Preserved Topic: crit this pic

Or ask questions. Comments n crits are cool tho that would be good. Rip me a new one.... or start a party if you like.



This is for Angel. Thanks to JKMabry for the chat.

99 bottles of beer on the wall......

Weadah, you are good. The text is quite hard to read, though. The angel looks really life-like, good job on the wings too. Well, on the wings? on everything really. You can cram such a fabulous amount of detail in a piece... it's amazing. I love the athmosphere of the pic, I really feel sorry for the angel...

Edit: ask questions you say?
a) how long did you spend on it, in hours?
b) can I have a look at the *.psd? (if that's not too rude a question)
c) Are the things like the hair scaled down or was this all the same resolution? (I figure it propably was, you can't maintain those details when sizing down)



[This message has been edited by mahjqa (edited 11-22-2001).]

Really impressive, Weadz. ( again )

It`s all there, concept, execution, detailing. Very nice.

You guys with the microscope eyes, and your pixel fonts...

<edit> I say start the Party !! </edit>



Beauty is in the eye of the beerholder

[This message has been edited by docilebob (edited 11-22-2001).]

Great technique as always Wead!

Just a couple minor things though...the hand might be just a tad small and the forshortening of the forearm
seems a bit off .....maybe extend a bit with some shadow to define the separate bone structure.
could use a bit more shadow under the head on the right arm to give the head some weight.
Might drape some of the gown material a bit forward to break up that "C" shape too.

Beautifull work...

cheers
kromaZ

~Vp~

double-yoo oh aye aich exclamation-point

Damn, this is good work! Again!! I'm speachless!!!

Softhead

That's beautiful Weadah! Good job, looks like you put a lot of work into this piece. My only suggestion would be to have some forground fog/smoke, so the forground doens't look so separate from the background. But if you choose not to, it still kicks ass!

Cheers
D

All right big guy, you know I love the work, but the arse has far too many lipprints already, so let's get nitty gritty

I'll reference all directions from the viewer's POV.

The arm on the left has a severe problem with length from elbow to wrist joint. Note that the wrist looks soft going under the arm on the right, seeming to be just more extension of the forearm. Something needs a bit of bottom shade to seem like a joint is sitting there.

The arm on the right looks good, but the hand has issues. Very tiny, and somehow flat compared to the rest of the image. Cheating on the tones?

The dagger/sword needs more contrast to it, or rather contrast from the surroundings. Look at maybe darkening the edge lines and shades, since it nearly blends in with the stone right now. Plus, examine the foreshortening on the blade a bit, the perspective looks a bit wonky just yet, going up and flat to the stone, instead of more toward the viewer, as the hand and hilt suggest.

The shadows from the leaves, the tones of the grass and stone, etc. are wonderful. I love the bit of depth that they add, however, I think the sats of the blue garment are far too high. Maybe even it out with a bit of yellow high and lowlight here and there? Just seems a bit flat, and out of place. Aside from the side of the face, and the armbands, this is the only area that really caught my eye as being "wrong" somehow.

The side of the face is a nice shadow/hide, but seems a bit soft, esecially where the hair should be overhanging, maybe tighten that up a bit..hit the old one px brush? As for the armbands...dude...what are the made of? High sats for gold, and not much for realism. I like how they seem a bit unreal to capture the fantasy feel, but I think with the near photo-realism of the grass, they seem a bit shoddy. Maybe dropping the sats there, and or working in some green and light blues? Something, maybe even a subtle brown to tone it down, make with the tarnish?

Love the wings, though that "soft" blur quality is still there. Can't say much, other than to mention the lack of blood too...heh

As for the rest...well, as mentioned, you know I love it. The background is fucking stellar, and the idea itself is great...kill some of the sats, and work the depth and detail, and she's a masterwork.

Or just ignore me and start the party

Cheers.

Peter

I knew IT!!! I was Just waiting for ya to rebuild that hand!!!! Hrmm... It need to be a tad bit bigger though... yah.

Very Realistic though. I mean, i have never seen a person with wings... but he looks like he would move if i poked him... know what i mean?

Quite amazing to me... Yah, DG knows what he is talkin about there... a surprise?

