howy's new artwork thread

[howyadoin]

Ooo, I like that background! But to me it almost looks a little *too* clean... the lines and stuff before gave it a feel of "old film"---have you thought of adding in "filmspots"---the little scratches and burned spots a movie gets after it's been played umpteen times? And I love the color on it, but you might also consider doing a series of bottles that have very different colors, and very different colored liquors, doing the "filmspots," and then converting it to grayscale, like it's from some 40's movie. I think a wide variety of colors in the bottles & liquor would help, if you're gonna take one grayscale---more variance in shades.Well, I'm still tweaking the pictures. I did a bunch of work on the background last night, though I haven't gotten to the point of uploading it yet. But as good as some of those suggestions are, I think they'd be better suited to a more photorealistic piece.

This is a cool series; I really like this one. I also think you could do another as mentioned above, if you're interested.I'm already talking to a couple people about additional commissions, and I've got quite a few ideas in mind for myself - pictures of Appleton rum, absinth, gin, Scotch...

For the Appleton one I'm not gonna use the computer at all - I'm actually gonna take the step of painting it on canvas, for a change.

[howyadoin]

I think this one's finished:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v225/howyadoin/Liquor%20Bottles/ElijahCraig.jpg

[howyadoin]

And... another one underway:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v225/howyadoin/In%20Progress/Jack_01.jpg

[Solaris]

I love the finished background on the one, and this other one looks really cool too. :)

As to the other stuff, figured I'd just throw some ideas out there and see if any of 'em worked for you. :)

When you're done with it, are you gonna take a pic and upload it, of the painted piece? I'd love to see it.

[howyadoin]

When you're done with it, are you gonna take a pic and upload it, of the painted piece? I'd love to see it.The Appleton one? Yeah, I've got a couple pro photographers who owe me favours.

[howyadoin]

Round two:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v225/howyadoin/In%20Progress/Jack_02.jpg

[Roquefort Raider]

Sweet!!!

That's a great series, Bret. I didn't realize how much mood a bottle could convey.

[cable guy]

Sweet!!!

That's a great series, Bret. I didn't realize how much mood a bottle could convey.

Put's me in the mood for a shot.

[howyadoin]

Sweet!!!

That's a great series, Bret. I didn't realize how much mood a bottle could convey.Thanks. To be honest, I didn't think much about mood when I was doing it - more colour and lighting, I guess.

[howyadoin]

Anybody remember the robot jazz-band thing from a few months back? Well, it's finally underway again. Here's the first panel completed:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v225/howyadoin/In%20Progress/MartianJazz_01.jpg

[Jonah Weiland]

OK, the liquor bottle series really is quite awesome. Really wonderful stuff.

[howyadoin]

OK, the liquor bottle series really is quite awesome. Really wonderful stuff.The reactions to them have been pretty satisfying. Definitely expect a lot more of them.

[Jaye]

Woo- gorgeous first panel robot band thing!



.

[howyadoin]

Further developments:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v225/howyadoin/In%20Progress/MartianJazz_02.jpg

[howyadoin]

And still more (notice the toast):

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v225/howyadoin/In%20Progress/MartianJazz_03.jpg

I figure the deal with the toaster/gas pump/blender stuff is, those are their day jobs.

P.S. Star Wars fans might recognize some of the silhouettes in the background.

[howyadoin]

Oh, and Chris, I'm gonna use your "Algorhythms" name, so at some point I'll need your mailing address...

[howyadoin]

More Hot Wheels® photography:

http://static.flickr.com/52/139554654_372bde216e_o.jpg

http://static.flickr.com/55/139554564_b2943f6f6b_o.jpg

http://static.flickr.com/48/139554520_d80fc77960_o.jpg

[Nikita]

Dig the robot....and the Hot Wheels....but I'm really looking forward to that futuristic bee hive.....

Very cool stuff sir. I salute thee!

[howyadoin]

Still got a ways to go, but here's the third robot:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v225/howyadoin/In%20Progress/Blender.jpg

[howyadoin]

Barring any further fine-tuning, this one's finished:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v225/howyadoin/In%20Progress/MartianJazz_04.jpg

[JadeDragon]

Barring any further fine-tuning, this one's finished:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v225/howyadoin/In%20Progress/MartianJazz_04.jpg


Thats freaking AWESOME!!!!!!

