Samurai

Submitted by RetteKram on Mon, 02/25/2008 - 20:14.

So I've decided that if I am going to be going to GenCon this year I better have a finished portfolio ready to show off unlike last time. :) This first piece that I am currently working to complete is a non-SW piece, but I wanted to show off this WIP anyway to keep you all up on how I am working my style.

For those of you that don't know, I have been struggling for several years trying to develop a digital painting style and move on from pencil artwork in my sketch book. Finally I feel like I am making some serious headway. Now I just need to steam-line my process so I can work faster.

I think I like working black and white first like this so I can focus on the composition, balance, and values. Once this under-painting is completed I'll "glaze" the color over it. Wish me luck!

~Mark

Click the images below for bigger versions:
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Submitted by Mercy on Mon, 02/25/2008 - 21:35.

Ooh, I love how you've managed to retain the almost water-colour/ink feel of the work while moving into digital. Nicely done - and good luck!
P.S. I don't know it needs colour, actually - I reckon it's good how it is.

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Submitted by Eclipse on Mon, 02/25/2008 - 22:14.

Mark,

It's looking fantastic, I can't wait to see the colors on this one. The clean up on it has come along REALLY nicely, kudos man.

Eclipse

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Submitted by Asok on Tue, 02/26/2008 - 15:40.

I bow in awe.

WHOA!!

Boshuda

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Submitted by CCR on Wed, 02/27/2008 - 18:21.

I'm with Mercy on this one. I really think the black and white looks great. Also, in it's present condition, it's kind of reminiscent of some Kurosawa films.

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Submitted by Eclipse on Wed, 02/27/2008 - 23:07.

Dude,

Go check out the L5R stuff... I think this is REALLY close to the sort of work they're looking for.

Eclipse

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Submitted by RetteKram on Wed, 03/05/2008 - 20:28.

Just did my first pass at the colored version. Been trying out different ways in photoshop to allow complete control over the color tones while still letting all the greyscale work I've done so far to show through. Any thoughts?

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Submitted by Eclipse on Wed, 03/05/2008 - 21:10.

Mark,

That looks amazing, it's great work, and I think you should definitely visit the L5R guys at gencon this year if this is the style you're going with, it looks great. Really really great.

Awesome job man, you have more to do?

Eclipse

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Submitted by Mercy on Wed, 03/05/2008 - 21:37.

Damn, man! NICE work!

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Submitted by RetteKram on Thu, 03/06/2008 - 08:22.

Eclipse,
Heh, yeah you know me I can't let a piece go. I do have a couple additional elements I wanted to try out before I called it done though. I promise my next piece will be a SW one. :P

~Mark

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Submitted by RetteKram on Fri, 03/07/2008 - 21:33.

Updated the color pic with some textures on the clothing and cleaned up some of the line work. Think I'm gonna call this one done for now. Thanks all for the feedback!