I am having a really hard time reading that verse though.

[This message has been edited by eyezaer (edited 11-23-2001).]

Aight Weadz, I was wonderin if ya could gimme some flora pointaz? You have painted some nice plants before, but this iz... your best so far...

&#0124; &#0124;at yer service. eyezaer.&#0124; &#0124;

That's awesome! The only issue I have with it is the blurred fog stuff. Maybe should be more cloudy, and fade into the background. It's too noticeable, and the angel should be the focal point, not the fog.

Still, I bow before you!

Never underestimate the creative powers of pure laziness.

That's awesome work, um... er... Mr. Jones. Maybe you can write a tute or two for unworthy newbies like me? Or maybe you already have some?

The poster has demanded we remove all his contributions, less he takes legal action.
We have done so.
Now Tyberius Prime expects him to start complaining that we removed his 'free speech' since this message will replace all of his posts, past and future.
Don't follow his example - seek real life help first.

Here you go rj.

My $.02 - very nice. The wings, thought, the wings. They don't look much like feathers (or are they not supposed to?). I think DG covered just about everything else, and the text has already been pointed out. All in all, fantastic work, but then, you probably already know that. We all know your technique is very good, I just love your creativity. Kudos for being an inspiration. That goes for DG, as well.

BTW - I've been using your tut as laid out in '1500 pixels for Rick'. Like it lots. Why don't you submit it on GN? How 'bout you, DG? I know you've already done some (like them, too), but something on this would be very useful. Besides, you write so well, it seems like something right up your alley. 'Painting with a razors edge'

OK, enough A**-kissin'.

Gonna keep pestering on this one. I know creativity can't be teached, not really, but good, solid techniques allow room for improvement. And, because you guys have the technique down pat, your insights would be more than welcome. Isn't that one of the reasons for this forum? To improve, to learn, to grow? You both are tremendous assets here. And I, for one, intend to learn from you, have been for quite some time. I don't think I'm lacking in inspiration, or on creativity, just technique and training. Sometimes, it seems (IMHO) that information comes grudgingly from you both. Please consider this, and pass on the knowledge.

Repectfully,




[This message has been edited by WebShaman (edited 11-23-2001).]

[This message has been edited by WebShaman (edited 11-23-2001).]

*jaw shattering as it hits the floor*

tskull@hotmail.com">
"You don't have to be crazy to work here, but it helps." --Anonymous
ICQ: 67751342

~mouth wide open~.................................*deep sigh*

Cheers!
/Punishers Inc. - Nephalim

finally a new weadish sig! i've waited sooo long!

btw: i cant find the little "weadah" text in the image. where is it hiding?

[This message has been edited by me (edited 11-19-2001).]

That painting is dope....you got some good skills in painting...I hope to get to that level jsut got to practice more

Peace

~Slams head on the table.~ That picture is again another repositioning of my goals that i like to achieve in graphics. As a newbie the point of skill i am now is getting further and further away from the point i would like to achieve, damn. ~Goes back to practice.~

Totaly awesome

I know I'm just a noobie, but, if you will permit me to offer my amateurish critique, I would like to say the following:
This is the most wonderfully expressive, beautifully detailed "work of art" I've ever had the privilege to admire, and yada, yada, yada!
I must say WoW! But, I have to say I disagree with the person who mentioned adding a mist/fog to unite/blend foreground with background. I think that would be a bit much. The surreality is already there; actually the lack of said foreground mist lends the angel the feeling of being just out of reach of mankind, within the clouds, if not above. Yet, still within the realm of mankind.
The whole makes me feel the angel is crying for us....from a point between heaven and earth.
Just lovely! May I have signed copy? Please?!!!!

That is good!
Seeing work like that is what makes me want to learn more about photoshop.


Hi

The poster has demanded we remove all his contributions, less he takes legal action.
We have done so.
Now Tyberius Prime expects him to start complaining that we removed his 'free speech' since this message will replace all of his posts, past and future.
Don't follow his example - seek real life help first.

