EL's New Art Thread

Hello ZU! I'm back with new artworks to share with you guys! This thread will be constantly updated with new artworks that I will finish in due time.

For those of you who don't know me, lets just say that I dream of being a concept artist/illustrator within gaming industries. My dream is to illustrate for Nintendo, but I doubt that would happen so I will post my works up here. :3

I've been drawing all my life and I have never taken art classes before. I'm completely self taught when it comes to drawing and I have a very strong passion towards creating pictures and worlds of my own or for fan-art. Zelda plays a huge part in my drawing life ever since I played Ocarina of Time when I was a wee child because it helped to push me to the limit with my imaginations.
I usually specialise in traditional media but it's fairly recent that I am now working on some digital art pieces and I'm loving it. <3

So without further ado, here is my Skyward Sword art piece that I have been working on for a very long time now:


Skyloft Flight



- Please click this Link for the full image! -
Raw image is 1300 x 919 (1.3MB)


This digital concept artwork was done on GIMP (2.6.8) with a Wacom Tablet. It's basically an imagination of mine of Link riding on a magnificent sky beast from island to island within the skies.
I used references for the backgrounds and the impressionism style of the game. Nothing was paste in and no textures are used. When the official transportation is released, I am going to cry. xD

Here are the WIPS: 1, 2, 3.

Close up: [link].


Image with Skyloft Sword Logo: [link]. <-- You can use this picture as your desktop. I don't mind. :3 Please don't swipe off my signature though.



Skull Kid's Tears:



I used watercolours, watercolour pencils, coloured pencils and acrylic paint on A5 Arches Watercolour paper.

This piece represents the time when the Skull Kid loses his Giant friends, but before he meets those two fairies in MM. His day gets worse as a flower wilts before him, causing him to leak a tear.

The colours were fun to experiment with in this piece. <3 I'm heavily focusing on using colour theory and balance in my newest art pieces.


Dark Link's Revenge:



This will look familiar, since it was in the ZU's macabre art contest.

I used watercolours, watercolour pencils, coloured pencils, acrylic paint and wax on A5 Arches Watercolour paper.
I'm really happy how it turned out as I wasn't sure how great it would turn out to be. The colours were chosen carefully to mimic the colours of the Shadow Temple in OoT.
I also wanted to experiment using strong lighting effects in this piece to give off that powerful evil aroma around him.
On a side not though, the red paint is watercolours, not my own blood (since a few people have asked me now). XD

-----------------------------------

I'm going to take a few days off drawing since the Skyward Sword art piece has exhausted me, but there are more artworks on the way, both Zelda and original pieces.

Comments/feedbacks/suggestions/critiques and questions are all welcome. <3

Thanks for your time! :3

Have i mentioned i loved your style of art? Its gorgeous. i have no patience for color and shading. it's just phenomenal.

Really fantastic work!
The Skyloft Flight is perfect. It looks like an official artwork for the game. It matches the games art direction so well.

Originally Posted by KyleLink

Have i mentioned i loved your style of art? Its gorgeous. i have no patience for color and shading. it's just phenomenal.

Thank you!

I'm glad I have patience, otherwise I wouldn't be drawing at all. Not one of my recent drawings take less than two days to do now. Their time spans keep lengthening as I apply more detail and colour theory to them.

I wish I could work faster, but I don't want my artworks ruined. It's more about the journey of the art than the destination.

Originally Posted by Ty

Really fantastic work!
The Skyloft Flight is perfect. It looks like an official artwork for the game. It matches the games art direction so well.

Thanks Ty! I'm glad to hear that since that is what I really wanted to achieve. <3

YAY! new thread!

I have a bit more to say about your Dark Link's Revenge, since the art contest kind of demanded I look deeper into it ^^;

I think the balance of detail is a bit strange. I don't know if you got rushed for the contest (I know you didn't finish your piece for the last contest before this one.) but...DL's face and hair is brilliantly detailed. the skull isn't; we've discussed that, but that makes it a bit odd, when the skull is as much of a focal point as his face, if not moreso.

my b/f and I discussed this piece at length too, and he brought up the lack of texture in DL's clothes. I only noticed it a little bit in the leathery bits - especially those below the skull...but at the same time, I think that works alright (especially considering the skull wasn't detailed - it'd be weird if the clothes were and the skull weren't). he was wishing for more...especially after I showed him what you're capable of in your Ezio piece.

