[vebjorn]

Ok
I need a few second opinions. I `n NOT done with this pic yet, but very close. What`s the problem is that I flipped it, as usual, and after tweaking it flipped..it kinda looks ..err maybe even better that way. I`m blinded right now, and would like to see what you guys think before I present this to tha publisha;-)
The lower one is flipped

thanks
-Veb

[gLitterbug]

flipped

Great drawing as usual, but I don�t like how he�s holding his axe.

[ceenda]

DEFINATELY flipped.

Yeah, I don't like the way he's holding the axe either. I think it might be better if the axe-head was facing the bad guys.

[ceenda]

Oh, fantastic pic btw!

[Sufi]

Hi Veb,

dont flip it. For me it feels like the fliped version is out of balance.

/cheers
Eckhardt

[MrPumpernickel]

You know...if you would've posted these in different order (i.e. the flipped first) I would've chosen the flipped. But because I saw the unflipped one first I'm biased and have to choose that one...

[Darkglade]

I assume conan is right handed, he is in all Frazetta's covers.
Also whether it is flipped or not depends also on what it is used for. The composition of the unflipped version is set as if for a comic book cover, leading the eye toward the opening of the comic. The flipped version looks a better image, but it may not work as well as a cover. I'd say you have to use the flipped version for the impact, and the fact that he is holding the axe in a right handed pose for that. The flipped version is also easier to understand, i.e. more clear.

I hope the publisher uses the flipped version. The paintings you have posted are also stunningly impressive.

[raiyu]

Maybe its just me but I think on the flipped version, the dark shaded region of his neck and upper chest is lighter than on the unflipped version. Making the flipped one look clearer. Or maybe its just the picture playing tricks on me because it was flipped

But I still like the unflipped version more, it just feels outta balance the way he is moving in the flipped one.

[Frosted Flame]

Holy shit, this is my favorite piece from you for sure Veb.

Would it be possible to see a hi-res of this image? I'd love it as my wallpaper..

[Dude]

Flipped

Seems somehow composed better that way.

[Arain]

非长COOL哦！不错，嘿嘿！

[Olve]

Ah, another Conan....

If Conan is right handed I'd choose the second.
Compositionwise I'd also choose the second. It's that "leading the eye the opposite direction of reading" thing.

The hand closest to the blade looks a bit funny btw.

Olve

[Sc00p-]

Looks the same to me. Wouldn't it depend on where the layout guy wants to put the type?

[kos.mandis]

Great pic as usual!
I'd go for the flipped, I think that the background (moon-mountains and lightning) look subconsiously more familiar in that position...

[ June 17, 2001: Message edited by: kos.mandis ]

[v1510nAry]

Flipped .. Very cool peice of work, lighting is awesome

[oscar]

Flipped.

Nice atmosphere, as usual

[burn0ut]

the perspective on the blade looks all bunk...
nice lookin piece though!!

[daz199]

AWESOME
don't flip it

[waylon]

Personally, I think the composition is a little unbalanced in both of them. He seems like he's a little too close to the side of the page that he's facing, without enough on the opposite half to balance it out.

All in all, I like the flipped better, but I'm with darkglade... You're probably better off with him facing the pages, instead of the binding.

[Anthony]

Flipped flipped. Nice work Veb!

[Awetopsy]

I say flipped. I think its very cool..

[Prometheus-ANJ]

I think the stuff in the foreground should obscure the babarian a bit, to give it more perspective.

[Briareos]

flipped. Something is wrong with the axe head though, the perpective looks weird, try another angle maybe?

[StatiK]

The axe should be facing down, because whenever you are holding an axe its almost always facing down because to strike you bring it up and then slam down with it. And he looks like he is in fighting mode.
I prefer flipped.

[Dryfire]

wow, thats really nice man.. i thoroughly admire your work

[egerie]

Thinking of your piece on a book I'd prefer the unflipped version. As mentionned I also think it'd be more logical to have the swooping motion of your composition pointing toward the opening of the book.
BUT, I don't know why but having the moon on the left of the mountain is bringing an uneasy feeling like stepping in unknown land. Man it's late

[empyrios]

Hey, looks really good. I'm not sure, but the angle of the axe head looks a little awkward to me, possibly in the wrong perspective? Makes it look like the weight of the axe head has bent the shaft down.

Someone mentioned that the composition of the first one leads the eye to the right ... they're right, that's what I'm used to seeing on covers. The flipped version seems odd to me because of that.

Whoever mentioned the Santa face in the moon - that's the very first thing I saw in the picture, so I laughed when I read that comment.

Great painting as always, Veb!

- Rich [empyrean / iCE]

[Socar MYLES]

Oh, I'll flip for this, all right...oh, wait...that's not what you're asking....

Really, though. I'll have to vote against popular opinion and go for the unflipped version. As often happens in 'flipped' images, all the small incongruities seem enhanced in the backwards version. The balance becomes problematic--he looks as though he's about to fall over (perhaps under the weight of his axe?) This is also a problem in the original version, but I think that by transposing the image, you exacerbate it.

That said, I do love your colour scheme, all those cold blues. I think some deep, smoky lowlights in red and purple...perhaps even some very dark green--could add some depth, however.

The highlights, on the other hand, are very well done, indeed--just enough to create a spooky moonlit atmosphere, but nothing excessive. You convey the impression of metal without going overboard (an error I'm often guilty of).

One minor thing. Your signature is a little intrusive where you've got it at the moment--Could you move it out of the main area a bit, perhaps? (Just a quibble.)

I don't want to give the impression that I hate this image, though. I really like it. (Man, I hate putting disclaimers at the end of critiques. But someone who shall remain mercifully nameless sent me a very rude e-mail after I 'dared' to critique his work, so, I don't think you're the flaming type, but you might have a fan who is, so I'm going with 'better safe than sorry'.)

[Socar MYLES]

Oh, yeah--I very nearly forgot--One more argument for leaving it 'unflipped--this may sound silly, but most right-handed people, if they aren't specifically thinking about lighting direction, put the light source on the upper right. You've got it on the left. And that is cool.

Yep.

[Salty Dog]

Anyone else see the cartoony Santa Claus face up in the moonlight?! I might be on crack.........

anyhow..I prefer it flipped.