Steampunk Myths and Legends Entry: James Robinson

#1

James Robinson is entered in the “Steampunk Myths and Legends” update: View Challenge Page

Latest Update: Work In Progress: Background painting

#2

Well, I have my concept. I most enjoy working with folk and fairy tales, but initially none of the old favourites I was looking at shouted “steampunk me!”. I considered using a nursery rhyme or one of the popular old children’s characters, such as Wee Willie Winkie and The Sandman and “Mary Mary Quite Contrary” (the latter might make an interesting piece - like many old nursery rhymes, it has a dark origin, and refers not to flowers but to Bloody Mary and her implements of torture. That concept is a tad gruesome for me, though). In my wanderings, I came across this poem:

[i]  The Sandman's coming in his train of cars,
  With moonbeam windows and wheels of stars,
  So hush you little ones and have no fear,
  The man in the moon he is the engineer,
  The railroad track it is a moonbeam bright,
  That leads right up into the starry night,
  So come you little ones and run up the stairs,
  Put on your 'jamas and say your prayers,
  And ride with Mr. Sandman
  Ride with Mr. Sandman
  'Til daylight comes again
  An you'll see all the wonders of wonderland
  In the Sandman's Train.[/i]

This had me imagine a flying steam train, which made me very excited. Incidentally, I’m having trouble sourcing this poem - I have no idea if it’s an old “anonymous” nursery rhyme or a more recent interpretation… it is quoted quite a lot on the internet, but seems to always be unattributed, so if anyone knows if it belongs to someone, please let me know! In any case, I have the inspiration I was looking for.

Edit: I came across a website crediting the poem to “Lisa Yannucci”, and felt I should mention it. :slight_smile:

  I already have an idea of what my Sandman will look like. He seems to be most commonly represented as an old bearded man or a goblin-like creature carrying a sack, but mine will fit the steampunk look a little better. For those familiar with his work, I'm going for a "Winsor McCay" kind of design/feel - I am a great fan of his and this concept seems to fit the Slumberland aesthetic very well indeed.
  
  Upcoming tasks:
  
  -Find many many steam train references. I have never drawn nor modelled one.
  -Character design sketches.
  -Train design sketches.
  -Composition ideas/sketches.
#3

I’m terribly late starting on this, but still very keen on doing it, so we’ll see if I can get the thing done in three weeks!

 Here's a quick sketch of the general composition (VERY general... the final image will not share much resemblance :)):
 
 [img]http://i212.photobucket.com/albums/cc98/TheArtistocrat/Art/compsketch.jpg[/img]
 
 Some concept sketches of parts of the train:

#4

Here’s the layout sketch for the backdrop.

   [img]http://i212.photobucket.com/albums/cc98/TheArtistocrat/Art/compsketch2.jpg[/img]
#5

Progress on painting.

The resolution requirements are proving a challenge. I have never produced work at print size before, and my laptop cannot handle such a large document with the number of layers I use while painting. I’m currently working at half the size and planning to flatten and resize when the backdrop is done, then add the renders and additional details and effects at high res. If anyone has any ideas for a better workaround I would love to hear them.

Time to save for a new computer, methinks.

#6

More train sketches:

I usually make a colour reference sheet of the complete design before I model something, but I think with the time I have left I’ll have to wing it from here.

#7

Quick sketch of the general concept.

Edit: Sorry for the repeat post. Forgot to submit this the right way the first time.

#8

Background WIP.

#9

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