ideas of the aliens abducting left and right in the neighborhood. Great idea, go with that!

Also seconding panu's ideas about the crop circle article. :)

centurionit

03-24-2006, 03:19 PM

Wow your models are one of my preferred reference...I can see you are great to draw too...
Good luck really....:thumbsup:
What do you think of my model?
Your critics will be very usefull for me...

http://forums.cgsociety.org/showthread.php?t=330707

MasonRoberts

03-25-2006, 06:27 AM

What i think you should do is extend the right side of the image just a touch and in the background (as you said) put in more abductions... But, have one of the abductions being a girl hanging the clothes on the line and she's holding onto the line (so it will have an upward bend where the beam is situated) and also have the clothes in the line of the beam upturned as if they are getting sucked up!

When I look at this I just automatically sense the romance of a honeymoon in Hawaii (??)... So I think to capture that feeling more so you must make it seem like a quiet abduction that is not a spectical to the whole community... If you get what I mean!

Good luck!

P.S. (Keep the image simple as I like it the way it is right now!)

Stahlberg

03-25-2006, 07:48 AM

and she's holding onto the line

ROFL I love it! Thanks! :D

I also like Squibbit's idea of a blowing newspaper, it's the sort of small subtle thing you can add as a kind of 'easter egg' if the resolution is only high enough... and paperclip, yes there should definitely be some more waterdrops, and they should be falling upwards. :)

centurionit, I can't see anything to crit, that can be 'critted' in text only... I might be able to comment some minor things by overpainting with red lines in Photoshop, but I don't have time today, I'm leaving for Denmark soon... and I'm not sure if I have PS and a Wacom when I arrive there. But the good news is, her anatomy is so good! :)

centurionit

03-25-2006, 08:21 AM

Thank you very much, your judgment make me feel proud of my model, thank's a lot...
I hope you will follow my work and that you'll tell me somethings about it...
Tomorrow I'll go in Italy for one week...home sweet home...Bye...and...
Good Journey :thumbsup:

http://forums.cgsociety.org/showthread.php?t=330707&page=1&pp=15

Nazirull

03-25-2006, 09:34 AM

Reminds me alot to 'One last time' :thumbsup:

jeromoo

03-25-2006, 09:42 AM

Dropped by to wish you all the best with your entry. Looking to learn something useful from you. This concept looks ripe for some comedic details. Like a book titled "Something is out there" or "Adventure in outer space" lying beside the pool for example.

rawgon

03-25-2006, 02:38 PM

Hello, very cool ideia! kind of simple in composition but very effective! and since you make gorgeous women, i would say, go for it! i can only say, that i would prefer to see this in a bigger pool, so you could play a little more with the enviornment. anyway great!

individium

03-25-2006, 03:01 PM

picture with the road seems more epic however one with the girl is more extraordinary both look great.

amannin

03-29-2006, 03:53 AM

I feel the strongest about the landscape with the girl crouching. Maybe if you added a sign, saying, "leaving....." to hint towards her journey, as she is taking one last look/rest before she leaves.

while the abduction one seems fun, i really think the landscape works best for this contest -- and all else aside, i feel more attracted to it than the rest.

looking forward to watching this thread.

EricClaeys

03-29-2006, 07:14 AM

Very creative idea. I can't wait to see the effects you have started in the water - the hot tub lights combined with the alien beam should work weel for something really 'out of this world'.

NinjaA55N

03-30-2006, 10:01 PM

very promissing concept and knowing ur excelent techniques Im waiting for this marvelous piece to be developed :) no crits at this stage so keep up the great work!

RaresH

03-30-2006, 11:54 PM

Nice work steven. I enjoy your piece, the kings fairy catcher, by the way.

The latest WIP you've got going is very interesting. It certainly looks like this guy is in for quite a journey.

I'm looking forward to your progress.

Zephyri

04-01-2006, 03:03 AM

Hi Steven, great work here, as ever! The landscape was really beautiful, reminiscent of something you'd have seen from the impressionists with its gorgeous use of colour. But I have to say, I love the jacuzzi idea, so original and impressive, even at the sketch stage. With regards to the theme of the challenge though, is there any way you are going to incorporate the 'epic' feel? I loved the idea of other ships in the background beaming random people up. Perhaps you could take the idea of the newspaper sheet and have something along the lines of "man abducted by aliens returns after XX years" ? That way there's no doubt it's an epic journey she's about to embark upon. Love the colours thus far, and I think once the pose of the girl is referenced, it will be just kick ass.

