HOME | DD
CMBaggs — Imperial
Published: 2013-11-18 20:20:56 +0000 UTC; Views: 1015; Favourites: 16; Downloads: 0
Redirect to original
Description
Glorious graphite, and photoshop... because I can't figure out how to tweak my scanner so that my scans don't come out looking all washed out. *sigh*
"Veni, vidi, vici!"
Ah... what to say? This is a character of mine from a piece of fiction that I have not shared on deviant ART, yet. Maybe I should. Anyways, Symmachus, here is an elf. He comes from a pretty xenophobic and expansionistic empire that had been, until very recently, bent on "saving" the "lesser" races from themselves. It's a story about character growth, and how people should be judged as individuals and not by ones own prejudices.
This piece came about because I needed more clothes practice, lighting practice, shading practice, male face practice (I know... he's not pretty enough to be an elf, but damn it, this is how I want him to be!!) and over all anatomy under piles of fabric practice.
Related content
Comments: 35
As usual I adore your style and all the detail you put into your work, this piece is no exception.
I feel like you didn't use as many different line boldness (is that a word) as you usually do. Which is fine, the defined lines look great where they are used.
Your shading is fantastic. I am especially fond of the shading around his face and neck. You really captured the shadows in relation to anatomy.
When it comes to his facial expression, I think it is a little bit lacking. If this is how you wanted your character to have a kind of blank look, right on, no harm. But I think it would have made more of an impact if you had just a bit more presence. (Maybe tweak the eyes?)
The linework on the armor on his shoulder looks a tiny bit shaky (but thats just me being picky) and the bolts(?) on it a bit rough. But it could never be as bad as when I try to do armor e.deviantart.net/emoticons/let… " width="15" height="15" alt="
Overall though, this is awesome. I am super excited to see it colored! e.deviantart.net/emoticons/b/b… " width="15" height="15" alt="
👍: 0 ⏩: 1
LOL, you are the second person to tell me that his expression is too blank, and I wish I could be more put off by this comment, but honestly I'm thrilled. The character is the sort that he internalizes almost all of what he feels, and it ends resulting is sharp, terse reactions which come off as cold. I don't believe in characters being stuck in any one state though, so I'll be sure to show more personality in any future pieces.
The Details: Well, I'll be the first to admit that I need more practice. His right shoulder gave me trouble because I have no (!!!!) idea how to shade silvery metal. Practice, practice, practice, right?
I gotta say, thanks so much for taking the time to give me this detailed commentary. I know things have been crazy for you.
👍: 0 ⏩: 1
That is cool, like I said some characters have those cold expressions. That's fine it's what makes them original.
For having no idea on the other details you did really great.
You're welcome, thank you for accepting it ^_^ Hopefully I can continue to get back into the swing of things here!
👍: 0 ⏩: 0
I always love how 'rustic' your black and white works are. You always make them look so old and aged (in a good way e.deviantart.net/emoticons/w/w… " width="15" height="15" alt="
I really adore his clothing first off. They're so detailed with all the folds and fabric patterns; I can't even imagine how long it took you. I especially love the details and shading around the belts and buckles. They look so realistic, like I can just reach out and touch them! The phoenix detail is beautiful as well; amazing work on that!
I also love how you can get such a unique harmony with your shades and blending; it's like you know just where the light hits and it always gives your works that professional feel e.deviantart.net/emoticons/s/s… " width="15" height="15" alt="
As far as improvement goes, I think the only things that stood out to me were his facial expression and the clothing patterns. His facial anatomy is really amazing, I just feel like maybe he should have a little more emotion if that makes sense. Unless this goes with his personality, than just disregard this. But I feel like maybe his eyes, eyebrows, and lips could use more emotion in them. As for the clothing patterns, they're really great as well, just maybe a little more shading and dark outlines to bring them out more would make them really pop.
This is a beautiful piece overall though, just like all your other works! I look forward to the story that goes with him if you decide to post it one day! e.deviantart.net/emoticons/s/s… " width="15" height="15" alt="
👍: 0 ⏩: 1
Thank you so much for taking the time to critique this.
I'm pleased that the details and overall pic came over well. What artist wouldn't be? Though I can see already where I can improve and focus for future attempts.
Looking at it now, I suppose I should have been more bold with the patterns. As for his expression, his coolness was totally intentional. I'll be certain to pour a little more emotion into future pieces, but he is the sort who plays his cards close to the chest. And he certainly doesn't wear his heart on his sleeve.
I've been thinking about the chapter upload. There's might be something in the near future.
👍: 0 ⏩: 1
Ah I see, well since he's that type of personality then I think the cold look suits him in this piece ^^ I'm really interested in learning more about him; I hope you decide to upload some chapters of your story! It's been a while since I've read anything. I still need to read some things from a friend on mine on here. I don't know about you, but I can read so much better when it's right in front of me, like in my hands I mean. Whenever I try to read something in large quantities on a computer screen my head starts to spin >.< Usually I have to take breaks in between so I don't feel so dizzy * o *
👍: 0 ⏩: 1
I am pretty much in the same boat, and lately, if all I have is my ipad, I've lost the will to respond using it as the touch screen is SUCH a pain to type with for long answers. Like the one I posted on the contest journal. Damn, some people really need to grow a little confidence.... but speaking of friends that write, I assume that you mean TrueRage's stuff? I've been meaning to get over there too.