InI:

I'm sure there's better places for this, but just for a bit of a primer, I've always been a fan of Caravaggio's techniques, if not specifically his work. I think that in the comparison you're asking for, Caravaggio falls somewhat behind Michelangelo, in that his figures always lacked a dynamic life, there always seemed to be a stiffened, Victorian posing to his people, while Michelangelo dealt with more languid figures, and the personification of flaw and imbalance in the form. Michelangelo's work on the Sistine Chapel casts an amazingly relaxed and fluid feel to all the representations of divinity. How seemingly natural these unnatural scenes seem is testament to his intense observation of form and light.

I'm not a huge proponent of Da Vinci's paintings, though I'm a huge fan of his mind and his work.

Having said that, though, I honestly believe that Da Vinci's brush style was superior to both the aforementioned. His blend of strokes, and mastery over feathering and light play still impresses me when I've actually had a chance to see originals of his.

And that's more than I was planning to write Much respect for all three mentioned, as I know the trials of oil work...and the love of it as well.

Peter

And now, back to the regularly scheduled heiney-lickin'

Beautiful work. I asume its digital?

Not sure the scripture fits the objective of the painting so you sort of lost me with the meaning of the pic but the image is kool.

There is a better passage that would fit the struggle of the messanger.

Awesome tomb stone.

Apok



If I try and fail, then i contradict my actions. Trying is not failing, failing is not trying.

Mother******

Well, if I ever thought I knew something about photoshop, this has certainly put things in perspective.

/ass lick

the bands and the hands yeah, but the blue cloak? Every angel I've ever seen has sported a super-saturated blue robe, they just do.

I know you're probably most interested in technique critique but... that's a very stirring scene, very powerful. The safe place in contrast to the onslaught outside of it makes me go there.

Jason

Caravagio was a great artist, I especially like his painting of doubting Thomas poking Christ where he was stabbed. But I honestly can't see the comparison between Carivagio and Weadah's work, after all Caravagio's use of ciarasciro led to some very dark forboding images, and like DG said, more stiff overall. I would venture to say this piece is closer to Rubens, bright and active, and more in tuned with some of his mythelogical themes. But that's only if we stick in the 'Baroque' period.

imho of course

http://www.art4net.com/rubens8.jpg
Here's an example of rubens.

D

<edit> add link </edit>

[This message has been edited by Drakkor (edited 11-25-2001).]

Neat! Is the little picture in the corner your photosource? I've never tried doing that, your work came out quite beautifully. *runs off to find cool photographs*

If I was to critique, I would probably concentrate on the lower right, the area in the lower right could be water, could be a thick settling of smoke, could be fog, defining it a bit more I think would sharpen up the over all look, and actually draw your attention back in towards the meaningful areas. It also seems to me that there are two distinct techniques of painting in this picture, and the two don't really mesh with one another. You have the very smooth, tonal blending in the skin, the sky, the trees.. but then when you look at the armbands, the sword, the wings, or his belt you see your very technical 1600% pixel brush zoom work. I think the two distinct styles would mesh a little better if you compromised one for the other, in this case I have a feeling that softening up your pixelo work as opposed to sharpening the rest would be more of the desired effect. I think my favorite part of the piece is the headstone, it's crisp without being pixelated, and has a very dramatic, clean look to it which shows some nice technique. I don't care as much for the trees (although the rest of the foliage is great), or even the angel, really. it's the headstone which draws me in.

Hope that's constructive without sounding snobby, make no mistake that this is a beautiful little piece, and not something that I think I could ever accomplish



A small mind is a tidy mind.

fine, damnit....... if no one else is gonna ask, I'll ask. 'cause it's driving me crazy.


Weadah, who is Angel?

tskull@hotmail.com">
"You don't have to be crazy to work here, but it helps." --Anonymous
ICQ: 67751342

just a thought, petskull... !

edit[taxon]: oops, sorry man.... I broke your sig.
edit[grum]: no prob, man. but what were you trying to edit?
edit[taxon]: teehee..... "oh nothing"
edit[taxon]: this was a prime opportunity for another new slimie... .. that's all I was going to do... then I changed my mind.

[This message has been edited by taxon (edited 11-25-2001).]