Comlock

04-01-2006, 08:30 AM

Very intresting concept. I love the composition, and especially the good varience in colours

Looks awesome so far
I'll definatley folow this one

:wavey:

maronski

04-07-2006, 03:26 PM

Hello!

Great work. Awesome.

Thanks for voting my fairytale in Polish challenge "Beauty & Beast"

Greetings mighty.

paperclip

04-07-2006, 10:13 PM

Nothing better than regular updating, eh, Steven? Please?

warpy

04-08-2006, 12:11 AM

steven,

it looks better with colors, the thing is that even if i think hard enough about the story behind the pic i cant come up with what "the journey" realy is. imo the picture has to convey that without me thinking much about it. so basically "the journey" behind the picture should be told differently. (i am talking about the alien abduction one).

anyways cheers, keep it up.

umbrellasky

04-08-2006, 12:36 AM

:thumbsup: This is so your style! Really great work I look forward to seeing more :)

Junpei

04-08-2006, 08:25 AM

nice work! i like the suggestions mentioned as well.. also .. what a jerk, he should be hanging onto her! makes me mad >_<"""" she's reaching out to him and he's just sitting there like a stupid...

Stahlberg

04-08-2006, 08:40 AM

Thanks, guys, appreciate the crits and advice, I'll definitely do my very best to take it all into account...

As for updating - sorry, I've been in Copenhagen teaching for 2 weeks, no access to a really good and big Wacom... on my way home right now, I promise I'll update as soon as I get back on track in my own little cubbyhole. :)

beelow

04-08-2006, 09:25 AM

Cool Stahlberg is returning back to us hehe! Welcome back dude!:thumbsup:

bandro

04-08-2006, 10:25 AM

you know what? i thought that the girl was falling!! maybe you could put both of them in some more dramatic posing like they were being abducted from their chest or maybe the man trying to hold from the pool edges.
I can't wait to see that water painted!! it will be beautiful, i know it!!

centurionit

04-10-2006, 12:55 AM

Hi Stahlberg..welcome home man....Now you can continue your work with the image....I'm seriously curious to see it finished...I like it so much....See You....:thumbsup:

http://forums.cgsociety.org/showthread.php?t=330707

anzibon

04-10-2006, 04:07 AM

hi SS,

your image is looking great... of course. but i finally put my finger on what was bothering me with it. at first glance it appears that she is diving into water from above and he is shrinking back in shock. i think her pose should show more struggle, more panic. his pose is cool, still a bit relaxed, like it hasn't really hit him yet what's happening.

i love the slowly rising water, btw. that's gunna paint up real nice.

cheers,
~B

Stahlberg

04-11-2006, 04:07 AM

http://features.cgsociety.org/challenge/entries/12/10942/10942_1144724860_medium.jpg (http://features.cgsociety.org/challenge/entries/12/10942/10942_1144724860_large.jpg)

Okay, I'm finally back from having a fun time in Copenhagen, fun but busy... and I'm very glad to be back home in my tropical paradise. :)

A small update here, some more UFO's in the background, changed her hair to make her look less like falling... I like her legs in this pose, I'm going to try to see if I can make it work like that. The arms, maybe I can move around a bit more, but to me she's kind of reaching out for him, and shouting something like "Frank! FRANK! you SOB -" :)

beelow

04-11-2006, 04:18 AM

She prolly can have one hand reaching, her left hand, may give it a little more feeling. I am looking for the "WTF!" at the same "help me!" kinda feel which I think u have already achieved! If anything her posture will heighten the feeling of the piece! This image is really strong, visually and it pretty much sells the story, lovely work! I will continue to watch ur process Stahlberg!;)

anzibon

04-11-2006, 04:23 AM

i think it's the hands that don't feel like they're reaching. maybe if she was favoring one arm toward him and a grasping hand. the hands just feel too comfortable and at ease.
hope this helps. feel free to respond with, "with all due respect, Brian... shut up. i know what i'm doing." :cool:

welcome back, btw.
~B

:bowdown: (kissing the ring)

anzibon

04-11-2006, 04:26 AM

beelow beat me to it. guess i should type faster. :shrug:
~B

Stahlberg

04-11-2006, 05:56 AM

I think you're right. And the hand a bit more like a claw, tendons popping etc... :) well let me see what I can do.

