Here’s the latest version on the first idea. This one is getting to be more tons of fun to work on. Everything is a brush stroke, and I’d say that no area is in a finished state yet, to give you an idea of the point I’m at. So things could still drastically change.
And I’m still brainstorming other ideas…but haven’t got a sketch done to post yet. I’ll let you know when I do!
Cheers!
My favorite concept so far.
Might be a single brush stroke currently (interesting description btw) but this one brush stroke produces a rather spectacular/adventuresome look. 
I´m curious to see the other concepts in case you´ll find the time to make them.
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Awesome! I love the water and sky. I think that if the background ship was leaning the other way, it might more emphasize the rocking ocean. Right now both ships are leaning at the same angle. Anyway, it looks great so far. Good luck with the rigging.
I really like the palette you chose for this. Everyone seems to have the right kind of expression and urgency about them. I think that the waves coming up over the ship could be bigger, but thats just me.
Really hope you stay with this one, but seeing as there’s such a long time left you might as well do a few more concepts
Nice sketch, has a good painterly look to it - almost like oils in some places. Not sure about the bloke on the right, though, looks like he’s been on the rum (and who knows, maybe he has…)
Keep it up
Somehow the painting reminds me of Craig Mullins pirate paintings.
That was a compliment. 
hi man! this sketch looks really ql, if u could still call it a sketch… I see it as a half finished piece. Anyway, I think that it would look better and more realistic if u put some more cold colors to it (blue hue). Right now even with all the action going on in this piece, it doesnt seem to convincing coz of “sunny” day in the back. keep up with good work man! I’ll come here more often
Fahrija - Sounds good, thanks man!
zpapageo - Haha. Oh yes, the rigging will be a tough one, heh. And that’s a great idea about the back ship…we’ll see how it looks! Thanks!
yAdam - These waves are a step forward I think…but it’s not there I agree.
enialadam - Glad you like it!
Baron Impossible - Aye. He does look a bit wonky doesn’t he? heh
Petri.J - Thank you. Lots of pirates out there…which is why I’m trying to push this as uniquely as I can.
NinjaASSN - It’s a great suggestion. The original intent was to use the colors of those old ship battle paintings you’d see in galleries, with the rusty yellows and gold. But I’ll try some other stormy palettes, nice!
Thanks everybody!
Hello! This looks great I really like the ship in the horizon.
Here is the thing i would fix. Theres no way 2 guys could ever pull up the sail or lower it in that size class ship. It also happens to be high storm so there should be people up the mast doing very dangerous work of releasing sails. Also about 10-20 guys more pulling them up on the deck.
Id also try to redesign the foreground so there could be lots more ropes and all kind of ship ahoy stuff there
But then again it could also be smaller ship with less crew so you dont have to change anything. Silly me! :wise:
This will be a top contender when you finish it up for sure.
Nice touch with the waves, although the character to the right seems a bit unless he is suppose to be, but anyways still a cool azz painting by far one of my favorite entries, good luck!
like the way you do the water,
think it’s a lttle closed up as an image,
very cool highlights,
good luck
Whoa… now thats what I call spectacular!
Your layout and choice of colors are excellent. I gotta agree, for a sketch, it almost looks like a half finished illustration. No complaints on my end… some of the characters need some slight refinement but Im sure that will come as you work on your finished illustration.
Unbelievable work dude. This piece just blew me away:thumbsup:
o wow!! I love it!!! (i love pirates anyways hehe)
I love the concept, the action, dynamizm, the energy… its alive, which makes it “spectacular”!!
Nice designs as well, clothing etc… looks like its going to be a perfect painting in the end.
Good luck!!
hey patrik
i dont wanna be a boomer, but i believe you are escaping from the mission
“Your challenge is to conceive and create an image that could potentially become part of future history as one of those iconic spectacular images”
thats whats on the challange site, sorry if wrong about your work! Im olny trying to help;.
Besids that your work is beutifull man…
astonishing