Figure Fan's New Art Thread (Master Chief - 2/13/2012)

[Figure Fan]

It would appear that I don't have an art thread anymore, so I created a new one.

I've been inspired lately by all of the familiar faces returning to FR as well as all the activity in Artist's Alley/Alternate Avatars. So, here's something new from me:

MJB (w/ rounded corners)

Spoiler

MJB (w/ regular edges)

Spoiler

I drew MJB's avatar about eight years ago, and when he added it as a favorite on DeviantArt, I realized how much I wanted to give it another go. I've also been kicking around this idea of creating Tarot cards based on FR avatars ever since I began researching Tarot history and practices (especially its relationship to the personality theories of Carl Jung). Hence, the rounded corners and elongated shape of the image. I tried to work in an early 20th century illustrative style combined with a Kirby-like 1960's vibe. I'm fairly happy with the result.

Anyway, let me know what you guys think.

[Tomato]

Nice work man! really love the artwork here.

[juancho]

Niiiiiice
I'm so glad to see you are back in the artistic loop FF. I'd always loved your art.
It seems to be a great day for Meejub, between your awsome new art piece and my micro redesign.

[Figure Fan]

Thanks guys. I couldn't stand back and let you two have all the fun

[naitvalis]

good work Figure fan! i especially like the Armor!

[Mr. Hamrick]

I am intrigued by the tarot card idea

[PreRaphaelite]

Ooo, how exciting. After months of dormancy, the Artist's Asylum is finally returning to life. Great picture, FF! Naitvalis is right, the armour came out looking funky, and the cool tones with the pastel colours are naturally a good choice for the subject. I'm also liking the almost zen-like calm that Majabajab (I've said his name waay too much today) exudes. It's very interesting to see this interpretation of the avatar after Juancho's take earlier today. Both show him as a very capable hero, but while one reminds of a simpler, Kirbyesque time, the other handles the design in very contemporary manner (with two very different displays of masculinity). And here I am, loving it all. 

I must admit, before I read your post, I was asking myself 'Why the rounded corners?'. Reading on, it made more sense, and the Tarot idea is a cool one. I've always thought of the Tarot as a great source for artistic inspiration, and I look forward to seeing what you come up with. The only thing I would say is, if you're going to go with the Tarot card idea, go for it all the way. I'm sure you're planning to do so and I'm just jumping the gun, but it would be good to see you incorporate more of the card layout than just the rounded edges. Things like a card border (plain or decorative/symbolic), the name/number of the card, and perhaps some kind of texture overlay to give it more of a tactile rather than digital feel would lend extra oomph to a picture that is already quite accomplished and full of potential.

[MJB]

ZOMG!! I'm beautiful!! Heh.

Man have I missed your art. I love everything about the pic. The style, the soft subtle coloring, the subject matter( ), the overall calmness of it... Love the shading in your drawing, very Kirby-esque . Honestly I'm jealous of how easy you make that look. Definitely not an easy task to pull off.

The idea of FR tarot cards would be very cool. I don't know anything about them but the visual of the project is enough to get me excited.

Overall great job!

[Figure Fan]

naitvalis - Thanks! I mostly based it on his old avatar's armor.

Mr. Hamrick - I've already started planning out who would be on each card, though nothing is concrete yet. So far I have Afghan Ant as "The Star" and Death's Jester as "Death".

PreRaphaelite - It does seem a little more lively in here as of late. I wanted to portray him in a way that's similar to the Tarot court cards. The kings (Wands, Cups, Swords, and Pentacles) all have calm, stately expressions. I was wondering if anyone would be puzzled by the rounded corners prior to reading my description. I actually am interested in buying a Tarot deck by Morgan-Greer that doesn't use borders (http://www.astroamerica.com/tarot/t-morg.jpg) which is why I went with the borderless design, but you're right in saying that I should add in the card names/symbols and more of texture overlay. I went with a subtle overlay here so that I didn't lose as much detail. I guess I was going for a more modern Tarot card here? Hmm..

MJB - I kind of based the face on Tony Stark, so that might be contributing to the 'beautiful-ness' factor. I remember seeing a picture of you in the past (in an "introduce yourself" post) and I thought it looked relatively close to this (from what I remember) and your previous avatars. I'm a little bit out of practice when it comes to Kirby-esque shading, though it might have more to do with the evolution of my art and the synthesis of multiple styles I've had, which I'm not going to resist as it seems like a natural progression. I'm glad you like it though! Besides, you needed something new.

[Outcast]

Anyway, let me know what you guys think.

I think.........i feel the frosty chill of my bones... ..

Great work on the Kirby like style...i'm a big fan of his work as well.

[Deaths Jester]

Mr. Hamrick - I've already started planning out who would be on each card, though nothing is concrete yet. So far I have Afghan Ant as "The Star" and Death's Jester as "Death".

