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LucrataNexarii — Gaster Practice 12
#gaster #wdgaster #undertale_gaster
Published: 2016-06-18 06:23:08 +0000 UTC; Views: 4258; Favourites: 287; Downloads: 23
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Description
Thoughts: A relatively rapid bit of progress, here is a more expressive take on W. D. Gaster, in the more organic interpretation of his appearance.
Between the lines of Undertale are found the sharp and bright edges of both hope and loss. Monsters live for a very long time, and the timeframe of Gaster's position as Royal Scientist is largely unknown (and haunted further by the long years it had taken to find a successor to his position). Any phase of his work will have doubtless represented years of his devotion, tedium, focus, and hope... And along that trail, he is sure to have spanned many trials and difficulties.
(I've still plenty to learn, including building a better handling of textiles and design. For the sake of my own project, finding the structure of Gaster's strengths and inner temperament will also be key.)
Materials: Digital work only, primarily a single layer.
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Comments: 50
huh... I dont remember this gaster... all skeletons died in the war...
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Shattered minds, memories, and realities... These are what go to those specters who haunt the psyche, demanding tithe of spirit in order to refract and bend reach into ephemeral glimpses at we who remain.
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Your profile picture scared me!
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You seem a flighty one.
I admit that I have let this remain a sort of relic. To everything it's reflection. And in the absence of information, unexpected surprise.
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Thank you. I appreciate the thought, though this is practice... Many other works and skills I've yet to put into place.
Now, if only time would move alongside the spirit I have for creation, yet alone the vales of thought that move alongside Gaster...
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Very nice depiction of Gaster in a more serious way. I added it to favorites.
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Thank you, and also for your words and thoughts.
Though my digital skill is still evolving along the path, there is something to be said of Gaster's level of resilience, and what he would have to face along his own trail of accomplishments and hardships. I felt that needed a due image.
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Thank you.
While this image style was experimental (as with most others of my work), it's greater focus was simply trying to capture something of the magnitude of effort (and failures or loss) that must have gone into Gaster's creations and their prerequisites. Capturing that in an image and motion or stillness is not an easy factor.
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woah.. that's incredible! Especially for one layer, that's just hands-down amazing.
The anatomy is spot on, too.
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Thank you.
While the 'single layer' type of works are a good challenge, to some degrees they are also slightly impractical. As much as I'd sooner continue to challenge myself with them, I should focus on rapidity of work; especially given the volume of ideas I have and time that I lack.
There are some areas here where slight, intended details disappeared in subtlety. Ones such as his upper back where I'd have hoped to have a bit more definition of his shoulderblades underneath his clothing. In other cases, I don't feel the figure is quite right... But, I don't have time to attempt to correct that. This was made without references, and a person's instinct for figure-composition and pose tells just as much as compared to their ability to work from a given reference.
Thank you for leaving your thoughts.
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i love this so much! it really shows desperation! this got me a good impact! ^^
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Thank you.
I'm glad that you've found a resonance with the image. Simple as it is, I wanted to use Gaster's stance to communicate much of what his surrounding difficulties would have wrought on him, and leave plenty of the image to the viewer's interpretation.
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your welcome! ^^
well you did it just right!
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Heh. It always makes me amused and glad to see when fellow artists use that image to express their regards.
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IKR XD it really shows just right....
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One things for certain, W.D Gaster died for his work nice detail and subtle spiral work really captures the stress of the moment
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I am glad you've taken time to offer your thoughts.
Although there is a plethora of interpretations of Gaster, I've yet to trace the solidified basis of my own. At the same time, it brings up a variety of questions on vitality and despair, alike.
My visual art skills still have yet to develop - but I thank you for pointing out what you see as most effective in the image. Subtlety is what I was going for, as opposed to a filtered gradient, or a greater variety of texture which may have overpowered Gaster's rough details too much.
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Gaster has been quoted for his brilliance, focus, and illuminating genius....
Doubtless also, Gaster has seen great difficulties in ascending to that point.
Through it, I picture Gaster as being strong, knowing the trail and terrain of hardship, and using it to temper and steel his drive and abilities.
Even if just through personal, private expression, I also picture Gaster as rather a poet - the vehicle of his insight and perseverance. (But, that's something for later works.)
