(updated) Warcraft centaur painting

MashPotato · Wed 23/08/2006 00:01:50

I'm entering a Blizzard fanart contest (I don't expect to win or anything, it's just for fun ^_^), so here is my take on the dryad unit from Warcraft 3. I played up the plant aspect of the dryad, and tried to make the body look like it's composed of bark. I'm completely focusing on the character in this picture, so while I might add a background, it will just be a pretty backdrop, and not part of the character's environment.

As you can tell, I'm not done yet, but I would like to work on improvements while I finish up the rest of the picture so I don't get tired of working on it. So please make any suggestions you think of on the parts of the picture inside the red box (or outside as well, just keep in mind I'm not done those parts yet... and I know I need to fix up the tail) ^_^

(Btw, unlike what the pictures I have posted in the CL may indicate, I swear I do draw things other than half-naked fantasy creatures! ^_^)

Thanks!

EDIT:
Here is the newer version:

Evil · Wed 23/08/2006 00:13:53

I love the skin tones, but I think the fade from bark to skin could be better. Either make the change slower, or have the bark dissolve. The hair strands could be thinner and the eyes could use some grey shading to give them some depth. Over all the light source could use some tightening up, but proportion wise and style, it looks good.

Russtaccio · Wed 23/08/2006 00:18:58

Looks really good.Ã,Â I don't have a crit and this may be a little off topic, but I thought I'd share with everyone:

Blizzard is having an art contest for anyone who didn't know:

http://www.blizzard.com/inblizz/contests/artcontest2006/

Kweepa · Wed 23/08/2006 00:23:04

It's lovely of course.
I think it's too desaturated though.
I tried bumping the saturation of the green parts +30.
For the skin and wood I thought a hue +40 and saturation +50 looked better.
I guess it depends on your background.

MashPotato · Wed 23/08/2006 00:46:44

Evil: Thanks, agreed on all counts, except about the hair... her "hair" is supposed to be made up of leaves, so if I made them thinner, I think it wouldn't look as leafy anymore ^_^

Russtaccio: Yup, that's the contest ^_^

Steve: I agree that the colour could use some more saturation (I don't like desaturated colours, myself)... happily, I was organized this time and kept everything on seperate layers, so it is easy to adjust ^_^. I would like to make her more colourful by changing the hues like you suggested, but I think her colour is the way the character designs are... kind of purplish and muted.

Mordalles · Wed 23/08/2006 01:44:52

beautiful, as always, mashpotato! stunning! beats my entry by miles.

i love the way you textured her body to look like a tree.

crit: why is her hand covering her . . . er . . . you know

just kidding.

n3tgraph · Wed 23/08/2006 12:01:28

I think it's great!

But what is that in her hand???
I'd love to see a real powerfull strong weapon!!

Or a magic staff or something

Mordalles · Wed 23/08/2006 13:06:52

n3tgraph, i think its a spear, but like she said, she isn't done with the part outside the red border yet. so its incomplete.

AÃ¯Â¿Â½rendyll (formerly Yurina) · Wed 23/08/2006 14:40:01

Well, I think the face is a bit thin (especially around her mouth). Maybe you can give the face some thicker cheeks?

Other than that, I really love this drawing.

Rather off-topic: I really don't like Blizzard! The contest is only open to the selected countries (The Netherlands are not one of them -> I'm from there), while I wanted to participate. And (even more off-topic) they dare charge monthly fees for World of Warcraft!!

2ma2 · Wed 23/08/2006 15:21:37

Pity it was not open for all countries.

Your piece is very smooth and lush, but it lacks some contrast in the "flesh". The bark is dead on, very fairy taleish, and I like it much. The skin tones however could benefit from some clearer shades and hightened contrast. Especially in the face. It has no real characteristic and seem blend. The nose disappear and the shape of the ears are unclear. Also, you could go over the piece with some different hues, try to make it stand out more.

A solid piece, great concept!

Mordalles · Wed 23/08/2006 15:28:34

yeah, my country isn't allowed to enter neither. $:-\$ i sent in an entry anyway.

if they want you to buy their games, then you should be allowed to enter.

Andail · Wed 23/08/2006 16:05:54

You have a great sense for shapes and fine details, and the overall composition is great. However, it lacks regional highlighting and shading just like 2ma2 pointed out. Furthermore, I'd revise those eyes; either make them shine brightly, or add iris; right now she just appears blind.
Also...the hand...I mean, I understand the tree-esque aspect of her constitution, but in the same time the huge clawlike hands take away immensely from her beauty and femininity. Just a few thoughts. Great job overall!

AÃ¯Â¿Â½rendyll (formerly Yurina) · Wed 23/08/2006 19:55:08

Quote from: Andail on Wed 23/08/2006 16:05:54
Furthermore, I'd revise those eyes; either make them shine brightly, or add iris; right now she just appears blind.

Even though it's not my picture:
Mordalles: You didn't know the Night-Elves race has these kind of eyes? They're not blind, their eyes are different from ours.

Andail · Wed 23/08/2006 20:54:28

yeah, shame on you Mordalles!

Mordalles · Wed 23/08/2006 22:38:18

n3tgraph · Thu 24/08/2006 12:03:49

Quote from: Andail on Wed 23/08/2006 20:54:28
yeah, shame on you Mordalles!

LOL

Oh, BTW,
I think the tail should be a bit bigger too.... I mean... now it looks like a bunny-tail

Nikolas · Thu 24/08/2006 12:26:55

forgive the ignorance but:

Shouldn't there be shadows? The shadow of the left arm cast on the body, or if the light is coming from the other side, shadow on the right side of the body, towards the other arm?

Other than that good luck

MashPotato · Thu 24/08/2006 15:35:12

Sorry it took me so long to respond--I got my wisdom teeth out yesterday, and I was all drugged up from painkillers (I'm still pretty groggy now

). All input is appreciated, and I will pay special attention to the skin tones and shading. Thanks ^_^

zabnat · Fri 25/08/2006 07:55:08

Quote from: Nikolas on Thu 24/08/2006 12:26:55
Shouldn't there be shadows? The shadow of the left arm cast on the body, or if the light is coming from the other side, shadow on the right side of the body, towards the other arm?

Actually this only happens when some hard light sources are lighting the scene (like spots, street lights or sun). But on overcast day there is only diffuse light and shadows are very soft. But good observation anyway

Igor · Fri 25/08/2006 09:16:58

I like it a lot! Great stylization and colors. I love how you rendered her body and leafes. Actually there's nothing i'd really change.. everything works as it is- maybe i'd only put a bit more work in her face. It looks a bit less defined than the rest of body.. but it's great otherwise!