Ohhh...Tarot card me as Death...ohhh I can't wait to see this!!!

[Kommando]

Mr. Hamrick - I've already started planning out who would be on each card, though nothing is concrete yet. So far I have Afghan Ant as "The Star" and Death's Jester as "Death".

Ohhh...Tarot card me as Death...ohhh I can't wait to see this!!!

Technically The Jester as Trump 0 would be more appropriate, what with the Jester imagery and all. The merger of the two (Trump 0 and Trump XIII) are almost at odd, as the Fool can represent blind creativity as well as unintentional follow, whereas Death is symbolic of sudden transformation. Amusingly, I was heavily into Crowley, The Golden Dawn, OTO and all that about 20 years ago. Never thought about how it would combine with FR.

[Figure Fan]

Mr. Hamrick - I've already started planning out who would be on each card, though nothing is concrete yet. So far I have Afghan Ant as "The Star" and Death's Jester as "Death".

Ohhh...Tarot card me as Death...ohhh I can't wait to see this!!!

Technically The Jester as Trump 0 would be more appropriate, what with the Jester imagery and all. The merger of the two (Trump 0 and Trump XIII) are almost at odd, as the Fool can represent blind creativity as well as unintentional follow, whereas Death is symbolic of sudden transformation. Amusingly, I was heavily into Crowley, The Golden Dawn, OTO and all that about 20 years ago. Never thought about how it would combine with FR.

I haven't gotten into Crowley's work in-depth quite yet (I did read about Thelema some), though I do have a copy of The Book of the Law for study purposes. I am familiar with The Golden Dawn's methods of interpretation (one of their mottos apparently being "Analyze rigidly, but interpret flexibly"). I know that the Thoth deck varies quite a bit from the traditional Rider-Waite deck, especially in its court and the interpretations of many other cards. I plan to buy a deck eventually, but for now I'm still working with the RWS deck.

I'm familiar with The Fool being shown as a jester in many historic decks, and the interpretation fits, though I tend to see him as someone who was once the figure featured in The World card who is beginning another quest---sort of as a symbol of the cyclical nature of events. For that reason I have Uncle Yuan in his place. But I see where 'blind creativity' comes into play because of his raw, untapped potential (which is in his knapsack unbeknownst to him). Using DJ in the place of Uncle Yuan is a good idea though, so I might alter my placements.

If anyone else has suggestions please feel free to PM me. I might start a specific thread for this project for those who are interested.

[Figure Fan]

I just finished a commission of Master Chief from the Halo series:



I wanted to portray the usually ultra modern looking (and computer generated) character in a vintage superhero style. I'm pleased with the result, though there was a lot of detail work involved when it came to the armor. The colors were fun though

[Previsionary]

I like it, FF, though I expected him to be carrying bigger guns, heh.

[MJB]

Really good job, FF!

[naitvalis]

Spectacular! the pose... the choice of colors...Great!
the only thing i can argue (but is a matter of tastes) is on the armor pieces angles, wich for my tastes are a little to soft.

[juancho]

o_O dude this is just superb!

[PreRaphaelite]

Wow, that's quite impressive. I'm a big fan of your choice of perspective here, the slight worm's-eye-view gives the character a great deal of impact/authority. The character fills the space very well, and I can tell you've put thought and time into positioning him on the page. The looseness and links between the armour feels very convincing, while the shading, colouring and slight texture gives it a matte finish that works with your vintage concept. It also benefits from being a relatively simple design - nothing seems forced or overworked. I think one of the most successful aspects of the image is that you've managed to give the character a solid weight and presence; the character is well grounded without any sense of imbalance.

Though I know absolutely nothing about Halo and the armour of the characters, I think the one thing that's throwing me a little is the way the gauntlet closest to us bulges. It gives the forearm a slight Popeye effect - especially when seen alongside the narrowness of his elbow/bicep. Again, owing to my lack of knowledge about the game, this might be purposeful. Otherwise, the only other thing that niggles with me is the slight droopiness/two-dimensionality of the guns, the cause of which may be partly attributed to the strange/conflicting angles of the hanging magazines. But these are just two tiny things to consider in the future, because it really is a great piece, and I'm sure the person who commissioned it will be/is/should be ecstatic. 

[Outcast]

I think you drew that Battle suit really well Figure Fan. I think the details of the armor, highlights and shadows are great. 

I do get the feeling that the guns seems small at times, when you compare it with the armor the guy's wearing. But when you think about it, guns do come in various sizes so...it's possible the soldier just prefers light weight weapons.

[Reepicheep]

That is fantastic! Amazing job, FF!

[Figure Fan]

Thanks for the feedback everyone

There are some parts of the drawing that I was slightly unhappy with, but the project overall was beginning to wear on me so I tried to wrap it up as best I could.

As for the guns being small, I based it on this image: http://www.x360magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/halo-2.jpg

[TonmaFan]

Your artwork is amazing!