I've remained fascinated by Ben304's backgrounds (http://www.adventuregamestudio.co.uk/yabb/index.php?topic=33767.20) lately and decided to doodle something on those lines just to sharpen up my non existent artistic skills. The work was entirely done in MS Paint:
(http://img212.imageshack.us/img212/9627/desertbenqa5.png)
453x330
I've started from sky+backmost dunes+sun, then added a foremost layer of sand and started drawing all kinds of objects on it. In this version you can see:
- a colourful tent
- a dangerously dunesque green thing
- some scattered rocks
I aimed for a very simple style, as to evidenciate any foundamental mistake.
The objects I drew seems to float a bit over the sand and I'm a bit unsure on the palette choice / shadows. Every comment / critique is welcomed.
Since my name was mentioned, I thought it not too inappropriate if I had a go. Though It is obviously a very different setting to Lode, I've kept a similar approach here as I did with the Lode backgrounds:
(http://www.2dadventure.com/ags/2.PNG)
If this is what you were looking for, let me know and I could probably do a step by step explanation or something along those lines.
If it is not, I will go and sit over in the corner and we'll forget I ever offered to give advice, ok?
Actually I rather like it part from the sky.. want me to do an edit or you're planning to go with Ben;s style?
How about an edit anyway, just for a different take on the subject?
I always find it interesting to have a number of different ideas to examine.
Ok, will do then for your sake.. I'll edit this so keep your breath..
EDIT:
(http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q53/JustLedZep/desertbenqa5.png)
Not so happy about it but it's an edi. I've shaded the hills at some part on the left with a wrong colour but you might get my idea about shading.
This is also done in MS paint.
Ty for the paintovers, there's always something more to learn it seems :)
Going more into detail, the two things that strikes me more after seeing your suggestions are that:
-the colour of the sky is far too vivid (should desaturate it a little
-the shapes of the clouds look quite artificial as they are
I'll try to fix those leaks, thanks again for the feedback.
Bens is more vibrant too, yours feels a bit dull, depending on the tone you're trying to set be aware of this. Serious "trapped in the desert" story vs. "playful camel racing scene." Colors affect mood.
Quote from: Questionable on Tue 29/04/2008 00:44:52
Bens is more vibrant too, yours feels a bit dull, depending on the tone you're trying to set be aware of this. Serious "trapped in the desert" story vs. "playful camel racing scene." Colors affect mood.
I didn't really choose a mood before drawing the first pixel. I only tried to pick colours that get along well with each other, to create an armonic composition to please the eye. Did I managed to reach my goal or not, you decide! ;)
Quote from: bicilotti on Tue 29/04/2008 00:56:25
Did I managed to reach my goal or not, you decide! ;)
I'd say you did, but having an overall "atmosphere" sure helps- this is where Ben truly excels. Palette awareness, the gift of the gods ;)
But your new style is neat, and clean, and I wouldn't mind playing a whole game in it, so I'd say you're up to a good thing. Not a scrap on the work I already saw from you, though, which was more detailed and "retro" in a totally good way.
Glad you liked it, I was really aiming for something clean and simple to start with.
Quote from: Ghost on Tue 29/04/2008 08:43:55
But your new style is neat, and clean, and I wouldn't mind playing a whole game in it, so I'd say you're up to a good thing.
Just an experiment, I'm not planning to work on
three games at once (yet)! :D
Experiments can spring some surprises at you ;) They *can* turn into games...
Thank you all for commenting my edit... no anyway not a good one..