[rdgraffix]

Well, I've been quiet for far too long. Every time I started to get something achieved on one of my pictures, some other work came up, and it got left by the wayside.

This portrait of a friend finally gave me the chance to get something finished.

So what's the verdict? Is this Painter stuff of mine actually going anywhere, or am I just kidding myself?

[digistyle]

I like it, but (there's always a "but" ), I think it needs more contrasts (strengthen the facial shadows). Just my 2 cents.

[rdgraffix]

Thanks digistyle.
Viewing this through the web, rather than Photoshop, or the proof, the facial tones do look a bit pale.
I was going for high contrast between the pale skin, and the dark background, but it's just too flat when seen through the browser like this. Damn these color inconsistancies!

Maybe the original could do with a bit more contrast though.

[Rinaldo]

looking good rowan, I like the contrast between her skin and the black. nice shapes=)

[rdgraffix]

Thanks Rinaldo, it's good to talk again, BTW.

I was paying attention to the shape design when creating this one. Since Spooge's talks on improving his own shape design, I've been paying attention to an aspect of art that I never consciously realised before.

I've come across John Van Fleets work on the latest Vampire: The Masquerade covers, and he's inspired me to look at my work in a new way.

I'm also trying to work on my composition - I think it's one of my weaker areas, but it's so hard to develop an eye for.

[Collosimo]

Hi there RD...

I still see your website in Design Graphics now and then... whenever I browse through it for some inspiration..

Nice pic. You seem to be able to bridge quite a range of styles and content within your pics. I know you are good with PS technically, and I have seen most of your pics on the website. I like the variation in topics you do... cartoony, fantasy, portrait, manip, illustration, I like that purple hand holding a card! hehe and the turkey too! LOL

What did you mean by shape design?? I think you mean the way in which you put down solid blocks of colour... eg.. on the chest and the hair you have used simple shapes and blocks of colour to represent much more complex things.. is that what you meant by shape design?

I think your composition is pretty good, judging on all your work I have seen, but there is always room for improvement. You are going somewhere with painter! btw. Like I said.. you seem to have a large range of interests, talent and technical knowledge in GFX, so painter is just another one to add to your plethora of visual weaponry!

[Cos]

Looks great to me, I think you did an excellent job Rowan. Very realistic with just the simple shapes, you should definetely do more like this.

[catnip]

WOW! I love this!!!!!!!!
You have just been added to my list of
"the best" on the Sijun forum!!!

MORE MORE MORE!

[rdgraffix]

Thanks for your replies everyone. Sorry I didn't answer sooner, but I'd just assumed that this would have slipped off everyones radar by now.

Thank you for your comments Collosimo. It's good to hear from you again as well. I'm still not sure if it's a good thing to work in as many styles as I do, it sort of leaves me with no defining style that people immediately associate with me. It's kind of neccesssary for my job though. Working in an advertising agency, I get a lot of art directors come to me with a style they've fallen in love with and ask me give my work that feel for whatever campaign they're working on. It means you have to be adept at a lot of different techniques (which I don't claim to be ), but it's challenging and keeps me on my toes.

As for shape design, I'm definately not the best person to explain this, but I'll have a shot. If anyones wants to put in their views on it, they're more than welcome.

What I mean by shape design is being conscious of the shapes that are naturally formed by any subject. Not just the outline, but things like the shapes made by blocks of light and shadow. I'm starting to be more conscious of this sort of thing, and I'm trying to simplify the shapes and make them interesting, without altering the percieved structure of the subject. A great example of this is the work of John Van Fleet. Have a look at this link, and notice the way he accentuates the shapes in his work:

http://johnvanfleet.com/covers1.html

I can't believe it. I allready hate this painting! The flatness of her flesh tones have been nagging at me all week, but I haven't had the time to go back and look at changing it. I always do this. I guess it's good though - if I was happy with my work, how would I ever progress?

[Rinaldo]

I hadn't seen John Van Fleet's work, very nice. and yes, excelent shape design