HOME | DD
DrewGreen — Vil Mnth - 11 - Count Olaf
Published: 2008-10-12 03:14:58 +0000 UTC; Views: 10750; Favourites: 226; Downloads: 2265
Redirect to original
Description
Hey there!Oh, c'mon, it wouldn't be Villain Month without the Count!
Count Olaf, the sinister 4th cousin 3 times removed (or is it 3rd cousin, 4 times removed? ;D) of the Baudelaire orphans from Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events. That was a mouthful! Olaf is a dirty arsonist, an alcoholic, and a rotten schemer, but perhaps worst of all, he's also a horrendous actor but thinks contrarily.
I felt it was necessary to paint Olaf for Villain Month because, even though the end of the books was (to me) pretty bad and the character himself had really transformed from being absolutely terrifying in the first book to becoming Jim Carrey's goofy film portrayal of him by the 11th book, the Snicket books are a big part of my teenage years. I spent a long time being positively obsessed over them (my old AOL screen name was Baudelairefan6 - no longer active, I assure you), and it would seem wrong to leave Olaf in the dust this month since he really did start off as being a great villain.
In fact, the Snicket series has many great villains, not the least of which are Olaf's wretched associates, so don't be shocked if some of them pop up for these next 20 days of October.
Regarding the image: I'm surprised at just how well it turned out. I started with a really messy and amateurish sketch of Olaf and then used a painting method that I learned from a tutorial here on DA and swear by since then, and the piece just kind of unfurled! I think this picture looks pretty good regardless of whether or not it's just a doodle.
When drawing this image, I kept wondering how the old me (13, 14 years old or so) would feel about it, and I think I would have really liked it back then. Baudelairefan6 gives his approval, I suppose. ;D
Anyway, enjoy the image! Let me know your thoughts.
Adobe Photoshop, about 40 minutes total.
Count Olaf is (c) Daniel Handler and/or Harpercollins publishers. Image is (c) me, Andrew Green.
Related content
Comments: 129
This is amazing. You definitely captured the cruel spite that he had in the first book. ^_^ Also great work with the lighting on his face!
👍: 0 ⏩: 1
Thanks! I think he was definitely at his most evil in the first book.
👍: 0 ⏩: 1
no crap. reading it I was like "dude, this guy is actually evil. and this is a children's book. ... wow."
👍: 0 ⏩: 1
It's good to expose kids to a bad guy that's actually bad, though. Too often, villains in children's media are just too goofy and ridiculous. Olaf started out being really horrendous, and that was something I admired about the series.
👍: 0 ⏩: 1
*nodnod* totally. Rhoad Dhal (or however you spell that) did a great job with his really dark elements (even if they had a far fetched side to it)
👍: 0 ⏩: 1
Roald Dahl is a fantastic author and you can see a lot of influence in Danial Handler's (Snicket's) work. The far-fetchedness of both authors' works makes them incredibly charming.
👍: 0 ⏩: 1
Oh, awesome!! Those used to be my favorite books ever, they were so clever! But they did start to go kinda downhill...I skipped a few of the last ones and then just read the 13th. I have to agree that his character was much less terrifying.
But this is great, I really like it! Can't wait to see some other Snicket villians.
👍: 0 ⏩: 1
Thank you so much!
The 10th book was the last truly great Snicket book (and perhaps my favorite).
If you skipped the 11th book, you missed the absolute worst of what Snicket's villains overall had to offer. Count Olaf adopted this strange laugh where he would add a random word at the end of each laugh (for instance: "Tee hee hee topology!" *shudder*). Carmelita Spats had joined him and Esme Squalor and sort of acted as a "daughter" character for the two, effectively causing Esme to become even more ridiculous than she ever was. And once the hook-handed man's name - and sister - was revealed, he wasn't really that evil anymore. Really, they all stopped being evil and started being...goofy. It was awful.