Way to go, Howya. I love the progression of finish.

~~~Patrick

[Solaris]

W00t!! I sent you a PM on this one (well, on the name! :D). I love this. One panel: 2+2=4. Second panel: 2(2+2)=8. Third panel: e=mc squared. :D

Cool.

PS---Thanks again for all the Photoshop tips and help! :)

[howyadoin]

Tonight's project:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v225/howyadoin/VikingChick.jpg

[howyadoin]

Another new one begun:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v225/howyadoin/In%20Progress/gunchick_01.jpg

[howyadoin]

Step two:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v225/howyadoin/In%20Progress/gunchick_02.jpg

[Jaye]

Nice work, love the textures you found for the fabrics!


.

[howyadoin]

Nice work, love the textures you found for the fabrics!Low-tech is always the way to go for stuff like that - why fuck around with filters trying to simulate fabrics when you could just scan the fabric?

Step 3:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v225/howyadoin/In%20Progress/gunchick_03.jpg

[howyadoin]

A few tweaks, some shading, and the beginnings of a background:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v225/howyadoin/In%20Progress/gunchick_04.jpg

Food for thought:
I still need to figure out a border for it (once I've got the background worked out, it should flow naturally from that, though).
Should there be some gold on the gun? Maybe the sights and the plate under the grip?

[howyadoin]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v225/howyadoin/Gunchick.jpg

[K'Nort]

Well the smoke is an unexpected plot twist. Love how it's actually done too.

[TroyCarlson]

Howy,

This is definietely one of my favorites from you! I LOVE the texture you've added in the fabric. And your colors are gorgeous! the only question is why add the yellow streak in the upper right corner. I'll admit, it does add a bit of warmth to the peice, but it doesn't seem to fit in logically. I think the pic would be just fine without it?

So jealous of your work output! You are definitely one who DOES and doesn't just TALK about doing. (unlike myself)

Love your thread. Check it constantly. Keep it up!

[howyadoin]

Well the smoke is an unexpected plot twist. Love how it's actually done too.
the only question is why add the yellow streak in the upper right corner. I'll admit, it does add a bit of warmth to the peice, but it doesn't seem to fit in logically. I think the pic would be just fine without it?Initially I intended to just have a slight orange cast in that corner, just to suggest a little sunlight. But I really liked the first attempt at the gradation - the way it interacts with the smoke and the blue sky makes me think of a faded or water-damaged Polaroid.

There's definitely no logic to it, but I'll probably keep it anyhow. I'm pretty curious what else I can do with that effect, though.
So jealous of your work output! You are definitely one who DOES and doesn't just TALK about doing. (unlike myself)

Love your thread. Check it constantly. Keep it up!Thanks. I usually stagnate after Christmas, but each year it happens less. The nice thing is, the more I draw, the more I want to draw, so it feeds itself.

Plus I'm working on a couple commissions at the moment, so money is always a great incentive, too.

[howyadoin]

Another one underway:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v225/howyadoin/In%20Progress/sm_blueline.jpg

[howyadoin]

More booze:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v225/howyadoin/In%20Progress/Moosehead_01.jpg

[howyadoin]

Oh, and this one's finally finished:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v225/howyadoin/Martian_Jazz.jpg

[howyadoin]

Step 2 of the Moosehead bottle:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v225/howyadoin/In%20Progress/Moosehead_02.jpg

[howyadoin]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v225/howyadoin/Liquor%20Bottles/Moosehead.jpg

[howyadoin]

Getting back to the mechanical bee project:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v225/howyadoin/In%20Progress/Bee_rough.jpg

[Nikita]

Getting back to the mechanical bee project:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v225/howyadoin/In%20Progress/Bee_rough.jpg



Heh. I am looking forward to seeing this little buzzing badass finished.

Dear Bret, may I ask a question? Do you draw a lot of things from memory or do you use pictures sometimes for referrence? (just curious)

[Nikita]

Oh, and this one's finally finished:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v225/howyadoin/Martian_Jazz.jpg


Very nice indeed! I'm sure someone else has mentioned this, but this would make a good album cover.

[howyadoin]

Heh. I am looking forward to seeing this little buzzing badass finished.

Dear Bret, may I ask a question? Do you draw a lot of things from memory or do you use pictures sometimes for referrence? (just curious)I use a lot of photo reference. No way could I draw a bee from memory and have it be accurate.

[Nikita]

I use a lot of photo reference. No way could I draw a bee from memory and have it be accurate.


Datz cool yo. I can't wait to see it finished. :cool:

[howyadoin]

Datz cool yo. I can't wait to see it finished.Thanks. Here's a little more:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v225/howyadoin/In%20Progress/Bee_2.jpg

[JadeDragon]

That bee is looking sweet. But godammit man...do some more of them incredible chick pinups!!!!

You could make a career of those! Well played.....beautifully executed!

~~Patrick

[howyadoin]

That bee is looking sweet. But godammit man...do some more of them incredible chick pinups!!!!

You could make a career of those! Well played.....beautifully executed!Thank you, sir. And don't worry, I've got tons more in mind.

[kmeyers]

Oh, and this one's finally finished:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v225/howyadoin/Martian_Jazz.jpg
That turned out great. I really love the third panel. It's more realistic, but doesn't stand out more than the others. The panels are like a progression from left to right. Starting with (1st panel)simple monochromatic blue, (2nd panel) inks and adding a bit more depth and a bit of color. (3rd panel)Finished image. I really like how the blues compliment the blue in the first panel. it really brings everything together. the colors are great, and the robots are all done well, but my favorite is the coloring in the 3rd one.


The panels all are components of, and examples of the artistic process and each panel plays well off of the other.

Now I want to see a triptych in each style!

[howyadoin]

Hey buddy, thanks for all the input. You've always got thought-provoking things to say:That turned out great. I really love the third panel. It's more realistic, but doesn't stand out more than the others. The panels are like a progression from left to right. Starting with (1st panel) simple monochromatic blue, (2nd panel) inks and adding a bit more depth and a bit of color. (3rd panel) Finished image. I really like how the blues compliment the blue in the first panel. it really brings everything together.Let's just call that a happy accident, shall we?
the colors are great, and the robots are all done well, but my favorite is the coloring in the 3rd one.

The panels all are components of, and examples of the artistic process and each panel plays well off of the other.Thanks. I always like art that shows a little of the process - a look beyond the smoke and mirrors, kind of. I was obsessed with it in college, but my instructors didn't seem to get what I was trying to do.
Now I want to see a triptych in each style!I dunno about that, but I've definitely gotta paint more with gouache, that's for sure.

[howyadoin]

Man, I bought the coolest paper today. It's a completely synthetic paper that I think was originally developed for printing brochures and stuff, but apparently it's taken off as a watercolour paper. The water beads and flows on it in really weird ways, and the paper doesn't warp at all when it gets wet. I've already started messing around with it, but drying time is a lot longer than traditional watercolour papers, so it'll be awhile before I can show you guys anything.

EDIT: It's called Yupo paper, and apparently you can layer watercolours on it, or wipe them off after they're dry, as well.

[howyadoin]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v225/howyadoin/In%20Progress/Appleton_01.jpg

[Jaye]

Man, I bought the coolest paper today. It's a completely synthetic paper that I think was originally developed for printing brochures and stuff, but apparently it's taken off as a watercolour paper. The water beads and flows on it in really weird ways, and the paper doesn't warp at all when it gets wet. I've already started messing around with it, but drying time is a lot longer than traditional watercolour papers, so it'll be awhile before I can show you guys anything.

EDIT: It's called Yupo paper, and apparently you can layer watercolours on it, or wipe them off after they're dry, as well.


Can't wait to see it when it dries, sounds like something I'd like to play with.

.

[howyadoin]

Can't wait to see it when it dries, sounds like something I'd like to play with.Actually, that picture I posted last night was done on Yupo. (Well, at least the watercolurs were.) I still have no idea what I'm doing, though. The drying time is way longer, so wet-on-wet, for example, often just gives you a big, muddy smudge of colour. I'm thinkin' I may need to try loading a lot more pigment on the brush than I normally do, and less water.

[Jaye]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v225/howyadoin/In%20Progress/Appleton_01.jpg


Well, the black is super rich looking.
The drips, are drippier looking.
And the wash itself is more vivid than any others...
so I suspected it was the new paper, but then you said issues with drying time so I wasn't sure if that one was photoshopped.

Very cool.
I want to play with it too.

[howyadoin]

Well, the black is super rich looking.That was done separately, though. Just a Sharpie on Letraset marker paper.
The drips, are drippier looking.
And the wash itself is more vivid than any others...
