Anyway, been working on this one. I have good feelings about it. The insect blobs will be locusts and flies.
At NYCC, I had the pleasure of meeting David Palumbo and Scott Altmann. They both gave me great advice on my portfolio. Specifically, regarding my biggest annoyance... that my old painting Her Wound is universally adored, even though I think it's technically weak and hate it a little more each time I see it. They told me that if I disliked it, I should paint a new one that's up to par. It's struck me since then how much potential my little "design portrait" doodles (from which Her Wound sprang) have. It's been very dumb of me not to pursue those ideas seriously. Time to fix it. Tonight's doodle:
We'll see where it goes.
These are really good you're very good at capturing emotions well done, I look forward to seeing the finished pieces with great anticipation :)
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to seeing how Khovakaa comes along. You've got a beautiful palette there.
ReplyDeleteI always found your character portraits very compelling.
I'm curious, though: what is it exactly that bugs you about Her Wound?
Thank you flare. :)
ReplyDeleteEilidh-- it's a combination of the flat, dead skintone and the stiff expression on her face. Of course I am my own worst critic, but it feels so weak next to my current work. So for this new one, I am going to focus on the feeling and skin as much as I can.
It's good to be your own worst critic, and by all means go for a new version.
ReplyDeleteJust two thoughts, however: the image is essentially a duotone. So what you call a flat, dead skintone could easily be interpreted as a matter of stylisation, regardless of your knowledge or understanding at the time you made it. (Also, I personally would call the expression blank rather than stiff, which I don't hold to be a bad thing).
The other is that, in my own experience at least, over time (years) I go from hating certain older works to regaining a degree of appreciation for them (or hating them even more. ;)) And in my own opinion Her Wound is a strong piece.
Wise words eilidh!
ReplyDeletenavate - always nice to see more stuff from you. Suppose the character in this new portrait were to have something of a sneer, as if upon the rest of the world or him/herself? They appear rather filthy (what with the flies buzzing about); it would be interesting to portray some sort of disdain-for-the-clean, or something. I don't know. (:
I'm excited to see an update to the older portrait. It's just an awesome character, so seeing a second approach will be cool.
Happy belated birthday, by the way. I thought of you when dA notified me, but failed to generate sufficient presents. Perhaps yet! But well-wishes anyway.
Fair words, Eilidh. But nothing motivates me like a good dose of "outdo myself". ;)
ReplyDeleteVrav: She's actually a goddess of sorts (one of the Ancients). She's not filthy, just associated with decay. And thanks for B-day wishes. :)