👍: 0 ⏩: 1
I'm not sure if I read that one, but I do remember Carmelita being like a daughter to them, which I really did not like.
The books in the beginning were so good, they had this kind of hidden humor that I really liked, while at the same time being morbid. By the end I think he was aiming to mostly just be funny, since the movie had came out and more people were reading his books. He was probably afraid of losing his younger readers. However, I began reading his stories when I was in the end of elementary or maybe the beginning of middle school, and I really enjoyed his dark humor. The only other book I had read like that was Coraline by Neil Gaiman, which continues to be one of my favorite books. When an author can write a book that I liked not only as a child, but at my present age, I know he's good.
Wow, sorry for that wall of text. But one last note. I think we must be twins, separated at birth. (and I stayed in the womb for a few more years). First I find you like Project Runway, and now the Series of Unfortunate Events! What next?
👍: 0 ⏩: 1
It was exactly that dry, subtle humor that made books 1-10 great pieces of youth literature (well, save for #4 which was a little bit dumb - I refer to Sunny sword-fighting with her teeth). I started reading the series in...8th grade, yes, and I remember being happy to find something that was practically written for me - dry humor, engaging plots (if not a bit repetitive, but whatever), fun characters, and great illustrations (illustrations that would change the way I drew forever) to top it all off. It never felt like he was talking down to his younger readers, but there was enough reference and deep commentary to let some of the more mature readers really sink their teeth into the underlying material. I remember spending hours on the internet just finding all of the literary and historical references so I would have a better understanding of where he was going with the characters. In fact, I remember reading an autobiography of an American dancer named Isadora Duncan because the characters Duncan and Isadora Quagmire were named after her.
It's rare that a book series gets younger people to not only read, but read further, and I applaud Daniel Handler for that. But Handler absolutely dropped the ball once the movie came out - he made his money when the rights were sold and he didn't have to put a whole lot of effort into the end of the books. I agree with you, though - I think there was a lot of pressure from the publishers to do something a little bit "funnier" (read: not funny) since little kids would see the film and then go straight to reading the most recent book available for pure laziness.
And hey, don't apologize for text walls. I (clearly) love them! It's nice when someone has something to say.
In regards to Project Runway: Have you been watching? Who do you think is going to win? Personally, my favorite, Keith, went home in 7th place, so I'm rooting for Leanne. Kenley's stuff is intriguing enough, but Korto's line is looking just as boring as most of her other pieces in the past. I'm still puzzled as to why the judges were raving over Kenley's wedding dress, by the way - I just didn't get it. Still, better than Jarell's.
👍: 0 ⏩: 1
I really think that the books should have just stopped after some point, I know he was trying to make an impression by ending on book number thirteen, but it would have been much more impressive if he had done a extremely dramatic conclusion without worrying about what book number it was. Because,really, after awhile the plot seemed to drag on, and he kept adding in these new sub-plots which just made it confusing and messy, to me, anyways. Though I have to say I never did go and look up information about people like you did, the books did help to expand my vocabulary, in addition to improving my overall writing. I read so many book when I was younger (and now, too, though I have much less time), and books like this series really helped me in writing. I think that it's stories like these that can engage young readers that are really the ones that inspire others to become authors themselves.
One thing I really like about you, other than your obviously amazing style of art, is that you take time to reply to everyone. I don't think you've ever responded to any of my comments with a one word answer, and I really appreciate that. It's hard to find that here.
Unfortunately, I haven't been able to see much of this season. I don't get cable, so I'm not able to ever watch this show unless I'm at someone else's house. The last episode I was able to see was the Drag Queen episode. However, once in awhile I go to the Bravo website to check out some of the designs, and I really dig Kenley's style. I think her final collection was amazing, there were only one or two outfits that I wasn't completely in love with. Leanne is second for me, she had some really interesting dresses in her final collection, but I think the color palate was kind of drab. This [link] dress though I thought was so great, I would love to have something like that!
