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windbladeicepuppy β The Water Guardian
Published: 2006-12-03 02:10:16 +0000 UTC; Views: 2903; Favourites: 25; Downloads: 144
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Description
Basten, Guardian of Water, Gate of the OceanThe background was drawn thanks to this tutorial: [link]
nose has been changed now, because it really bothered me.
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Comments: 16
Wow that's so beautiful! 
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Thank you for looking at it! Art is only art when it gets seen.
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Uhmwah. I think I just drooled a little. I always hate, when something says advanced critique encouraged, that I can't do anything but babble a little... but what can I say? XD This is a gorgeous image, and I'm amazed, and I love it for all the reasons everyone else has said -- the background, the fins, the scales... and everything else.
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Now before I begin, I must be a tad critical with this image β simply because I know the exact tutorial you followed to make the background (in fact there is a video tutorial that was pointed from digg.com a few days ago). Why do I say critical? Mainly because the background could have had some extra touches in my opinion; you literally showed me the background before the actual finished product β so I could say I was expecting more. This is not to say that the background in itself is a detractor for the whole image β that is not the case at all, it fits wonderfully and I personally like the light streaming from above more in this image than the actual tutorial. And you seem to have did your best at applying a slight refracting effect (not overly used but I believe I see light changes playing across the skin just enough to give the impression of it) on the water Guardian. The artistic detail is there, your talent shines through, so donβt take my criticism on the background badly: simply see it as just my opinion or that I am a total dickhead β both are win-win situations for you.
Before I move onto βdeconstructingβ the character you have designed β once again your line art is just simply extraordinary. Very smooth, certainly I can spot your characters by simply viewing your line art; you have always had a wonderful smooth impression with your final line work. What clearly took the longest time are the scales β the colouring is a whole other nightmarish aspect for you Iβm sure, but the initial βscalingβ of the scales must have been eye numbing. The highlighting on the individual scales is just a really professional touch. Now I did say I like the highlights in the scales but I notice that there seems to be a lack of shadowing in the tail β subtle shadows on the scales are shown, but not enough to my eye (damn me for nitpicking). Since Iβm in the general area, the tail is fantastic, the positioning is very pleasing, I like the curl you did and the tapering in size is very realistic.
Once talking about the scales and the general tail I must move onto the fins, which I personally think sell this image. Yes I know unlike everyone else who love the background, I love the fins. The transparent aspect of the fins is just exceptional. The colouring is perfect as well, green fits and the slight pink is a very nice touch. The fact that you have a fin where the ear would be is a very nice character touch and goes to strengthen the whole design and aspect of the Guardian. The clothing is nice and again the colour is very masterfully done giving the sense of fabric β certainly the line art helps but really I think you accomplish folds best in the colouring. The shell on the shoulder is very good; I like the little jewel sparkle. The gold and throughout the accessories is very nice, and seems logical in the places you put it. The hair is fantastic, I mean hell you always accomplish the best hair in your pieces. Frankly I have no problems with the nose. The face is very nice. Frankly the only thing one can say negatively about the character is the fact that you love confusing the gender for your viewers. I mean why do I have to feel βattractedβ to a male character? I mean heβs so pretty β but thank you for giving the option of that the Guardians can change their gender at will. The trident btw is very nice, the shell seems slightly out of place β simply because it "prettifies" the weapon a little.
Again I need to stop ending my epic comments like this but fantastic work, and I look forward to seeing more pieces. Of course now I have other comments to do on your other pieces β¦ Today will not be easy on meβ¦
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Wow. that's like... amazing. I'm shocked that you could do all those scaled individually. The effort really paid off, it looks beautiful. The fins are especially gorgeous, you managed to make them look realistically transparent.
However, a little critique... the nose just doesn't look realistic, it's sorta stiff and straight, if you get what I mean. I dunno how to tell you to fix that, maybe make it a little slanted to the right?
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Very excellent! The water effect is awesome, I love the blue dominance with small appearence of other colours like the pink shell and the green armband that just complete excellently. And also the hairs came out perfect.
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...those scales are excellent. They've got a nice sense of shape to them without looking too rounded. And the whole tail has the right light sourcing, it's got a rounded overall shape to it...yet the scales still look...well they look scaley. lol The fins look amazing too. I love that you've got just a shade of translucence towards the lighter colored edges of them. All of the other coloring is very well done as well, but the fins and scales...just wow.
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wow ^^ really nice effect and really well done ^^
keep it up ^^ can't wait to see your next masterpiece !
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OMG... WOW... Nice water effect too, and very nice detail. Wooow. *stares*
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So much detail! *.* Did you have to paint every scale individually?
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yes, I did! I tried a shortcut, but it didn't work.
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Nice....I like the detail in the fins the most......
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