_Phantom_

Grats on 10k man!

Keep grinding away foo, you get better and better with each new work.

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"someday ill be able to draw a woman that isn't ridiculously over-ripe"

First, why'da wanna -they're perfect now ;p

Second, how is *your* ridiculously over-ripe woman doing, (and I mean that in the Hawtest sense), you've got to be getting close

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Hah!
Shes about to pop
Poor-thing cant even go get the mail without having to take a nap afterwards right now hehe!
About 16 more days until we're at our due-date.

We cant wait.

Without doubt it will be my most brilliant 3d animated collaboration *ever*!

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Thats pretty sweet, its got some nice energy even though the figure itself is static.

I wish I had the touch for line-work but I just dont, not my bag.

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Still in progress, this is the mostly-finished lineart:
Pinup Girl.

(Hope I don't get in trouble for sharing it so soon!)

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Masked - thats a really sweet commision, very classy and it has a vintage feel.
/sigh, someday ill be able to draw a woman that isnt ridiculously over-ripe and somewhat clothed..
Baaaahhh, what the hell for!

Foo, your skills keep getting better and better, seriously.
I may not post a lot but I lurk ( like a good phantom) and I really feel as though you have made some powerful leaps in ability lately, if you dont mind me saying so - dont quit now man.

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Very spifftacular stuff! Ms. Olympus does look a little pin-up for certain magazines, but it's a very nice piece overall. I really like it, even if she's a little... heavy for my tastes. If you know what I mean, nyoro~n. ;3 (How long has it been since I've done that on this board?)

But, after looking at some of the other things... Astounding, dear sirrah!

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Thank you so much for those compliments Miko!
Yeah, she is cheesy in a pin-up way - but that was the point anyway; big, hollywood, 4 color fun-ness.

Personally I cant wait to start on some new material - drawing busty-chicks has become a serious crutch when im dry on ideas.

Thanks again !

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Great renders.
I supremely suck with 3d models, I just dont have the aptitude for it and am amazed by those who do - so I try to make my 2d art as 3d as possible.

Im rather partial to the far right outfit, I think adding some trim here and there might jazz it up a little.

As for Power Girl being too busty?
She's not busty enough IMHO, then again Im rather biased and love busty women.

Honestly IMHO her bust size on that render is slightly larger than average. Replacing the current top she has (which drags and seperates her breasts) with one that lifts and pushes her breasts together would give the illusion of a larger size without them actually being larger ( like 90% of the models you see prancing around).

Other than that and the shoulders/arms on the 3rd one in with the white top being somewhat off I think they rock - like I said before im honeslty amazed by others who can work with 3d programs with skill like that - using photoshop 7 is as far as I think ill be going techwise.

Good job!

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Beautiful work! (and I can see the Frazetta and Corben influences)

Love the old school. I think my favorite is "Through The Sunken Ruins" - it does evoke a a story, reminiscent of the way the old Conan novel covers by Frazetta did for me back in the day. (and, I *think* it kinda reminds me of an old girlfriend from high school - in a *good* way, truely!)

I also really like the "With My Father's Sword" picture! - there's going to be a fully pained version? Can hardly wait!

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Thank you very much for those compliments! - Im glad the "old School" feel comes through, it really helps me feel like im on the right track.

I really do adore both Corben and Frazetta to death.
I admit that Corben has had a more profound impact on me - You really have to see his work from the mid 80's to get a real sense of his power - although his work now isnt bad by any stretch.

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heh I'll agree a bit with Ironik, at least on Ms. Olympus, she looks like she came from the same source that my Herricane is a tribute to. That said, the lightning and her hand with it make for a good effect.
With my Father's Sword looks good for a unfinished sketch, ya should keep at it and continue it.

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Ms. Olympus actually doesnt have a source - she's somewhat of a composite in a weird way.
The only thing I referenced for her was some of her facial structure, which was taken from a playboy model (Shannon Shay).
Really what kept me interested was the lightning and the lighting - it was fun.

As for "With my father's sword" - im not quite sure about its future - people seem to be reacting strongly to it - which makes me want to continue with it.

Thanks for taking the time to comment - I appreciate it!

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Ms. Olympus looks a little "porn star in a costume" to me. Very nice technique, but the overall effect... kind of odd.

Wargren, on the other hand, really looks cool. Sort of werewolfbat. Definitely interested in the completed version of that.

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Yeah - ol Ms. Olympus is definately that. It was kinda supposed to be tounge-in-cheek anyway.
It started out as a sketch that went to far, I like to warm up before I start and if I dont have a solid idea on deck the warm up usually goes too far.

She's kinda supposed to be semi-serious, kinda cheesey, 4 color hero, sexual-satire schlock - theres something about that I find endearing for some reason.

The wargren most likely wont be developed, it was a really quick sketch to try and capture a concept - he came out ok though and some pepple really seem to react strongly to him, so maybe a change of heart is in order.