MasonRoberts

04-11-2006, 12:55 PM

http://features.cgsociety.org/challenge/entries/12/10942/10942_1142966944_medium.jpg (http://features.cgsociety.org/challenge/entries/12/10942/10942_1142966944_large.jpg)

I think you lost it when you added the other houses! I like the one above as it really looks like a honeymoon on an island... Thats what I liked about the image, but others may disagree!

Good luck!

jevinart

04-11-2006, 01:00 PM

damn -- what a way to interrupt champagne hour! love the whimsical nature of the piece, as well as the characters, composition and technique. original idea, too....

Stahlberg

04-11-2006, 03:54 PM

paperclip

04-11-2006, 03:59 PM

http://features.cgsociety.org/challenge/entries/12/10942/10942_1144767244_medium.jpg (http://features.cgsociety.org/challenge/entries/12/10942/10942_1144767244_large.jpg)

And, another update on the 'long road' one. I went back to a previous stage for the pose of the character, added some clouds etc.

You'd probably win even if you didn't do anything else to this one....I love the colors! Plus, I like the character that way now, she looks like she's looking at how far she has to go and is excited about her journey! Maybe have her leaning up on her tiptoes to show just how excited she is? :D

ElectroNico

04-11-2006, 04:27 PM

The 'long road' pic is really great ! Amazing colors ! And there's such a deepness in the image !
Can't gods like you participate to another challenge and let humans have their own challenge ? ;)

Zephyri

04-11-2006, 04:39 PM

Oh wow. Wow. Paperclip's right, this is a winning entry in its own right. Really, everything is just wonderful now you've worked into it, the clouds have just pushed everything even further and your textural work just leaves me utterly agog. Though I have to say I still love the alien abduction idea too. Beautiful work, Steven, really beautiful.

omer-n

04-11-2006, 07:06 PM

hi! about the abduction piece - i didnt get the whole 'she's being abducted' until i read this thread i dont know why, maybe its her pose it looks like shes underwater diving, her hands and fingers arent stretched enough to look like shes resisting and fighting. i really love the houses on the background i think it adds story wise and emotionally for me because it gives me that horror feel.... :)
also i wanted to mention your cloud tutorial, my challenge entry has alot of clouds in it and your tutorial is helping me alot with it , thanks!

my journey
http://forums.cgsociety.org/showthread.php?threadid=339627

umbrellasky

04-11-2006, 08:30 PM

This is my favourite out of the two. The colours are gorgeous, so is the lighting and textures!

beelow

04-11-2006, 10:30 PM

Yeap, really nice one on this! I can't rally add more to what has been said at the moment, I love the colors and the textures; everything seems to work well!:thumbsup:

I still want to see more of the alien abduction!:thumbsup:

Slav

04-11-2006, 11:22 PM

the road concept is very nice... i am not sure about the divider in the middle of the road, if you like it keep it by all means but i think something else might be better. now i really wouldn't know what but personally i find the girder kind of distracting. i cant wait to see what you do with the heavy saturation later. my favorite of all your concepts thus far.

good luck, though i am sure you wont need it. :)

EdP-Art

04-11-2006, 11:23 PM

Your journey pic is really great. I was attracted to the thumbnail straight away. Now that I've read some of the thread I see why it's so good.

The alien abduction - when I saw it first I thought the girl was abducting the man. I thought she had come from the space ship to grab him. Could you put more terror in her face or have her holding him to resist the upward pull?

Your Journey pic is a real winner.

*Ed

simonkey

04-11-2006, 11:24 PM

it looks good so far...lots of depth :)

MDN67

04-12-2006, 06:13 AM

beru beuatiful pic i like the atmosphere and the choice of color, very emotional:thumbsup:

MrFreeman

04-12-2006, 08:25 AM

:) Great work Steven

I really love your latest composition - the light is fantastic - your use of colour really makes you feel the heat of the sun on the traveller. And lovely sense of space

keep up the great work (not that you need to be told this) :)

authentic

04-12-2006, 09:01 AM

I like your 2 concepts. The last one has great colors and very very big depth. Impressive. But mAybe this type of picture have a little retro style, like an old paint. Personnaly I love it.
The second with ufo is now much better with your new improvements. More understandable. It's also more original than the last concept but not especially better.
I don't know. I like the 2 :scream:

GonzaloGolpe

04-12-2006, 11:23 AM

I say again. An awesome landscape.Impressive and one of my favourites =)

Zalo

CaveatScoti

04-13-2006, 08:06 AM

Fantastic impressionist stylings- very classy.

