Sketchbook Thread of Marcel Mercado

[Eiki]

Hey
Great start of your sketchbook thread!:)
Your figures have strong presence! NICE :thumbsup:

[SpiritDreamer]

Hi ...Marcel ...:)

Nice fluidity and energy in those gesture drawings ..:thumbsup:
I was just checking out your cg portfollio ....REALLY LIKE the I GIVE YOU MY SON painting, and REALLY,REALLY like the CORRUPTION OF INNOCENCE painting..GREAT COLORS, TECHNIQUE and IMAGINATION at work in those two..:applause: :thumbsup:
REALLY looking forward to seeing more of your work, and progress..:thumbsup:
TAKE CARE
Glenn

[-voraz-]

agree... nice figures and energetic lines.

cheers

[System404]

Thanks a lot on the feedback everyone. Got today 5 min batch.
Critiques and comments are always welcomed.

http://system404.net/images/blog/lifedrawing005.jpg

http://system404.net/images/blog/lifedrawing006.jpg

http://system404.net/images/blog/lifedrawing007.jpg

[Rebeccak]

Great work here and on your site, nice to have you aboard. :)

[NR43]

good stuff
hope to see more soon!

[Auria]

wow!! great stuff :D! you know the form really well. these sketches look really good. :)

[System404]

Ok got the last ones for the week. I'll be on vacation next week, so I won't be able to post anything but I'm planning on taking my sketchbook with me.

http://system404.net/images/blog/lifedrawing007.jpg

http://system404.net/images/blog/lifedrawing008.jpg

This one took me more than five minutes...
http://system404.net/images/blog/lifedrawing009.jpg

[lildragon]

THese are really nice 404 seriously. Where did you grab your refs from? Looks like very good studies. I got 2 days of missed sketching to make up for :) 9-5 blahs :rolleyes:

take care,

~t

[muttonman222]

Solid drawings. Can't wait to see more.

[System404]

Thanks for the comments everybody!

Lildragon-- Thanks a lot. I used this site http://www.characterdesigns.com/ If you go to the photosets, you'll find a lot of photos for life drawing. I also recently bought a book called: People and Poses. (checked your sketchbook thread, I see you have this book too!:) )

Ok here's some work from a life drawing session I attended while on vacation. My scanner doesn't work so I had to take pictures.
these are 1-3 minute poses
http://system404.net/images/blog/LifesketchUPR_001.jpg
http://system404.net/images/blog/LifesketchUPR_002.jpg
http://system404.net/images/blog/LifesketchUPR_003.jpg
http://system404.net/images/blog/LifesketchUPR_004.jpg

These were all 4 minutes
http://system404.net/images/blog/LifesketchUPR_005.jpg
http://system404.net/images/blog/LifesketchUPR_006.jpg
http://system404.net/images/blog/LifesketchUPR_007.jpg

[lildragon]

Thanks for the comments everybody!

Lildragon-- Thanks a lot. I used this site http://www.characterdesigns.com/ If you go to the photosets, you'll find a lot of photos for life drawing. I also recently bought a book called: People and Poses. (checked your sketchbook thread, I see you have this book too!:) )

Whoa! Had no idea this site existed! It's perfect, and compliments the mentioned book well. Thx much for the link :) Cheers and keep working!

take care,

~t

[System404]

ok something different this time.

These were inspired by Bill Sienkiewicz's old Agent of shield comic covers, and his work on the venture brothers dvd covers. Had a lot of fun imitating the watercolor look digitally.

http://system404.net/images/blog/Brigade.jpg

These sketches were done for my next Marvel Superheroes piece.
http://system404.net/images/blog/sketch_marvelcopy.jpg

Critiques and comments welcomed.

[Rebeccak]

I really like the technique of the two finished pieces and also the loose gestural sketches you have below. I think the gesture got a little bit lost in the left finished image, and the face looks a little flat. If you are interested in watercolor techniques, check out the traditional illustrator Jeff Smith:

http://www.jeffreysmithillustrator.com/index.htm

He's great at doing loose gestural work and adding splashes of color.

I had Jeff a long time ago for a figure drawing class, he's a fantastic draughtsman:

http://www.jeffreysmithillustrator.com/figure1.htm

[System404]

Thanks a lot for the feedback Rebeccak, and for the link to Jeff Smith.

I did a new Steampunk Star Wars character over the CONCEPT DESIGN THREAD (http://forums.cgsociety.org/showthread.php?p=4735252#post4735252)
You can check it through the link.