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That's actually a pretty interesting headcanon. I myself have a headcanon that the skeleton species (idk how to word it help) can't die of age (which is also why they're rare like a few other people think) so yeah...
Nice art and stuff btw
i reall y like it
especially the fact that you did it all on one layer liKE HOW
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Thank you, Silvur.
I would not so much call it a headcanon, as made for the purpose of a story - mostly that comic of mine.
Truth be told, I don't have a headcanon so much as I take to the factor that since Gaster is split and shattered across time, space, and concept, that nigh anything is valid as to him. It's a kind of embrace of all fans' views, if you will.
Ah, yes, I've found plenty of unique little pieces of information or traits to append to skeleton-type Monsters, and they'll be seen in time in that comic of mine which I've been working on.
I'm glad you like the work. It was hasty and (relatively) fast... I keep it just to one layer to challenge myself. I'll probably keep doing that until I gain some decent skills.
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As someone who's generally too intimidated to tackle a more serious interpretation of this character in my art, I really appreciate your depictions of him. There's a lot to ponder and speculate on and it seems that you delve into different aspects of that in each of your pieces. Your commentaries are always interesting and thought-provoking complements to the art.
I really like the painting style you used for this, too! His posture seems very guarded and I get the sense that he tends to keep all of the stress and emotional burdens mostly to himself. The badge on the floor (presumably it just fell from his coat?) is also a nice touch that adds a lot to the feeling behind the image.
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It's very good to hear from you, StealthNerd. 
Thank you. I am glad that my works manage to touch on a somewhat less common aspect of Gaster as seen among fans; or at least a subtle angle of divergence thereof. The entire project I was seeing to at the time, this 'Recursive Tangent' comic (developmental/formative as it is), all stemmed from the simple question of how Gaster would have come to possess a genius-level intellect and personal tendencies, despite the limited nature of the Underground, it's low population, and it's complete isolation from much apparent development.
It's led to plenty of ideas and perspectives since - with a couple of important points of divergence from the canon in a few regards, but those are past events, and meant to build on the significance of Gaster as a skeleton-type Monster. They were placed there for various reasons, but had also led to their own curious questions and perspectives as well... For many reasons, Gaster is fascinating, interesting, and begs many difficult, abstract, and curious questions of self-composition, cognition, and concept. This is also brought further as his personality and mannerisms shift over time, including how he interacts with his few friends and his followers and expounds on their individual traits and values.
I like that you notice the badge. I left it's place there as something which could be interpreted many ways. Thematically, it falling to the ground could be taken as one symbol. Or perhaps it was listlessly dropped there as the tides of hardship settled. Maybe it was instead hurled there flatly and with force, an echo of hopes dashed on the precipice of new difficulties.
Similarly I'd left the hard, opaque, or abstracted folds of his labcoat as they were... A lab-coat is as much a piece of protective armor for a figure in a laboratory as much as it is an easily-recognized symbol of one's place as a person of technical skill. Crumpled and left to gravity, it needs the frame and strength of the person within to give it proper form.
... Well, such as things are. I have a long way to go in my visual rendering skills and digital use as I do just in needing the time to make my ideas happen; I have no idea how long this project will take. Suffice, I am content to toil for years if need be, so long as resources are available. Thank you for enjoying what little is here, StealthNerd. I appreciate it.
Go now, StealthNerd, for only you can comfort Gaster.
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[Please forgive this late response, I've been terrible at keeping up with messages lately.]
Oh my goodness, that's a great compliment, thank you!
Your comic sounds fascinating, even in the developmental stage. It's clear you've put a lot of thought into your representation of Gaster's character and the history behind and leading up to his current in-game status. I wonder about those things myself on a regular basis-- as you said, he's a fascinating character-- and in lieu of any canon information on the subject I'm always seeking out fanmade depictions, which unfortunately tend to be lacking overall. But considering your dedication to the integrity of the character and how well you've already painted him (literally and metaphorically) in such detail, I don't doubt your interpretation will be fantastic. I definitely look forward to seeing more.
I like that the significance of the badge is left up to the viewer to interpret. Personally, I'll go with the notion that it was dropped; the feelings that might cause a gesture like that are probably something I could relate to.
The symbolism of the lab coat as a piece of armor is also really gripping, and not something I'd consciously registered. Nice touch!