so I suspected it was the new paper, but then you said issues with drying time so I wasn't sure if that one was photoshopped.Ah, gotcha. Well, so far I'm getting these contour-map textures as the paint dries in stages, which is nice. But when I first add a colour to the wet paper, it makes these really wild shapes that dissipate as it dries. Im trying to figure out some way to preserve that, but so far I got nothin'.
Very cool.
I want to play with it too.The strange thing is, there's hardly any reference to the art side of things on Yupo.com. You can buy packs of the paper, but you can't buy it in pads like I did. Maybe they run that separately from the printing side of things or something; there's also no website address on my pad.

[Jaye]

is there a sheen to it?

[howyadoin]

is there a sheen to it?It has a smooth finish, but it's pretty flat.

[Shane Peters]

I didn't get through all of the pages in the thread, but there's some really nice work in here, congrats! And that Dodge Charger is kickin'!

[howyadoin]

More stuff published in (on?) the latest issue of Phirebrush:

http://www.phirebrush.com/issues.php?iid=38&cat=artwork&rs=18&ob=author&obd=ASC

[Jaye]

Congrats again!
Glad to see you keeping up with the submissions n stuff. Its so great your work is finally "out there."

-Jaye

[howyadoin]

Congrats again!
Glad to see you keeping up with the submissions n stuff. Its so great your work is finally "out there."I actually sent those a couple months ago, but their site's been down for a revamp.

And yeah, "out there" is good. I've been posting stuff all over the damn place lately. Found a nice site called Wet Canvas (http://www.wetcanvas.com) that's freakin' full of artists. And through Phirebrush I found a nice portfolio site called carbonmade (http://www.carbonmade.com). Got a start on mine right here (http://howyadoin.carbonmade.com).

[howyadoin]

The beginnings of...

I dunno what, just yet.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v225/howyadoin/In%20Progress/Tropical.jpg

Mostly I just wanted to draw some bamboo last night, really. And some ceramic tiles of some sort. But until I figure out what's going in the open area, I can't decide what colour to do the tiles.

So far the leading contender is a cockatoo, which'll be perched on the counter. Another idea I had was a lizard curled around a tropical drink.

Think I'll just leave this alone for a couple days and let my subconscious work it out.

[Smoogis]

Wow, I like it. Gives me a great tropical feel. Even though I've never posted about your artwork, I always admire your borders.

[Nikita]

The beginnings of...

I dunno what, just yet.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v225/howyadoin/In%20Progress/Tropical.jpg

Mostly I just wanted to draw some bamboo last night, really. And some ceramic tiles of some sort. But until I figure out what's going in the open area, I can't decide what colour to do the tiles.

So far the leading contender is a cockatoo, which'll be perched on the counter. Another idea I had was a lizard curled around a tropical drink.

Think I'll just leave this alone for a couple days and let my subconscious work it out.




lol. Odd, I have never been hit with the urge to draw bamboo. Hmmm...maybe I should look into that.


Jeeze, is there anything you can't draw? You're so good at everything.

[howyadoin]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v225/howyadoin/In%20Progress/Tropical_02.jpg

[howyadoin]

I'm still debating over what to use as the subject matter. I thought about a whole raft of possibilities, but here's what I've narrowed it down to:
A girls' legs from the knees down, and a chameleon beside her, with its tail wrapped around her ankle. She'd be in high heels, and her back wouldbe to the camera.
A margarita, with the aforementioned chamelon's tail wrapped around the stem of the glass.Your thoughts?

[Josh S]

I'd go with the legs. No real reason, other than I like women more than liquor.

[howyadoin]

I'd go with the legs. No real reason, other than I like women more than liquor.Makes sense. I might even have the drink in the picture as well, off to the side or something.

[howyadoin]

Progress:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v225/howyadoin/In%20Progress/Tropical_04.jpg

[howyadoin]

Further developments. I wanted this to look more like a chick who'd had a few too many margaritas and ended up dancing on the bar, and less like a stripper:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v225/howyadoin/In%20Progress/Tropical_05.jpg

[Jaye]

Nice work, the skirt adds a lot to the story, actually.
Can you make toast pop out of the lizards head?

[JadeDragon]

Oh yeah. Im glad you went with the leg option.

And I absolutely am diggin that lizard!~~~~Patrick (Finish!) :)

[howyadoin]

Finish!Soon, I hope.

And thanks.

[Nikita]

Soon, I hope.

And thanks.


What if you combined the mechanical bee with the lizard and the legs? The lizard could be trying to eat the bee with it's tongue while the bee is buzzing around terrifying the chick as she drops her drink and you see her legs jump up a bit to escape the bee.

Just a thought. :D

[howyadoin]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v225/howyadoin/In%20Progress/Tropical_06.jpg

The colours in the new section are just roughed in, obviously. I'll be painting that stuff as well.

[Josh S]

That's coming along nicely, howy. And not that it matters, but the margarita glass kinda look like a face now.

[howyadoin]

More rough colours blocked in:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v225/howyadoin/In%20Progress/Tropical_07.jpg

[howyadoin]

What if you combined the mechanical bee with the lizard and the legs? The lizard could be trying to eat the bee with it's tongue while the bee is buzzing around terrifying the chick as she drops her drink and you see her legs jump up a bit to escape the bee.

Just a thought. :DHah. Don't ever change.

[Nikita]

Hah. Don't ever change.



Hee.......:D

[howyadoin]

So I've painted the lizard, the margarita glass, and the dress:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v225/howyadoin/In%20Progress/Tropical_08.jpg

Here's a close-up to show off the detail a little more:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v225/howyadoin/In%20Progress/Tropical_09.jpg

[kmeyers]

So I've painted the lizard, the margarita glass, and the dress:

]
Nice. I especially like the coloring and texture of her dress. It looks like a rose...it also mirrors the texture in places in the blue background. Do you use an airbrush at all? or is that just great watercoloring?

[howyadoin]

Nice. I especially like the coloring and texture of her dress. It looks like a rose...it also mirrors the texture in places in the blue background. Do you use an airbrush at all? or is that just great watercoloring?Thanks, man. I couldn't use an airbrush to save my life. I did a wet-on-wet watercolour thing, let it dry, and painted it again on top.

[elheffe]

Love the lipstick on the marg glass.

[howyadoin]

Love the lipstick on the marg glass.That's probably my favourite detail of the whole piece. Soon as I thought of it, I knew it was crucial.

[Nikita]

Wow, that's coming out really great Howy. You work so fast! The legs look great. You'd wouldn't think bamboo, a lizard, a drink and legs would go together in a piece of art, but somehow, you make them all work together.

:D

[howyadoin]

More paintin' done:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v225/howyadoin/In%20Progress/Tropical_10.jpg

[cable guy]

I like the last zoomed in shot the best.

[Solaris]

I like the last zoomed in shot the best.

Me too! That is soooo cool. I love it. :)

[howyadoin]

Thanks, folks. I think I've taken this as far as I can for now:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v225/howyadoin/In%20Progress/Tropical_11.jpg

Time to put it away for a couple days and start on something else.

[howyadoin]

And speaking of something else:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v225/howyadoin/In%20Progress/Cowgirl_01.jpg

[howyadoin]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v225/howyadoin/In%20Progress/Cowgirl_02.jpg

[JadeDragon]

Dayum, dood!

Sexy!! :)

And I love how the previous piece turned out. Reminds me of all the music Ive been listening to lately...kinda a 70's revival. All them great classic 70's songs. Not sure why the image invokes that in me. But its cool!

[howyadoin]

Dayum, dood!

Sexy!!Thanks, buddy. I just made a major decision about it - I'm gonna paint the whole thing in gouache. I was just lookin' at some old Lt. Blueberry covers online and felt more than a little inspired.
And I love how the previous piece turned out. Reminds me of all the music Ive been listening to lately...kinda a 70's revival. All them great classic 70's songs. Not sure why the image invokes that in me. But its cool!I'm not sure when it takes place, but I think if it were the 70s, she'd be wearing platform shoes.

Hmmm, that gives me an idear...

[howyadoin]

Just blew the drawing up:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v225/howyadoin/In%20Progress/Cowgirl_03.jpg

Figure I'll fine-tune it for a couple more days and then transfer it to some art board for the painting.

[cable guy]

A Dallas Cowboy Chearleader

[howyadoin]

Hmmm. A cheerleader pic could be fun, too.

Must put that on the to-do list.

[elheffe]

Don't know how you can draw with that darn blue pencil, howya. A scanner will still pick up non-repo blue anyway, won't it?

[howyadoin]

Don't know how you can draw with that darn blue pencil, howya. A scanner will still pick up non-repo blue anyway, won't it?It will if you scan in colour. If you scan black & white, it'll only pick up the darker blue areas.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v225/howyadoin/In%20Progress/Cowgirl_04.jpg

[Roquefort Raider]

I was just lookin' at some old Lt. Blueberry covers online and felt more than a little inspired.


As ever, you demonstrate impeccable taste!

[howyadoin]

More fine-tuning on the rough drawing:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v225/howyadoin/In%20Progress/Cowgirl_05.jpg

[MacQuarrie]

Don't know how you can draw with that darn blue pencil, howya. A scanner will still pick up non-repo blue anyway, won't it?
