Wip spirit summon

Noadi · #1 10-20-2004, 06:40 PM

I've been working off and on on this piece for a while now, I originally posted just Noadi in Figure http://www.wetcanvas.com/forums/showthread.php?t=217385 because this pose just drove me insane and I'm still not completely happy with it yet.

The eventual plan is to transfer the drawing to watercolor paper, ink it and add watercolor. Full dimensions are about 11x15, plain old graphite pencil on sketch paper. The little critter at the bottom is a minor forest spirit, I decided something that looked for like an animal would fit better than a typical fairy look.

I've been trying to work out the background and I still think it lacks something. I've also been thinking that I should bring the circle in a little smaller so it's not running off the paper, what do you think? Also, should I add one or two little woodland animals in the background?

K-Man · #2 10-20-2004, 07:21 PM

Hello Noadi!

(or, I guess it's Sheryl?)

Nice to meet you!

I like this very much so far!

I know what you mean about the pose: it is a very difficult pose to capture -- much foreshortening going on, lots of hidden parts, etc. -- I have some trouble with this one, so I'll let others offer suggestions on it.

The background is quite nice, actually! I figure you're planning on more shading in there? Perhaps the shadows of those trees?

About the only part I feel I can offer advice on, is the circle: Perhaps a bit more perspective on it might help. I think you have a good idea in regards to keeping it all in the picture. I think if you use a little more perspective, making it more of an elliptical shape, it will bring it fully into the picture, and maybe be more to your liking?

These are just suggestions, and I'm sure there are other people here who are better at these things than myself.

Overall: this is great work!

I love the little shelf fungus things on the tree, the lovely character design, and the whole concept of the picture. Looks great!

More please!

kramus · #3 10-21-2004, 12:15 AM

I agree w. K-man. There is a nice feel you are creating here. You are right about the circle needing something. I'm wondering if an ovoid/egg shape running diagonally down to the lower right of the picture would do it. This would alter the plane the figure is seated on to be more comfortable, more level and less slide-off-the-plate if you'll excuse such a rough analogy. Maybe if you had a small shrub or some plants kind of bonsai looking on the lower right sitting a little outside of the circle as well? I'm visualizing you continuing the feel of a second level of movement and depth that you have created w. your shelf fungus further around the curve of the circle with a shrub form in some way. That would make a nice place for a more timid/shy crittur to gather itself before joining the other 2

If you are not comfortable w. the lotus look of the figure (check out east Indian references or Bhudda) maybe a ceremonial drape or cloth or something resting on the right thigh would help?
I would like this one to happen, you know yourself it is starting to work out if only some of the nuts and bolts are adjusted. Sorry for the long post - late and groggy.

K-Man · #4 10-21-2004, 01:05 AM

Hello again Sheryl!

Just wanted to mention that I visited your website. Looks like you've been hard at work!

Lotsa nice stuff to see there!

I think it all sounds pretty interesting, and will check back now and then, to watch the progress.

Good luck!

Noadi · #5 10-21-2004, 09:49 PM

Thanks for the feedback, I'll work on adding some of your suggestions.

K-man: I'm definitely going to add more shading once I get the background worked out the way I want I'll start playing with light and shadow. I'd really like to give the final piece a look of early morning, so probably pale light with a desaturated blue look, and somehow work out a way to illustrate dew on the grass with watercolor.

kramus: I really like the idea about adding a shrub or something in the foreground to hide a critter in. And a drape on her thigh would be interesting, I'll give it a try.

Okay added a few new details and played with the shape of the circle a tiny bit. I haven't skewed the circle the way kramus suggested yet since I just read the comment before posting, but I'm definitely going to give it a try.

lisilk · #6 10-22-2004, 05:40 AM

Hi Sheryl

My apologies, I thought I had commented on this before but I see that I didn't. ( One of those phone calls that happens the same time you hit send ! Regardless...)

I also looked at your websites and you have some terrific charcters, including this one that you have developed. I really like the innocence and wisdom of this character.

I think the circle works better now that it is a bit more elliptical. I don't mind it going out of frame as long as it's on the same plane as the woman and it draws the eye into the picture.

I agree about adding some foilage ( and maybe critters ) to the foreground. If you don't want to try draping her legs, maybe just a few more forest critters on her legs will take the attention off the foreshortening. It is difficult pose.

I think once you begin to add the layers of color, having seen your other work, some of the detail will fill in and solve some of your worries. I think you have a good start. Can't wait to see the finish. Please keep posting your progress. I love seeing how people work.

Cheers

Li

Noadi · #7 10-30-2004, 06:19 PM

Just a quick update, I'm still working on this. I think I'm almost ready to transfer it to watercolor paper for the inking. I need to either finish off the circle since I just realized it's about 3/8" to short vertically, actually to the best since I didn't like it going off the bottom the way it is. The bunny in the corner I need to work on a lot, I just don't like how it's turned out, I might completely erase it and do a smaller sized squirrel instead.

The fabric drape came out nicely, I really have to thank kramus for the suggestion. I think I want to do some type of design or pattern on it but I haven't decided what yet.

kramus · #8 10-30-2004, 06:44 PM

Looking good. I will be interested in what happens with the symbols you may incorporate in your drape. Would the ground echo this symbolism in some way with a type of "fairy-ring" in the grasses? I guess I just can't stop myself. Sorry.

billiam · #9 10-31-2004, 10:02 PM

the cloth drape worked nicely, the legs were bothering me. it's really coming together. there is lots of help here. bill

lisilk · #10 11-02-2004, 07:16 AM

You've been so diligent and careful in planning this piece and I applaud you for asking for advice and really listening to it. A lot of adult artists can't do that. Now it's time for you to have fun and bring her to life ! Have at the color and let her shine !

Li

Noadi · #11 11-02-2004, 03:19 PM

Thanks for the feedback everyone. I teach a drawing class for middle school kids and I cover how to take critique and suggestions and I try to follow my own advice.

As soon as I get home from work I'm starting to trace it onto the watercolor paper. I'll post again when I've got the inking finished.

Maryem · #12 11-03-2004, 06:21 AM

I am looking forward to the inking/colouring, Noadi! This is looking very nice so far, and the drape adds to it.

Mary

Noadi · #13 11-04-2004, 05:37 PM

So here's the inks.

I may have to put off starting to paint for a while, 2 of my cats are pretty sick. As soon as my dad gets home from work we're bringing them to the vets to find out what's wrong, depending on what happens I may not have time to paint for a bit.

Noadi · #14 11-04-2004, 09:20 PM

Well bad news, I had to put one of my cats to sleep, she had a severe reaction to some cat food we gave her that caused liver damage the vet said there was no hope of pulling her through. My other cat we have hope for, the vet said he was much healthier and that he didn't have as severe a reaction as Rita did. Lesson to everyone, be incredibly careful when switching cat food brands.

So I don't know how much work I'll be putting into this project for a bit, at least until I'm a bit calmer.

dcolb121 · #15 11-04-2004, 10:05 PM

Bummer about the cat. Condolences. Man...what kinda cat food would cause that? I ask cuz I have 8 to 12 cats (no kidding) and want them to stay healthy. As I type this I have this huge male in my lap taking up the whole thing. He showed up a few weeks ago almost starved to death...real bad ear infection and could barely walk. He's happy and purring right now, but extremely emaciated. Were hoping we can pull him through...

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