Redfrog's Speedpainting practice thread

[redfrog]

Here's another.
http://members.optusnet.com.au/~craigbruyn/mypic43.jpg

[redfrog]

and another...

http://members.optusnet.com.au/~craigbruyn/mypic44.jpg

[wasker]

This templar knight is well done :) some of your pictures are pretty blurry. You seem to be working with a rather thin brush with opacity set to pen pressure. I recommend using more custom brushes and (ofcourse this depends on the artist) try experimenting with high opacatiy to define shapens and colors. Even the most silly looking brushes have some uses :) To get natural and rough textured brushes, which can give the sense of detail in your pictures you can try photographing bark, wood, concrete or something along those lines and lasso tool + layers out parts of the pictures to get the brushes you want.

[redfrog]

Thanks heaps for the comments Wasker. You're spot on about the blurriness too. Its been buggin my for a while now.

Here's my latest - done for the DSG (photoshop 90min)

http://members.optusnet.com.au/~craigbruyn/mypic45.jpg

[redfrog]

Here's a rogue concept. started creating a few custome brushes. thanks for the advice Wasker!

http://members.optusnet.com.au/~craigbruyn/mypic46.jpg

[redfrog]

this one was done for the DSG topic on conceptart.org

http://members.optusnet.com.au/~craigbruyn/mypic47.jpg

[redfrog]

http://members.optusnet.com.au/~craigbruyn/mypic48.jpgGetting plenty of advice on the forums in regards to brushes and techniques. Has been extremely useful and i hoping that it will start to show some results because of it.
Here's my latest - a warhammer inspired piece.

[redfrog]

with this one i tried to spend as much time on the environment as the focal objects. I think it turned out kinda ok. Still a long way to go before i start getting these right tho. Any crits and comments would be greatly appreciated.
http://members.optusnet.com.au/~craigbruyn/mypic49.jpg

[redfrog]

something a little different i guess for the dsg...

http://members.optusnet.com.au/~craigbruyn/mypic50.jpg

[Frecklez]

You rock Craig! I really love your passionate rendering technique and sensitive use of colour. 10 out of 10! Luv Frecklez (who really DOES have Frecklez)

[redfrog]

Um, thx for your enthusiastic comments, Freckles:)
Good to have you on board on this forum finally!
http://members.optusnet.com.au/~craigbruyn/mypic51.jpg

[xXmushr00mheadXx]

Hey Craig, your speedpaints are progressing nicely you can see a massive improvement progressively as you scroll down the page. Can't wait to see your future work!

I should be right to start posting up my work now and hopefully I can have a crack at your sketch topic and get into the speedpaints too.

Catch
B(rad)

[SylvanMist]

Hey these are looking really cool..about how long did each take you?

[redfrog]

Thx for the comments people.

Roja - these usually take between 45-90 min, except for the floating needle one which i think was kinda pushin two hours.

Here's my latest for the DSG. Totally hate this pic but i guess i gotta post the bad with the good. hmmmm.

http://members.optusnet.com.au/~craigbruyn/mypic52.jpg

[redfrog]

Here's a couple of recent sketches...

http://members.optusnet.com.au/~craigbruyn/mypic53.jpg
http://members.optusnet.com.au/~craigbruyn/mypic54.jpg

[danielh68]

Great work, redfrog. My favorites are the Rogue and the Medusa. The Medusa is especially nice in way you re-invisioned her to have a more modern techno flair. Very cool work, all-around :thumbsup:

[Runecaster]

Oooh my absolute fave is the one with the guy with the sword and rose -- wow, lovely work there -- Medusa is cool too =D Keep em coming!

[redfrog]

Thanks heaps for the comments folks.

It can be so frustrating when you're trying to learn new styles and techniques, and any encouragement and comments are greatly appreciated.

Here's my latest - done for the DSG over at CA.
Done in just under 2hrs i think - wasn't really paying attention to time.

http://members.optusnet.com.au/~craigbruyn/mypic55.jpg

[wasker]

I see you're familiar with the Warhammer universe, some nice dymanic linework there. The colors of your pictures are pretty desaturated though :( Cover the place in colors and don't be afraid of using levels, hue/saturation, curves and everything else you can think of to achieve best possible image.

If you want to learn new styles, perhaps you should try some brushes you are not familiar with at all and force yourself to produce some pictures. I can recommend barontieris brushes for speedpainting. After having used them I'm sure you'll be spitting out new brushes of your own ;) However, I can't say you'll be 100% satisfied using them as we all personal strokes and techniques. Some like his brushes others don't. It all comes down to taste and workflow in the end.


Grab the brushes at his homepage, Barontieri.com

Keep the pics flowing, :thumbsup:

[Runecaster]

You know, I'd really suggest taking that one with the sword and the rose and finishing it completely - it's got all the right stuff, just needs polish to be amazing. I think the way he's standing there, with the chains swinging, gives him such great power and movement - I just really really like that image.

Go for it! :D

[redfrog]

Thanks again for the comments folks!


Wasker - Had a look at the site you recommended. Haven't tried those brushes yet tho. The comment you made about the saturation is an interesting one as coming from a toy company i always found my images were overly saturated and too cartoony. Now with the speedpaints i've tried to go the other way - this may have been a mistake on my part.
Just did this image for the dsg over at conceptart.org and have tried to use a little more saturated palette. What do you think?