Here's how to eliminate it...

Scan in RGB. Then go to the blue channel and use levels to remove the (very little) blue that shows up. Make the black black and the white white. Select All, Copy. Go to the red channel and Paste. Got to the green channel and paste. Go to RGB and smile. Convert to Gray if you want, or start splashing color around. I usually copy the scan to a new layer, set it to Multiply, and paint under it on the background layer. Easy as pie.

[Jaye]

Here's how to eliminate it...

Scan in RGB. Then go to the blue channel and use levels to remove the (very little) blue that shows up. Make the black black and the white white. Select All, Copy. Go to the red channel and Paste. Got to the green channel and paste. Go to RGB and smile. Convert to Gray if you want, or start splashing color around. I usually copy the scan to a new layer, set it to Multiply, and paint under it on the background layer. Easy as pie.


What are the benefits of this, not having to erase? Or not having pencil marks everywhere? Just curious.

[TroyCarlson]

Can't wait to see your cowgirl! Love the curves! :cool:

[elheffe]

Here's how to eliminate it...

Scan in RGB. Then go to the blue channel and use levels to remove the (very little) blue that shows up. Make the black black and the white white. Select All, Copy. Go to the red channel and Paste. Got to the green channel and paste. Go to RGB and smile. Convert to Gray if you want, or start splashing color around. I usually copy the scan to a new layer, set it to Multiply, and paint under it on the background layer. Easy as pie.
Thanks, Jim. That's probably a great technique. But I have the hardest time using non-repo blue.

What are the benefits of this, not having to erase? Or not having pencil marks everywhere? Just curious.
Yeah it the old days, before scanners and computers, old photostat cameras wouldn't pick up the blue, so no erasing.

[howyadoin]

Here's how to eliminate it...

Scan in RGB. Then go to the blue channel and use levels to remove the (very little) blue that shows up. Make the black black and the white white. Select All, Copy. Go to the red channel and Paste. Got to the green channel and paste. Go to RGB and smile. Convert to Gray if you want, or start splashing color around. I usually copy the scan to a new layer, set it to Multiply, and paint under it on the background layer. Easy as pie.People still use levels? I do all my colour adjustments in the Curves palette.

[howyadoin]

What are the benefits of this, not having to erase? Or not having pencil marks everywhere? Just curious.I just like drawing in blue pencil for the rough stages, particularly since it doesn't smudge.

Not that it matters one way or the other in this particular pic; none of the linework you're seeing will show on the painted piece.

[MacQuarrie]

People still use levels? I do all my colour adjustments in the Curves palette.
This is about the only thing I use levels for anymore. It's a blunt instrument, but it's ideal for this task. Levels is best for adjusting the 0 and 255 points, and Curves handles everything in between.

[MacQuarrie]

What are the benefits of this, not having to erase? Or not having pencil marks everywhere? Just curious.
Benefits: Not having to erase, not having pencils marks, making the inks solid black (a lot of inking looks gray when scanned), making the background solid white, eliminating any color shift (any gray that you keep will be neutral).

[MacQuarrie]

Thanks, Jim. That's probably a great technique. But I have the hardest time using non-repo blue.
It will work with a red pencil too, just start with the red channel instead of the blue. In fact it'll work with pretty much any pencil, since they are seldom a truly neutral color. Pick whichever channel has the lightest pencil marks, adjust until it goes away, then copy that to the other channels.

[howyadoin]

Some of my recent pieces made the latest issue of Phirebrush:

http://www.phirebrush.com/issues.php?iid=39&cat=artwork&rs=72&ob=author&obd=ASC

http://www.phirebrush.com/issues.php?iid=39&cat=artwork&rs=90&ob=author&obd=ASC

[elheffe]

People still use levels? I do all my colour adjustments in the Curves palette.
I use use both, but I mainly use Levels for color adjustments. I find there's more control, at least in color, with Levels. Now for grayscale, Curves rock.

[howyadoin]

I use use both, but I mainly use Levels for color adjustments. I find there's more control, at least in color, with Levels.Somehow I just don't see that, but I'm probably biased. I've never seen anything done in Levels that I couldn't replicate with Curves. Just manipulate each colour channel separately - then it's no different from adjusting a grayscale image.

(I love Photoshop nerd talk.)

[MacQuarrie]

Somehow I just don't see that, but I'm probably biased. I've never seen anything done in Levels that I couldn't replicate with Curves. Just manipulate each colour channel separately - then it's no different from adjusting a grayscale image.

(I love Photoshop nerd talk.)
I'm with you. Any adjustment other than the absolute extremes is better done in Curves.

The only use I have for Levels anymore is first-pass color correction on raw scans, and the routine to drop blue pencil out of inked art.

With raw scans, before you get to curves, the first thing to do is open up levels and move the sliders in each channel to where the histogram starts and ends. That will take care of about the first 70% of your color correction. then go to Curves for the fine-tuning in the mid-range.

The reason to use Levels for this is it's so simple. You have that nifty histogram so you can see exactly where the color begins and ends. In Curves it's a bit of a guessing game. You can use the eyedropper, I suppose. But I like the histogram.

[howyadoin]

Okay, the linework is finished:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v225/howyadoin/In%20Progress/Cowgirl_06.jpg

Tomorrow this gets transferred to some art board and the painting begins.

[cable guy]

Looks great just like that.

[Jaye]

So, how are things?

[howyadoin]

So, how are things?Things are good, my friend. Been a pretty busy week, so I've been kinda neglecting the art, but the cowgirl painting is probably about half done, and I've got ideas for a bunch of new stuff.

Oh, and it looks like work may finally start on a website soon. The other night my buddy Matt's comedy group had a big fundraising party thing, and I had 5 pieces of mine hanging on the wall. Had an inquiry about buying some stuff, got a potential commission lined up from a country singer I know, and had a chat with a web-design chick.

Yeah, things are good. And you?

[kmeyers]

Okay, the linework is finished:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v225/howyadoin/In%20Progress/Cowgirl_06.jpg

Tomorrow this gets transferred to some art board and the painting begins.

Transferred to art board? How do you do that? Isn't art board too thick for most printers?

[howyadoin]

Transferred to art board? How do you do that? Isn't art board too thick for most printers?That linework is on tracing paper. I went over the lines with a 6B pencil on the back of the sheet, then laid it down on a big piece of cold press board, and rubbed over the tracing paper. I just painted the gouache right over the pencil lines.

Here's where it stands so far:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v225/howyadoin/In%20Progress/Cowgirl_07.jpg

[kmeyers]

That linework is on tracing paper. I went over the lines with a 6B pencil on the back of the sheet, then laid it down on a big piece of cold press board, and rubbed over the tracing paper. I just painted the gouache right over the pencil lines.

Here's where it stands so far:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v225/howyadoin/In%20Progress/Cowgirl_07.jpg
Looks great. I like the color scheme so far.

I don't know why I assumed you would be printing it. I heard photoshop, and my brain clicked into computer and technology mode.

I'm still overwhelmed by photoshop at times, but i'm slowly learning.

[howyadoin]

Looks great. I like the color scheme so far.

I don't know why I assumed you would be printing it. I heard photoshop, and my brain clicked into computer and technology mode.

I'm still overwhelmed by photoshop at times, but i'm slowly learning.Yeah, I'm trying to minimize the amount of computer work in this one. I'm sure there'll be some basic cleanup and stuff once it's scanned, and I may change the colour of the shirt, but that'll probably be about it.

Oh, and I'll probably merge the painting with the backdrop in the Photoshop, too.

[howyadoin]

Finally got back on the stick today, after much too long a break. Havin' the flu really saps my creativity.

But I've gotten a bunch done on the cowgirl pic. Hopefully I'll have something to show you guys tomorrow.

[howyadoin]

Alright, here's where I am so far:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v225/howyadoin/In%20Progress/Cowgirl_08.jpg

Still got a bunch more detail work to do, and I'm not happy with the eyes - something's definitely been lost since the blueline version. And I wanna even out the skin tones a bit as well.

No big deal, though. Take it as it comes.

[howyadoin]

Moving right along:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v225/howyadoin/In%20Progress/Cowgirl_09.jpg

[Winslow]

. . .Still got a bunch more detail work to do, and I'm not happy with the eyes - something's definitely been lost since the blueline version. And I wanna even out the skin tones a bit as well.

No big deal, though. Take it as it comes.

I posted in Rita's I like the Blue Line better, but I think it's because of your own observation - that there's detail work to do.

The detail I like in the Blue Line got a little lost in the coloring. For instance, I like the smirk on her face in the Blue Line, and I don't see it as well in the color version.

BTW, it's pretty sweet. My critique's intended to be helpful.

[Jaye]

The clothes look great, too!

[howyadoin]

I posted in Rita's I like the Blue Line better, but I think it's because of your own observation - that there's detail work to do.

