If she didn’t wear the bra, why she still have her panties on? 
Abduction, Steven Hägg-Ståhlberg (2D)
Testament
#82
Quote:
Originally Posted by Stahlberg
…“Frank! FRANK! YOU BAST-”
maybe put him grinning, like he’d arranged that?
That would be a completely different image then.
Awesome work Steven, I gotta say that you achieved exacly what you intended because as you described it: (
"I wanted her reaching out to him for help, and not getting it. That’s why she’s angry. Just a few seconds ago he was like: “Hey baby, you know I’d do anything for you…” now she’s yelling to him:
“Frank! FRANK! YOU BAST-”
is exacly what i interpreted the image when I saw it, love it! Great work.
As for the reference thing, what’s wrong with reference? Everyone does it, how can you expect to draw something you’re not sure exacly what it looks like without having a looksie at it. I think it was awesome that he actually hired people to get good reference for this piece. If a pro as Steven is showing you guys the way he does his work, showing that he uses reference, even though he’s still an amazing artist without it, I think that should be an inspiration to all of us.
Again, lovely work, story well told, beautiful work!
Gord-MacDonald
#83
your in good company…
Great piece of work - no matter how you got there.
For thoses interested in the issue of optical references by (great) artists, check out David Hockneys “Secret Knowledge - rediscovering the lost techniques of the old masters” - a book which generated its share of controversy.
Gord
AAAron
#84
That gave me a suspicion that the legendary Stahlberg actually was a swede.
Stahlberg låter holländsk eller kanske tyskt
Fantastisk bild!
maNtodEa
#85
I think that maybe, girl’s nipples should be seen in that position. But I might be wrong. Anyway, great work.
cat33
#86
This is a wonderful image, I love the mood, the subject matter, the style and execution. It’s all brilliant!! Great motivational piece for me 
Happy New year!
-cat
chlywly
#87
This is now one of my favorite CG images I absolutely love the mood, the expression, the lighting and color… I really enjoy your CG paintings, great work friend! You inspire me.
P.S -> NOT using references means NOT producing the top echelon of quality of work one can produce, period end of story. We all draw life and from life, even our “imagined” creatures are all based on forms we have come to understand through life itself, through images imbued within our optical nerves… Using references only makes sense… Some people have a better memory than others, it makes no difference to me.
andreasrocha
#89
Wonderful job! The crispness of the body rendering is really great. Really well done, and you shouldn’t be explaining yourself to people who blatantly criticize other people’s work.
+5
heavyness
#90
the water looks awesome [as does the whole piece] and i like how you have some “making of” posts in there.
nice work!
Chupacabra
#91
So, i DID start a flame war. Always happens when talking about ref…
Lunatique: Hi Robert! Did you read what i wrote at all?
Designer: And did you check my CG Portfolio FIRST before saying something like that? Yes, i did all of that, with AND without the computer.
M@: True what you say. It’s about the idea. Just as i said that i love this piece because of the idea…
So folks, don’t hate me for “insulting” your favourite artist. But it can’t be all about ass patting, right? I’m outta here…
beelow
#93
Hehe! You finished this one! Sweet image and really nice color choices, I enjoyed in JOurney contest and I enjoy it now!
Hell I use reference myself. I think the importance is idea and composition of an illustration or concept art. People seem to get more play for coming up with something unique as this image illustrates. The idea is great and if Stahlberg traces some of his photo refs oh well. It well executed and nicely polished piece. I wish I can use photos to that degree! Whatever works to get it done use it! Stahlberg taught me to do that! Thanx again for another inspirational image!
shtl
#94
Just passed by to thanks this image and its author, it’s a great atmosphere, 80’s oldschool lighting movies style in my mind. Strongly feel it. Freshness of night, warmness, stupefaction… I founded it trippy! Felt like I was there, like it’s from my own experience, memory… This is a kind of image I’d like to be able to render and share with others within one image.
This can only (?) be done with à masterness of lightning technicity (above all) me think.
So thanks for sharing this peace with us.
(and sorry for my awefull english ^^)
Lunatique
#95
I read every word.
I don’t see any difference in the way you use references and how Steven uses references. So why does it seem like you are criticizing the way he uses references? I’m not being confrontational, I’m just curious, because the way you expressed your thoughts leads me to believe you are confused about a few different aspects of how different people use references.
As far as doing everything without the computer–that really doesn’t mean anything in this day and age in the entertainment industry. This is a CG forum, and its members are CG artists. We all work in industries that REQUIRE us to do work on the computer. Some of us can draw/paint without the computer just fine (have you seen Steven’s oil paintings? They are very good), and have been doing art without the computer for many years before we even touched a computer.
Once again, I guess I’m just not understanding your position in the points you bring up–they don’t seem to make sense when applied to the work being discussed.
Raul-Reznek
#97
no way squibbit(you finland ppl are crazy, in the good way haha ), mr. S did it the best way. What he said is perfectly visible. I mean, u can see the guy is a coward or that he is that type that takes advantage of women. Something in his face reminds me of Gattaka and Ethan H, just the facial features and not the expression.
and about the tracing stuff, come on! the moment max kor posted his elf, everyone started asking all sorts of stupid questions. i just saw a dude say dalli is a retard, so it means that there are a lot of stupid ppl on these boards… i just cant wait for the day someone says i am copying something lol
FabioMSilva
#98
great work steven. Great images require great references(in most cases) and lots of time.
you seem to do great when using references. I’d like to ask you a question. Normally do you stick with a single reference for a model/image?(such as a single model) or you can pick a little of bit of this one , and a bit of that(from several different models)? I’m curious about your methodology.
Really great work.
MrPositive
#99
Hey Chup, I think your work is splendid as well and both points on reference make sense. Don’t leave…