...have I ever mentioned how awesome your application of color theory is? I think that's the primary thing that makes your art style so unique. the way you weave your palette through the entire piece...is just...beautiful.
like the skull kid...I think a lot of people would color that varying shades of all one color...maybe two if there's a strange light. but in yours, I can see the greens and blues and purples hidden among the reds, yellows and browns. it's just...fantastic. utterly fantastic.
I hadn't seen it so much in your new digital works, and I'm a bit disappointed that it seems your use of color is a bit different. though...I'm sure the transition is taking you long enough to create a piece without that kind of detail ^^;

Originally Posted by Eternal Legend

I wish I could work faster, but I don't want my artworks ruined. It's more about the journey of the art than the destination.

now, there's a lesson I need to learn... ^^;

Originally Posted by Shaelyn

YAY! new thread!

I have a bit more to say about your Dark Link's Revenge, since the art contest kind of demanded I look deeper into it ^^;

I'm all ears.

I think the balance of detail is a bit strange. I don't know if you got rushed for the contest (I know you didn't finish your piece for the last contest before this one.) but...DL's face and hair is brilliantly detailed. the skull isn't; we've discussed that, but that makes it a bit odd, when the skull is as much of a focal point as his face, if not moreso.

From what I can remember, I finished days before the contest was due so I can't remember rushing it.
Not enough detail in the skull? How do you mean? I think I got the details right within perspective view but I'm interested to hear more about this. I can't see anything at this point.

my b/f and I discussed this piece at length too, and he brought up the lack of texture in DL's clothes. I only noticed it a little bit in the leathery bits - especially those below the skull...but at the same time, I think that works alright (especially considering the skull wasn't detailed - it'd be weird if the clothes were and the skull weren't). he was wishing for more...especially after I showed him what you're capable of in your Ezio piece.

Ahhh... yes. I avoided putting in too much texture/details in Dark Link's tunic because of the fact that I wanted the eyes to be automatically drawn to his face and skull. It's more or less of showing the basic folds/shadows on Dark Link's clothes, but nothing more.
The Ezio pic I did was different because the guy was standing in a flat position where things didn't really need to be drawn in different perspectives. That was why I put detail in everywhere.

But with Dark Link, I wanted the hands and the skull to stick out more and year... avoided putting too many details in his clothes.

But thank you very much for your input and critique! I'll keep an eye out for it towards my future pieces.

...have I ever mentioned how awesome your application of color theory is? I think that's the primary thing that makes your art style so unique. the way you weave your palette through the entire piece...is just...beautiful.
like the skull kid...I think a lot of people would color that varying shades of all one color...maybe two if there's a strange light. but in yours, I can see the greens and blues and purples hidden among the reds, yellows and browns. it's just...fantastic. utterly fantastic.

I'm almost speechless here. Thank you so much. <3

I hadn't seen it so much in your new digital works, and I'm a bit disappointed that it seems your use of color is a bit different. though...I'm sure the transition is taking you long enough to create a piece without that kind of detail ^^;

For this particular piece, I deliberately avoided using my colour theory in order of almost mimicing the game style of Skyward Sword.
I am working on other digital artworks as I speak and my colour theory are in those. But since I'm still fairly new to digital art, it is hard to achieve when I am so used to traditional media to do it for me.

And yes, digital art - I find - is harder than traditional art at this point.

Thank you so much for your post Shaelyn! <3

Finally, your new thread!

Originally Posted by Eternal Legend

I really really like this one a lot. I just have a soft spot for Majora's Mask (my favorite game ever probably) But here I can see differences in texture very clearly; the ground, skullkid and the trees in the background all seem to feel different. It has a really nice appeal.

I used watercolours, watercolour pencils, coloured pencils and acrylic paint on A5 Arches Watercolour paper.

I wish I had me the money to buy a lot of arches watercolor paper. That stuff is paper of the gods.

Originally Posted by Eternal Legend

So Link is going bare-back now I see? Very nice. ;] This is very beautifully rendered. The sky beast is very imaginative and is done professionally. The random lines on WIP #2 really made me laugh for some reason, in a good way. Love that. However, back to the 'bareback' comment, I would be interested in seeing some sort of saddle on the beast maybe. Just an idea, if only to promote the idea that the beast is more so 'owned' by Link.

Keep it up, look forward to seeing more as always.

I agree with DQ, EL. I love that sky beast picture, but Link looks too much like he'd easily fall off without a saddle or at least reins on the beast.

I also think the beast should have arms, but that's just me being picky. The image is beautiful as it is. :]

Well, I honestly wish that I could give some comments on the scale above, but I'm unable to!
I'm genuinely rendered almost at a loss for words to describe the admiration and respect I have for your work!
I particularly like the Skull Kid pic. I love the juxtaposition of his simple face with the sheer emotion and atmosphere of the picture.
THe vibrant colours, the interplay of the light and texture of the pencils really gives it a quality that I don't think is easily replicatable with digital art.
It really captures the bittersweet vibes of the pictures, as well as showcase your dedication and effort in your art (don't know if that makes sense, might have phrased it wrong! )

I adore it. <333

---------- Post added at 07:44 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:41 PM ----------

Originally Posted by Palomino

I agree with DQ, EL. I love that sky beast picture, but Link looks too much like he'd easily fall off without a saddle or at least reins on the beast.