[This message has been edited by GRUMBLE (edited 11-25-2001).]

[This message has been edited by taxon (edited 11-25-2001).]

[This message has been edited by taxon (edited 11-25-2001).]

The only thing that bothers me is the angle of the weapon. He's giving up, so limp wristed with a loose grip, thus pointing weapon down more.

I was thinking that but I wasn't sure.... I thought it was maybe a friend who died or something...

tskull@hotmail.com">
"A kleptomaniac is a person who helps himself because he can't help himself." --Henry Morgan
ICQ: 67751342

hehe...
now what interests me more, is how can bottles of beer be on a wall?
i mean, i have mine in the fridge.

[This message has been edited by me (edited 11-19-2001).]

*cough*

The poster has demanded we remove all his contributions, less he takes legal action.
We have done so.
Now Tyberius Prime expects him to start complaining that we removed his 'free speech' since this message will replace all of his posts, past and future.
Don't follow his example - seek real life help first.

InI - Hehe I had to look him up, having not heard of him. So.. How his work compares to Leo etc, I really wouldn?t know. I can't say that I've looked much at their stuff either and I really should. It?s a way nice Angel tho, bet that was a fairly big work to begin with. Trying to make stuff look like the thing its meant to look like takes up alotta time heh. I really should look around more.

Mi Angel up thare (Grumble - give it a click) is mashed n beat up, wing on fire, sword broke ? but he doesn?t care, he's gutted cuz it's raining hot fudge on what could be nations of earth.... tho they could be small pacific islands I guess. Either way he's a lil upset. The safeness and grases etc say where there is life it will overcome anything, even hot rocks from space. Or something

WarJournal ? I totally agree. He?s too tense, and not really holding that right at all. Looks like the hand is in for a rework so those changes are in too. Thanks!

Petskull ? Angel is the most, mind blowingly wonderful, sweet, kind, intelligent, breath takingly beautiful, funny loving, giving person ive ever met in mi life. She?s mi best friend, mi love, and mi all. =)

Tycho ? Man ! way cool to see you?re still around how are you? Thanks for that truly, yup the original image was last weeks Repeat Performance Photo, check it out. I pretty much just painted over it, extending the right side some. Yup that is meant to be water there, lifey sorta algae-y stuff and I see what you mean yah? it does tend to draw the eye away a lil. Noted. You?re spot on there about the styles. Actually there?s sorta 3, the loose painted feel, a sharper photographic (no surprise) and the 1px zoom in stuff and yah?hey don?t gel so wonderfully heh. There?s problems there, the armbands as pointed out, I?ll see what I can see about a consistent softness to the piece which was where I was aiming it. Thanks so much ! very cool.

JK ? Thanks. Again. The safe place, exactly. I think for angels (the ones from heaven anyways ) n royal type things Super-sats blue is the personal preference for me.

Apok - The image is a representation of the verse, not an interpretation of it if you follow. Just ideas that flow from it. I think it was worth including.

Tj ? Eighdee, indus2002 , Rainblades ? That?s good enuf reason for me to be posting here ? too cool. =)

MYSTIKA ? cheers for the crit, I?m pretty much going the middle ground on the fog I think - and - are you serious! Haha, mi email address is in the profile, lemme know what you'd like. And thank you. Very kind.

Shaman. ? Feathers. Yah. I didn?t do the smart thing and make them outside of the canvas at a decent size then shrink them back in - instead just painted over the image as is?? not a great deal of room to move. Meh. They look like wings.. wings have feathers hehehe better luck next time for me eh.

1500 Pix. Mebbe one day. There?s a big difference between saying this is how I made something and saying yes I am an authority on the subject. Specially under the Guru?s banner.

I really dunno man - you say ?information comes grudgingly??..there above it you say you're getting value from a tut of mine hehe hmmmm. I' cant speak for Peter, but its unlikely that I will repeat anything already written by someone with a greater cloo than mine.

I think perhaps the right questions aren?t asked. You wanted a painting tutorial? From go to woe? Been done, a fair bit by really good ppl ? and it?s not for anyone to sorta hold your hand. Google is your friend. Hit all the boards and all the webs on those boards and look around cuz If you really want to pursue it the Internet rocks and the information is there already. There are painters and painting communities and really good tutorial writers all over the place so don?t wait for the information to come to you. Go get it.

