Okay I've started, and also hoping to start a trend with posting this activity in this section.
The character portrait/avatar is of a Chaotic Elf Wizard. As you can see I did several initial pencil sketches. Trying to define characteristic features.
time so far: 1.5 - 2 hrs approx
next stage I think will be a colour rough or two to get mood
[img]http://www.sumea.com.au/simages2/258_avatar-wizard_1.jpg[/img]
okeyDokee, i've actually managed to do some wip-shots as I go. They are a bit small but should give an idea of how I progressed. I worked directily over the scanned image that I initially posted, resizing it to 300dpi. As you will notice I did some minor tweeking to the face as I went. Painting done in P'Shop with a mouse (Oh the cramp! it hurts, it hurts!)
I spend more time than I initially intended too. The painting section took about 6hrs, so total time for the project was 8hrs.
[img]http://www.sumea.com.au/simages2/258_avatar-wizard_wip.jpg[/img]
[img]http://www.sumea.com.au/simages2/258_avatar-wizard_1aL.jpg[/img]
I've done some more revising on him. There are quite a few subtle changes including warming the cool tones and some plastic surgery on the cheek bones. I am thinking of doing some more detail and adding a background too, so further crits won't fall on deaf ears.
[img]http://www.sumea.com.au/simages2/258_avatar-wizard_2L.jpg[/img]
Nice.....the different styles of painting do start to come out now as Aven points out about the cloak...the broach looks a too well done...
i usually follow the art teachers advice in the simpsons', either that or i'm usually to lazy to finish it :P
btw: i checked out your site, nice concept/illustrations i like the free style and shadow work
At this stage my eyes go straight to the broach heh, i Love the sharpness of it, id suggest either toning that down, or sharpening up the rest like Aven mentioned some material detail etc!
But i have to agree, the lightin in this piece is really well done methinks, also the mood, I love the expression on the old guys face, fits perfectly with a chaotic wizard. Shifty, looks as though he could burst into a rage of casting at the snap of a finger, if he felt the need to.
annoyingly the broach only took 15-20min! so it's not like i went out of my way to make it look so smooth and shiney. It does stand out though...I am looking at detailing the cloak more (maybe experimenting with photo texture on it) and adding some sort of background other than the mysterious fog. Once these elements are added I will revisit the broach and do it in a more 'painterly' technique if needed.
I like him [:D] But to me he looks more like an aged human, than an aged elf.
Not that I have REAL old elven wizard to reference mind you [:P] Cant wait to see him coloured!
Also i cant decide which goatie i like better the single pointy one or the double banger.