Also I'm putting more of my daily sketches from my vacation. The first three I did one night I was itching to draw and couldn't go out so I took my wife's cosmo magazine. The rest were done in old San Juan.

http://system404.net/images/blog/Lifesketch_001.jpg
http://system404.net/images/blog/Lifesketch_002.jpg
http://system404.net/images/blog/Lifesketch_003.jpg
http://system404.net/images/blog/Lifesketch_004.jpg
http://system404.net/images/blog/Lifesketch_005.jpg
http://system404.net/images/blog/Lifesketch_006.jpg
http://system404.net/images/blog/Lifesketch_007.jpg
http://system404.net/images/blog/Lifesketch_008.jpg
http://system404.net/images/blog/Lifesketch_009.jpg
http://system404.net/images/blog/Lifesketch_010.jpg

[batte812]

Hi Marcel, great sketchbook. Very strong linework and a solid anatomic knowledge! My favorites are the two finished works on page one. Keep going!

[bbob]

dude you rock.. kiu

[System404]

Been busy doing the daily sketch challenge, you can view it here (http://forums.cgsociety.org/showthread.php?f=130&t=557009). That thread has me drawing more portraits. Here's two more that don't fit into the "Replicant" thread.

http://system404.net/images/blog/lifedrawing010.jpg

[anandpg]

Hi Marcel!! Great sketches, dude!! Keep rocking!:thumbsup:

[AztcFireFlower]

Nice start to your book. I can see a good understandiing of structure and volumes.
Are you using ink or mechanical pencils? You have some clean strong studies.

[System404]

Hey guys thanks for the comments. AztcFireFlower- I did most of the stuff here digitally, and those that weren't done digitally were done with a regular 02 pencil.

[Cyanid]

nice clean style. Good character work. I'll keep an eye on this thread...I like the style.

[System404]

Thanks for the comments Cyanid
ok kinda fell out of the bandwagon here. Been busy trying to update my website, decided to take a break and mess around with photoshop's brushes. Made some "pencil" brushes and here's the result. Don't know how long I took on this cause I kept going back and forth between the brushes and the sketch.

http://system404.net/images/blog/lifedrawing011.jpg

[NR43]

Lovely work in your thread!
It's a real pleasure to see your sketches
You're gonna have to post worse things if you want crits :)

[System404]

ok hope everyone had some good holidays. Getting back on this sketchbook, new piece came out of the blue. It had been too long since I did anything fantasyish. Still a WIP, the details aren't final. Really wanted to play around with a lot of jewelry so I might change what's there to something a bit more art nouveau(more intricate and delicate). I don't like the spearhead that much, maybe once I have a look for the jewelry the weapon can borrow on some of the design.
critiques and comments are always welcomed.
http://system404.net/images/blog/amber_fury.jpg

[System404]

some more sketches

http://system404.net/images/blog/online_Sketch002.jpg

http://system404.net/images/blog/online_Sketch003.jpg

[Rebeccak]

Awesome stuff dude. :)

[SylvanMist]

Wow nice work, these are beautiful sketches and paintings! :)

[anandpg]

Hey Marcel!... beautiful sketches!!:thumbsup:

[nightwoodwolf]

very beautiful sketches

[Deepam]

love your sketches !! That girl is really beautiful.

[System404]

Thanks everybody for the comments. Today's sketchbook dump:

http://system404.net/images/blog/lifedrawing013.jpg

http://system404.net/images/blog/lifedrawing014.jpg

http://system404.net/images/blog/lifedrawing015.jpg

[MiguelS]

Beautiful sketches, you make such amazing characters with great shading and muscles.
They all look really good, no critics. :)
Keep up the great work.

[Rexs]

Wow, awsome sketches! Love the sharp lines and great characters. That horned guy looks abit like the Faun from Pan's Labyrinth:D

[System404]

I don't condone bull fighting, with that being said I always thought bullfighters where very graceful

http://system404.net/images/blog/toreador.jpg

and a wip sheet

http://system404.net/images/blog/toreador_wip.jpg

[Rebeccak]

Thanks for the WIPs. I especially like those drawings you previously posted!