No matter how long your project might take, I applaud your dedication and I'm cheering on your efforts! Again, I can't wait to see more.
*gladly comforts the good doctor*
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[Time makes many demands, and as people, we can only take one direction at any point to meet those threads of possibility and want... Though perhaps we know of one entity that may be beyond such mortal limitations.]
Thank you for the reply. Especially in a demanding time.
I'm glad for your regard. I only hope I can substantiate my own ideas in due course. It's good to receive complex or comprehensive feedback, as it helps me gauge my own work. I simply don't have time to really look at others' works, nor compare - So, to have other fans like yourself offer their views is a valuable thing. (Not that I actively compare myself to others, but it's simply good to have a better sense of one's contribution.)
I'm glad that my version of Gaster retains the essence I am looking for. It's a difficult divide to walk, yet alone to formulate, and I am no artistic composer of great skill - suffice, I will try. And I hope it leaves plenty for yourself and others to enjoy. I appreciate your regards.
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What gave you the idea that monsters had longer lifespans than humans in cannon? (aside from boss monsters, I mean)
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Greetings, Fratter.
There was a remark made by Gerson that monsters don't age unless they bear children - and presumably, Monsters would only age so much per child. Otherwise, one could gather that Monsters will otherwise not age past the point of fitness/maturity at all, and live indefinitely - or, past any point at which they stop having children. By the same token, I assume that subsequent generations to the original parents will cause some slight aging effects 'up the chain.'
Mere conjecture, of course. Adding to that situation, though, the figure in the original Undertale introductory scene strongly appears to be Asgore. I assume that Asgore was present at the start of the banishment of the Monsters, and was there for centuries thereafter. Asriel's proper life was short, unfortunately, but still had some aging effects on his parents. (Then again, I might have misunderstood it all, true, but I've already woven plenty of meaning and structure into my project at hand.)
But, on the token of Monster ages and with respect to my own project, I was intent on leaving Gaster's age ambiguous, but that'd only be along a relative margin. However, time and comprehension - and, to a degree, age as well - are an important part of the material. Gaster's views, studies, efforts, and observations, as well as personal insights, are a part of the driving force of the material. (To be honest, it all started from a single question: "How does a genius-level intellect develop among such a limited and isolated society?")
Ergo, Gaster is compelling and fascinating, a figure of his own sort of empathy and sympathy, alongside fierce drive and fortitude.
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The examples you used are both Boss Monsters, which is difficult because those are probably the only and best examples of monster age (y'know it would be really neat to think that Gaster might have been a Boss monster but)
This is what I was able to wriggle from Gerson about Boss Monsters' aging in particular
www.youtube.com/watch?v=poyogk…
The same might apply to all monsters, we don't know...?
Evidence from the library about monster's funerals ("When monsters get old and kick the bucket, they turn into dust."), dialogue from BurgerPants having spent most of his life at the age of 19 (a ripe old age for a cat), and a Gaster follower saying Gaster's life was cut short (short from what? Did they know relatively how long he could live?) all suggests that monster's lifespans are limited and relative to the species. That could range anywhere from 20 years to 20,000 years...
Gaster, as a skeleton/dragon/ghast/poltergeist/whatever probably has a pretty long life ahead of him, whether or not he has offspring...
It's all just speculation, though, and it's really hard to pinpoint the biology of a race that is so diverse and made up of 70% magic.
Age ambiguity as of right now seems like the best course of action, but your opinion that Gaster has seen...a lot....in his life is a popular one and you won't be seeing much opposition anytime soon. I'm all for it.
IDK, you have anything to add to the matter? I've been researching heavily Monster biology for the past few months and I'd be delighted to discuss any further evidence or theories if you'e interested.
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Greetings, once again.
I assume that Gerson's remark over Monster aging processes (or lack thereof) due to offspring to be something which generally applies to all Monsters. Else perhaps we'd have seen at least minor evidence of Boss Monster immortality or longevity and it's consequences being mentioned or hinted at elsewhere.
