[Duder]

Hi there.

I have been lurking on this board for about a year now. I used to frequent the comics boards, but when I left the comics industry for personal reasons, I decided that I needed to leave the comics sites out too. That brings me to why I'm here.

I have been very impressed by the quality of art tat I have seen here. Some is a bit questionable in taste, but they are honest attempts towards true artistic expression, which I can wholly support.

I have been racking my brains trying to figure out a direction to pursue with regards to computer art, and I hope that I have discoved a place to start.

I am wanting to paint. I like figurative art. I like fantasy art. But as I am a working father of three kids, I cannot pursue a degree in a Fine Arts program, lacking the time to devote to it. So painting becomes my after work release. My idea is to pose live models [family members, friends, etc.] for my paintings. This way, I can give a somewhat realistic feel to sometimes un-realistic or legendary subject matter. [For my first REAL print ready project, I would like to do a diptyche of Moses being placed on and then being found by Pharaoh's daughter, but that is another story.]

That being said, I am trying to determine a means of using photographs as a starting point for the projects I do. This is my first attempt at this method of working. Please let me know if it sucks, looks OK, is good start, or if I should give up entirely. [Though I probably won't do the last.]

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I began by selecting a random image. In this case, I think it's Jennifer Alba at some Awards show or another. I sketched out the image on a separate layer, then I placed the two images side-by-side so that I could render in a realistic manner by referring to the actual photo.



Then, using a custom brush in PSHOP, I started to lay in color in a painterly manner, with my opacity setting on, and the size setting off.



Eventually, I would like to work the piece until I can remove the line-drawing, and the painting can stand on it's own.



Mind you that this is not finished. When I am finished with this 'rough' stage, I will post it, though I couldn't tell you WHEN that will be.

Please leave me some comments. ANY comments, good or bad.

I would love to hear from you.

-DUDER

[Walkaer]

You've done a great job modeling the figure and cloth. I'm also glad to see you not using the Dodge and Burn tools that so many seem dependant . You do have a great start there, but I recommend painting from life (rather than photographs). You learn so much more. I really like the idea of you getting your family members to model for you, it will be much more rewarding. Other ideas for practice? Try getting a mirror and painting yourself. Paint the room you're in. I look forward to seeing more posts ^_^.

[ May 02, 2002: Message edited by: Walkaer ]

[Duder]

Thanks for the reply.

While I agree with the idead that I should be drawing and painting from life, in my particular circumstance, it is unreasonable to do so.

My schedule [work full time, tee-ball coach, Cub Scout leader, father of THREE...husband...] doesn't allow me long strecthes of time to be able to get a model to 'sit' for me. My art time is usually split up into half an hour here, an hour there...at MOST, I work on something for like 2 hours and then have to deal with a child who needs me, or a practice that I have to go to or WHATEVER.

Not to seem like I'm making excuses or anything...

PROGRESS UPDATE:



Thanks again . . .

-DUDER

[SWANYDSPIN]

Very nice rendering, your obviously artistic. try doing somthing not from a photo such as something thats laying on your desktop or a vase or something, just to get really loose.

BTW its Jessica Alba, shes so fine

[Sumaleth]

Keep in mind that "photo reference" should only ever be -reference-. Don't take it too literally because whats in the photo is almost never whats good for a piece of art.

Like her left hand for example. Immediate impression is that she has a peewee hanging out of her pocket. It doesn't read clearly enough so that's something your illustration should correct.

Also, you need to get more reds and pinks into the face, it's a very dead-looking hue at the moment.

Good luck,
Row.