I also think the beast should have arms, but that's just me being picky. The image is beautiful as it is. :]

I think it's fine as is.
I think if it had reigns or a saddle, it'd look like the dragon was tame. And given the visceral, freedom theme the picture emanates, I think it'd ruin that sense of freedom and the wild nature.
It's not a domestic horse.

I particularly like the way the feathers look fully three-dimensional and volumous!
It reminds me of Lugia in a certain light.

Originally Posted by Lady DQ

Just an idea, if only to promote the idea that the beast is more so 'owned' by Link.

I like the idea that it's a wild beast, it gives a huge sense of freedom and that nature is its own, independent, ferocious force, reflected in its creatures!

Originally Posted by DekuQueen

I really really like this one a lot. I just have a soft spot for Majora's Mask (my favorite game ever probably) But here I can see differences in texture very clearly; the ground, skullkid and the trees in the background all seem to feel different. It has a really nice appeal.

Thank you DQ. <3 It was fun creating this piece by using all those colours.

I wish I had me the money to buy a lot of arches watercolor paper. That stuff is paper of the gods.

Oh I know. o: Luckily they aren't so expensive at the local art shop here. I kinda wish they were smoother though.

So Link is going bare-back now I see? Very nice. ;] This is very beautifully rendered. The sky beast is very imaginative and is done professionally. The random lines on WIP #2 really made me laugh for some reason, in a good way. Love that. However, back to the 'bareback' comment, I would be interested in seeing some sort of saddle on the beast maybe. Just an idea, if only to promote the idea that the beast is more so 'owned' by Link.

Keep it up, look forward to seeing more as always.

I actually was thinking of putting a saddle in, but for some reason it didn't work. :/ I liked seeing the dragon as some kind of wild beast working alongside Link than having it with a saddle on it's back. I really don't know.
XD Oh, those lines were for the clouds. Pretty lame though. I something draw random lines all over my artworks in the beginning or during the WIP that serve no absolute purpose.

Originally Posted by Palomino

I agree with DQ, EL. I love that sky beast picture, but Link looks too much like he'd easily fall off without a saddle or at least reins on the beast.

It's a moment captured! XD
The saddle reason I have answered to DQ, but I didn't want to add in reins either. I like the dragon looking wild and free.
Link is just doing a pose with his sword, then he'll grab the large feathers on it's back as it descends to the land below, or to the mountains ahead (whatever works for you. :3)

I also think the beast should have arms, but that's just me being picky. The image is beautiful as it is. :]

I drew them in the beginning, but I later on took them out. I wanted some kind of dragon bird than a standard European dragon.
But I get what you mean. I'm picky towards my artworks as well when it comes to designing them.

Thanks Ranny. <3

EDIT:

Originally Posted by SuperDecimal

Well, I honestly wish that I could give some comments on the scale above, but I'm unable to!
I'm genuinely rendered almost at a loss for words to describe the admiration and respect I have for your work!
I particularly like the Skull Kid pic. I love the juxtaposition of his simple face with the sheer emotion and atmosphere of the picture.
THe vibrant colours, the interplay of the light and texture of the pencils really gives it a quality that I don't think is easily replicatable with digital art.
It really captures the bittersweet vibes of the pictures, as well as showcase your dedication and effort in your art (don't know if that makes sense, might have phrased it wrong! )

I adore it. <333

Far out SD you're making me all speechless here! xD Seriously, thank you so much! <333

I think it's fine as is.
I think if it had reigns or a saddle, it'd look like the dragon was tame. And given the visceral, freedom theme the picture emanates, I think it'd ruin that sense of freedom and the wild nature.
It's not a domestic horse.

I like the idea that it's a wild beast, it gives a huge sense of freedom and that nature is its own, independent, ferocious force, reflected in its creatures!

^^^ I'm glad you agree with me in the sense of having a dragon that automatically shows that it is wild and free. <3

I particularly like the way the feathers look fully three-dimensional and volumous!
It reminds me of Lugia in a certain light.

I wasn't sure whether or not to add those feathers in! xD I thought "would it ruin the overall Skyward Sword style?" But it turned out really well in the end.

I love Lugia. <3

No problem, EL. You know, the lack of arms makes me think of one of those wyverns from Fire Emblem 8, only with feathers instead of scales.

the detail I've mentioned in the skull is just in the general form of it. it looks like a sphere with some holes a jaw, and that makes the skull look flat. in reality, there's just a couple of curves and contours I feel like you could have added that would've made the skull stand out more realistically and be epic, without going over-the-top with hyper-realism. I know you mentioned you didn't use a reference for it, and for having not, well...wow. but as a whole, if there was one thing that detracts from this piece, this would be it.
I'm having trouble saying what I'm trying to say exactly. I think it likely boils down to: just use a reference next time.

on the texture - I suspected that might be the case...and that's why I wasn't complaining nearly as much about it as my b/f. I think you achieved your desired effect.

