Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Esther: Updated Color

Here is my updated color study!  I spent some time playing with my first one in Photoshop to see how far the image needed to be pushed, and then I pushed it traditionally on the original study.  After pumping up the colors and focus, as well as changing some lighting, I am much happier with moving forward.

See for yourself how it's changed below.  The first version is on the left and the newer is on the right.




Unfortunately, some other projects need to come before the next stage of this piece. But I'm finally on my way to the final!

Esther Color Study



So, here is the color study! I worked at 6.5"x9.25" The final, which I'll begin today, will be 11"x17"

Let me know what you think and wish me luck!

***EDIT***
I'm actually updating this color study as you read.  Once I scanned it in and played in photoshop, I found these values and colors to be a little weak and taking away from the focus.  Here we go :)

Monday, October 18, 2010

Esther: Process

There's a long tradition of artwork inspired by biblical narratives, so I've decided to take my crack at it. I'm creating a series of five pieces based on women of the Bible. So far, I've selected two Old Testament gals and two New Testament dames. From the Old, we have Esther and Delilah, and from the New, Mary of Bethany and Saphira. For the fifth, I'm thinking of Mother Mary, but I'm willing to reconsider.

This weekend I was reading my friend's copy of James Gurney's Imaginative Realism. I was feeling lost with this piece, but it set me back on track - thanks again, Mr. Gurney! If you don't read it already, check out his blog. It's a wealth of information and inspiration!

Here is some of my process for Esther.

This first one is my original thumbnail. I sketched a few others for her, but I went with my first. It's important to me to show both her uncertain gaze ahead at the king as she approaches, what may well be her death, and her hands, clenched in determination.


I soon realized, that to match the format I want (a two-page book spread), my image would need to change. After I shot reference, with a model I clothed and lighted, and after creating the interior of the palace, I created this drawing. However, I bit off more than I could chew at this point in the process. I was making this 11"x17" sketch my value study; it was taking me too long and getting me off track. It was good, however, for planning out the format. At this point, I also realized the image needs another figure - a soldier standing guard at the entrance to the throne room. I added him in the next image. (Also, everything is outlined here so I could re-trace)


This is the official value study. It's about half the size and I was able to get a handle on the values in less than half the time I spent not completing my first try. The guard is suggested at the bottom.



Now, I'm on to finalize the guard and then I will move on to my color study.  The final will  be watercolor and pencil, 11x17.

I welcome any feedback on what I've done so far!  Thanks!


Tuesday, October 5, 2010

Finished Digital Painting

Here it is, folks! My first digital painting.


Corel Painter X


To be honest, I've never been crazy about digital work or the idea of creating my own. But after working on this piece and seeing what digital painting as a medium can bring to a piece, I have a new appreciation for it. There's so much that can be done digitally that can't be brought as gracefully to a traditional painting. For instance, multiple paper and canvas textures, charcoal texture over oil paint texture over watercolor; there's a whole world of mixed media that can be created and emulated in digital painting.

Personally, I think I still favor the confines of traditional media. Now, however, I'm much more open to working digitally in the future and I have a new appreciation of digital artists and what they endure to create a piece (hours in front of a computer - ew!). Still, I don't think I will ever get over working traditionally.

By the way - can anyone think of a name for my new monster?