Runecaster - thx for the kind comments on the rose picture. I may just take your advice and work it up. I've been meaning to push something past the speedpaint stage. Will give this one a shot and repost it on this thread. Will be interested to get your feedback. I gotta do something about the rose in the foreground especially, as its bugging me that it doesn't sit totally cohesively in the pic.
http://members.optusnet.com.au/~craigbruyn/mypic56.jpg

[PeGGO]

"WOOOOOOWOOOWWOOWWWW" Man..!!!

you are really AMAZING.. but so AMAZING man..!!!
cool style.. and without exagerate.. I like your trokes and your shape style..!! when find you the fisrt time I don't remember come to here.. but now.. I don't regret to do..!!
:thumbsup:
keep your way man.. you go so fine..!!

[redfrog]

Thanks heaps for the kind words Peggo!

Did this one for the DSG topic today. 50 minutes in painter/photoshop.
Kinda cartoony - bit different to my last few speedpaints.

http://members.optusnet.com.au/~craigbruyn/mypic57.jpg

[wasker]

Last one is really nice and not as monochrome as some of the other pictures. I like.

[redfrog]

hmmm...

yet again i find myself going for a cartoony render. tomorrow its definitely back to learning more traditional speedpaints.

photoshop - 60mn
http://members.optusnet.com.au/~craigbruyn/mypic58.jpg

[redfrog]

here's a couple of my older warhammer inspired grayscale pieces...

http://members.optusnet.com.au/~craigbruyn/mypic17.jpg
http://members.optusnet.com.au/~craigbruyn/mypic19.jpg
http://members.optusnet.com.au/~craigbruyn/mypic20.jpg
http://members.optusnet.com.au/~craigbruyn/mypic21.jpg

[michael-olszak]

Very nice work man. Your skills are improving a lot man.

Like your style. what software do you mostly use?
do you do your sketches on paper first and then apply color digitally?

[redfrog]

Thanks for the comments Michael!

I use Photoshop and Painter.
I used to do a lot of hand sketches then scan them in but these days i prefer to sketch straight into Painter with the wacom as it keeps the process going more fluidly and is not interupted by the scanning process.

I tend to switch between coloring in Painter and Photoshop - sometimes using both on one image.

[redfrog]

Here's my latest. done for one of the DSG topics over at Conceptart.org.

Photoshop - about 2hr

http://members.optusnet.com.au/~craigbruyn/mypic59.jpg

[redfrog]

Thie one for one of the DSG topics here at CGsociety.

60mn - Photoshop
http://members.optusnet.com.au/~craigbruyn/mypic60.jpg

[michael-olszak]

Cool Work man. like the style a lot.

[Squibbit]

yep, cool stuff here, keep it up


.

[redfrog]

Hey folks!

Thanks for the kind comments. Got a comment recently to pull out some of the white highlights i have a really bad tendency to use. Heres a character concept i did for a DSG topic over at conceptart.org. Made a mental not to try and stop myself from using white highlights on the character.

I think it turned out ok. Thoughts anyone?
http://members.optusnet.com.au/~craigbruyn/mypic62.jpg

[redfrog]

Here's another CGsociety DSG topic - "Hero"

Painter / Photoshop - 2hr

http://members.optusnet.com.au/~craigbruyn/mypic63.jpg

[xXmushr00mheadXx]

You're a speed painting machine! Man those last two images are moving forward in leaps and bounds. I think dropping the white highlights has really moved you up a level. Also the last image it looks like you've really got the hang of suggesting detail with simple lines and shapes. Keep 'em coming.

[danielh68]

Again, great work :thumbsup: I dig the "Hero" piece.

[Vahn]

i really enjoy the style in the last works.. what i admire is, that you always keep good sharpness and still a distinct & economic brushwork in all the paintings. You have a lot of patience and a sense for construction i lack for example :D :thumbsup:

[redfrog]

thanks for the compliments folks.

Its beginning to feel like the skills are improving a little. well, maybe.. bu the speed does seem to be dramatically improving anyway.
This one is about an hour in photoshop. want to spend a bit more time on this now i've posted it for the DSG topic.
http://members.optusnet.com.au/~craigbruyn/mypic64.jpg

[Runecaster]

damn you can draw really well, it's not fair! =D

really though, these latest ones are really improving by leaps and bounds, they're right - keep them coming red! :D

[mim-Armand]

nice works Craig ;) like ur style! :buttrock: , Goodluck btw :thumbsup:

[redfrog]

Thanks folks!

There's been some really cool topics posted on the DSG lately. I seriously encourage everyone to participate. Its envigorating working really quickly and i find its a great way to keep the creative juices flowing and try and experiment with new brushes and techniques.

Loved the latest topic: "Boudica the Warrior" - it got me reading about an element of history that I'd never even heard of before. DSG is cool and educational :) hehe.

Anyway, heres my Boudica - 60mn Photoshop

http://members.optusnet.com.au/~craigbruyn/mypic65.jpg

[Runecaster]

This last one's composition is really good! You look at her immediately but your eyes are drawn to the horse, whose head turns back toward her - great way to keep our eyes on the focus of the pic - very good there! I like the action and movement as well, really cool!

