Laurie's sketchbook

[Chimz]

Yup, that last render without the green saturation is heaps better, really like him. Great personality in his face, and like the attention to detail in his skin. The flat cap just finishes him off perfectly!

[laurie]

Hey thanks for the feedback.

Really appreciate it.

I spent some time trying to get the render right, but still not 100% happy with it.

The skin still feels a little 'cartoony' and is too red on the left side. The eyes need to pop a bit more and the expression is not strong enough to really communicate his thoughts.

Oh well, time to move on to my next sculpt.

Thanks again.

[laurie]

First time I have used Dynamesh to create base mesh. Still a way to go. It started as a sphere.

Would be really good to get some feedback on the anatomy. Still really trying to develop my anatomy. The way I it see character/creature concepting is all about creating anatomy.

[InkySpot]

I assume you are going for a humaniod/non human anatomy with the vampire. I think the anatomy looks good.
I usually think of the bones underneath and then roughly build the anatomy over it, (Kind of like what I would do if I had clay in my hands).
Or rough out the basic overall shape of the man form (that acts like a skeleton), then lay in the muscle forms and then add the skin ( like soften this, smoothing that, blending this)
Understanding what the main muscles do helps. I was recently working on a skinny character (Human cartoon super hero type), I currently have a pic of Bruce Lee flexing on the other screen, also while I am comfortable with anatomy generally. I have various pics of anatomy ready to reference. from human to animal.
I would recomend anything by Giovanni Civardi... and Animal Anatomy for Artists: The Elements of Form

I would also google stuff when needed... got to love the computer age.

A make believe character is even more fun for me, because you have to take your understanding of anatomy and skeletal systems, rearrange that to the creature you are designing and go for it, there is no fail, because it always results you you learning something.
Sorry for being so wordy.

[laurie]

Thanks so much for those ideas. Such good advice. I really do appreacite the time, effort and information you put into your response. Invaluable. Thanks again.

[laurie]

Here is the latest sculpt. Trying to focus on the anatomy and conveying a concept.

Anatomy is'nt perfect, but still learning.

[InkySpot]

It's coming along nicely

[laurie]

Hey Inky thanks for the positive feedback.

Here's more progress. Leg anatomy is a bit sketchy, wings and hands need work too.

[laurie]

Learning heaps. My anatomy knowledge and application is an on going learning curve. Translating what I see in my reference to my sculpt is the hardest thing for me at the moment.
Any advice or ideas on how to more effectively adapt what you see in your anatomical reference to and on to your sculpts.

Thoughts and comments welcome as always.

Thanks a lot.

[laurie]

Check it out. Determined to get my anatomy better.

[chris-carter]

Looking better. I'd say to best way to learn anatomy, is to do a full Ecorche, all the way through. Then practice the anatomy constantly. My 2c.

[TonyChaiwong]

I like the vampire. love the details you put on him.
If you still working around the anatomy of the vampire, maybe you could try to extend the pelvis sideway to make more width to the hip just like what you did at the latest man model

[laurie]

Hey guys thanks for the responses.

Chris: I have been looking at a lot of ecorche imagery. I reckon you are totally right. I need to do some more ecorche studies.

Tony: I had huge issues with the topo of the wings under the arms of the vampire when I tried to pose him. I should have incorporated the pose earlier into the sculpt or done some major retopo. I see totally what you are saying about the pelvis width being too narrow too. Just saw your last sculpt. Great likeness. Well done.

Here is a small update of my current sculpt. Worked on the upper body anatomy.

[laurie]

Here is an update. Some subtle progress. Anatomy is coming along slowly but surely. After some time really trying to develop my anatomy skills I feel I have started to get somewhere.
By no means done yet, but am enjoying the process.


Feedback welcome.

[laurie]

Well its been a bit of a leanring curve. Trying to learn some hard surface sculpting techniques for props. Was fun and learnt a lot.

Comments always welcome.

Thanks.