:hug:

digital art - gotchya. can't wait to see what you create actually using your color theory.

Originally Posted by Palomino

No problem, EL. You know, the lack of arms makes me think of one of those wyverns from Fire Emblem 8, only with feathers instead of scales.

True.

Originally Posted by Shaelyn

the detail I've mentioned in the skull is just in the general form of it. it looks like a sphere with some holes a jaw, and that makes the skull look flat. in reality, there's just a couple of curves and contours I feel like you could have added that would've made the skull stand out more realistically and be epic, without going over-the-top with hyper-realism. I know you mentioned you didn't use a reference for it, and for having not, well...wow. but as a whole, if there was one thing that detracts from this piece, this would be it.
I'm having trouble saying what I'm trying to say exactly. I think it likely boils down to: just use a reference next time.

I figured I should have used a reference for the skull. I thought I was fine without it and for the fact that I got a bit lazy. I did see some pics of skulls later on and I well... ignored them, which I shouldn't have. I knew that there were grooves and lines in skulls. Next time when I draw a skull, I will definitely use a reference.

on the texture - I suspected that might be the case...and that's why I wasn't complaining nearly as much about it as my b/f. I think you achieved your desired effect.

Sometimes the texture of the paper can be a bit of a pain at times as it does play up with some things that you want to achieve.

:hug:

digital art - gotchya. can't wait to see what you create actually using your color theory.

Thank you and I really appreciate your time commenting. <3

Updating my thread with the latest sketches I did:



These are basically small illustration batches drawn with a 0.5 HB mechanical and a H pencil on A4 Sketch paper.

I did these while watching TV last night. They were suppose to be "sketches" but I got carried away with detail and shading a bit. No references were used for any of them (even Whooper and Luma). I might rescan this tomorrow as the scanner has eaten some of the finer details away. And yes, EL drew something totally unrelated to Zelda this time round.

I'm thinking of opening these as small requests on ZU since they don't take long to do (depending on how busy I am). I'll see how I feel.

Anyway, enjoy! :3

Ah, those are such beautiful sketches. The mermaid and the other girl are very lovely. I'm not sure what was intended with the mermaid's hand (made me think she was in a tank, pressing on the glass). Is that part of her skin, or a design, or is she really pressing on glass?

^_^

I like these a lot.

Your colored pieces are always beautiful, and I like these mechanical pencil ones, too. Come to think of it, I really like your blue ballpoint pen and pencil pieces.


I guess I just like pretty pictures.
<3

good lord. sometimes, I can't critique cuz I'm just speechless.

sketches?! good lord.

~stares another good five minutes~

ok, I only find a couple of things odd. the neck of the ram is a bit large, I think...it's almost like you're turning it into the same bear you turned Wolf Link into way back when, though not nearly to that degree. are you getting carried away with the fur? -not that I could blame you, if hair is as fun for you to draw as it is for me...

that, and that one fish over the mermaid's boob, with all that fantastic contrast against the mermaid's body, draws my gaze directly to the boobs. like, WHA-BAAM! it's a bit disappointing to be drawn to that over all else.

but oh well. sketches. fantastic sketches. it's so beautiful...and cute...and awesome... ~drool~

congrats on your second feature! ^_^

Those are sketches? They don't look like it to me. ._.

Well, anyway, while it's generally a very good image, there's a few things I find odd. The positioning of the ram's horns, for one thing. They don't look too off, only a little.

Also, Wooper and the Luma look like they're made of glass instead of flesh or whatever they're made of the way you shaded them. xP

Lastly, I can't quite put my finger on it, but something isn't right about the shape of the mermaid's head.

Originally Posted by Palomino

Also, Wooper and the Luma look like they're made of glass instead of flesh or whatever they're made of the way you shaded them. xP

Creative license! I've noticed on DA, a lot of people really like it when artists take creative license with characters so that they don't appear too close to the way that they are in official artwork. It's refreshing, you know?

^_^





In the introduction to one of Andrew Loomis's books, he comments that with the advent of good photographic equipment, there has to be more to a drawing that replicating what you see (otherwise, what's the point, just take a photo). Artwork is a reflection of the artist; you put a piece of yourself into what you create.

...Sorry, I have absolutely no idea what you mean by "taking creative license." o_O

What I meant is that the glassy look clashes.

It basically means taking something and tweaking it here and there to make it more yours.
You're the artist.
You're allowed to move things around, give them different textures, etc