I'd taken the library remark to come from a younger writer (possibly, judging by terminology used), but since Monsters appear to live for a very long time, it's inevitable that as time goes on, a Monster's chances of meeting accidents or simply becoming more frail as they age would be the primary cause of death among physiologically-older or just temporally-older Monsters. Of Burgerpants, I'd taken his remark as primarily cynical in nature - his life, however young, would be compounded in it's apparent, imprisoned time; ~10 years would constitute 'most' in that regard. Similarly, the expression of Gaster's life being 'cut short' is something that seemed more poignant to me, because Monsters' potentially long age might have meant so much more brilliant, fascinating, and uplifting creations from him.... Alas, he was lost to the Monster world, nigh completely. Virtually nobody remembers or even knows him.
Monsters lives may be relative to species. Again, it'd be interesting if so, and there's nothing wrong with that interpretation - it's simply that there's no mention of age-relativity anywhere in the canon.
Magical-composition relative to physical material is something I had been considering, but I'd also see it as calling up a host of other factors. In Gaster's case, and relative to the concept I have of him for the Recursive Tangent project, his individual/skeleton characteristics are actually quite important overall, and allow him plenty of points of insight into his own workings, as well as that of other Monsters, in part.
Of course, I'd like to be able to provide more insight into the context by which I say that Gaster (of Recursive Tangent) has seen an amount of difficulty, but that might potentially be a long discussion, and I don't have the time, nor does this seem the place.
Needless to say, Monster biology or traits do play a strong role in the Recursive Tangent material, in time. In fact, Gaster's followers (essentially his only friends) prove instrumental for their individual differences, each in their own way. By a similar token, Gaster's differences and damage are a point of discussion or plot events at many times as well.
Ergo, I can't really indulge in a discussion over Monster physiology or concepts, because it can be interpreted in many ways. I interpret and weave concepts solely for my own reasons. However, I could respond do your own ideas and reflect on them, if you like.
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Gosh, I love it when you write these super long comments <3 <3
Anyway, I don't believe Fox intended for the fandom to read so much into it (especially considering magic plays such a large role in explaining the unexplainable haha), so whatever hints he left can be interpreted in a myriad of ways, for that is only a part of the fun! LOL I, too, throw logic out of the window when I write fanfiction with magic for this is the best universe in which to do so. That's how I can get away with lesser-supported theories like relative species aging, haha.
I found that the Relative Species Aging theory works best for my story and your Indefinite+Child Induced Aging Theory works best for your story. Hey, whatever makes a better plot. Tbh, I'm really curious to see what your centuries old Gaster has to say about it and how his age has effected his character.
Nah, do what you'd like.
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I feel I should clarify that in my materials, Gaster is not exceedingly old. However, because of events in his life, if not his unique perspective due to his nature and background, he could be said to have a much more developed sense of observation and history than the typically-monotonous life of most Monsters of the Underground.
I could also (with a bit of amusement!) argue that I am not one to throw logic out the window in my planning and concepts... In fact, quite the opposite, as I find that delicate structure, implementation, and building recognition and insight is actually key to my materials. A driving force of the plot is Gaster's discoveries or personal growth, and so having a sound layout of factors for him to overcome has actually been a tedious part of my formulations... If not actual study. It's certainly pushed me on a few fronts of reading and (armchair-level) research.
I'd go on further about my basis for Gaster in the Recursive-Tangent material, but I'm sure that bits of commentary on any future works of mine should reveal that rather quickly.
I wish you luck in your own projects! I look forward to the next installments.
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hahaha, yeah I should stop; We are really lengthening your comments section quite a bit hahaha!
Thanks, and you too!!
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Monsters seems to not die of age, which surely made the loss of gaster ( and asriel ) much more disruptive then a death would be to a human. Lovely artwork capturing the exhaustion an endless existence could sometimes cause
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Thank you.
Yes, I also find it an interesting thought of how Monsters would view personal loss or difficulties in the face of their nigh-limitless age (or not, as some cruel factors go), and in light of their constrained culture.
That is a strong question and vane of direction in my current project. I'd like to say that I could move faster with it's progression, but I need skill - and primarily time - first. I am glad that others enjoy it, though.
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I am enjoying your uploads a lot, thank you for sharing them with us and the thoughtful commentary.
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I like this a lot. Very expressive. It's easy to see this as a moment after something went wrong and he's dealing with the personal aftermath of doubt and weariness. The colors are well chosen, not too dark and muddled that they blend together. They help set the mood, I think. I admit I read your other comments, because I love to hear how others interpret his character and life.
