it’s great!
used only photoshop?GENIUS!
The Fallen, John Kearney (2D)
Bell7
#82
Incredible concept, detail and skin colours, amazing lava effect. 5*
Just out of curiosity, how long did it take and do you have any wip shots?
j-k
#86
Hi everyone, I’m a little overwhelmed by the response, I didn’t even realise it made it on to the front page until an hour or so ago (thanks for that). I’d just like to thank everyone that bothered to leave me a comment, your time is valuable and so it means a lot!
This is going to be a hefty reply and unfortunately I doubt I’ll be able to answer all of you individually. I will do my best, though, and if I miss you out then please just know I am incredibly thankful!
CGFelker27: Hi, I actually have no idea how long this painting took because I’ve been working on it on and off for a few months. If you look at my portfolio you’ll see a couple of images done for ImagineFX magazine called ‘Triffidia’, they took around 9 days so I hope that gives you an idea.
Intervain: Hey there Magdalena, I appreciate your comments, as usual! Made me laugh when I read that you don’t usually like this kind of image - well that may be the case but I plan to convert you! Mwahaha 
Ekah: Hey! Long time no speak… how are you? Thanks a lot for your comments, I’ve appreciated your feedback for a long time now 
Noodles2go: Haha, I’m glad you felt that, it was definitely my intention to make the image as creepy as possible. Ta…
GoldenRule: Hey, I have had a few people ask me if I’ll be selling high detail posters but I haven’t decided whether or not it’s worth it. I will probably submit the painting for possible inclusion in a few books. Hopefully it makes it, if not then get back in touch with me and I’ll try and sort a poster out.
Redha: Wow, I too hope Peter Jackson gets in touch with me - lol. Highly unlikely, but thanks again for your kind comments. I have been tempted to give this a go in ZBrush, which I absolutely love!
PMD: Hi Phil, glad you like the light and that’s a wonderful compliment coming from yourself. You have some beautiful paintings.
GreenShellFactor: Hi there! The process changes from picture to picture. It depends entirely on circumstances and whether or not I have been commissioned. This one is a personal piece and started out as a sketch. I had the conceptual ideas and the colours down fairly early, they appealed to me and so I went ahead and began to refine it. Obviously I don’t have a lot of space to go into great detail, but I can point you in the direction of ImagineFX magazine (they have lots of free tutorials for download, including some of my own). I’ve done a lot of work for them and you will find they have some very insightful tutorials from many other artists, too. Highly recommended!
SeifoSid: Hello, I had a folder full of snake photographs that I studied before attempting to paint them. I didn’t use reference for anything else and I believe it probably worked out for the best in this case. I wanted to keep everything as coherent as possible which meant I couldn’t source the too many of the elements, and besides, it’s good practise to just go with the flow and see what you can come up with! Cheers
Kyena: Hey, appreciate your comments, as always!
Muthauzem: Heh, I might do a 3D version one day, although I reckon it’d take me too long to complete! Anyway, thanks
Krisr: That’s a wonderful compliment, thank you so much.
JadeTiger: I am really glad you like the design! I had a vision of his arm being like molten lava and yet ‘energy’ at the same time. Being able to transform and move in any way possible, I think it would make an awesome weapon! Thank you, and all the best.
roaring23: Cheers, I am happy that you liked the subsurface scattering effects. I too often feel like my work isn’t complete which is why I keep chipping away at it. I think it’s probably a good thing in the long run, even if it does torment us! As for nipples… well, I just thought they’d make him a bit er… I dunno! Didn’t feel right xD
Dennik: I’ve had a few dreams that might be responsible! Thanks 
SlickGreekGeo: Hey George, your words mean a lot. It’s incredible to get that kind of feedback and I really appreciate it so thanks for taking some time out to reply.
Defonten: Hope so! It would be nice…
AndyH: Hey Andy, how’s it going? I can’t believe how long it is since we last worked together. Time passes by so quickly! Anyhow, congrats on the fact Ballistic have embraced your characters, fully deserved and they look fantastic.
MVDB: Hi Michael, I won’t deny it, it’d be nice
ShinnokSK: Wow! Cheers
DarkstaR1st: Well if that’s the case, the privilege is all mine! ta
Shetonas: Haha, cheers man, I’m honored
Dinodog78: Yeah, it’d be cool to have a go at him in a video game, althought I’m not sure I’d fancy my chances! As for steps, I once again would like to point you in the direction of ImagineFX mag, there are plenty of steps on their website, all free too!
Mu: Firstly, allow me to thank you for really taking the time to write your reply. It’s obvious that you have really looked at the image and gone past the superficial rendering which is an absolute joy for me. I am so pleased that you bothered to analyse it in the way that you have. I thought carefully about some of the compositional elements you so eloquently mentioned and my goal was to go for an iconic painting. I’m not sure if I have achieved that, but your words will leave a lasting impression on me! Thank you for your time and your response. All the best.
Wolfbane: Haha, until last year I worked mainly in 3D
Selenart: Cheers, that’s a very kind comment!
TheKapow: Hey, there’s nothing stopping you, just a bit of hard graft! I’m sure you’ll achieve your goals as the passion is strong - Cheers!
Bell7: I think I pretty much answered your question further up and I’ll be posting some detail shots in a sec! Ta
Right, now to apologise for the massive reply and to underline my gratitude once again!
All the best,
John
gaiXyn
#88
the way the skin wraps back into the horns is what really got me…I thought to myself, “he must of been born with horns then, for the skin to be attached like that”…as appose to them growing out afterwards…and that’s saying if he was “born” in that sense at all :eek: …everything else I wonna say ( the skin, lighting, anatomy ) has already been said better than I can explain…but I’ll say this…you are one of the best artist I’ve seen on CGTalk. Thanks for sharing…
ltr-
MoonVisionStudio
#89
WOW! Superb detailing, textures and technique. Awesome character to boot. The lighting is incredible… the only thing that could possibly be improved on is the story telling. Magnificent image overall.
STANER
#91
I totally agree with you, its really Amazinng piece of art.
At first i was thinking that this must be a 3D work.
loocas
#92
Man I love it!
It looks very 3d-ish, which is awesome for a 2D painting! Double the :buttrock: :buttrock:
I can’t think of anything to crit, it’s really cool!
from me man! 
ChewyPixels
#94
Now THIS is definitely front page worthy! :bowdown: I was wondering when this would show up here.
I’m particularly super-impressed with the subsurface scattering effect on the skin and the glowing, molten-lava limbs. A scene straight from hell! :twisted:
For me this is one of the more fantastic images appearing here in a long while. Congrats!
Djampa
#95
Wow man… congratulations ! This one is outstanding !
I just loved it, great in all aspects ! Not only I can’t find anything to critic here but can’t find how to enlist all the good things you achieved with this piece here.
This is a 5 stars and over for you with this one !
Oh my… More I dig the artwork more I find curious and interesting things.
:applause: :applause: :applause: :bowdown:
No more comments here… I usually don’t get “that” impressed.
I have a similar concept and artwork in progress that I can’t see the time to take it down, you inspired me to keep that till the end Thanks, see you
shattered-fx
#100
S.T.U.N.N.I.N.G. !
T.H.E B.E.S.T 2.D. I.V.E E.V.E.R S.E.E.N. !
5000 S.T.A.R.S. F.R.O.M. M.E. !
thanks for sharing,
-raffy
[thread=415081]my EON entry[/thread]
[thread=444055]The Mercenary[/thread]