[teo-disturbed]

Hey Marcel!
Very cool style you have. I like all of the sketches and your concept arts are really nice too. Hehe I especially like Siamic-Goat Twins. :)

[System404]

I did a sketch (http://forums.cgsociety.org/showthread.php?p=5430343#post5430343) on H.G.Lewis vs Jules Verne on the daily sketch thread. Decided to finish it.

http://system404.net/images/blog/juleswells01.jpg

[selphoo]

hey there

nice sketches, like the last piece with colour work

keep it pushing

cheers

[anandpg]

Hey Marcel! Good to see you back! "H.G.Lewis vs Jules Verne" looks cool!:thumbsup:

[RTjunior]

Wells Vs Verne is fantastic. Great job! :thumbsup:

[Intervain]

some awesome stuff in this thread! Gosh I've been away too long and missed some sweetness! :thumbsup:

[collings]

http://system404.net/images/blog/lifedrawing014.jpg

http://system404.net/images/blog/lifedrawing015.jpg


Waow gorgeous stuffs man, i really like especially those kind of drawings ! :thumbsup: ****

[System404]

wow my last post was Oct of last year??? I'm seriously slacking. Thanks to all for the comments. Work has kept me away from my beloved thread for far too long. I've been messing around with more painterly style as of late.

Here's one I started late last year for a buddy of mine at work ( he wanted to do a sculpture out of it, but I never finished it)
http://system404.net/images/blog/Pyramid_head.jpg


Another unfinished one, I like the text and the tinman. Might revisit it in the future
http://system404.net/images/blog/oz2.jpg

http://system404.net/images/blog/expressions_001.jpg

http://system404.net/images/blog/digitalPaint_002.jpg

http://system404.net/images/blog/digitalPaint_001.jpg

http://system404.net/images/blog/digitalPaint_003.jpg

http://system404.net/images/blog/digitalPaint_004.jpg

http://system404.net/images/blog/digitalPaint_005.jpg


Here's my latest one
http://system404.net/images/blog/queen_witches.jpg

[ganeshghale]

Great Sketches system404.

I like the portrait studies from the last post. ;)

[NR43]

cool update.
I think you could force the atmospheric perspective some more in "The Burning of Emerald City"
Love that skeleton looking over it's shoulder saying boo :D

[Intervain]

some really sweet paintings here! I like the latest drawings as well.

[vikramvr]

Great stuff in your SB!!!Love your style. The last one you did for your buddy is awesome. Why didn't you complete it?

[System404]

Thanks for the comments guys.

NR43 -- Yeah, that's a great idea. It's looking rather flat. I like the idea just not the execution of the piece. I know I'll be going back on this later. I definitely want to make it more epic.

vikramvr -- I don't know why the pyramid head never got finished. I remember starting it once we moved into the new office. Must have gotten a lot of work that kept me from tackling this, once all that work got freed up I completely forgot about it. My buddy never reminded me of it either he must have forgotten about it.

[digseven]

Hi.great work.like the variety in character.
especially the grotesques.
hope to see more stuff.

[System404]

Finally got around to updating my portfolio, you can check it here at system404 (http://forums.cgsociety.org/system404.net)
Here's some recent works.
http://system404.net/images/character_003.jpg
http://system404.net/images/capt_outst_001.jpg
http://system404.net/images/character_006.jpg

[Chokmah]

I really love the works done here System404 :thumbsup:.

Your thread will be my new inspiration link ;)

The gesture/life sketches are really interesting !

[aggie93]

Hey your work really has advanced over the years... I wish I could say the same!

I liked your first posts of gestures. Is that digital? I also liked the WIP post. It always helps to see how different people work through the digital world. The last girl and the one that had the sword is great work. Post more!

[System404]

thanks for the kind words.

aggie93 - The first sheet is entirely digital; the next ones are mixed.

[aggie93]

what did you set your paper to for that and what brush did you use? I like the look!

[System404]

Hey aggie93 sorry for the late reply. I made the paper with some custom brushes of mine. The line work was done with a hard brush and tablet pressure on size and opacity.

I've been taking a break from my computer since things at work had been a little hectic, but I did managed to do one quick study.

http://system404.net/images/blog/digitalPaint_008.jpg

[Cisc0]

beautiful sketches and studies Marcel! very inspiring thread.. keep it up please

[System404]

Thanks for the kind words Cisc0.