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Thank you, Devon-Aster. I appreciate you taking the time to leave your regards.
Strength and endurance often have their contrast and foundations in pain and loss. I don't expect that any Monster is entirely free from tales of difficulties or memories of hardship in the Underground - each in their own way, no less of Gaster, either in his role or in his ascent to that position.
Everyone has their views, and I have mine, including a few (perhaps unorthodox) choices of concept for this current project of mine. But, I have to march my way through coming to know digital art and execution first.
But, that aside, I had the same thought over the mix of pale, dull tones and the sole, heavier lighting of Gaster's face, hands, and lab-coat. I tend to see among fans that Gaster is either flamboyantly colourful, or primarily dark in clothing and visual rendering. In my concepts, hearkening back to his own earlier self-sufficiency (among other tendencies), Gaster's general, informal clothing tends to be in blends of earthtones. I've still yet to refine how that evolves.
I'll leave things at that. Thank you for enjoying the work.
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Wow!
He really looks alive!Not like a puppet,like an actual living being! The pose is just right!
Also,I love the shading!It's a bit rough but it's alright.
But the thing i'm really impressed with are the hands.
Every bone is shaded on its own,the structure is pretty good and they look like actual hands!
Long story short, i love everything about this
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Greetings, SweeTea. Thank you for leaving your thoughts!
I see plenty of divergence in Gaster's concept of exactly how he appears (and understandably so). I've tried a couple of types for variety, this one among them. The version I'd settled on for my 'Recursive Tangent' project has him being a skeleton (with a few divergent design traits), but that is also for various plot or thematic reasons. Further, in that concept, he does have a 'self/skin surface field' as if he were a living or more organic being - but it's only visible if there's something in his surroundings to reveal it, say, chalk dust, or fine mist, though said materials would quickly just dissipate again if he moved too quickly. This does factor into some silly little plot moments, or more serious or expressive visuals.
I'm glad the pose appears to be alright. I couldn't shake the feeling that something felt 'off' about it. In any case, if I can't identify it, there's no grounds on which to correct it.
I find that rendering hands can be a difficult task, more up to Fate as much as up to luck and formulation. While skeletal, I'd see Gaster's hands as lending to a natural sort of grace - but at the same time, deftness or strength, but also especially expressiveness. Finding just the style I need for those is slowly taking shape.
As for the shading, yes, I could have went farther with lighting and better form, especially for the textiles, but without references and working solely by reflex, I don't have the proper understanding for an effective piece as yet. Moreover, time is a real constraint, blended with my lack of clarity on what I wish for my style to be... Overall, I'm content to explore, and I certainly have plenty of learning to do.
I appreciate your views and comment. 
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I completely agree with you!
Hehe thanks and same goes to you! :>
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Aww... poor Gaster. Looks like a pretty rough time. =/
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Greetings.
Seeking resources from hidden depths and unknown formulations, placing those through engineering and testing, and finally making an attempt at a hopeful idea and execution - only to find Fate slamming that passage shut due to unforeseen truths and further findings.... This would be a haunting factor, possibly many, many times. It's not only the Royal Scientists formal ordinance from the Royalty above, but also from all of the hopes from the common Monsters below. That is quite the precipice to stand on.
Yet, Gaster seems like the sort of look deeper, and farther, and with greater astute intuition than countless others. Dark moments help reveal Gaster's strength.
In terms of my own projects, I have plenty to study to see to.
Thank you for leaving a comment.
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He clearly looks...unhappy...in this one. I bet we all have those days.
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Greetings, Sage.
In my materials, Gaster has already dealt with a certain amount of loss in his time, but by the same measure he also has a great degree of personal strength, belief, and fortitude. I'd need the darker moments to contrast the lighter ones... This is practice for that.
Gaster also goes through a few phases of character growth throughout - additional planning or practice for later. Still, having become the Royal Scientist, with so much hopes and dreams resting on his shoulders to seek and find answers, as well as engineer and attempt ideas - that would be a lot of pressure.
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Gaster looks like he is feeling failure and doubt. I like it. Good job!
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Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
I'm glad those qualities are reflected well enough. As much as Gaster was once known for his greatness, I'm sure the ascent there was marked as much by his devotion and personal strength in the face of failure (all of which is more poignant due to the fact that nary a soul remembers him).
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