[danielh68]

I agree, wonderful composition and all-around great painting. Also, I like how the legs and wheels merge with the loosely worked ground; which also, fuses into the atmosphere. Everything is related and makes the piece very cohesive. Awesome job:thumbsup:

[howlinghorse]

Gosh, this thread was so enjoyable to read - you've been improving so much! I'm definitely subscribed. And I do love that Boudicca painting.

[mim-Armand]

nice job like always redfrog! :D

[redfrog]

Inspired by the DSG and as an intiative to get our minds into gear in the morning, the illustrators at my work have decide to set ouselves a 30min daily sketch topic each morning
before the commencement of work.
Its an amazing way to start the day. Gets the adrenaline racing and the creative juices flowing! We also found we got a very diverse range of responses to the topic. we plan to do this most mornings now. Its more effective than a strong coffee.
Check out my fellow Moose Toys illustrators on this forum - xXmushr00mheadXx and Frecklez

Our first topic was - "Wind up"
Photoshop - 30mn
http://members.optusnet.com.au/~craigbruyn/mypic66.jpg

[Arlekin]

heya just dropping by...

More goblins man...those little green vicious creatures....more.......more.....

[michael-olszak]

Nice work man. i really like your style man. Kick Ass!

[redfrog]

thanks folks!

Here is a perfect example that all pictures do not live up to your own expectations. Really butchered this one :) Definitely not one of my better pieces.

http://members.optusnet.com.au/~craigbruyn/mypic67.jpg

[frostblade]

I'm a former warcraft addict and is that a palladin?
I don't know...nevermind me I'm just seeing things lol
Just the hood makes me remember those dark days of playing wow.

It's soild piece though. It has that mood, can't explain... it just does.

[redfrog]

Ah, Frostblade. Memories!
I am also a former Warcraft addict. I vividly remember the numerous lost hours to that game.
Thanks for the observations. The character could be a paladin, bt i think its more likely that he's wearing that hood cause he's embarressed to be in that picture! :)
I remember when i had the picture in my head it was a lot better than that. I feel like i really got the colours all wrong!
I just visited your thread btw. Beautiful work. Your work has a real sensibility to it.
Will definitely be revisiting your thread in the future.

[frostblade]

haha we're in that club...don't get tempted to go back to those dark days coz you have something really good happening here.

I really admire that you try to get the whole picture out. I only do a tiny bit of what I thought of and lose the plot.

[Alice]

Love the concepts, especially the big larva thingy :)

[Vahn]

wow the horsewagon & the robot sketch are really cool. love the edgyness you sometimes have in your brushstroke. Phew yeah i too finally got away from wow ..its great but its time not used for drawing & painting so the only logical conclusion was...hang on... hnnnng...hnnnngggg.... brb my mage is calling!






:D

[mim-Armand]

I like that robot on post #47 really good expression gave to me! :D
waitin to see more yet! :)


PS: btw where's the DSG challenges?! I cant find it n if it is on conseptart threads, there are really messed up n make me confused :( can you put the link her dude?! tnx in advance ;)

[redfrog]

Vahn - you crack me up dude! :)

Thanks for all the kind words, folks!

Mim - here are the links you need for DSG's
CGsociety Daily Sketch Group (http://forums.cgsociety.org/forumdisplay.php?f=130)
Conceptart.org Daily Sketch Group (http://www.conceptart.org/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=39)

hope this helps dude!

[Ivy00]

ha ha love your little wind up sketch :)

[redfrog]

Thanks Ivy!

Here's my latest DSG entry - Snow?
Photoshop - 70 min

http://members.optusnet.com.au/~craigbruyn/mypic68.jpg

[Ivy00]

I just checked that out in the DSG thread :) I was thinking though, you need to pile some snow on their armor , happened to me today when I went to check the mail, had to shake myself off like a dog before coming in the house ( my coat and scarf, not my armor that is ). Love the sketch.

[redfrog]

Thanks Ivy,
Am lookiong at spending some more time on this piece so will definitely implement your suggestion.

On a seperate note, last nite i went and saw the movie ' Pans Labyrinth (http://www.panslabyrinth.com/) '.
Absolutely visually stunning. An amazing movie. Has some great character design and the set pieces are amazing. Recommend anyone to check it out.
Its fairly dark tho (a lot darker than i expected and certainly no childrens movie) but it definitely has the beautiful charm you associate with a lot of european movies, and to be honest i'm glad it had subtitles - i think english dialogue may have ruined it.
I reckon this is one of the best films of the last twelve months, if you can get past the slightly frustrating main character. Do yourself a favour folks and go check this film out (as long as you're old enough - its heavily rated i believe - MA15+ in Australia).
It will certainly inspire the creative juices!

[redfrog]

As promised, I decide to spend a bit more time on the last image. The characters were to blown out before so i decided to soften the lighting and add a bit more color. Also, as Ivy suggested the characters, whilst in movement should still have some snow on them. I figured the fur on the foreground character would be a logical place for snow to accumulate and hence bee thrown off by the movement. I think this adds to the feeling of motion as well. Dis a bit of work on the snow as well to soften up some of the lines defining it.I think the result is a little more effective now. Here's the comparision: New version on top.