I had all my layers still intact so I just made a quick breakdown to show the progress of my paintings. This by no mean is how I always work since I'm constantly learning and experimenting all the time. but I figured it could help some people on the forums.

http://system404.net/images/blog/digitalPaint_008_progress.jpg



Here's a new on I did today with a progress image .

http://system404.net/images/blog/digitalPaint_009.jpg

http://system404.net/images/blog/digitalPaint_009_progress.jpg

[System404]

Always wanted to do one of those cheap paperback covers, here's my attempt at it.
All done in photoshop in about 2 hours.
http://system404.net/images/blog/Checkers_revenge.jpg
http://system404.net/images/blog/Checkers_revenge_progress.jpg

Here's the color palette if anybody's interested.
http://system404.net/images/blog/Checkers_revenge_pallette.jpg

[Tasp]

Great work! I especially like your fantasy pieces

Thanks for posting the w.i.p.'s as well, it's always helpful to see how people progress from basic blocking to a final product. Thank you for sharing,

[System404]

Thanks Tasp, glad you enjoy those.

Here's another study. Wanted to do something a little bit looser but still readable. Not to happy on that front, kept going back and refining it. Need to be a bit more looser and confident with future paintings. Also played more with color. Used 5 colors plus white and black for the whole piece. Critiques and comments are always welcomed.

http://system404.net/images/blog/digitalPaint_010.jpg

http://system404.net/images/blog/digitalPaint_010_progress.jpg

[System404]

A quick 20 -30 min study, using the same color palette.

http://system404.net/images/blog/digitalPaint_011.jpg

[maozao]

love your sketchbook

helpful to see the wips and your workflow thanks for sharing

[System404]

Thanks a lot maozao, glad you can find some use to the progress shots.

Another quick session. Trying some new brushes.
http://system404.net/images/blog/digitalPaint_012.jpg

[SoniaNotRed]

I love the variety, the creativity and the quality here but, above all, I love the motion in your characters. :applause:

[System404]

Thanks SoniaNotRed!

Here's another one I did today while looking at this artists (http://boards.polycount.net/showthread.php?t=53093&page=7) work

http://system404.net/images/blog/dark_elv_general.jpg

http://system404.net/images/blog/dark_elv_general_progress.jpg

[razz]

Lovely portraits! And other stuff, of course. It seems like you're familiar with traditional media also, these digital paintings make me feel that way. Well, are you? Great to see the process of the pics.
I like the background picture you use in the sketching phase of the portraits. Is it something scanned, photographed or painted? Could you share it?

[System404]

Thanks Razz, I used to do a lot of traditional media but once I went to college it all pretty much stopped. I've been wanting to get back into it but I don't have too much space in my condo to set a proper studio (I'm very messy.)
I'm glad my work gives you that traditional feeling, I've been struggling with photoshop for more than 7 years now trying to get it to behave like traditional media. The backgrounds you mentioned are all painted, just made them so I would never start a painting from a white background. Right now they are 2048 x 2048 patterns. Because of this they are pretty big. I made them smaller here (http://system404.net/images/blog/patterns.rar). At the very least you could make your own. Most of those backgrounds started out as me testing brushes. Hope that helps!

[razz]

Thanks a lot, Marcel. I'll go make my own, don't know why I haven't done that yet. Downloaded yours, so I'll have a great example and they will sure be useful for my work.
Oh, I know, digital is just so much cleaner :) But hopefully I'll make myself pick a real brush sometime soon too.
Thanks again!

[Jimtuv]

I love your portraits as well!! They are beautiful! I was having trouble painting with a similar package (Gimp) and found an alternative MyPaint (http://mypaint.intilinux.com/). It has made all the difference to me. The User interface is super simple and it has a lot of brushes and the ability to edit and make your own. It feels much more like painting.

[System404]

Thanks for the suggestion Jimtuv, have to try that sometime.

Here's a couple I had done awhile back and never posted them here.
http://system404.net/images/blog/digitalPaint_013.jpg
http://system404.net/images/blog/digitalPaint_014.jpg
http://system404.net/images/blog/digitalPaint_014_progress.jpg

Here's a quick one I did today.
http://system404.net/images/blog/digitalPaint_015.jpg

[Talaria]

Wow! beautiful works! I love the skintones
and Thank you so much for posting the process of your paintings, they are very helpful :P

[AbuAmir]

You have some outstanding portraits and great fantasy works. I would love to see a tutorial on painting made by you. Cheers!

[jabuhrer]

Very inspiring work. I love the lively colors and strokes.

[Aviva]

You have some amazing work in here! Thank you for sharing it with us, and for taking the time to show us some W.I.P.s. :)

[razz]

The portrait of the blond girl would be sooo awesome if not the drawing issues, looks a bit skewed. Keep flipping the image horizontally to see mistakes like that. It's always scary for me, but well worth it. And it makes me happy when I see no mistakes after flipping :) Great colors in that one also.

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