Anyways, my husband is trying to push me to focus a little more on writing, so we'll see where that gets me.
👍: 0 ⏩: 1
I can't imagine typing on an ipad o____o I like the IDEA of tablets, but I don't much like them personally D: Nothing beats a good old keyboard to type with XD lol. I can imagine it took a while to write that reply though...but it needed to be said and no one could have said it better than you!
And you should write some! Like I said, I'm looking forward to reading!
👍: 0 ⏩: 1
He replied through a note, but he did not like what I had to say. *sigh*
And I hear you, my dear. I do. Just make certain you don't burn yourself out.
👍: 0 ⏩: 1
Oh gosh, do I even want to ask how he replied?
Thanks so much for your concern, you're so sweet 
👍: 0 ⏩: 1
Only if I can have your address in return.
👍: 0 ⏩: 1
Of course!
👍: 0 ⏩: 0
I love this picture and how you drew it to make him seem like he's a real person. I love the the clothes and how you designed them and his hair! I love his hair and clothes the most maybe... or actually I love the overall picture X3 Anyway, if I could offer one bit of advice or help maybe you could try to add a bit more to his face? It seems to be a bit lacking in detail (or maybe it's me not being used to elves faces)... I'm sorry, just trying to be a tad bit helpful... Though this picture is absolutely beautiful~
👍: 0 ⏩: 1
So I take it you like his hair and clothes?
Thank you so much for this comment and for your advice. It's great to find commentary like this first thing in the morning.
👍: 0 ⏩: 1
Indeed I do X3 no problem and I know how it is :3
Sometimes awesome comments on your artwork can be just the thing to start off a good day~
👍: 0 ⏩: 0
This is beutiful as well :3 the only thing i notice is his mouth, it looks like he dont have an upperlip, or the upper lip is black >< sorry ;-; i feel mean when i give critique, even though im trying to help XD
👍: 0 ⏩: 1
You're not mean at all, thank you for taking the time to comment.
I was playing with the shading there and may have darkened it too much. It looks better enlarged. Ah well. Something else to work on.
👍: 0 ⏩: 1
Thats good XD drawing male lips is difficult XD everything need practice XD
👍: 0 ⏩: 0
Hmm. Where to begin.
As I have said many, MANY times before, your attention to detail is legendary! From the way his cloak naturally folds and creases to the design of the armour and piece around his left shoulder.
The detailing on his face and the individual strands of hair are also very well done. And finally I REALLY like how you've done the sash style belt, the rope across the top and the emblem in front.
As always, this piece is amazing. Bravo.
👍: 0 ⏩: 1
I'm thrilled that you're liking it. My intention is to carry over this style to another armour pic that I am working on.
👍: 0 ⏩: 1
No problem, your welcome
And hmm, I wonder what piece that is
👍: 0 ⏩: 0
Wow the shading on this is fantastic and so silky smooth! I love the contrast between the creamy white and silvery graphite, plus his armour details and clothing are amazing! I love the subtle patternwork!
👍: 0 ⏩: 1
The pattern work was surprisingly therapeutic.
👍: 0 ⏩: 1
That's good! At least you weren't chewing up the paper in frustration
👍: 0 ⏩: 1
Yes. That would have made it all rumpled and soggy.
👍: 0 ⏩: 1
very nice work
how much time it took to complete this? I cant stay long on drawing something :/
and about photoshop. Every scanner needs correction in graphic editors
👍: 0 ⏩: 1
Oh, I know what you mean, about getting impatient and wanting to move onto the next thing. But I really did enjoy doing all the details in this.
It took about 5 hours. I really needed to think about every little thing, as I'm certainly still learning.
Oh, ha, that's good to know. I thought it was something I was failing to understand.
👍: 0 ⏩: 0
LOL, I have to search the meaning of xenophobic and expansionistic first before continue to reviewing this piece
this is really cool artwork, CM! All the details on his outfit is just breathtaking, I love how decorative his armor and your clever way by drawing them in "smooth" way (I don't know how to say it properly in English 
Last but not least, I think if your goal for this piece is as a practice, you are certainly nailed it!
👍: 0 ⏩: 1
LOL! NO, no relation to LOTR elves, I'm afraid. In my story the antagonists do not sit up on a dark scary mountain rubbing their hands together evilly, plotting to obliterate all to rule over a pile of ash and bones. And my elven hero does not glow with an unwavering inner white light of unshakable purity.
Thank you, 2Happy. I wanted to practice patterns and embellished armour. And I find that I really enjoy drawing in a semi real style. The classical gryphon on his belt is a nod to his "gens", or clan/house/family. I was *trying* to make it look simple, to show the texture of the metal, no different than any other belt buckle.
👍: 0 ⏩: 0
Thanks. And thank you for the comment.
👍: 0 ⏩: 1