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Chromamancer ā
Balance of Power
Published: 2011-04-16 03:17:15 +0000 UTC; Views: 58389; Favourites: 3435; Downloads: 5838
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Description
PiecesRight (16x9) : [link]
Middle (16x9) : [link]
Left (16x9) : [link]
Now, that is a ridiculous resolution.
All in all, this probably took me a good two months to complete. It is by far the most work I've put into a piece of art like this, and it was an interesting challenge. It was much larger than my monitor, so I just hope the perspective and composition looks good.
The composition on this piece was extremely challenging for me. I wanted to make all three segments work well as standalone images, but also fit together as a whole. I think it worked out well in the end here.
It was a difficult piece, but it was very satisfying.
I hope you all enjoy it.
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A DD!
This is certainly exciting. I'll do my best to reply to all your messages.
Thank you so much for your support!
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>ACHIEVEMENT UNLOCKED<
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Comments: 520
Hi Chromamancer
First off, let me say well done for sticking at it dude, especially after deleting and having to start again. I'd most likely have given up in disgust at that point. Seeing as you are asking for critique rather than plain comments, I'm assuming you don't just want us to say how brilliant you are. Before I get to the meat of it though, whatever else I might say, the fact that I've added this as a fav should tell you that I do really like it.
I've checked out the three sections separately as well, just to get a closer look at it all. Am I right in understanding that the center section was done as the last of the three, making a double-act into a threesome? The rest of my crit will be given on that assumption.
Not beating about the bush, the right section is your strongest piece, the center is the weakest and the left side looks lacking when compared to the right.
The right is very cool. It grabs your attention straight away and draws your eye to it immediately. I love the use of the phoenix (phoenixes, phoenii?) as secondary point lights. If anything, they are underused. The birds themselves look so bright, I feel the biggest one should be casting more light on the big dragon, maybe use it as an excuse to show more muscle deffinition in the upper forelegs. The middle phoenix could make a really strong highlight off the breastbone, and maybe even a bit more underlighting on the lower jaw. As well as the big dragon, the middle phoenix could have a greater effect on the cluster of infantry at its feet. It would be nice to see phoenix light glinting of helmets and spear tips, maybe even an upturned face or two as that big bird comes down low over their heads. I know I'd be looking up at it if I was there. When looking at the right side close up, the outlining on the forground big creatures is a nice touch. It crisps everything up and makes it easy to pick out individual beasts. The sun above the clouds and the 'hand of god' lighting effect through them is really cool - pure Dutch Masters, and maybe a hint of Turner, right there. The clouds themselves have so much detail in them, it must have made you go cross-eyed painting them. It reminds me of those super high-res shots of the horse-head nebula taken by the hubble telescope.
The left side looks quite weak in comparison to the right. The lighting isn't as interesting, the whole image isn't as strong compositionally. If I had to guess, I'd say you did the War March first and by the time you got to the Golems you were starting to run out of steam a bit. They just don't look as impressive or like they would put up much of a fight (even with the big guy) against the Dragon army. You could think about relighting it to counterpoint the strong lighting on the other side. The spell-caster on the flying disk between the tips of the large golem's swords is a good starter for 10. If you beef up that electrical spell you could use it as a really nice point light for some stark illumination of the sword blades and the head and upper body of the golem. Maybe do something similar on top of the tower top as well. A flaming tip to that ballista bolt could cast a nice down light onto stuff below. I think the most obvious 'missing' thing for me is the Golem army has nothing to match that glorious sun on the other side. Some malevolent 'fires of hell' style light source coming from off bottom stageleft would add a really strong contrasting uplight. That would balance out the against the strong downlight on the Dragon army and maybe add a cool bit of colour to the Golem army, especially if it was contrasting colour to the light from the lightning spell. An orange cast to the hell fire against a blueish light from the spell could be really cool.
I've left the center section till last as, for me, there's not much to say about it. It's just too big to have that little going on in it. It's nicely painted and I like the transition from dark to light. The tiny black birds(?) against the bright clouds, mirroring the white stars against the night sky, is a really cool touch. Apart from the castle it feels like a very empty painting. I can understand making it that size to match with the other two sections, but I think to hold it's own as the third part of a triptych it's going to have to have some focal points of its own. Maybe a village/town coming up to the castle walls from the left - then set it aflame and bathe the flanks of the castle in flickering firelight. You could have some distant aerial engagment between flying units from both sides going on. Think allied soldiers on the ground watching a dogfight between the RAF and the Luftwaffa during WWII - Only at night, and with more dragon. Ok, I think I'm getting carried away here, but hopefully you can see what I'm saying without it sounding like I'm trying to put you or the work down.