Revised Version
http://members.optusnet.com.au/~craigbruyn/mypic69.jpg
Old Version
http://members.optusnet.com.au/~craigbruyn/mypic68.jpg

[Ivy00]

oooh nice , they fit a lot better in the environment now :)

[redfrog]

Here's my latest for the DSG.
Red sky - 50mn - photoshop
http://members.optusnet.com.au/~craigbruyn/mypic70.jpg

[redfrog]

Here's the second topic in the Moose Illustrator's 30mn Daily Sketch.
Today's morning topic was "Wooden"
Photoshop 30mn
http://members.optusnet.com.au/~craigbruyn/mypic71.jpg

[redfrog]

Moose Illustrator's Daily Sketch 003
30mn "Monkey Business"

http://members.optusnet.com.au/~craigbruyn/mypic72.jpg

[Christian223]

Heya, those are really nice paintings and its good to see your improvement, keep at it.
I recommend you to leave speedpaintings for a while and spend some time learning perspective, concentrating on the basics and going up from there, since i see that you are having that kind of problems in your speedpaintings.
For example in the one you didi yesterday, it seems you wanted to place the viewer on the floor, looking up to the mask, worm-eye like, you have your horizon line on the feet, and also on the pelvis, and i can see that because you have drawn them with almost the same horizontal line, the feet is ok, but the pelvis should have a different angle, the chest, head and shoulders should too, well, thats just an example, you should get andrew loomis book called "succesfull drawing" since it explains perspective really well.
Good luck and keep improving!.

[redfrog]

Thanks for the comments Christian. Its an interesting point you make too.
Its funny, you get so caught up in racing to get something down that you forget the basics. Will definitely take you advice and start spending some time doing some perspective training. While i'm at it i want to fine tune my anatomy studies as well.
The real catch 22 is that at the same time i've been developing the speedpaintings as an exercise in getting something descriptive down fast. I find in the toy industry they don't seem to care too much about the things yourself and myself find important. They don't worry about proper lighting, perspective etc. They just want a quick (and i mean 'quick') visual representation that gets across a rough idea and rough colour. I'm not sure they even know what perspective is - i used the term "monochromatic" the other day and they all looked at me with blank faces and accused me of making up a word :).
The speedpaints were more an exercise in just trying to get color image down super fast.
That said, everything you mentioned is spot on, and i'll definitely take your advice and check out that book. I think i'll even use that wooden mask dude pic as an exercise in getting proper perspective. I'll take a shot at drawing him up in a couple of different view points and see if i can nail true perspective. If you get a chance down the track, i wouldn't mind your comments on whether i get this right.
Really appreciate the feedback, Christian. thx. :)

[Ivy00]

seems you struggle in the same areas as I do redfrog, perspective and human anatomy, but I do think you are much much better at either than I probably will ever be. I will start looking for your new sketches in these areas and maybe I can pick up a thing or two along the way. I am always looking to learn and attempting to improve :)

[Arlekin]

...its the same here i have done several perspective exercises but should also take something and draw it from a whole lot of different viewpoints....its intimidating makes my mind twist in mild fear....anyways its good to see someone else battling on the same front....:thumbsup: soo keep it up mates....

[redfrog]

Moose Illustrators' Daily Sketch 006
30mn "Glow in the dark"
http://members.optusnet.com.au/~craigbruyn/mypic74.jpg
Moose Illustrators' Daily Sketch 004
30mn "Monster Ball"
http://members.optusnet.com.au/~craigbruyn/mypic73.jpg

I was away when they did topic 005 - "Rock"

[redfrog]

For the DSG - Photoshop 50mn

http://members.optusnet.com.au/~craigbruyn/mypic75.jpg

[redfrog]

This was a bit of a 2.5-3hr DSG epic for me.
Fun and frustrating at the same time.
My first fairy
http://members.optusnet.com.au/~craigbruyn/mypic76.jpg

[Arlekin]

i like the styling on the wings...

[redfrog]

Thanks Arlekin.
Kinda happy with my first fairy effort - might have to try a few more.

Been a productive day in the sense that i've been trying to catch up on a few DSG topics.
This one was 50mn in Photoshop...
http://members.optusnet.com.au/~craigbruyn/mypic77.jpg

[Arlekin]

...had a busy week .....ah where are you going now....wait for me...must keep up...must not fall behind:D...

[redfrog]

Doing some perspective exercisesat the moment so the only posts for the next day or so may only be the Moose illustrator daily sketchs.

Moose Illustrators Daily 30 mn Sketch - Ragdoll
http://members.optusnet.com.au/~craigbruyn/mypic78.jpg

[Christian223]

So you work making toys?, wow thats my dream from childhood i envy you :)
Studying perspective will only make you a better artist, wich in turn might help you in getting a raise in your payment :). But i allready see you are making nice progress!, nice doll you got there, the only think that really bothers me is the floor, next time try to make some kind of gradation in size, the close thee bigger, far away things get smaller, have in mind the distortion too, everything should feel distorted. Keep it uppppp!

[redfrog]

Moose Illustrators 30mn Daily Sketch - "Robot"

http://members.optusnet.com.au/~craigbruyn/mypic79.jpg

Moose Illustrators 30mn Daily Sketch - "Big Head"

http://members.optusnet.com.au/~craigbruyn/mypic80.jpg

[redfrog]

Did this lil fella for the DSG.
He's my somewhat lateral interpretation of the "white knight" topic.
60mn - photoshop

http://members.optusnet.com.au/~craigbruyn/mypic81.jpg

[Spiritt]

Hey Craig,

Thanks for the info on the White Knight piece. When it comes to colour picking and saturation does it help if one were to use "Websafe" colours in Photoshop? As for you picking Saturated or Desaturated colours, I assume you are choosing the colours on the far right of the palette/ slider, rather than in the middle range?