The detail I like in the Blue Line got a little lost in the coloring. For instance, I like the smirk on her face in the Blue Line, and I don't see it as well in the color version.

BTW, it's pretty sweet. My critique's intended to be helpful.Thank you, sir. I always appreciate the input. The facial expression did change some, but gouache ain't easy to rework once you've built up a few layers. It's already cracking a bit in places, but nothing that'll be noticeable on the final print of this piece.

I dunno. I may redo the face on a new piece of board and have at it again. We'll see. In the meantime my main priority is tweaking colours and painting a simple background.
The clothes look great, too!Thanks. I'm really happy with how the jeans came out.

[howyadoin]

Special announcement: the next series of pictures will be Hot Chick Bartenders.



(I know, it's a bit of a stretch for me.)

[Roquefort Raider]

Special announcement: the next series of pictures will be Hot Chick Bartenders.



The shock !!!


Can't wait.

[howyadoin]

Tweaked a bunch of small details, and reworked the smirk a little. Started the background, too:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v225/howyadoin/In%20Progress/Cowgirl_10.jpg

[howyadoin]

More or less finished the background, but I think I might like it better without the tan part underneath.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v225/howyadoin/In%20Progress/Cowgirl_11.jpg

We'll see. For now I'll just leave it alone for a couple days.

[howyadoin]

Yeah, that's definitely not workin' for me. I've already started painting a new backdrop - much simpler, most likely.

[howyadoin]

Alright, let's try this again:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v225/howyadoin/In%20Progress/Cowgirl_12.jpg

[Roquefort Raider]

Yeeee-Hah!!!

You were right about the tan patch. It looks better without. I think having the blue backdrop off-centered gives the piece more volume.

Another beautiful piece of work!

[Jaye]

Hell yeah, thats works really well!
Nice one.

[howyadoin]

My thanks to you both; I always appreciate the input. I've still got a few minor tweaks to do, but this one's almost wrapped up.

Guess I'll be starting the draw-off thing next, most likely. Had a bit of a brainstorm about it last night.





Now when are we gonna see new stuff from you two?

[Roquefort Raider]

Now when are we gonna see new stuff from you two?

I'm just finishing a contract for the illustration of a molecular biology textbook, but it's pretty technical and dry stuff.

Here's something more fun: as is the tradition, each year the older students get to welcome the newcomers at the university... much good-natured hazing occurs, and plenty of beer is consumed. I was asked to provide a picture for this year's t-shirt: it is supposed to represent the whole Faculty of Science, not just Biology (where I work).

I thought I'd put Marie Curie (chemistry), Albert Einstein (physics, maths) and Charles Darwin (biology) in biker leather, just to show that science isn't for wusses!

(The bar names on the image are the event's sponsors).

[Jaye]

Now when are we gonna see new stuff from you two?


Right now I'm working on a CD cover for a compilation of local bands. After its printed and I have my (payment of) cd copies, you are on the short list of folks I'm sending it to. So you'll see it in about a month I'd say.

In the meantime, I might do a bows and arrows thing.

I moved, and am still organizing the new art space. Many projects half done just waiting for me.

[howyadoin]

I'm just finishing a contract for the illustration of a molecular biology textbook, but it's pretty technical and dry stuff.

Here's something more fun: as is the tradition, each year the older students get to welcome the newcomers at the university... much good-natured hazing occurs, and plenty of beer is consumed. I was asked to provide a picture for this year's t-shirt: it is supposed to represent the whole Faculty of Science, not just Biology (where I work).

I thought I'd put Marie Curie (chemistry), Albert Einstein (physics, maths) and Charles Darwin (biology) in biker leather, just to show that science isn't for wusses!

(The bar names on the image are the event's sponsors).That's hilarious. I think you uncovered the longlost link between Einstein and Sid Vicious.

[howyadoin]

Right now I'm working on a CD cover for a compilation of local bands. After its printed and I have my (payment of) cd copies, you are on the short list of folks I'm sending it to. So you'll see it in about a month I'd say.

In the meantime, I might do a bows and arrows thing.

I moved, and am still organizing the new art space. Many projects half done just waiting for me.Outstanding. Lookin' forward to seeing it all.

What's the new art space like?

[howyadoin]

Can't believe I almost forgot the bullets:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v225/howyadoin/Cowgirl.jpg

[elheffe]

Well, that came together nicely.

[.::OkieDokieArtichokie::.]

You are so awesome, you know that?

I'm not much for boobs but she has some very nice cleavage going on there. And as everyone already said: Brilliant job on those boots!

EDIT: It was late last night but I meant to say brilliant job on the jeans. The boots are really cool but the jeans are just terrific. Sorry.

[howyadoin]

Thanks once again, kids.

Now onto the next little project:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v225/howyadoin/In%20Progress/GA_blueline.jpg

I figure I'll do it in rouch pencil over watercolour and/or gouache.

[.::OkieDokieArtichokie::.]

Uh-oh. Should I just back out of the bow/arrow contest now then? :P

[howyadoin]

Uh-oh. Should I just back out of the bow/arrow contest now then? :PLike hell. I wanna see what you come up with.

[howyadoin]

Work in progress:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v225/howyadoin/In%20Progress/Green_Arrow_01.jpg

[Josh S]

That's coming along nicely. I've just started reading GA, so I'm really digging the character lately.

[howyadoin]

That's coming along nicely. I've just started reading GA, so I'm really digging the character lately.Look for the classic 1970s Green Lantern/Green Arrow trades. Great stuff - some of the best art Neal Adams ever did.

[kmeyers]

Work in progress:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v225/howyadoin/In%20Progress/Green_Arrow_01.jpg
That's awesome, I hate you. That pose is terrific. Background rocks. Classic GA.

Will you be keeping his skin green, or making it fleshtones?

My only critique,(and don't hate me) is that his arm(especially his left bicep)is huge. Almost as big as his waist and thighs.

[howyadoin]

That's awesome, I hate you. That pose is terrific. Background rocks. Classic GA.

Will you be keeping his skin green, or making it fleshtones?

My only critique,(and don't hate me) is that his arm(especially his left bicep)is huge. Almost as big as his waist and thighs.The pose is a pretty standard archery thing, from what I was able to google up. What's funny is, I dug out one of the classic Green Lantern/Green arrow trades for reference, and there's hardly any standard shots of Ollie in that pose (lots of shots of he and Hal getting their asses handed to them, though).

Plus I didn't wanna fuck it up or I'd hear it from Jim MacQuarrie.

As for the skin, I'm gonna keep it green. I might not keep the yellow for the hair or the feather, either. That remains to be seen.

And I'm trying for a bit of a Bisley thing with the body proportions.

[kmeyers]

The pose is a pretty standard archery thing, from what I was able to google up. What's funny is, I dug out one of the classic Green Lantern/Green arrow trades for reference, and there's hardly any standard shots of Ollie in that pose (lots of shots of he and Hal getting their asses handed to them, though).

Plus I didn't wanna fuck it up or I'd hear it from Jim MacQuarrie.

As for the skin, I'm gonna keep it green. I might not keep the yellow for the hair or the feather, either. That remains to be seen.

And I'm trying for a bit of a Bisley thing with the body proportions.
As it is, I like the yellow. It's nicely offset by your signature...maybe even a yellow arrow through your signature stuck into a yellow apple...The arm bothers me, but it's not a big deal at all.

I had a cool GA pic I drew, but I lost it...I did it for 13th...maybe she saved it...

[howyadoin]

As it is, I like the yellow. It's nicely offset by your signature...maybe even a yellow arrow through your signature stuck into a yellow apple...The arm bothers me, but it's not a big deal at all.Food for thought. I haven't really decided about the yellow yet. And I think I'm gonna make the legs a bit longer. And I'd say that at least the forearms are fairly consistent sizewise, wouldn't you?

I had a cool GA pic I drew, but I lost it...I did it for 13th...maybe she saved it...Hopefully she'll save the day. She's good like that.

[kmeyers]

Food for thought. I haven't really decided about the yellow yet. And I think I'm gonna make the legs a bit longer. And I'd say that at least the forearms are fairly consistent sizewise, wouldn't you?
The forearms look great, that's why I think the bicep looks a bit too big. Making the legs longer will help, but I still think that bicep is a bit too bulky.

also, suggestion with the leg...I would straiten his left leg out, like it's planted firmly, tripod-like.

Hopefully she'll save the day. She's good like that.
Yeah, that would be sweet. It's an old drawing, but I remember it not sucking.

[howyadoin]

A few tweaks:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v225/howyadoin/In%20Progress/Green_Arrow_02.jpg

[MacQuarrie]

Plus I didn't wanna fuck it up or I'd hear it from Jim MacQuarrie.

How anal-retentive do you want me to be here?

The only error is that the arrow needs to go on the other side of the bow. Everything else is nitpicks about form, basically the same stuff I say to my students.

also, suggestion with the leg...I would straiten his left leg out, like it's planted firmly, tripod-like.