With that, I'll leave you. Hopefully what I've said doesn't sound too harsh and has given you some things to think about. It is, after all, just my opinion. If you do decide to rework anything I'd be very interested in seeing how it comes out, even if you end up doing something completely different with it.
As it stands now I think it's a really good piece with some truly great elements and some weakspots. A little rethinking could easily bring those up to 'really good' and hopefully a few more 'truly great' things will happen as well.
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Now, for the more complete reply. Thank you again.
The center section was indeed done last, and it's main purpose is to fit the other two sides together. One of my goals was to try to make all three pieces work well on their own, or together. I agree with your assessment about their relative strengths, too.
The right one was indeed the first one of them, and it's basically my first attempt at a large group battle scene. The piece changed quite a bit between my initial idea, and the final result... So, I might revisit the original idea some time. Using the light from the phoenixes for more dramatic effects and greater definition and detail is an excellent idea.
When I uploaded it, one of the first comments asked "What's on the other side of the battlefield?" That was rather frustrating, because I basically spent several weeks of work making something that almost immediately left unanswered questions.
I knew that I could just ignore it, and move on to something else, but if I persisted and drew the other side, perhaps I could make something interesting, and take both pieces up to the next level, so to speak.
The other side needed some variety with things that I wasn't as experienced drawing, though. I tend to draw more fantasy creatures and dragons than technology, or even human figures... I probably ended up putting a similar amount of time and effort in, not counting the restart. There were a few other types of units that I tried sketching in there, but ended up removing, because they just wouldn't even remotely look balanced.
Phoenix vs Zeplin is about as unfair as a matchup can get, after all.
Overall, the left side was much more challenging for me.
Your ideas about the lighting on that side of things are great, as well. Some more impressive and focused light sources probably could have helped in several different areas on both sides of this battle. Giving them some more magic, or firey war machines would definitely have been a good way to add some more balance to the lighting in this piece.
The third piece was without doubt the most challenging composition of the three. I didn't really want to include pieces of the two armies in there, because I did want it to be able to stand on it's own, too. Including a few units could have made it feel very incomplete, or lessen the impact of the two sides. It is not ideal as a linking piece, though, because it still does lack focus in comparison to the other two. Adding more foreground detail would add some focus to the piece, but that sort of thing might distract from the composition, as a whole...
Perhaps it would have been good to add something to the background, to act as an arbiter between the two sides.
Alternatively, a bit of conflict around that place in the back could help make the two armies even more epic, if it was implied that they stretch into the distance, even... Hmm... Now that I think about it, and have a few more months of experience, I can think of several better ways to handle that piece.
Thank you very much for your well thought out critique. It definitely drew my attention to several areas that I could have improved all three of these pieces.
This one has been around for a while, so rather than retouch or make major modifications, I think I'll just try to apply that knowledge in my art in the future.
There are always more ideas out there and techniques to learn, and that's what makes art so much fun. I'll do my best to continue improving.
Thank you again for the amazingly well thought out critique.
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This is awesome.
Thank you very much for the helpful critique. I'm a bit short on time right now, so I'll type up a more in-depth reply later. I couldn't just let this sit without response, though. Thank you again.
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*WARNING*GIRL WHO NEVER WROTE A CRITIC B4*WARNING*
here goes...
This might be one of the most breathtaking art ive seen all day!
The contrast of the colors and the mythical creatures that dwell on each side of the art is absolutely brillantly made.
I can feel myself being drawn into the dark side, but being saved by the light.
It seems to me as a Representative between the creatures that protects life and the reapers who distinguish them.
But what is curiously in my mind was that there is nothing in between of the two might lands O_O
And it also seems to me like they are about to engage in battle like the whole world depened on it.
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Thank you very much for your critique.
I'm glad you enjoy the scene in this piece.
A bit more of a focus in the middle would probably be beneficial.
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I've never written a critique before, so you will have to forgive me if this isn't amazing.
I am in love with this breath-taking piece.
I really and truly am.