3d2w.john

04-13-2006, 08:16 AM

nice nice nice

Nazirull

04-13-2006, 08:49 AM

'Long Road' have the punch first time i saw it......I vote for that fer sure....Great piece.

NinjaA55N

04-13-2006, 08:59 AM

This concept with the long road is a winner one. An old style painting but with a touch of originality (not just straight copying from a nature) is such a great idea to go with. Im not sure if u should do anything else to this piece (like paperclip said before me). I just cant imagine what else could u bring to a higher level, not to destroy some of great elements u have there. Surprice us :)

APHA

04-13-2006, 10:54 AM

HERE IS MINE (http://forums.cgsociety.org/showthread.php?p=3435042)

cgoz

04-13-2006, 11:43 AM

a long long journey, but i guess lot of people would like to join after looking from that hill...
i'll be watching the progress.:))

Samanthie

04-13-2006, 05:52 PM

I enjoyed watching your alien concept develop and you did so much with it!:) However I think this concept is so promising and definately a journey to begin. It's lovely already. Best of luck toyou!

Deb

snowkiwi

04-13-2006, 07:11 PM

I was going to critique a little more, but when I saw it without the black bar on the bottom it really has a harmony. The black title bar at the bottom knocks it off quite a bit.
I would probably only strengthen the road in the distance somehow - to help feel like it is longer. The one on the second page, I still think is the best of the versions. I think it's because of the shadows and colors, have more of a harmony. The shadow in the foreground compliments the shadow in the middle grounds - on the second page. The colors are just blended with the shadows perfectly there.
But the clouds in the last version gives more atmosphere and space to the air. I would maybe take a little out so that the shadows will come out more in the middle, like on the second page, to compliment the foreground.

By far, this is my favorite story and subject version of all of them.

If you need something more, I would help second your idea about the dark tower in the distance.
Cheers Steven, glad to see work from you.

individium

04-13-2006, 11:00 PM

i agree with paperclip the road is a winner but i love the alienabduction concept too dont give it up

ewb513

04-14-2006, 12:12 AM

I love your country style. All this colors make me tink about scicilia! And what depht of field : so many adventures sould be played here...

Riddick

04-14-2006, 06:53 AM

Well, no critics.
I just want to suggest to make some things like birds or small flowers.
Just few elements to give more life.
But like the others I really love the colors the Van Gogh references, the so special touch and the sensibility.
A true piece of Art!
Bravo Steven!! Bravo!

][ndy

04-15-2006, 12:56 PM

Hey Steven!

I really much like your ideas, but I still cannot decide on which I like most.
I like the mood of "The Abduction". Romantic night in a pool and suddenly your girlfriend lifts up away... I also like the colors in that.
"The Far Horizon" I think, fits better to the idea of standing before a mighty journey. It has a sophisticated background and a small character in front. You can see, that he has to travel a long way. Ok, we all know that the girl in the pool also has a long way to go, but we simply cannot see that.
Keep up!

Oh wait, again no 3d entry from you? Wow, then the others might still have a chance of winning there ;)

cok3

04-15-2006, 06:14 PM

great progress so far steven. to be honest, i really didn't like this piece at the start, but now that you've added those extra elements it makes so much more sense to me now. looks like she's got a long journey ahead of her. the shadow of a gate like/door like structure behind her really makes it look like the journey has just begun as opposed to the previous version which looked like she was just taking a rest in the middle of the journey. i'm really starting to like this piece, can't wait till you add some more story telling elements.

CoreyArtE

04-15-2006, 06:33 PM

Wow, thats incredible, I already know this is gonna be great. As soon as you add in the smaller details, its going to rock even more. By the way, what brush are you using? I love the texture.