👍: 0 ⏩: 1
Snicket definitely brought an author out of me for a while. After reading the 9th book, I was compelled to write my own book (it was quite the ripoff, but I digress). I made it to either 40-something or 60-something pages - can't remember exactly - and even though I never finished it, I felt really proud of it. Going back and reading it (I still have it, it's in a tattered notebook in my closet), I see how poorly-written it was, but that's really not the point. It helped me get through some really rough times in my life, and for that reason, I have a lot to thank Mr. Handler for.
I've always been a word-nerd. I love the English language, so I make it a point to have a pretty good vocabulary. But Snicket definitely taught me some words I didn't know before, and he did so in a way that made them incredibly fun to learn by giving most of them in context while providing you with a sort of strange definition of the word. It was really genius!
About the comment thing - I'm really glad to hear that. I personally find that nothing is worse than when I leave a long comment of adoration and point out everything about the piece that I like and that inspires me and that brings back memories or something, and I don't even get so much as a smiley in return. I make it a point to always at least leave a "thank you" (in the case of those shorter comments like "this is awesome!" or "I like the color pink you used."), because I genuinely am thankful that someone took the time to write a comment in appreciation for my artwork. Plus, what's a community without interaction, right? I think we all have a lot to learn from each other as artists, and if one end chooses to do all the talking while the other chooses to stay silent, growth is impossible.
If you'd like to see the new episodes of Project Runway, you can do so by going here (on Youtube: [link] 
I make it a point not to look at the top 3 designers' lines until the episode airs, since I don't want to spoil the surprise. But I've seen enough to say that I honestly love what Leanne is doing. It's really wearable and, dare I say, "cute," though I think it lacks the wow factor that does best on the runway. I expect Kenley's line to be really strange, but that's always fun. From what I've seen of Korto's, I think it just looks too urban for me. There's nothing sleek about it, y'know?
By the way, I take my Project Runway very seriously if you haven't noticed. XD
👍: 0 ⏩: 1
I don't think I've ever actually tried writing a book; sometimes I think I have a good idea, but then I realize there isn't enough to actually write a whole novel. So I am amazed by authors that can not only write one book, but several, and retain an interesting plot and style.
On the next picture you post that has pink in it, the only thing I will post is 'I like the color pink you used'. 
Thank you SO MUCH for that link! It didn't work, something about Invalid Username, but I found the person that has all the episodes, so now I'm catching up.
I think Korto does have some nice designs; she seems to be very good at getting the garments to fit perfectly, but there isn't enough personality for me. Now that I can actually see these episodes, I can say that Kenley is definitely my favorite, I love that she brings a lot of 50s style into her clothes, and I could see myself wearing much of the things she designs. I really like the way she herself dresses also, which I know doesn't matter, but I just wish I could have her wardrobe! I really do like Leanne's style, but she seems kind of pretentious to me, which pulls away from her actual clothes.
Also, sorry for talking about the final collections, I wasn't aware they hadn't been aired yet!! Next time I'll check before talking about something like that.
Haha, I take it pretty seriously myself, the show is probably my favorite one on TV today. Ever since the 2nd season I've been in love, so it's great to find someone with the same enthusiasm!!
👍: 0 ⏩: 1
The trick to writing anything is taking a basic idea and running with it. How much stuff can you build on one basic idea? You should try it, it can be really fun!
The next picture I use pink in will probably be whatever picture I do next, since pink is my second-favorite color (after green). That's an uncommon thing for a guy, but I just like how it pops and catches people's attention. In any case, if that's the comment you'll post, that's perfectly fine as long as you mean it. XD
I find with Project Runway that the clothes don't mean as much to me as the people making them, or rather, the people making the clothes help accentuate the clothes, help us get a better understanding of why those garments look the way they do. In that sense, Project Runway isn't great because it's about fashion (though I do love me some fashion), it's great because it's about artists and their art, and it's the only thing like it on television. I say this all the time: PR is better than America's Next Top Model because it's really the difference between watching a show about artists, and watching a show about canvases.