Also, if you don't mind me asking, what size of canvas do you usually start of with in photoshop.. I usually start with a standard 8"x11"/ 2550x3300 pixel canvas @300dpi.

Your work has vastly improved from your first post. I really like your style and the painted texturing of your materials!

Cheers

[redfrog]

Hi Spiritt,

With the saturation i use the slider on the right to pick my color range then use the large palette area to pick the degree of saturation. To the left are the more unsaturated and then as the color goes further right you get a more saturated color.
In terms of the starting dimension of my images, it really depends on what i doing the piece for. To be honest if its just a quick piece for the DSG i usually only set it up to be 1250 x 1667 @150 dpi (only because if i change the rez to 72 it resizes to 800x600).
It really depends on what you want to use the art for.
Although my computer is fast i'd rather not make an image overly large unless i really think i'm going to use it for something else in the future. 120dpi is fine for your standard home printers and 300dpi is if you are planning to get the image printed offset.
Like i said tho, it all comes down to personel preference.
Thanks for the compliment on my stuff too man! Its nice to know that churning these images out is showing some imrovement. I've found too finding a technique to doing these pieces that suits my style has also infinitely sped up my work speed.
Let us know if you start your own thread. What i've seen so far looks really good and i'd love to follow a thread of yours.
cheers!

[redfrog]

Did this one for the DSG. Photoshop - 45mn

My mischeaveous lil cupid...

http://members.optusnet.com.au/~craigbruyn/mypic82.jpg

[redfrog]

Caveman for the DSG.

Photoshop - 45mn
http://members.optusnet.com.au/~craigbruyn/mypic83.jpg

[Arlekin]

wicked cupid:twisted:

[redfrog]

Thanks Arlekin!


This latest is a conceptual piece for a miner robot that works deep below the surface in subterranean mines where no human could work. I find i am falling in love with the styling of steampunk (rivets, rust, pitted metal etc).

Photoshop - 90mn
http://members.optusnet.com.au/~craigbruyn/mypic84.jpg

[redfrog]

Moose Daily 30mn Sketch - Beauty and the Beast"

http://members.optusnet.com.au/~craigbruyn/mypic86.jpg

Moose Daily 30mn sketch - "Pinnoccio"


http://members.optusnet.com.au/~craigbruyn/mypic87.jpg

[redfrog]

Here's a robot sketch i was doodling the other day. I think i may work this one up.

[redfrog]

Here's a robot sketch i was doodling the other day. I think i may work this one up.

http://members.optusnet.com.au/~craigbruyn/mypic85.jpg

[danielh68]

Sweet sketch, I like the personality contrast between the to characters. Nice balance. I also, dig the other robot sketch (with lantern). Great stuff :)

[Vahn]

hehe you forgot the "x" in the last doodle..ahhr..no there it is sry :)

cool stuff :thumbsup:

[redfrog]

ahaha! Vahn, you've found me out! :)

Yep can't help myself - i've got to put the x in, especially in the cartoony pieces!

Thanks for the comments Daniel and Vahn!

Here's an "x" free pic - 50mn - photoshop (for the DSG)
http://members.optusnet.com.au/~craigbruyn/mypic88.jpg

[michael-olszak]

i very much like the characters you draw man. the simplicity and poses are cool man. you'r making a lot of progress here. Good job

[redfrog]

Thanks Michael!


Moose Illustrators 30mn Daily Sketch - "Aliens"
http://members.optusnet.com.au/~craigbruyn/mypic89.jpg

[Arlekin]

...little sinister bastards from outer space. (they almost posess similar quality of some of the goblin's found in your early posts....wicked thingies :twisted: ) Me likes.

Hey Redfrog , wich reminds me have you familiar with warhammer 40k orc procreation mechanisms? its so cool how they are growing from spores as shrooms do..if some planet is to be infected with those spores nothing helpes in few decades it is infested by orcs and goblins who are extremely dull and violent.....but starngely pretty competent in some areas, including war machinery and spaceship engineering... ( wikipedia article link (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ork_%28Warhammer_40%2C000%29) ).

..its just that i find this to be quite cool world and universe...:thumbsup: take care dude....

[OKMER]

Subscribed ma,ha,ha!!Great sketches man!!!And some real nice evolution in there too!!!Keep m coming!

[michael-olszak]

Nice work man. Keep up the good work. your doing fine.

[woox]

Great sketches :thumbsup:! Congratulation for you SOTD, i really like it.

[redfrog]

Its been a little while, but i finally got a chance to do one of the daily sketch topics!

Thx very much for the comments folks!

photoshop-60mn
http://members.optusnet.com.au/~craigbruyn/mypic92.jpg

[Dreamshark]

I was just cruising around the internet and ran into your profile, so I thought I might pop in. Nice work man. Looks like you've been really busy. I hope allz going well over at Moose HQ. say G'day to all the Ladies and Fellas for me. Your use of color and bold linework is really refreshing, i like it. Especially that soldier with the Steam Punk engine on his back.

I'll see you round Frog-Man.

Good Luck.


Mark.

[redfrog]

Hey Mark!