Nope. Feet should be shoulder-width apart and directly below the shoulders, knees should not be locked. But in terms of artistic license, as long as everything from the ribcage up is in its proper place, I'm willing to accept that GA can do whatever he wants with the rest of his body; if you want to show him swinging from a trapeze or riding a unicycle, that's fine as long as the shoulders, arms and head are where they should be.

His head is hunched a little forward, but that's pretty normal for instinctive shooters. It's not ideal, but it's typical.

From an instructional standpoint, I'd tell him not to hunch his left shoulder up the way he does, as that reduces his power and shortens his draw-length. Again, though, that's fairly typical, especially among traditional archers using very heavy bows.

GA Actually has pretty good form as far as posture goes; olympic-style shooters generally stand up straighter than longbow/traditional shooters, and he's somewhere between the two, which is correct as he's not using a sight or any other shooting aids. His anchor point (position of his right hand) is consistent with an instinctive shooter of the Howard Hill type.

The bow is a little funky.

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c172/comicfacts/Parts.jpg

This is a take-down recurve, but it has a lot in common with a one-piece bow. For example, the wide body of the bow tapers to flat limbs.

EDIT: Looking at your painting a second time, you have the limbs right except for the tips.

Note the grip (13) and the arrow rest above it (12). Note that the top of the grip sits about center on the bow.

On the second diagram, item 5 is the sight window. If you were looking at the bow from the front, you'd see that it's asymmetrical; about half the bow is cut away for about 6-8 inches above the handle so that the arrow sits closer to the center of the bow. It won't show on your painting, but I'm pointing it out so that you'll be aware of where the arrow sits in relation to the bow.

Traditional bows wouldn't have the pistol-grip, it's just straight with a handle or covering over it, but the bow is still thicker front to back than side to side at the handle, and tapers to become thin and flat front to back while largely retaining its width. The tips of the limbs look odd too. It should just be a groove around the tip that the string lops into.

Like I said, apart from the bow shape and the arrow placement, it's all just nitpicky stuff that nobody but an archer will ever notice.

Here's a little animation of the nine steps of shooting. Note "Anchor," as that's the step you're illustrating...

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c172/comicfacts/9steps.gif

[howyadoin]

Thanks, Jim. That's exactly the kind of info I was looking for. I'll be making more tweaks later today.

As for the tips of the bow, I had the damnedest time finding a decent reference shot to see how the string actually attached to the bow. I shoulda just asked you in the first place.

[howyadoin]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v225/howyadoin/In%20Progress/Green_Arrow_03.jpg

[elheffe]

That's awesome, Bret. But has it been portrayed so incorrectly for so long that the way that arrow now is on the outside of the bow looks wrong to me.

[howyadoin]

That's awesome, Bret. But has it been portrayed so incorrectly for so long that the way that arrow now is on the outside of the bow looks wrong to me.Yeah, I'm the same way. I keep thinking he's about to shoot someone off to his left.

[kmeyers]

Rock.



.

[howyadoin]

Rock.Thanks. I think yours and Jim's suggestions really improved it.

[howyadoin]

And another underway:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v225/howyadoin/In%20Progress/chopper431.jpg

Think I'll try to do this one in a similar style to the bourbon bottles.

[Jaye]

Love the GA!

Kevin, sadly I don't still have your GA. It might be on my old computer though. I'll check. It was fantastic, did you lose it in the flood?

Howy, you did a great job, the backgroud kicks much ass, as does the strong pose.

[.::OkieDokieArtichokie::.]

Mechanical things are hard; You can't stylize them the way you can do with people or else you end up distorting the object and making it look out of perspective or something.

Juxtaposed with a person/character it might be easier to pull off, but by itself it will be a challenge. I'm anxious to see how you get all the personality of your art into this new one.

[kmeyers]

Love the GA!

Kevin, sadly I don't still have your GA. It might be on my old computer though. I'll check. It was fantastic, did you lose it in the flood?
.
First of all...as shitty as it was to lose artwork to water damage, I think it's hilarious that people ask me if I lost it in "the flood." It's almost biblical.

But yeah, it was one of the casualties. One of the pieces that didn't make it on to the arc. oh well, I can always redo it. i need an excuse to draw. er...to draw something I actually want to draw.

[howyadoin]

Mechanical things are hard; You can't stylize them the way you can do with people or else you end up distorting the object and making it look out of perspective or something. If you scroll back far enough in this thread, there's a series of car pics I did that are fairly distorted. More-or-less a fisheye lens treatment. It definitely gave the cars some personality.

On an unrelated note, I started yet another project tonight:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v225/howyadoin/In%20Progress/Troll_01.jpg

The plan is to show a whole bunch of these nasties in a row, marching into battle. (Their ankles will be chained together, by the way.)

[.::OkieDokieArtichokie::.]

The plan is to show a whole bunch of these nasties in a row, marching into battle.

Aww.. He's cute!

And I hadn't seen the cars earlier in the thread, sorry, but I wasn't expressing a lack of faith in your mad skillz (hehe). I was just saying when it turns out awesome I am gonna be more impressed than usual.

[Ontir]

You know anyone who wears skulls for butt-floss, HAS to be a bad@$$! :D

[howyadoin]

You know anyone who wears skulls for butt-floss, HAS to be a bad@$$!Hah. That's actually his front, not his back.

[TroyCarlson]

Wow! I've been gone a long time...you got a TON of work done, too! God, I'm so envious of your work ethic!

I LOVE the way the cowgirl turned out. Fantastic stuff, Howy! Keep it up, man!

[howyadoin]

Wow! I've been gone a long time...you got a TON of work done, too! God, I'm so envious of your work ethic!

I LOVE the way the cowgirl turned out. Fantastic stuff, Howy! Keep it up, man!Thanks, buddy. I actually slacked off for most of July, but now I'm feeling inspired again.

Here's another troll:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v225/howyadoin/In%20Progress/Troll_02.jpg

[howyadoin]

And I hadn't seen the cars earlier in the thread, sorry, but I wasn't expressing a lack of faith in your mad skillz (hehe). I was just saying when it turns out awesome I am gonna be more impressed than usual.No worries. I wasn't doubting your faith.

But seriously, a lot of the personality in automotive art - if there is any - can come from the era and automotive scene you're trying to invoke. In the case of that Harley, I haven't really decided what era it's from, so picking the right period-correct accessories is still a bit of a chore. The handlebars, for instance, are from Peter Fonda's Captain America bike in Easy Rider, but the chassis is clearly newer. And chopper design and culture have changed quite a bit since the late 60s, so it still remains to be seen how I can reconcile all that.

I did almost make this a Ghost Rider picture, but I think that can wait for the time being.

[howyadoin]

Latest developments on the Harley. These are still rough pencils and blocked-in colours in Photoshop:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v225/howyadoin/In%20Progress/Chopper_01.jpg

[howyadoin]

Phirebrush #41 is now online. The cowgirl and Green Arrow pieces are here (http://www.phirebrush.com/issues.php?iid=41&cat=artwork&rs=54&ob=author&obd=ASC).

[Kara Zor El]

Hey Man! I really like your art. You are very prolific and all those different styles and themes. Thanks for your help in my Clouring Book thread. I'll be asking you some questions soon.
You a Dune fan?

[howyadoin]

Hey Man! I really like your art. You are very prolific and all those different styles and themes. Thanks for your help in my Clouring Book thread. I'll be asking you some questions soon.
You a Dune fan?Thanks. Yeah, I'm a big Dune fan.



(Just the original books, though. Not the new ones Frank Herbert's son is doing.)

[howyadoin]

Primary inks done (I may do some shading in ink and add it later), base colours blocked in:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v225/howyadoin/In%20Progress/Chopper_02.jpg

[Roquefort Raider]

Primary inks done (I may do some shading in ink and add it later), base colours blocked in:

Looking good... I particularly like the attention to details (the brakes, the links in the chain) that do not distract from the overall elegance of the piece. The choice of colors is also very appropriate. The tires look much nicer with this deep gray-blue than in pure gray.

Another excellent piece taking shape before our eyes!!!

[howyadoin]

Thanks, Ben. Your input's always appreciated.

New developments:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v225/howyadoin/In%20Progress/Chopper_03.jpg

Still have to paint a proper background and start working on the lighting.

[Roquefort Raider]

New developments:


Hah! The signature is a nice touch!

[.::OkieDokieArtichokie::.]

I'm loving the smooth dead-lining around the bike. Sleek doesn't even begin to describe it. Something seems "off" to me about the handle bars... Maybe I'm just not used to the angle? The one closest to us looks bent downward.

[howyadoin]

Something seems "off" to me about the handle bars... Maybe I'm just not used to the angle? The one closest to us looks bent downward.I struggled with that for awhile. But keep in mind that the front wheel is turned a little.

[howyadoin]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v225/howyadoin/In%20Progress/Chopper_04.jpg

The sky is watercolour on Yupo paper. The ground is coloured pencil over inkwash on Peterboro illustration board. And the new seat is watercolour on Canson paper.