I can't imagine how much effort must have been put into this for the amount of detail and sheer capacity of the picture.
To start with, I saw the right side first while looking at dragons and such. I was already amazed. The light sourcing, the colors, how everything fit together, it was purely epic. I love how the dragons can be different, but united at the same time. The size contrast generates the distance and power rankings well. Also the fact that it isn't just dragons, but that they are working together with humans and other creatures is amazing. You can see the battle-ready faces on all of them.
I then saw that this wasn't the whole picture.
And I was even more amazed.
In the center, there is a beautifully mixed array of colors so simply there and melding together. The scenery is silhouetted, giving the imagination something to wonder, what does it look like up close? Who lives there? Are they neutral to this battle? Will they be affected?
Now to the left side.
The dark colors make me automatically want to assume that they are the bad guys. Then you look to the other side and it's a fiery golden color, plus there are dragons and other fierce creatures. So one wonders who is right. That's up for interpretation.
I personally think the dragons, but that's my opinion.
The weapons that are carried are similar to that on the other side, however, there is also more technology in the flying machines, and castle, and catapult, if that's what I see in the back there.
Both sides look driven and ready for attack, but which will move first? Who will win?
I'm glad to say that this picture makes me want to know the outcome.
Overall, I applaud you tremendously. 20/20.
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Since I can't find where to start on this amazing image, I will start with the ratings, and why I awarded them.
Yes, I rated every aspect of this artwork 5 stars. But why?
Well, for the vision: I think it is absolutely epic. You bring so many contrasts together in this image: Good and evil, Light and dark, Human and fantasy... The contrast between them all is nothing short of incredible.
For originality: Well, quite frankly, I've never seen anything like it. I can't even think of anything similar.
Technique: Your vision was certainly amazing, but you have also managed to capture this, and apply it to a canvas. Your use of lighting plays a major part in this, and so does your more subtle use of curves vs. sharper edges. It is easy to feel as if you are witnessing the beginning of a truly great war here.
Finally, Impact: Well, I loved it from the moment I saw it. It instantly struck a chord with me, and that still resonates.
One other thing that I really like about this piece is that it has been designed to fit a triple-monitor setup. The middle image is entirely free of objects, meaning that for this setup, your desktop icons won't obscure any of the finer details.
It is wonderful to see an artwork this well thought out, and I feel that this artwork deserves every single star that it has been awarded.
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Thank you very much for the critique.
I started with that piece on the far right. When people asked what was on the other side of the battlefield, I was somewhat frustrated at first, but then realized that I might be able to make something much more epic if I add on to the piece.
The composition was probably the largest challenge on this piece, because I wanted all three parts to work well individually, or as a whole. The file was large enough that I had to work on them separately, too.
I am especially glad to hear that it left an impact with you. It's a huge honor. Thank you again.
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Well, I can certainly say that each of the images works extraordinarily on its own. As a matter of interest, I currently have the far right image set as my Win7 login screen background.
Glad to see my critique is appreciated.
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This image simply blew my mind, once I saw it in fullview. On one side, we have dragons, wyverns, - are that three serpents or a hydra? -, then that huge furry creatures must be wolves, I guess there's also a drake among them, phoenixes... I can't make if that in the background are ordinary birds or what, then there is also an army of warriors - From the context I would dare a guess and say elves, although there's nothing that would indicate truth of my statement. The warrior atop the dragon is also a great detail. Colors give away a feeling of warmth with hint of desolation, but in general, the side of life. On the other side, we have cold atmosphere with big warriors, avian/angel, catapults, balistas, kites armed with balistas, even a magic user + I see one more great host. Background gives us that - as I said before, cold background, which is desolated.
This image is full of contrasts. Day vs. night. Life vs. death. Technology vs. nature. Warmth against the cold. Image itself is, to say in a figure of speech, calm before the storm.
As for originality of this idea: where it comes to battle between two things, this situation like this is quite typical example - except that I can say that at this artwork, things are taken at least one level higher.
Style is unique, I've seen no one with style like this, and the only thing that disturbs me is that level of detail varies a lot from one to another part of the artwork - although that can't be really seen if the artwork is not being viewed on its native resolution with 100% zoom. I'd say that best way to see this artwork is download and seeing it in native size, but there is one thing you notice only in deviantART fullview: Light effects. On native size, they aren't really obvious, but if defiation is fit to screen, they are seen very well. e.deviantart.net/emoticons/c/cā¦ " width="20" height="20" alt="
P.S.: Sorry for such length.