Long time no hear! How's tha animation business going?
Moose is busy as usual man! We scored Australian toy of the year this year with Bindeez!
It won like four awards, so naturally everyone is pretty pumped!
You'll have to let us know what stuff you're working on these days - would love to check it out. Will pass you greetings on to the crew!


Here's my latest for the DSG. Couldn't resist a Neil Gaiman theme-
The Easter Bunny: Neil Gaiman style - 55mn

http://members.optusnet.com.au/~craigbruyn/mypic93.jpg

[Arlekin]

Hello dude,

Its been a while but it seems you are still functioning and alive:) nice rabbit u have there...gaiman rocks...:thumbsup:

[Ivy00]

ha ha glad you are back, haven't seen you post for a while and I LOVE your stuff :)

[redfrog]

Thanks Arlekin and Ivy!

Its good to be back!
The lure of the DSG and you good people on this forum pulled me back!
Gotta start doing some more daily sketches - i've been a bit slack lately!
Great to see some of the progress you folks have been making!

[redfrog]

For the DSG.


Cyranno - 50mn
http://members.optusnet.com.au/~craigbruyn/mypic94.jpg

[redfrog]

Photoshop - about 70mn


http://members.optusnet.com.au/~craigbruyn/mypic95.jpg

[michael-olszak]

Nice work man. I really like your style. Keep up the awesome work!!

[danielh68]

Yeah, I agree, a totally unique and impressive style. Your characters seem ideal for modeling. :)

[Vahn]

could you make a step by step of a character oneday ? :) they are cool und you flesh them out pretty fast...would be interesting to see how you do it :bounce:

[redfrog]

Thanks for the comments folks!


Vahn - i'll see what i can do about posting a step by step. Can probably post one for this last one.
Photoshop - 90mn
http://members.optusnet.com.au/~craigbruyn/mypic96.jpg

[redfrog]

oops...double post

[redfrog]

Character Design Speedpaint process.

Ok Vahn, here's my attempt to briefly summarise the process i use to create my character sketches. Hope it makes sense and is not too vague.

http://members.optusnet.com.au/~craigbruyn/mypic97.jpg

Step 1 - I lay down a textured canvas to work on. Use some custom brushes to get a really quick textured back. I prefer not to work on a white backdrop if i can avoid it. This way it takes away the daunting feeling i sometimes get when confronted with a blank white template.

Step 2 - I start with a really quick loose sketch on a seperate layer, using a standard brush with about 20-40% opacity to get a rough feel for character layout etc. On this oi work quickly and don't worry too much about detail.

Step 3 - No i start a new layer and tighten up the detail using a brush with a higher opacity and start to really refine the detail. I'm still not too worried about cleanliness of linework however as a lot of it will disppear in the final image. I set this layer to multiply.

Step 4 - I use the magic wand to quick select the area of the character, start a layer below the linework and fill it with a dark unsaturated colour. I then lock the pixels so that i can work quicker and use a low opacity brush and start filling in some basic colors. By this stage i am starting to get a feel for how the final character is going to look. The fun part though is that i'm still working fairly loosely and quickly.

Step 5 - This is the part where the character really starts to take form. I create a layer above the linework layer and start using high opacity colour to start to shape the character with some more distincrt shadows and highlights. This is the part that i can take the most time on and will generally dictate whether the pic will blow out from a 45 minute pic to a 70 or 90 minute pic. Can depend greatly on detail and my mindset at the time.

Step 6 - The finishing touches. Add in shadows, any other external elements, and in this case i altered the hue of the canvas to make the character stand off more.

Its not necessarily the best way to work, and i have no illusions about the fact that there a several flaws inm my works, but this is just an insight to how i work, whether that be right or wrong.

Hope it was of interest! :)

[redfrog]

http://members.optusnet.com.au/~craigbruyn/mypic98.jpg
Here's a quick character sketch - haven't drawn a lot of girl characters lately so i'm badly out of practice...

[redfrog]

Figured I'd take the opportunity to showcase a couple of the earlier toy ranges i designed.My latest stuff is much better but a lot is still under wraps at the moment.

Fistful of Power
Battling Action Game

This range of minature figurines that were part of a battling game were the first toy product i designed for Toy manufacturer Moose Enterprise.
This product went for two series and saw worldwide distribution; everywhere from Australia, United States and Europe.
It made for an interesting baptism of fire into the toy industry and taught me a lot about modelling constraints and the manufacturing process.
I designed and specced all the characters in the range, designed the logo as well as doing all the illustration for packaging, television, web and any point of sale material.
It was an enjoyable experience to be involved right from the incept all the way thru the development and creation of a new brand.
Eighty plus characters eventually saw the light of day. I believe i actually designed and specced some 160 characters but unfortunately as is common in the toy industry, not everything saw their way to the retail shelf. Disappointing as i always thought that some of the newer designs were infinitely better than the earlier characters.

http://features-temp.cgsociety.org/gallerycrits/155081/155081_1177740156_large.jpg

[redfrog]

