[nathanael]

I've been working at this particular picture for a few days (on and off) now.

This is my first time using Painters oil paints seriously, so I was hoping that people could give me a few tips (improvements to be made, techniques I should perhaps try, where I'm going wrong, what I'm doing right - this is the first time I've used the oils so I'm not exactly comfortable with it yet)



Obviously it's not finished; I'm still blocking out the colour on the armour, and need to paint the rest of their bodies (as well as sort out the colours; everything is too vibrant. I need to mute the colours in the distance) but one thing that is causing me problems is actually the lustre of heavily polished metal. I want the armour and the swords to gleam, but I'm pretty much lost on how to do that. Does anyone know a good way to achieve that using the oils?


The Sketch for those who are interested.

For reference; they're not human. They're faerie folk as I would imagine them in a fantasy punk setting. (Mechs, cybernetics, flying machines etc. Old school fantasy meets steampunk meets science fiction style myth) When they're painted their flesh will be a blueish colour.


Painting was done using Painter 8.1
Sketch was done using a pencil and some paper for the rought initial, then reworked in photoshop.


Thanks in advance for any feedback
-Nathanael

[makototaramoto]

I like your concept alot I think that more references should used though and it will benifit alot.
here is a link on armour http://images.google.com/images?svnum=100&hl=en&lr=&ie=UTF-8&q=knight+armour there are millions of places to get poses which are close to the ones you have. Search model female and male on google.com and you dhould get loads of links and pictures. One think which I can see is there isn't really much Contrast...there arent any dark darks or light lights just middles. When blocking in the color it would almost be to your wanting to start with a black and white value and work color form there. Once Value is established and color is understand then I think it will be a bit easier, but that is just what I think im sure others will differ. so dont really take it to heart. I know it is a fantasy world/theme but for the most part fantasy is based on reality (of course it doesnt mimic it 100%) so everything can be related somewhat to real life and sometimes it is encouraged. Anyway a little fact is clouds are flat bottomed,
http://images.google.com/images?q=clouds&svnum=100&hl=en&lr=&ie=UTF-8&start=20&sa=N Sorry to be so harsh just putting in my input...
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mercer

[nathanael]

Thanks for the input; it's all good. (The least helpful sort of comment is the "OMG that's so cool!" It boosts the ego, but doesn't help me improve in any way)

Apart from the clouds thing I've done some extra work on the piece since then. (I'm thinking I may leave the sky as it is, but paint in some actual clouds - I never thought of the colours as being clouds particularly - it struck me more as an aurora effect, but you're right; it does look a bit like clouds, and as such they do look wrong)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v369/kingnat/Warrior%20Lovers%20-%20WIP/snapshot-2.jpg

I've not really done much with the woman's armour yet, and the flesh tones and clothing being worn by the man haven't been touched yet (hence his bicep looking odd - that's just the plate that's strapped over it. You can't yet see his arm which will be visible in the final piece) but I think it's a definite improvement. I changed the colour to reflect the fact that the sky isn't blue, but more of a red and orange mix (I still need to figure out how to make the steel regain a blueish look) and it's gotten a much stronger highlight and lowlight mix. Next time I start a piece though I'll know that the differences need to be rather drastic. I tried to keep them subtle, but this being my first serious foray into paint (simulated or otherwise) that wasn't just a tint and colour of line art job, I didn't know that it needed to be drastic to start with.

Thank you for your comments.
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-Nathanael

[makototaramoto]

Hey looks good, I like that dark under the arm. When you start the female remember reflections,at least color wise. Also the fields, up closer you should add some blades of grass affected by the eastern wind. Cant wait to see this finished
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mercer