Still have to do the spokes, the chrome, and all the various highlights and shadows.

[howyadoin]

Just finished the shading/reflections/chrome shit:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v225/howyadoin/In%20Progress/Chopper_05.jpg

Hopefully the spokes and any fine-tuning will wrap this up tomorrow.

[howyadoin]

Other than the rear spokes, this damn thing is done:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v225/howyadoin/In%20Progress/Chopper_06.jpg

[howyadoin]

Whattaya think? Was the star filter too much?

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v225/howyadoin/In%20Progress/Chopper_07.jpg

[Roquefort Raider]

You know something pretty cool?

When you mentioned adding spokes, I almost suggested you didn't. Spokes on wheels usually add too many lines on a picture, and it was once pointed to me that the great Hergé (creator of Tintin and pretty much THE reference for storytelling in the French-speaking world of comics) had omitted to draw the spokes on Captain Haddock's wheelchair, in order not to make the thing too ink-heavy. But as you're the pro, I thought I'd wait and see how you would pull it off.

And you managed to add spokes without overburdening the wheels' look by making them white instead of black! Very well done indeed!

Regarding the star filter, I think they work better than just the chrome glows. (But I must admit that I like the flat color version, too).

One of my karate colleagues would love that picture... She's a bike nut (although she prefers racing bikes, since she actually enjoys going at 240 kph).

[Vegetarian Goat]

That's awesome- drawing that's SO precise and clean is always a mystery to me. I just can't do it. Very cool, dude. :)

[howyadoin]

You know something pretty cool?

When you mentioned adding spokes, I almost suggested you didn't. Spokes on wheels usually add too many lines on a picture, and it was once pointed to me that the great Hergé (creator of Tintin and pretty much THE reference for storytelling in the French-speaking world of comics) had omitted to draw the spokes on Captain Haddock's wheelchair, in order not to make the thing too ink-heavy. But as you're the pro, I thought I'd wait and see how you would pull it off.

And you managed to add spokes without overburdening the wheels' look by making them white instead of black! Very well done indeed!Thank you, sir. I did really want to downplay them, and just have a suggestion of spokes. Glad I pulled that off. I set the opacity of the layer at 80%, and that seems to have made a big difference.

Regarding the star filter, I think they work better than just the chrome glows. (But I must admit that I like the flat color version, too).So far you're one of the few who liked that. The weird thing is, I showed it to a couple photographer friends of mine, and they immediately got what I was trying to do. Though it might be an age thing, too - all of us being well past 30 and everything. But I remember tons of automotive photography like that in the 70s (and porn, too).

One of my karate colleagues would love that picture... She's a bike nut (although she prefers racing bikes, since she actually enjoys going at 240 kph).Racing bikes, hmmm?
That's awesome- drawing that's SO precise and clean is always a mystery to me. I just can't do it. Very cool, dude. :)Thank you. High praise indeed. I don't often go for that level of precision myself, but I didn't wanna fake this, 'cause I've been ranting for years about how stupid the (obviously faked) bikes in Ghost Rider comics look. Once I got started, it was hard to stop - putting all those reflections in, that sorta thing. The Photoshop file has a ridiculous number of layers in it. (There's 24 star flares in it alone.)

Needless to say, the next thing I draw is gonna be looser and simpler.

[.::OkieDokieArtichokie::.]

I've been ranting for years about how stupid the (obviously faked) bikes in Ghost Rider comics look.

I read somewhere that he builds models in a 3-d program based on bikes he likes and then poses them in the programs and draws em just how he sees them. So I guess he mixes and matches.

Maybe I just dont know anything about motorcycles but I thought they looked realistic *shrug*

[howyadoin]

I read somewhere that he builds models in a 3-d program based on bikes he likes and then poses them in the programs and draws em just how he sees them. So I guess he mixes and matches.

Maybe I just dont know anything about motorcycles but I thought they looked realistic *shrug*Oh, it's not that series I was referring to - there've been 2 or 3 ongoing series and a couple minis. All the rest had hand-drawn ones, but it was clear the artists tried to fake it rather than do the research. So you'll see the bike change from panel to panel, growing and discarding parts as the story progresses. And if the whole point of a comic is motorcycles... well, I think you know where I'm goin' with this.


Here's a case in point:

http://members.fortunecity.com/dm_bishop2/marvel/ghostrider010.jpg

That's one of the better examples from the 1970s, but the bike needs to be 25-30% bigger in relation to Johnny, and the engine will seize up when it's started, because the artist didn't bother drawing an oil tank. His feet shouldn't reach that far beyond the footpegs, either.

Or take this monstrosity:

http://www.mvstamps.com/images2/ghostrider3.jpg

Ghost Rider is sitting forward up on the gas tank, and the rear wheel isn't even attached. Just rolling along with the bike. Must be magic. Beyond that, the basic proportions are all wrong and the handlebars don't even match.

As for the CGI-based series, they got the construction right, but evidently the artist didn't know that bikes generally (i.e., in every single case I've seen) have the throttle in the right hand-grip and not the left. So every time you see Ghost Rider swinging that chain in his right hand, the bike is about to stop.

Again, the kind of simple things that a bit of research could tell you.

[.::OkieDokieArtichokie::.]

Hehehehe. Oh I see.

Well then you'll just have to go demand to be the new editor and/or artist of Ghost Rider and show em how it's done.

[howyadoin]

Hehehehe. Oh I see.

Well then you'll just have to go demand to be the new editor and/or artist of Ghost Rider and show em how it's done.Actually, I'd like to see Bryan Hitch on a Ghost Rider series. He clearly does the research, and he does a lot of the wide panels you need to convey a sense of speed.

[howyadoin]

Started another new one tonight:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v225/howyadoin/In%20Progress/Stingray_01.jpg

[Forefinger]

A few tweaks:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v225/howyadoin/In%20Progress/Green_Arrow_02.jpg
It kind of reminds me of Matt Wagner's work. And that's a compliment from me.

[Forefinger]

Whattaya think? Was the star filter too much?

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v225/howyadoin/In%20Progress/Chopper_07.jpg
I think so. I liked the previous version.

[howyadoin]

So the chopper piece made the latest issue of Phirebrush (http://www.phirebrush.com/issues.php?iid=42&cat=artwork&rs=36&ob=author&obd=ASC). That whole deal is kinda losing its excitement - partially because it's my 5th time, but also because it's not a printed magazine. Might have to start looking around for another venue.

[DocAbsurd]

Five times? How can you be so blase? I'd poop if I made it in 5 times. Print or not, it's a bit of recognition.

You should be proud, Bret. Proud, I say!




Doc 'Flaunt It If You Got It' Absurd

[elheffe]

So the chopper piece made the latest issue of Phirebrush (http://www.phirebrush.com/issues.php?iid=42&cat=artwork&rs=36&ob=author&obd=ASC). That whole deal is kinda losing its excitement - partially because it's my 5th time, but also because it's not a printed magazine. Might have to start looking around for another venue.

I think you should approach some car magazines with your work. I don't know if they're hiring or anything, but it would be cool if they wanted you to do some spot illustrations for them.

[howyadoin]

I think you should approach some car magazines with your work. I don't know if they're hiring or anything, but it would be cool if they wanted you to do some spot illustrations for them.Yeah, that's not a bad idea. Something to look into, for sure.

[howyadoin]

Finally, a new piece underway:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v225/howyadoin/In%20Progress/lizard_01.jpg

[.::OkieDokieArtichokie::.]

Ohhh, I love the little paint dots on his tail. He looks like a green/blue version of my gecko <3

[howyadoin]

Ohhh, I love the little paint dots on his tail. He looks like a green/blue version of my gecko <3Thanks, I was starting to worry you'd left us. What've you been workin' on lately? You should check out some of the "CBR Draws..." threads.

Oh, and here's the next phase of the lizard:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v225/howyadoin/In%20Progress/Lizard_02.jpg

[howyadoin]

Still more:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v225/howyadoin/In%20Progress/Lizard_03.jpg

[DocAbsurd]

Here's something that struck me immediately:

Why not get rid of the white all together?

To be honest, it's a bit distracting and seems to take away from the organic nature of the lizard itself. Maybe get rid of the white and play with the transparency of the figure against the backgrounds. Kinda like a chameleon blending into whatever it's on.

Just seems like you'd do the lizard justice by making him more subtle.




Doc 'Camouflage' Absurd

[howyadoin]

Thanks for the input, Doc. I'm gonna take another run at this later tonight and see what happens; I think I'll spin the two contrasting looks into two different pictures (albeit with the same composition).

[howyadoin]

Another option:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v225/howyadoin/In%20Progress/Lizard_04.jpg

[DocAbsurd]

That's got it, Howy! Dammit, that's exactly the way I imagined it!




Doc 'I Know What I Like' Absurd

[howyadoin]

That's got it, Howy! Dammit, that's exactly the way I imagined it!You rock, Doc.

And expect to see more of these; I came up with a few other concepts last night.

[morphosiscomics]

Cool work,