Thanks for the input!

Just tossed up a few more pieces for the gallery if anyone is interested.
I Just wrapped up a superhero piece which I havent done in a long while and figured maybe some of you might get a kick out of it.

http://cryptcrawler.deviantart.com/a...ympus-88431029

I hope you all enjoy it.
Take care and have fun.

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Thanks for the kind words, guys. I'm blown away by the talent of the artists.

I'm sort of embarrassed to admit I may be spending more time browsing DA than playing CoH these days. I just love seeing all the character art. And thanks to this forum I've found sooo many great artists and characters and enablers...um, I mean fellow enthusiasts...

And thanks for the good word there about the Shrike, Ironik. I'm pretty fond of the ol' girl myself!

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lulz im right there with ya Shrike...hell im doing more cruising DA than anything hehe!
Someone said it above: thats a sweet haul ya got there, and you definately designed a incredibly memorable character for yourself.
I particularily enjoyed Bukoman's piece. I like how he renders women: curvy, strong, sexy.
Enjoy!

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damn fine work man, damn fine work [[nods head sagely like he knows what the hell he's talking about]]

some of those grab the old school sci-fi fantasy feel so much i'm tempted to reread that schlock

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*nods head knowingly in a similiar sage-like fashion, knowing all too well the feeling of not knowing wth is going on*

Indeed, Indeed.
I do love the old schlock, I cant deny it.

This may sound kind of dickish but I really do prefer it over the anime/manga stuff, sometimes I cant tell artists apart because it can look so formulated and homogenized.

Dont get me wrong, there is so much talent in that style; talent that will take me years to even emmulate - I have to remember that most of the people doing it grew up with it just as I have on Corben, Frazetta and Moebius.

The older guys bring more of a fine-art aspect to the work; which I prefer and which is how the majority of them were trained - hell Frazetta was wisked off to italy to go to art school at age 8 ( the [censored] lol).

Im trying to keep it more old school myself, I still have such a long way to go, but I love to learn.

Anyway sorry for the auto-biography there - I really do appreciate your kind words, they go a lot farther than you think.
Without people to appreciate your craft your going to feel pretty empty just drawing for yourself - at least thats how it works for me.
I draw to keep sane on a fundamental level, but getting that reaction from art lovers almost becomes an obsession (read that as *is*)

Btw, you dont have to know jack about art to give critiques and input - my wife cant even draw a straight line and she tells me immediately if something looks off and 10/10 times shes absolutely right.

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I love it! Though that may be my 80s roots talking...

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lulz.
Me too.
I love it Juggertha, its damned witty.
The Wonder Twins definately belong that list as well imho.

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Lol that's a truth, and Congratulations on your first animated 3D artwork! ;p

P.S. Practice the line "Honey, I really need to finish this piece fast to 'add to the diaper fund', be an angel and take my turn changing her huh?

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lol
Your first 3d animated work - thats a good 'un.
That excuse sounds like a helluva idea =D.

Thanks a lot for the grats too - were really, really ripped about it - weve been through a lot to get to this point and we just cant wait for her to arrive.





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Then definitely get that commission page up and running now. Even if it's offering quick character sketches for a ridiculously small amount, you'll see an initial barrage of incoming fundage to help pay for the baby stuff you're going to need, especially when you mention you're having a special commission sale for such needs.

It's worked well for Alex, I think.


I also think we all need to stay away from the water in Independence Port. It might be contaminated. An awful lot of babies lately. My youngest is about to hit the six month mark on June 20th (yes, it has been that long - but he acts like a 9 month old).

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I disagree about it being indy port.
Im thinking some kind of super-soldier project gone horrifically wrong in G-Ville.

As for doing quickies for cash - I dont think I could let myself do that - I like to give people the full deal.

But im going to keep an open mind about it - I think maybe if I give it a little more consideration ill get over myself and do it.

Thanks for the nudge.

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Wonderful, glad to hear they may be available in the future for art collectors and art whores alike ;p

*anticipates*

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Thats definately the plan.
Thanks for the praise - it really motivates an artist to be better.

My wife and myself are eagerly awaiting our ultimate masterpiece to finally be unvieled ( after letting her set for 8 months) sometime in the middle of july.

Were pretty sure that this new addition will cause some commotion locally for a little while (understatement) - so getting commissions rolling on top of trying to finish a few more gallery pieces on top of being a new daddy is gonna slow production juuuussst a smidge.

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http://thorsassassin.deviantart.com/journal/16627841

thats amazing work, you really need to go here and get listed (so we all can get/see lots more ;p)

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Kara I really appreciate that, I love to work and love the reaction - it keeps me inspired and wanting to improve.

Ive heard the legends whispered of this Thors Assassin.
Actually I just checked out his page, hehe - what a great idea, and some great talent there.