Stahlberg

04-15-2006, 07:08 PM

Thank you!
I'll try to update soon, but first I have to do some small amount of Real Life work again, sorry... :)

edit:
The brushes are all boring except maybe the textured one, I'm using a default texture to make a brush that leaves marks looking a bit like heavy paint or pastel on very rough canvas. Then I use it at different sizes and shades overlapping transparently, and with a bit of "Unsharp Mask" every now and then, and some cutting, transforming and pasting of pieces, after a certain amount of time it just sort of automatically starts to look very chaotic and messy, which I like, as opposed to smooth, symmetrical and repeating, which I don't like.

reiv

04-16-2006, 08:29 PM

Hi Steven,
Great work as usual.
I really like your 'long road' picture, it looks like a Claude Monet painting. The other concepts are maybe more original but this pic has its unique style.
Anyway, keep it up!

BaronImpossible

04-16-2006, 08:37 PM

This first pic was by far my favourite, glad you've reverted. I've never used a textured brush but from the results you can get I'm tempted to try.

zaki79

04-16-2006, 10:41 PM

Hi Steven ! I like this last image -it's warm mood and the way You've painted it reminds me Van Gogh's paintings. Ther's also one thing that I find..confusing? I've never seen that kind of road, is it really necessary to split these road with a barrier?

Maybe I simply read it wrong.. it's not a road but a track of something/someone that has been passing these lands some time ago - maybe a stone-giant on a scooter like in one old movie -Neverending Story :))

Nevertheless - great work, as always :) :thumbsup:

Stahlberg

04-17-2006, 04:04 AM

Thanks!
Hey, that's a cool idea... :D but what I originally was thinking is, this is a couple hundred years after the end of a civilisation that used highways similar to the ones we use, with a center divider. No more fast vehicles though, only animal carts... or people walk. :)

breathing

04-17-2006, 11:49 AM

excellent brushs!
want to see more surprise point in your pic!
btw:I like the idea of the floating woman in your last sketch!

Llynna

04-17-2006, 12:05 PM

Hi Steven,

just wanted to say that this is a really great and emotional piece. the brushstrokes and textures are just awesome, feels a bit impressionistic to me, which fits the emotions and lightning of this piece really perfect. the only thing is that the background where the bluish colourscheme begins looks a bit more realistic than the forground. i mean like a little less impressionistic, dont know how to properly say it.....

anyway, dont overwork it please, keep all that nice textures and brushstrokes :)

Try

04-19-2006, 04:27 PM

How about combining the different concepts… A woman being abducted by aliens as she’s just been bit by a vampire. And everything is happening on the long road. Now that could lead to many interesting and different journeys.;)

Seriously the last long road is the best one in my opinion. It has a wonderful calm poetic mood.

Per

Ramitxon

04-19-2006, 04:43 PM

Hi, Steven, I see you have returned to your first concept, this is the one I like the most, it's a fantastic image, serene with wonderful colours. And of course it is the version in which it is shown more clearly the long journey ahead, this one is a winner. I can't wait to see it finished.

domclubb

04-19-2006, 05:53 PM

This is coming along nicely. The epic feel is still there. It definately is one of the longest journeys i've seen thus far. and the texture is great. Very impressionistic.

jeromoo

04-19-2006, 07:09 PM

A beautiful piece of work, Steven. Even at this stage it looks finished, with every paint stroke looking confident and purposeful! In the far distance I can spot the city and assume that that's where she is heading towards.

All the best!

demet

04-19-2006, 09:27 PM

It seems like a Monet art. :) Good work!

RedSquirrel

04-19-2006, 10:29 PM

Yes, the "Far Horizon" image is still my favorite, :D for me it has a greater impact and feeling than your other ideas.

With the other images the stories behind them are obvious, but with the "Far Horizon" there is opportunity to speculate about the story, who is this person? where are they going? why are they alone? And what thats really big thing thats over shadowing her.

Elrond56

04-20-2006, 01:10 AM

This definitely isn't Kansas Toto . . . so you did not get wisked away by 'aliens' or drowned in the hot tub of ecstacy *)

I had hoped, as it seems the majority , that you had this waiting somewhere in the tall grass like an Easter Egg and would share it again with the world. Exquisite work of color and stroke!