I like http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v225/howyadoin/In%20Progress/Green_Arrow_02.jpg

J

[howyadoin]

More lizardy goodness:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v225/howyadoin/In%20Progress/Lizard_05.jpg

Oh, and thanks, morphosis.

[Jaye]

Oooooooooooooooooooh!

Excellent coloring.

[howyadoin]

Oooooooooooooooooooh!

Excellent coloring.As always, thanks for the kind words.

And now for a couple more lizards:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v225/howyadoin/In%20Progress/Lizard_06.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v225/howyadoin/In%20Progress/Lizard_07.jpg

[howyadoin]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v225/howyadoin/In%20Progress/Lizard_08.jpg

[howyadoin]

Two more:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v225/howyadoin/In%20Progress/Lizard_09.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v225/howyadoin/In%20Progress/Lizard_10.jpg

[Roquefort Raider]

I think they'd all look great as a mosaic!

[howyadoin]

I think they'd all look great as a mosaic!You, sir, are brilliant. That gives me a great idea.

[JadeDragon]

Really great use of textures on that new piece, Howya! Love yer sense of design.

So are you making art christmas gifts again this year for family?

Great to see the thread still going strong!~~~Patrick

[howyadoin]

Really great use of textures on that new piece, Howya! Love yer sense of design.

So are you making art christmas gifts again this year for family?

Great to see the thread still going strong!~~~PatrickThanks, ol' buddy. This lizard series will be my sister's present this year. I'm about to start the rest in the next week or so, as well.

[howyadoin]

Inspired by Ben's "mosaic" comment:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v225/howyadoin/In%20Progress/Lizard_11.jpg

[howyadoin]

Oh, and here - minus the last lizard, which isn't finished yet - is roughly what the final poster will look like:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v225/howyadoin/In%20Progress/Lizards_Poster_01.jpg

[DocAbsurd]

That nearly-9-part bit of inspired creativity is exactly why I've been considering packing away the studio. That is genius, Howy; sheer genius. Number 8 is the strongest one by far. Those would be such the fashion statement on a series of tees.

How large will the finished poster be, just for curiosity's sake?




Doc 'Shamed' Absurd

[elheffe]

Oh, and here - minus the last lizard, which isn't finished yet - is roughly what the final poster will look like:
Seeing them all together like that is really cool looking. It's got that Andy Warhol-ish-pop art feel to it. At great piece.

[Jaye]

I've been waiting to see them all together to comment, but its really looking good so far, Bret.

-13th

[howyadoin]

Thanks, folks. The finished piece will be 16x20, with lots of white space at the bottom.

I think the next couple pieces will be that size as well, since it's a fairly standard size for frames, and for outputs at the place where I'm getting them printed.

And Doc, I love your t-shirt idea. That's a business opportunity I oughta be looking into.

[The Mirrorball Man]

howy, your lizards series is truly exceptional. Really inspiring work.

[Shawn333]

Dear God..there's some beautiful work in this thread. I didn't expect to view all 49 pages, but once I started looking at your stuff, I had to. Your work is pure genius Howy. Great designs, use of colors, using so many different mediums....awesome stuff.

[howyadoin]

You guys rock.

[cable guy]

You guys rock.

Actually you rock.

Haven't posted here too much lately, but I've been keeping a eye on your stuff.

I enjoy it.

[howyadoin]

The ninth and final lizard:


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v225/howyadoin/In%20Progress/Lizard_12.jpg

[howyadoin]

And the entire series:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v225/howyadoin/In%20Progress/Lizards_Poster_02.jpg

[howyadoin]

Oh, and here's the (very) rough beginnings of my next piece:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v225/howyadoin/In%20Progress/DC3_Poster_01.jpg

(Yes, I promise to actually draw the plane.)

[StarsAndGarters]

Oh, and here's the (very) rough beginnings of my next piece:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v225/howyadoin/In%20Progress/DC3_Poster_01.jpg

(Yes, I promise to actually draw the plane.)

Ooh, good stuff Howy. I like your treatment of mechanical things they're always spot on.

Not to mention the coloring. Your water colors are really expressive.

[Typo Lad]

Howy's art makes my 'art stop!

[The Mirrorball Man]

I absolutely love the little vignettes on the right side of the image here: they look sketchy and incredibly detailed at the same time.

The whole thing makes me wish I were smoking a cigarette in Macau in 1935. Don't ask me why, it just does.

[DocAbsurd]

Is that the final layout for the chameleon, Howy? Only reason I'm asking is cuz I was thinking you might wanna play around with the placement a little more, maybe progress from the less detailed figures with the impressionist backgrounds and ending with the far more delineated mosaic piece.

Again, just a silly suggestion.

And let me add my intense admiration for this piece. I might 'borrow' the idea and use a Skrull instead.

But don't tell anyone.




Doc 'It'd Be an Homage' Absurd

[howyadoin]

Is that the final layout for the chameleon, Howy? Only reason I'm asking is cuz I was thinking you might wanna play around with the placement a little more, maybe progress from the less detailed figures with the impressionist backgrounds and ending with the far more delineated mosaic piece.I'm not sure about the sequence yet, to be honest. So far they're just placed in order of completion. It'll definitely be in that 9-panel grid, though, to echo the nine tiles in each picture.
I might 'borrow' the idea and use a Skrull instead.Give it a shot. It was a lot of fun - a chance to focus entirely on media, because the composition was nailed down right from the start.

Plus, I've always liked series of things in art for some reason.

(I should also point out that now that this one's done, I've got ideas for about 4 more options.)

[howyadoin]

Coming along nicely, I think:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v225/howyadoin/In%20Progress/DC3_Poster_02.jpg

[Solaris]

I love the lizards! The DC 3 is cool. I'm not a big airplane fan, but I love where it is so far, with the colors and brushstrokes and placement.

Boy I have missed being on here! And I've got a lot of catching up to do. ;)

When you get a chance, check out my two new Poser pics in my thread. I am having a blast with that program, even though so far I only have the basic package, and I'm just learning how to use it.

When I first heard of Poser, and saw some really fantastic finished pieces... I had the natural thought of "Oh, it's a program that gives you everything in template pieces, and so you just mix, match, and choose, and you're done. Certainly requires some taste to come up with something good... but not as challenging as drawing from scratch."

Heh. Was I wrong (well, mostly---drawing from scratch *is* still more challenging). Poser has some inherent flaws, and while it's an awesome tool... it still just provides you with the beginning stages. It still takes a lot of work and skill to get a pic to a "finished" piece.

[JadeDragon]

Coming along nicely, I think:


Sweet piece!!! Of course, Im partial to any art that has panels on it.

;)~~~~Patrick

[howyadoin]

Another new one started:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v225/howyadoin/In%20Progress/1970_HeavyMetal_01.jpg

[howyadoin]

Ooh, good stuff Howy. I like your treatment of mechanical things they're always spot on.

Not to mention the coloring. Your water colors are really expressive.Thanks, Gus. I love the mechanical stuff, and I love watercolour, so needless to say, I enjoy bringing them together when I can.
Howy's art makes my 'art stop!You oughta see a doctor about those art problems.
I absolutely love the little vignettes on the right side of the image here: they look sketchy and incredibly detailed at the same time.

The whole thing makes me wish I were smoking a cigarette in Macau in 1935. Don't ask me why, it just does.Hey, thanks. I might have subconsciously been channelling some old-school travel posters there. Another field that I'm quite interested in.

[howyadoin]

Updated slightly:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v225/howyadoin/In%20Progress/1970_HeavyMetal_02.jpg

[howyadoin]

More refinements:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v225/howyadoin/In%20Progress/1970_HeavyMetal_03.jpg

[howyadoin]

Two more finished:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v225/howyadoin/1970_HeavyMetal.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v225/howyadoin/DC3.jpg

[Roquefort Raider]

Ooooh, boy. The lizard mosaic, the cars and the DC-3... they all look gorgeous! You, sir, are amazing.

I know I've said it before, but it bears repeating.

[Nikita]

I haven't visited this forum in a while. I always dig your cars Bret. I'd love to see you draw a 1969 Mustang Boss.....and color it bright red with old school racing stripes.

Do you ever colaborate with other artists? As in, you do part of a piece and have an artist friend do another part of the same piece, etc? If you need any big boobed girls in your pics, that's my speciality. :D Oh, and dragons too.

[howyadoin]

I haven't visited this forum in a while. I always dig your cars Bret. I'd love to see you draw a 1969 Mustang Boss.....and color it bright red with old school racing stripes.Shouldn't it be blue?

[howyadoin]

Another new one begun:


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v225/howyadoin/In%20Progress/Magic_Bus_01.jpg

[StarsAndGarters]

Another new one begun:


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v225/howyadoin/In%20Progress/Magic_Bus_01.jpg

Oh. Hell. Yes.

I hope you're charging 100 English Pounds for that sucker.

[howyadoin]

Oh. Hell. Yes.

I hope you're charging 100 English Pounds for that sucker.It's gonna be my dad's Christmas present, actually. He lived in that bus for a summer in the laste 60s.