As far as comissions go thats going to take some time to set up for various RL reasons - but when I do, ill be letting people know.
Thanks again for your interest!

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I always just wanted to draw action, or monsters and bewbs ( and still do lulz) until someone pointed out to me a great trick: Instead of drawing "a hand" or "a gun" try to draw the space and shape an object occupies.

That really got me thinking less about subject matter and more about capturing life itself, which is essentially what we're all trying to do as artists: create the illusion of life.

At least thats really become my goal lately.

I hope this helps - best of luck

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That's gonna help me at least, I know that much. It's an interesting way to look at things. Definitely gonna have to try it out.

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It really works.
I cant take credit for that way of thinking - my senior-year art teacher dropped that pearl of wisdom into my hat one day.

Ironic that I incorporate it into my approach now since I was kicked out of his class and high-school itself not long afterwards =)

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I'm exactly the opposite. I just want your money and you can all go eat monkey for all I care.

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Lulz.
Foo always makes me lol.
Not quite as much as this , but close.

There are few who can be as much of a wiseass as he can and get away with it *and* have it be funny.

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That was hilarius, and I just wanted to say your work is incredible.

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The first time I saw that video I hyperventilated in hysterics at my computer for about 5 mins straight and then proceeded to watch it abput 99 times afterwards.
The part that sends me over the edge is toward the end when its a close up of vader just sitting there in silence.

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BTW I put you on watch, and added a couple to my favorites.

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Gryphon thanks a lot, just by doing so you afford me more exposure as an artist - I really appreciate that.


And Gata thanks also for your praise - it really makes you want to be a better artist when people give that reaction.
Cheers.

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I'm exactly the opposite. I just want your money and you can all go eat monkey for all I care.

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Lulz.
Foo always makes me lol.
Not quite as much as this , but close.

There are few who can be as much of a wiseass as he can and get away with it *and* have it be funny.

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Solid advice has already been layed down by a lot of folks here already - so definately go with that.

On the whole you really cant go wrong if you draw from life.
Photograph's or having a friend pose or going to a near-by park with a sketchpad and just drawing whatever you see will always make you better.

I always just wanted to draw action, or monsters and bewbs ( and still do lulz) until someone pointed out to me a great trick: Instead of drawing "a hand" or "a gun" try to draw the space and shape an object occupies.

That really got me thinking less about subject matter and more about capturing life itself, which is essentially what we're all trying to do as artists: create the illusion of life.

At least thats really become my goal lately.

I hope this helps - best of luck

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Wow, terrific work in your gallery. I love the Walk the Night piece and Jefferson is amazing. More please

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Really nice stuff you have there, Phantom.

I particularly like Crazy Bear (expression & hands), Twilight (all around excellence, terrific colors) and Mabatu (great pose - I want to read that story!).

You need commission info, stat. Thor's Assassin will beat down your door until you do.

(Feel free to practice using my guys. Hint hint. HINT.)

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Ironik and Lilac:

Thanks very very much for the kind words and compliments, it really means a lot when you work hard on your craft - especially when people mention aspects about it that they like.

For me as an artist getting a reaction is the biggest reward and best payment.
Commission money and high-profile gigs come and go.


Thanks again!

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What everyone else has said in reference to challenging yourself is key to improving.
What has also helped me out a lot is getting my ego out of the way and doing whats best for the art.
Thats something I have to get beyond daily - at it can require you to throw stuff out that *you* really like but is inevitably holding the piece up.
Ive wasted days trying to make something work that wasnt supposed to.

Photo reference will help you more then you can imagine, especially ( I hate to say this) pornography ( the clean stuff) and sports photos.

Photos show you how weight is distributed through the limbs and also attaining accurate flesh tones.

Also drawing space and shape rather than "hand" or "face" will guide you to be less concerned about showing everything and more concerned with capturing life.

I hope this helps - best of luck.

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agreed! love your stuff. That professional commission of Jefferson looks awesome

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Thank you so much Heri.
I really had fun doing that, a shame it only took me about 4 hours or so - I rarely get a historic assignment and it was a really nice change of pace.

Lately ive been going back to the masters of fine art for inspiration - John Singer Sargent is my favorite; that man could capture life with a stroke, an unreal talent.

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I agree with Heri, that Jefferson piece is incredible. So is the CrazyBear. The wild look in his eyes is insane.

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Khep - thanks a lot!
I really enjoyed working on that one.
When people get the feel of a work and say so it really makes my day - thanks again.

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http://www.rpvisions.com/

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Sweet! Thanks a lot.
Im gonna go bother him now!
=D

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agreed! love your stuff. That professional commission of Jefferson looks awesome

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Thank you so much Heri.
I really had fun doing that, a shame it only took me about 4 hours or so - I rarely get a historic assignment and it was a really nice change of pace.

Lately ive been going back to the masters of fine art for inspiration - John Singer Sargent is my favorite; that man could capture life with a stroke, an unreal talent.