Some dino sketches (Updated: Old rivals)

[DinoLord]

Both are great, but I like the first one better.

[Blade-of-the-Moon]

I have the same problem..I can't color my drawings well at all. :/

" A " def stands out more and is the more attractive.

[arioch]

3-0, so ...here you go!






Probably don´t make it justice but is the best I can do....

[Himmapaan]

It's beautiful, Arioch. As others have observed though, we return to the difficulty of rendering detail without obscuring or flattening. I think (to keep it brief) two key things to remember are that we won't necessarily see such things as every individual outline of feathers and scales from this distance. Even when we get up close, the strength of them will vary. I know you're not trying to create photorealism (something which I have reservations about myself, but that's another story) and tend more towards a strong, graphic, line-based aesthetic (as mine is most of the time), but light plays over surfaces in complex ways, which brings me to the second point: always remember which direction your light source is coming from.

Oh, sorry, third thing to consider: tonal perspective. Things closer to us can be emphasized by being made darker, whilst those further away lessen in tonal strength and recede.

[arioch]

Yes, it came out a bit too dark. Can be fixed though ( and the lighning too, I guess). I just dont have much experience as a painter of any kind, and at the moment not a huge motivation to become one, I´m afraid. So, most of the shading or lightning in the black and white version usually disappears once I apply the colour. Only in simple pieces the result is a bit more satisfactory.

I know (more or less) how to use the partial rendering of textures in scaly animals (like Stan or the Giraffatitan) in order to define the light source but I can´t achieve the same believable effect with feathers. I tried but cane make it look convincing. Albeit ´ll try again with the incoming piece, a Microraptor.

[weaver]

I agree with Himma and it's something I've run into when doing pen and ink pieces. Too much detail or not enough? And feathers? I applaud you on going for the the intricate detailing. I have a suggestion for the next piece (a Microraptor right?): How about using the partial rendering idea but leaving the highlighted areas in light pencil instead of inking them? It could give you definition without becoming too dark. Can't wait to see the Microraptor one!

Eh, painting. I know how you feel. I always like the original black and white drawing more than the colored version.

[Himmapaan]

Weaver has just described one excellent method of solving the feather rendering issue.

The other very understandable reason for wanting to draw as many feather outlines as possible is that we want to make sure nobody accuses us of skimping on them.

[Griffin]

I think your best bet would be to start by looking at photos of real feathers at a distance on birds. Use that look as a model and try to replicate it.

[Himmapaan]

Also, I just want to add that those things I mentioned are just suggestions, I'm by no means presuming to 'teach'. At all events, your latest is still a very accomplished drawing!

[arioch]

Aug 26, 2011 20:22:22 GMT weaver said:

I agree with Himma and it's something I've run into when doing pen and ink pieces. Too much detail or not enough? And feathers? I applaud you on going for the the intricate detailing. I have a suggestion for the next piece (a Microraptor right?): How about using the partial rendering idea but leaving the highlighted areas in light pencil instead of inking them? It could give you definition without becoming too dark. Can't wait to see the Microraptor one!

Eh, painting. I know how you feel. I always like the original black and white drawing more than the colored version.

Well, all of my last drawings are mostly done with pencil. The whole texture, basically, all the feathers and scales. I only use ink (a cheap black pen, actually) for the outer lines and a few details.

But I see what you mean. Draw it softlier. Initially I used to use the pencil quite softly but I got frustrated because lot of details didn´t show up in the rendering. But I´m sure I´ll find a way to make them more subtle yet visible.

By the way, I worked a bit on the highlighting and clearing the picture. The difference is subtle but I´m sure you could appreciate it:



It needs a bit more of work though. But is looking better, isn´t it? I have to use the highlight stuff more often.


I don´t know if the next piece will be Microraptor. As much as I like them I´m a bit saturated of feathery stuff. Maybe it will be the Spinosaurus. ;D

Aug 26, 2011 23:30:14 GMT Griffin said:

I think your best bet would be to start by looking at photos of real feathers at a distance on birds. Use that look as a model and try to replicate it.

Depends on the bird, its size and the colour really. In some owls for example feathers are quite discernible from a mid distance. I think it could be the case of dromaeosaurs and troodontids, being on average "big birds" (compared to modern no-ratites ones). But yes, good point.

[bfler]

Hm, do feathers have glossy effects? I think they are more flat. And I wouldn't exaggerate the thing with the highlights. Normal daylight is more diffuse and no direct spotlight.

Besides that the drawing is very good.

[weaver]

Y'know I do like the subtle lighting. It definitely helps soften the darker details on feathers and scales. I like it a lot and since you don't have a background the spotlighting is definitely needed.

[arioch]

Thanks!

Aug 27, 2011 5:26:11 GMT bfler said:

Hm, do feathers have glossy effects? I think they are more flat. And I wouldn't exaggerate the thing with the highlights. Normal daylight is more diffuse and no direct spotlight.

Well, Its not like I´m trying to achieve that level of realism...but yes in some birds with flashy coloured feathers they could gloss similarly. Depends on the angle of the light and lot of factors.

[Griffin]

Well yeah use your judgement should go without saying. I actually originally had "like an ostrich or kiwi" but edited it out because well....using judgement should be implied and I assumed you already knew that.

It looks great with the highlights.

[arioch]

But deinonychosaurs didnt have the same hair like feathery as ratites, doesnt they? theirs were more like complex pennaceous feathers of flying birds.

And speaking of ratites I was inspired in Emu chickens for the Varis scheme, though a bit modified. ;D

[Griffin]

Well deinonychus has no preserved feathers so we don't really know. What you have been doing is applying the feather ideas from things like microraptor to it which is okay I suppose. It could probably go either way or be a combination of both types of plumage without being stamped inaccurate.

[arioch]

IIRC Sinornithosaurus which is less basal preserved both filamentous and pennaceous feathers . I believe they should be depicted having both as long pennaceous are predominant, at least in the smaller (less than 7 feet) species.


I´m running out of pencils and tomorrow all stores all closed here lol. I was hoping to finish the Microraptor tonight, lets see if I still manage to do it.

[arioch]

WIP Microraptor (about 60% done). Thoughts?





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[Himmapaan]

Oh, that's beautiful. And there's no mistaking the direction of the leg feathers either! ;D

[arioch]

Thanks!

Its almost finished...