When I finished the preliminary sketch of my holiday card (see previous post) I thought it looked pretty good. But that drawing came quickly. I didn't trust it. It was too easy! I must suffer for my art. Was the first sketch good? Or just good enough?
These characters are stylized but are based on real animals. The more inspiration I draw from the actual critters the better. I Googled shrimp. After studying several photos I realized my "shrimp" looked more like a lobster. I narrowed the body and legs. I gave him a pointy head. I rearranged the antanae. I also used this opportunty to exaggerate the gesture and expression.
I moved on to the angler fish. I looked at a dozen angler photos. One photo in particualr caught my eye. It was a freaky looking fish. I would be a fool not to let that image inspire me.
Is the drawing done? I think so. I could spend the rest of my life perfecting these characters but I have other fish to fry.
4 comments:
I don't know how anyone tells when art is "done" but I will say that I like this version better. Something about the big bottom feeder's eyes says less "zombie undead catfish" and more "don't piss off your mother in law". Ok maybe that says more about my experiences at Christmas than about the picture. Oops.
I hate to say it, but I like the color sketch better. The only thing I would have done differently in the color sketch is to give the scary fish's eyes a bit of color. The new version of him is too realistic/terrifying. The lobster is too realistic as well (I don't like him waving either.) I prefer the ornament design in the sketch as well. Sorry, that's my opinion!
I agree with John, and for most of the same reasons - think about it for a second, Rob; the angler fish is lighting up a CHRISTMAS ORNAMENT - there is really no need to worry too much about anatomical accuracy here, right?
Oh, and John, I'm only pointing it out in you because I'm working on it for myself; don't apologize for your opinions (or your feelings), especially when someone asks for them. We all have rights to our opinions (and have a right to change them when faced with new information) and apologizing for them (at least, for me) somehow implies that we don't believe what we believe. I'm working on, as Taylor Mali puts it, not only questioning authority, but speaking with it, too.
Let's see the next stage of the Christmas card (is it inked yet?) as well as that awesome sketch of the old man you showed me yesterday. Your fans will love it. Keep up the excellent work buddy!
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