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Thank you very much for the in-depth critique! I really appreciate it, and I'll do my best to learn from it.
I apologize for my slow reply here, as well.
One of the things that made this picture difficult for me is that I don't draw many of the things in this piece very often. For instance, those gliders are the only gliders I've drawn in over a year. That's part of why this piece was fun, though. If you see an area that could use some more detail, please let me know. I might go back and retouch it, to try and improve the piece.
I'm glad to hear that the lighting effects worked out well, too. I didn't originally plan on adding on to that first piece on the right, so making a larger composition that worked with it was a challenge, but I'm rather proud of how it turned out.
It's quite an honor to hear that my style stands out, and that you enjoyed this piece.
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Aloha - I'd LOVE to use this piece as book cover art. I sent you a note with my email address if you're interested.
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...Amazing. Just...there are no words aside form amazing.Ā
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Thank you.
This was a really fun project.
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Jesus Christ, this is even more awesome than the other one! Wonderful, wonderful job!
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This is a great picture to use for a desktop background if you have multiple monitors!Ā
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This makes a god damn AWESOME three screen wallpaper. I love it.
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Holy crap when I see this it makes me wish I could draw, so I go on MSPaint and fail to draw a stickman. Guess I have to stick to writing. The whole scene is literally breathtaking!
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Good work on the DD!
A war between magic and magitech? That colossus of a golem and a couple of those dragons look like they could cross the battlefield in a couple steps XD. I don't know which side I'd prefer to fight on... I love all the creatures on the pure magic side; they all look very fearsome and cute at the same time. I notice the one non-draconic, almost anthropomorphic wolf-like creature and would like to see an image of just his type of being in all its own detail, just to see what he is like. I've seen shows and read stories featuring golems and magi technology, and that can be just as fierce as pure dragons, although if one goes down, another can eventually be built, whereas the magical beasts would die. Then, I am surprised by the humans and their courage and determination to fight in this kind of battle where a human might be flicked aside like dust. I wonder what their fight is about...
This picture is amazing! I would LOVE to purchase a wall scroll or tapestry of this image, if such a thing were possible.
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Like the msot freakin' epic thing I've ever seen. Particularly the right side is <3
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Mere words can not describe the awesome, epic, beautiful vibes I get from this picture ;U;
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You have no idea how in love I am with this piece!!! Words cannot explain my joy 
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This is a very compelling image. The composition seems to be great as well. Fantastic Job!
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this would be one heck of a war, one hell of a battle.
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W-wow....I'm truly at a loss of words. This is just so amazing!
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-gasps staring in pure shock and in awe of its awesomeness- that is so......cool! So dramatic! So dynamic! So deep! So so so.....amazing!
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Thank you very much.
This was quite a project. I'm glad you enjoy the result.
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This is just an exciting and overall great piece. The time you spent on this was well worth it in my opinion
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This is one of those scenes where I hope Hollywood is paying attention. looks like the battle of the century is about to go down.
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The purple sides got a weeping angel. No contest there!
Awesome job, keep up the amazing work!
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I'm glad you noticed the weeping angel.
That was a fun little thing to sneak in there.
And, thank you. I'll do my best to continue improving.
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Great neutral feeling to it! At first, most people would be quick to assume that the ones on the right are the good, but if you look at the left you can see soldiers that have a more knightly and noble appearance, more man-made creations such as the Golem, Trebuchets, and Ballista, and there's also a personification of the symbol of Justice. Opposing this, on the right are mostly beasts rather than men, and the men that are there seem to be dressed radically different from what we imagine as medieval soldiers.
All in all, very good job, although I'm sure you know that already.
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Thank you.
It was challenging, trying to find a way to balance out the picture... I wanted to avoid a simple good vs evil struggle, though.
I'm glad to hear that the balance was effective for you, and that you enjoyed it.
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Yes, it was very much so^^. It takes some in-depth looking to see that it isn't a black-and-white good vs evil picture, but it's there.
Good job!
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Thank you very much.
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(belated) congratulations! is this your second now? or your first? i can't recall...
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This is my first DD.
Signing on to find that was a rather neat surprise.
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Thank you.
It's an honor to hear that.
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