Pawphans
Plush Dog Range

Pawphans was the second product i designed for Moose Enterprise and gave me a nice contrast to the first toys which were little war like figures.
This time i got to design plush animals so i got to learn a whole new process, and better yet i got to design lots of dogs and use my own little pup Sam as my muse.
This was a fun project and actually saw a lot more success that Fistful. For this product i design approximately 40 plush dogs that all made their way to the retail shelf.
This brand won the ATA Australian Toy Development Award and saw some pretty reasonable success internationally.
The brand has had a massive success in Australia and still holds some great equity over two years on. A new generation of Pawphans making their way onto the retail shelve shortly.
I think the greatest bonus for me with this product was that this is one of the very few plush brands that have ever seen so many characters released at retail level.
I was involved in the whole process for this one from product design of the animals through to logo and branding, and packing and point of sale illustration.
A very satisfying project this one!

http://features-temp.cgsociety.org/gallerycrits/155081/155081_1177740911_large.jpg

[danielh68]

Redfrog,

These are great. Thanks for posting some of your real-world work, it's always fascinating to see what other artist's do and the processes involved. These forums are often focused on the movie or video game markets, so it's refreshing to learn what other fields exist for CG artists. Awesome products :thumbsup:

[redfrog]

Thanks Daniel!

Glad you liked em. Can't wait till i can can put up some of my more recent stuff.
I've got two products going into the retail shelves in the next couple of months so i'll post em then.

Meanwhile here's my latest for the DSG.
http://members.optusnet.com.au/~craigbruyn/mypic99.jpg

[redfrog]

Bit of a character sketch...not 100% happy with it tho.

http://features.cgsociety.org/gallerycrits/155081/155081_1178258893_medium.jpg

[boeserWolf]

great sketches and paintings redfrog, very inspiring ... thx for sharing :applause: :thumbsup:

[redfrog]

Thx for the kind words Boeser-Wolf!
Glad you like!

Here's my latest DSG entry.
http://features.cgsociety.org/gallerycrits/155081/155081_1178281248_medium.jpg

[redfrog]

Did this one as a bit of a joke.
The members of the creative studio i work in, decided to set ouselves a task of designing a cartoon character of ourselves, so this is my little effort.
This is cartoon rendition of me (without my cup of coffee), my girlfriend (embracing the little girl that resides within her) and my dog, Sam (the happiest little fella in the world).

http://features.cgsociety.org/gallerycrits/155081/155081_1178453970_large.jpg

[redfrog]

Victorian era Batman for the DSG.
Gotta love a Batman topic!

http://features.cgsociety.org/gallerycrits/155081/155081_1178537788_medium.jpg

[danielh68]

Redfrog, awesome Batman revamp. Definitely my fav out of the DSG bunch.

[boeserWolf]

Damn nice Batman painting, great concept :thumbsup:

[redfrog]

Thanks heaps for the kind comments Daniel and Boeser!

The Batman topic is such a cool thread. I'm loving doing this sketchs!
Here's a Joker to go up against my Batman.
http://features.cgsociety.org/gallerycrits/155081/155081_1178623278_medium.jpg

[Vahn]

cool characters! the batman rocks! :thumbsup:
but you are quite careless with your "x" lately..neither the soldier nor batman have it! :surprised
and thx for the step by step..thats exactly what i wanted to see :beer:

[redfrog]

Thx Vahn!

Hehe...i only work the x into certain stylistic pieces - i tend to leave it off the less stylised stuff.
Here's my catwoman - no x on her either:)

not really all that happy with this one...it happens.
http://features.cgsociety.org/gallerycrits/155081/155081_1178712097_medium.jpg

[redfrog]

Here's my collection of character designs for the Batman 1887 DSG thread.
http://features.cgsociety.org/gallerycrits/155081/155081_1178713449_large.jpg

[nightride]

awesome! i love batman concepts :D

[boeserWolf]

great work redfrog ... but where is the Riddler :D ;) ???

[redfrog]

Thanks very much for the comments guys!
Sorry about the lack of the Riddler...might do that one a bit later:)
In the meantime tho, I'm going to start practicing some comic drawing so i'll be posting some different stuff over the next few weeks.

[FeCorruption]

I like your batman design, mind sharing how you came up with it?

[redfrog]

Been away for a while.
Holidaying in Tasmania.

Great to get back to work in time to see the latest of my products that i work on hitting the retail shelf. Now i just gotta wait and see how this baby goes.

I worked on this product with fellow illustrator, Brad Virgo (XxMushr00mheadXx). We did all the designing of the actual product (concept art, product specs, logo design etc) . We however didn't get the chance to work on the box art as we had too many other projects. It was a shame but i think our american companions did a great job!
http://features-temp.cgsociety.org/gallerycrits/155081/155081_1182161374_large.jpg



http://features-temp.cgsociety.org/gallerycrits/155081/155081_1182161487_large.jpg

[Senekha]

Wow, I really love your speedpaints, especially the fantasy-oriented ones :) Keep 'em coming :D

[CyborgJA]

Ehi such a great thread ! O___O

INcredible the personality you express in your charas !

[redfrog]

Thanks very much for the kind comments folks.

It's been a while since i've posted. Been very busy at work.
Have another new toyline coming out in the next few weeks then another in October.