In that respect, I can see what you mean about Leanne. I always found her pretentious and little bit on the preppy side, but I like the sophistication a lot of her work has. The clean lines and somber color palettes in her garments really reflect her primp yet drab personality. Korto has a nasty attitude if you ask me, and she has a lot of trouble saying thank you and appreciating things that are given to her due to her past. The bright colors reflect her attitude, and the sharp, fitting silhouettes seem to say something about her need to be in charge of her life (having spoken openly about her previous life in and exile from Africa), as in, nothing is loose and out-of-place - everything is controlled. Kenley is bombastic and a little ditsy, and obviously designs herself in the same 50s fashion that she does with her dresses. I think she's got the most to offer in terms of what is interesting, and a lot of what she does is unpredictable and whimsical, and while it doesn't always work so well, it really says a lot about her.
My point is, we as watchers have a huge advantage of being able to understand the art that these artists create because of their personalities and preferences, and that's what makes PR so great.
And hey, don't worry about talking about the final collections - as I said, I've seen enough to "get it." Leanne is doing waves, Korto is doing crazy colors, Kenley is doing whatever the heck she feels like (which is always fun).
Jesus Christ on crackers, that's a text wall if I ever did see one! ;D
👍: 0 ⏩: 1
Geeze, I'm sorry for taking so long to reply to this.
Who knows, maybe I will try writing a story some day, but right now I'm way too busy with school and stuff. D;
And I have to say, the personalities of the people making the clothing do affect how I view the final product, but in truth, I actually am not too bothered by Kenley's attitude, because I can be quite like her, even though that may not be something I should brag about.
Well, I saw the final episode on an actual TV (shock) and I must say I really warmed up to Leanne's clothing, and I really think it was partially because I started to like her personality better. When Tim visited, she seemed genuinely very nice, and the way she acted with her boyfriend really reminded me of a good friend and her boyfriend. And then I understood her vision better, and I was able to see the little details better. I still was not, however, a fan of her wedding dress. It was much too plain for my tastes.
I hope you've seen the final episode by now, it was really good!
👍: 0 ⏩: 0
I loved those books! (yes, books, not the movie lol) They were so silly and yet surprisingly clever. ^ ^ I look forward to any more of those characters you might end up painting. For now *plus favs* Awesome work as always
👍: 0 ⏩: 1
Thank you so much!
The movie wasn't that bad. It had great production values and it's good to see sets that are mostly built instead of computer-rendered (built sets are a rarity nowadays, as I'm sure you know), and Emily Browning as Violet was a great choice. Most of the cast was pretty good, actually. But Jim Carrey was insanely annoying, and I have to assume you're referring to that aspect of the film specifically. In that case, I really can't blame you for hating it.. XD
👍: 0 ⏩: 1
Mostly I dislike movies just because the books are ALWAYS better (to me anyway). I agree, the sets were awesome and I loved Violet's dress. But mostly it just annoyed me that they attempted to make the story so short and cut and chopped pieces to 'make it their own'. I despise butchery >.> lol I'll stop ranting now
👍: 0 ⏩: 1
No, ranting is good. Don't worry, type all you need to type. ;D
I think it was appropriate to make one movie out of three books since there were so many titles. But the problem there is, if you miss 5 minutes of the film, you'll be lost. The movie moved very quickly.
And yes, it was a tad butchered, I agree.
👍: 0 ⏩: 0
Oh man, blast from the past! I'd totally love to see how you draw the associates in your current style
By the way, I'm really enjoying these villain month updates you're doing! I've recently gotten into the old Mega Man games myself, so seeing your renditions of the Robot Masters is awesome.
👍: 0 ⏩: 1
Thanks! And hey, long time no see! ;D
I take it you are no longer at the 667 forums anymore? I can't imagine many people are.