You are an inspiration!!

sirBS

04-20-2006, 06:56 PM

Magnificent painting! :thumbsup:
Very beautifully! These are kinds of Malaysia?
I want to Malaysia! :scream:

LexLe

04-21-2006, 10:28 AM

Excellent work, at once is felt a hand of the master.. :bowdown:
On color scale it is very very magnificent :thumbsup:
I very much like your work " Fairy And Snake " there where you
Work and in 2D and 3D.
In general it is very magnificent that is CGTALK!:thumbsup:
Yours faithfully Alexander

Stahlberg

04-24-2006, 05:54 PM

http://features.cgsociety.org/challenge/entries/12/10942/10942_1145897676_medium.jpg (http://features.cgsociety.org/challenge/entries/12/10942/10942_1145897676_large.jpg)

Sorry for lack of updates, somewhat busy now, finally here's one...

Try

04-25-2006, 12:45 PM

Veldig vakkert Hr. Stålberg! Makes more sense with that divider in the middle of the road now that on can make out that it is an old motorway.Really nice contrast to that picturesque landscape. Like an huge scar running trough there.

But somehow that big rock underneath the characters elbow is quite disturbing to me. It is sort of invading her space ore something (I feel).

Still looks like a winner!:thumbsup:

paperclip

04-25-2006, 01:21 PM

Somehow the road seems a bit too narrow to be a motorway? Also, I agree with Try about the rock....

Apart from that ...wauuu...nice update...

MrFreeman

04-25-2006, 01:28 PM

good update and I know what it's like trying to squeeze time in on these challenges - but they are very addictive.

I thought the same about the motorway being too narrow, but when you look up close it seems more believable.

Maybe if you had something more on the motorway to act as a scale reference...such as an old sign (big overhead signs on gantry, but bent and rusty) or car hidden in the undergrowth.

But hey....looking great...looking forward to the next installment!! :)

Zeitwolf

04-25-2006, 04:58 PM

hey, Steven. Great Athmosphere. Nice environment you designed. I especially like the broken Highway... (which could be more renaturated though). The cloud looks plain...

oceanbluesky

04-27-2006, 05:22 AM

Beautiful colors Steven, good luck! (agree about the rock...)

SideAche

04-27-2006, 08:16 AM

Nice application and use of color.

EdP-Art

04-27-2006, 09:38 AM

Hi Stahlberg

The 'motorway' is looking more like one now. Until I read the recent comments I thought the whole scene was based in a time a few centuries ago. I think I got that from the characters dress and the flowery landscape.

If you brighten up the road that is in shadow in the foreground it may create a distance from the rocks the guy is standing on and thereby increase the 'motorway' look. Adding an old sign or car would help explain the scale too.

It's a winner anyway :)

*Ed

NinjaA55N

04-27-2006, 11:08 AM

My personal opinion is, that the road wouldnt need to be broken.. dont see any point in that. Although its painted fantastic and without mistakes, there is a second story that pops out now.. not so much about the guy who has to walk at that way and that he is in the start of his journey, but more like his discovery of a damage that earthquake or something did to the valley. But thats just my opinion ofcors :) Im waiting for ur next steps and wishing u good luck!

daimonos

04-27-2006, 05:51 PM

cool man! really nice landscape! there's one point: maybe you should add some serpentines to the raod or make it a little bit more twisted , that makes it looking more distant and more difficult to walk.

but so far: great work, dude!

daimonos

taste

04-28-2006, 03:23 AM

I have a same opinion with ninjaa55n. the broken road seem to deter from the original meaning of the picture.

just a suggestion instead of having the road breaking all the way from where the protagonist is standing, let it start breaking only halfway around where the first green bush/tree is. while the road where he/she stands leading towards that section remains fine and unbroken.

i think this way it gives the impression that the roads only start breaking as the protagonist nears that city.. as though something happened up ahead leading towards the city, and not all the way to where the protagonist is.

Stahlberg

04-28-2006, 05:00 AM

Thanks, excellent suggestions! Yes the road should have less cracks and more earth and grass on it, but I have to be careful, because as some say it already looks a bit too narrow and putting the earth and grass only at the edges will make it more so. I did the road in 3d, so I slapped the same texture all along it, then rendered another without the cracks, and I planned to erase some of the cracked parts to reveal the undamaged road, then as a last step add encroaching plants and sand. I also agree about making the road lighter just back of the foreground rocks. And moving that big rock next to the girl.

BTW there is a wrecked car in there somewhere, let's see if you can find it. :)