Rj ? No real tutes from me, not step one step two stuff - lots of explanations tho in the archive here. And as a community its getting hard to find something we haven?t covered, the ?chive has become a very useful resource. Got a question or have a problem we can prolly help if we haven?t already hehe.

AppleCider ? Yah hehe the fog was in and out, thick n thin? I think I went with just less than medium coverage?. It looked ok, I?ll live with that and thanks !

Izzay ? Cheers as always man, I shall returneth soon with a tip or two on grasses and umm weadz and such. Run outa time *again* today, but will be back with something for ya. Briefly, a basic recipe for anything is 5 values, a middle, 2 up, 2 below, and the brush tool using smaller/harder brushes with each pass till you?re down to one pixel. Have a play with it, as I say, I shall return! Hehe and thanks man, as always.

DarkGarden ? man that sounds weerd. Peter, hehe, Yup yup I *think* that arm is/was a support for the statue. There was something up to begin with there but ya know me heh, didn?t bother to fix it, but your absolutely right. Soft, and reads like it continues under the arm.

Hand ? too small agreed all round yah. I don?t know . cheating mmmm naa, lack of confidence when trying to fix it without loosing the 3 or 4 pixels I was like so in love with. I thought perhaps too pudgy also?

Hehe the blade is. Yah only just sitting there, hehe and certainly need to take on its environment sumore ? great stuff cheers there.

Something like royal blue is mi pref for angels n things like them. That?s just me, but the yellow are a knock out suggestion, awesome. Fwiw I had a desaturated version of the cloak n background, they looked a lot more ?real? but less satisfying.

The arm bands are plastic. Heheh. Yah, last minute ideas always blow, but I always use em. I think as Tycho suggests the dot work vs photo?ism isn?t having a party. Cheers for that, I think they?re going silver anyways. Match the sword, leaving the yellows for the cloak. Excellent cheers man muchly.

Blood BlOOd . heh you?d coat the world in a layer you hehehe Hmmm I honestly don?t know? I recall a mashed pigeon I saw once? obviously not charcoal chicken like this guy, but yah, mebbe more yes, but not a lot. Personal preference again I think?. Some nice streams from an artery would be pretty cool?. Hmmmm (you know I?m gunna hehehe)

Excellent ? cant thank you enuf for the In depth man ? cheers so much.


Kroma ? Thank you so much. All of those suggestions are noted and will be used there. Very high praise, thank you indeed. And mail me once in a while eh? hehe Good to see you =)

Mahjqa cheers, too cool

a) how long did you spend on it, in hours? I don?t really know, over three evenings I got this out and a few others started so its mixed in. > 5 hours, and too much time looking not enuf doing.

b) can I have a look at the *.psd? (if that's not too rude a question) No its not but it?s a flat PSD. Might as well be a jpg man, lemme know if you want it tho.

c) Are the things like the hair scaled down or was this all the same resolution? (I figure it probably was, you can't maintain those details when sizing down)

Yah this one was done at the same size as the photo. 1-3px brush mostly, using the blend modes overlay and multiply. Pen pressure set to opacity no more than about 40% (depends on your pen setup I?ve found)

And thanks to everyone else who stopped in to take a look and say something, anything, it all helps, and in loads of ways. Thanks a lot.

Weadz =)

ok, well, good!

but what about the beer!?!?!

I thought you had a fridge full?

thats quite a tryp.

hehehe.... wooo!

yepp, but why do you have a wall full?

the angel looks great, but that burnt wing just looked warped to me until I realized it was supposed to be burnt. It IS supposed to be burnt, right? The background behind him seems to lack the detail that the foreground has, but I suppose you want people to focus on the angel and not what's going on behind him. It just seems like there should be a charred battlefield or rolling hills in the background, and all I see is sky.

Beautiful details!, and yeah, I can't read what the words say, plus the page doesn't seem to bring up a scrollbar, so I had to resize the window to see it all.