Currently working on the Strange Behaviour challenge with a team of people on a short animation. I'm doing the character and creature concept art.
The idea is a kind of stylised Neo Victorian Steampunk kind of thing.
Not sure the characters work as a set at the moment as the girl character has gone a bit less stylised. Any thoughts people?


http://members.optusnet.com.au/~craigbruyn/mypic100.jpg

http://members.optusnet.com.au/~craigbruyn/mypic101.jpg

http://members.optusnet.com.au/~craigbruyn/mypic102.jpg

http://members.optusnet.com.au/~craigbruyn/mypic103.jpg

http://members.optusnet.com.au/~craigbruyn/mypic104.jpg

http://members.optusnet.com.au/~craigbruyn/mypic105.jpg

Here's the link to the Challenge thread for the team i'm working with:

http://forums.cgsociety.org/showthread.php?p=4538957#post4538957

[redfrog]

Have modified the girl design to bring her more in line with stylised feel. She is now kind of a hybrid of the first and second versions. I also reworked the face a bit as well.

Here's the two characters together as a set. Any thoughts?

http://members.optusnet.com.au/~craigbruyn/mypic107.jpg

[danielh68]

Awesome concepts, Redfrog :thumbsup:

[redfrog]

Thanx Daniel,


Gotta say that the CG challenge is a lot of fun, although trying to knock over some after a really long day can be stretch at times. Here's my first creature concept for my teams short film entry.

http://members.optusnet.com.au/~craigbruyn/mypic110.jpg

[redfrog]

This is the latest product i've designed. They are action figures that contain an updateable microchip that you scan into a pda and battle against a friend. You can then update their stats back onto the figurine.
Series 01 has 15 figures and series 2 will have 18. Pretty happy with how the figures turned out even tho we had to minimise the amount of paint operations each one had.

http://features.cgsociety.org/gallerycrits/155081/155081_1185705360_large.jpg

http://features.cgsociety.org/gallerycrits/155081/155081_1185705321_large.jpg

http://features-temp.cgsociety.org/gallerycrits/155081/155081_1185705281_large.jpg

http://features-temp.cgsociety.org/gallerycrits/155081/155081_1185705128_large.jpg

http://features-temp.cgsociety.org/gallerycrits/155081/155081_1185705098_large.jpg

http://features-temp.cgsociety.org/gallerycrits/155081/155081_1185705050_large.jpg

http://features-temp.cgsociety.org/gallerycrits/155081/155081_1185705011_large.jpg

http://features-temp.cgsociety.org/gallerycrits/155081/155081_1185704965_large.jpg

http://features-temp.cgsociety.org/gallerycrits/155081/155081_1185704928_large.jpg

[TobyArt]

Haha! those are awesome, are they going to have just the figurines, I'd love a couple of those. Great Stuff!

[redfrog]

Thanx Zyrinx!

Yeah the figures are available seperately and then there are the skanner packs that have a pda and figure in them.

Has launched in Korea:

http://www.youngtoys.co.kr/scanmaster/scan.htm

and the english language website up soon

http://www.skanmasters.com

[Vahn]

cool work red :thumbsup: both figurines and challenge sketches :)

[ErichSchreiner]

great work. i like the batman and joker illus, as you already mentioned: batgirl (or catwoman?) looks a bit creepy. seems that you rushed her a bit.

The figures are cool too. :)

[PeGGO]

something a little different i guess for the dsg...

I like this funny illustration..!!
it's defferent and fresh..!!
a little break on your way sometimes come fine..!!

=)
greets..!!

PeGGO

[redfrog]

Thanks for the kind words folks!

Erich, you are spot on about the catwoman piece.
I checked out your stuff man,...very impressive!

Vahn, Peggo, great to hear from you guys again. Was great to see what you guys had been up to on your own threads. Love both your stuff!

Here's some orthoganal views i did for one of the characters for my teams CG challenge short film.

http://features.cgsociety.org/gallerycrits/155081/155081_1186146306_large.jpg

[ErichSchreiner]

thx a lot Craig, cool concept :)

[SVargo]

Omg. I really love your art.. How long have you been doing art in Photoshop? :)

[redfrog]

Hi Simon,

Thanks for the kind comments.
I've been drawing directly into photoshop via wacom for about 8 months now.
Prior to that i was just working traditionally via pencil and paper. I tend to find direct to computer via wacom is a lot quicker whilst not really capturing the same feel of linework but the compromise is justified in a work environment.

These days i prefer the forgiving nature of photoshop and kinda wish there was an edit>undo feature for drawing with traditional pencil on paper :)

[SVargo]

Aha ok cool. Ive been drawing for about 3 weeks. ;/ Not so good yet. ;)
Haha, yeah that would be nice to have on a paper. ;P

[theabyss]

Hi redfrog.
I just stumbled across your work and I think
you have a great style.
I was wondering how did you get this far.
Did you have some formal art training or did
you just practiced a lot?

[redfrog]

theabyss - thanks for the kind comments. in answer to your question, i did a diploma in fine arts, then a bachelor of design; visual communication (graphic design). I also did a correspondence course in cartooning and illustration at one point as well, but at the end of the day its all just practice - and to be honest there's a lot more practicing to be doing before i'm happy with my capabilities :)

[redfrog]

Here's the latest character orthos for the CG challenge short film.

For anyone intersted in seeing the 3d models that Danb (http://danb.cgsociety.org/about/)has been working on click in the link to our strange behaviour thread (http://forums.cgsociety.org/showthread.php?p=4579832#post4579832)

http://features.cgsociety.org/gallerycrits/155081/155081_1186748004_large.jpg

[redfrog]

more character orthos for the CG Challenge



http://features-temp.cgsociety.org/gallerycrits/155081/155081_1187518637_large.jpg

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