And yeah, the old Mega Man games are really fun, but admittedly a little bit cheesy. I try to take some of those characters and really do something with them, so I'm glad to hear it's working.
👍: 0 ⏩: 1
Yeah, I left a long time back (although Tragedy still occasionally says hi to me sometimes, which is nice). Maybe I should go take a look, though, just to see what people are talking about now that the series is over and they probably aren't going to get any more movies.
Say, reading these comments, I absolutely have to give you a high five on your opinions of the series. Slippery Slope was basically the last of the series I ever read, because oh my god what happened. I was really looking forward to never having to see Carmelita Spats again, and comparing end-of-the-series Olaf with beginning-of-the-series Olaf was so disheartening. I liked him more when he beat kids and tried to commit incest, it made him actually scary.
Man, it made me so sad! I really wasn't even able to read the last three books, and I ate that series for breakfast, lunch and dinner before that :/ Plus, I was always sort of weirded out by how they singled out Lucafont (EXCUSE ME, FERNALD LOL) and suddenly grew him a backstory when none of the other associates got one. Even though I liked him a lot, I was looking forward to having him and Esme die, with the Baudelaires standing off against Olaf mano-a-manos at the end. That's what we all thought would happen back then, anyway.
Oh, also, I never saw the movie, but I did catch the ending credits. I have to say, those were the coolest ending credits I've ever seen 
👍: 0 ⏩: 1
I thought THE SLIPPERY SLOPE (yes, I'm still inclined to do the official thing and use all caps when typing the titles of Snicket books, because I'm a dork) was the last good Snicket book, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. But I think the series crashed and burned in book 11 (which was actually pretty atrocious, now that I think about it) and continued on as a smoldering pile of disgust in 12 and 13. I really only continued reading for three main reasons:
-Fan devotion, feeling obligated to finish what I had started and hung onto for so long.
-The yearning to learn all of the secrets that had been built up for so long (which never payed off, sadly - we didn't learn anything in THE END).
-Bret Helquist's fantastic illustrations which really only got better and better with each book.
I am a stickler for henchmen: I love henchmen in all shapes, sizes, colors, genders, and species because they always have so much character, sometimes more so than the villains they work for. And I was okay with Fernald (terrible name, by the way) getting a backstory. I only wish the readers could have been eased into it slowly, and I would have preferred to learn the names and backstories of the other henchmen in the series, too (my favorites being the white-faced women, who's departure was anticlimactic and unfortunately very expected due to the "two will disappear and never be seen again" cryptic hype-message). But really, the introduction of the oh-so-annoying Fiona and her stepfather, Captain Widdershins, who both collectively said the word "aye!" more times than the rapper Nelly says the "F" word on an entire album. Consider yourself absolutely blessed for not reading THE GRIM GROTTO.
I fail to understand why Handler took a truly terrifying villain, Olaf, and turned him into Jim Carrey's horrible, goofy portrayal of him. If I could meet Handler and smack him in the face for that, I totally would. It made me realize as a reader just how much that whole series hinged on Olaf, and when that character went downhill, everything else sort of went with it.
As I said in another comment here: Carmelita was a great addition...to book 5. Within that element, she was that horrible kid that everyone remembers from school. She was another unfortunate event for the Baudelaires to deal with, one that the readers of the books could really relate to. But I don't understand why Handler brought her back! WHAT was that all about?! He took a character that worked elsewhere and put them in an unnecessary environment, and it just didn't work.
The truth about THE END is that I hardly remember it. Even Olaf's death is a blur to me. I think he suddenly became nice and apologetic because of his love for Kit Snicket, and then died but I really don't remember what caused his death. It was a mess.
God, I could type several more paragraphs detailing the unfortunate path of the "Unfortunate Events" series, but you'd probably grow old by the time you finished reading it. But yeah, what the hell happened?
👍: 0 ⏩: 0
<= Prev |