The author of A Warrior’s Death apparently liked the last image, as she is now requesting three more (as she wants that same book split into the component sections and sold as a trilogy). That means a lot more work for me!
Here is the first set of thumbnails, each line is for a different book of the trilogy:
And just for kicks, here are the latest two acrylic paintings. Did I mention my respect for traditional representational artists has increased innumerably?
Beautiful wortks Laura 
An inspiration!!
From your sketches, I like 1, 4 and 9 - by far the most dynamic and book cover-ish. Can’t wait to see more!
The author wanted more snake enemies in the background. The beasts are described as half-human half-snake. The next step is to start blocking in color. Any crits so-far?
I really like the snake-men’s expressions - they look menacing! Will be looking forward to seeing this one.
My first acrylic 8" x 10" in a long time. A request from my sister’s boyfriend.
Based, of course, on the Hildebrandt painting: http://www.brothershildebrandt.com/Images/newhope.jpg
Any idea how to make these fellows more frightening? I plan to add a scale texture and fangs, but what else?
Hi Laura, it’s been a while since I’ve posted, but I’ve been watching and enjoying your work as usual
First let me say, I LOVE that last acrylic! SO cute! :love:
To make the snake men more menacing, I think it would help if you flattened their heads, so they would have more snake-like features instead of those kinda dorky heads (I’m thinking big brained nerds ;))
Also, you might consider reducing the size of their eyes, perhaps making them more “squinty”.
Usually large round heads & faces + large eyes = immature = cute.
Golgi!: Glad you like the last acrylic. It’s one of my favs so-far too.
selden: I think you’re right.
So it sounds like I should:
1.) flatten thier heads
2.) make thier eyes smaller/more squinty
3.) add fangs
4.) add scales
I think they are more frightening now. What do you all think? I added a bit of scale texture, rock texture, etc that still needs to be toned down and better painted into the composition. But for the most part I think I am ready to move on to the main figures.
Wow, those snake-men are looking terrific right now! But i’m wondering, where does those brighter little spots on them comes from? Brighter colored scales on them? I’m not sure what it could be for now, it looks a little too contrasty in some places though, in my opinion but that’s really the only thing i can point out on the last version you posted. The carved heads are looking really great too.
And i love the last acrylic you posted too, they are so cute! I really like the play of colors and how you made Darth Vader helmet look less human too, such a nice touch.
Very nice work, the scales look too pasted though, they don’t really follow the body shapes. Nice colours!
I agree: they do look scarier!
Unfortunately, I think fine detailing, like scales, is very hard to get right without spending a lot of time on it.
Wow, those scales look amazing!! You must have spent insane amounts of time on them! (I know I would’ve) But it’s worth it! Wow!
However, I do kinda agree with Dianae, that the scales don’t follow the shape of the bodies in some places. It’s mainly the lighter areas/stripes - they are all placed in a parallel fashion regardless of how the bodies bend and turn.
I also suggest tuning down the level of detail and contrast on the scales in chosen areas. That will give the image more depth and emphasize the areas that remain highly detailed. (I know you’ve already done this in places, but I don’t think doing it a bit more would hurt)
Edited to add:
They definitely look much scarier now, well done! But what happened to their pupils? Did it look better without them?
