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Hunter and Waif is a theme I posted on a month or two back. I've been doing a lot of character design lately for clients, but not much for myself and so I thought I might come back to H and W because I kind of like them and think they might be interesting characters to work with if I can nail them down. When I'm working up my own ideas like this I usually start to get story ideas while I'm drawing. That was the case here. They went from being interesting shapes that I wanted to experiment with, to a couple of characters with back history and motivation.
I began to imagine a story in the far north like say the Yukon or Siberia. Waif has escaped from an orphanage or perhaps she was taken by a witch from the orphanage and later escapes. In any case she is wandering alone in a winter forest world when she is found/rescued by the hunter. Now they are together and he must try to save her but his range is limited and so he will have to hand her over to the next hunter and then the next and so on and so forth until the final hunter will be able to deliver her to safety. Maybe she would rather stay with Hunter, or perhaps she would like to become a hunter herself. These are merely the opening thoughts/ideas for a possible story but I'm curious about them and so I will continue to investigate.
I was pretty happy with the design for Hunter. He is a big simple shape and doesn't say too much but I found the Waif character a little harder to simplify properly. I couldn't quite decide how I wanted her to look. Is she happy and upbeat, not yet tainted by captivity or depressed and lonely ? Is she glad that Hunter has rescued her or does she still feel like a prisoner ? I need to have answers for these questions before I can finalize her design. Still working on her, and of course the story ideas keep coming.
More soon. I know the posting has been a little sparse lately but so much of what I'm doing these days is protected by NDA's that there isn't really much left over that I can share. I still occasionally find a few minutes to get into my sketchbook, and that is what we have here this time.
Peace :)
I have finally decided after much prompting to get out of my comfy little chair and do a sketch/art book. The theme of this book will be "character design" because I love designing characters and much of the work I've been doing recently has been oriented in this direction. Last year I was lucky enough to have been involved in several animation projects where I was doing character design and I am definitely interested in more of the same. So with that in mind I have made a list of possible concepts for the book to use as design spring boards. The Witch Market is the first of these. What I am showing today is the rough work which will hopefully get me to a final drawing. These are still pretty rough and will require some streamlining and simplifying, or perhaps more to the point "designing". But that is what this process is all about - working your ideas and distilling them down to their most simple and clear incarnation. I still tend to get a little pencily. I could and should be more more graphic and direct. Lots to do !
Meanwhile I am still working on the stop-motion film concerning Arctic Mythology that I was working on before the holidays, but it is all top secret and I'm not allowed to share any of that work yet. I will be sharing the pencil work I'm doing for my new book however. This will be an on going project with many updates so stay tuned.
More soon.
Not sure where I found this. I think it might be Roald Dahl. Sums it up pretty well I think.
Best wishes to all for the new year.
A travelling witch observed over the Gwelf region several years ago on her way to a holiday gathering and enjoying some seasonal cheer. There was no time to create a new card this year, as much as I wanted to, so I hope this one from a couple of years back will do.
Best wishes for this holiday season to one and all.
Much more coming in the new year.
One more silly drawing in anticipation of The Hobbit.
More soon.
Still waiting for The Hobbit to open and thinking Hobbity, Tolkienesque thoughts. So here's a quick sketch of an Orc on the back of Wolf.
I've been thinking about dwarves lately. The Hobbit is due out in a few weeks and like many, I'm quite looking forward to it. Naturally I'm a little concerned about what is going to happen to the story, but I'm not too concerned about how the film will look. The design, from what little I've glimpsed on line, looks terrific.
Anyway, fingers crossed for the story and get in line when it hits theaters.
More soon. :)
Just a quickie this time.
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| sold. |
More soon. :)
Anyone working in the animation industry will probably tell you that drawing people in real life is some of the best practice you can get. It's all there in front of you. The pose, gesture, body shapes, proportions, attitude, costume, and all their stuff. And you have to draw it fast, really fast, which in itself is good practice. I'm doing a bit of character design work right now and I can tell you that this kind of practice is very good for you. What's so useful about life drawing is that the people are always moving. You only have a few seconds to get down the pose that you saw before they move again, and this forces you to finish most of it from memory - and that is where you learn ! When you get warmed up you can glance at a person for a second and see everything you'll need to finish the drawing.
These pages were done last summer at a nearby mall. The reason I'm drawing most of the people from the back or side is because I'm trying to avoid that awkward moment where the person you are drawing sees that you are drawing them. And of course the worst case scenario after that is when they come over to see how you've drawn them. This can happen so you'll need to be careful. The people around you will occasionally pick up on the fact that you are drawing but if you haven't been looking at them, they will probably leave you alone. You might even get a compliment if you're having a good day.
I haven't had a chance to get out there lately but I'm really hoping to do some more mall drawing very soon. Maybe I'll see you out there. I'll be the guy hiding behind his sketchbook. ;)
More soon.
I haven't had a chance to share much of what I've been working on for quite a while. Back in the spring I was doing Visual Development work for an animated feature being done in Germany - all top secret. Then I was doing the Scottish Book of Beasties, and then back to the Arctic Myths which I've been doing pretty steadily for the past several years, and more recently, Visual Development work for a Stop-Motion, animated film. None of this work can be shown. But I do still get into my sketchbook from time to time and so that's what I have for you today.
Up first is an idea I have for a painting which I hope to get to as soon as I get a chance. This idea comes from a drawing I did several years ago where a giant was making off with a cow shed. Now he's taking someone's cottage as they look on helplessly. He's not a malicious giant. He just wants this cottage and so he's taking it.
Up next are a few pages of ideas for skinny, elongated faeries. These were inspired by looking at Gustav Klimt and Egon Schiele who both like to draw long, thin figures with exaggerated hands and twiggy fingers.
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| Sold. |
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| Sold. |
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| Sold. |
Next - I am always trying to find new ways to draw faeries with elaborate displays of wings and leaves and tendrils - this is one of those.
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| Sold. |
And up last are some ideas I had for a character who might be the lead in a story. I was thinking of her as a Pre-Raphaelite figure with lots of hair and big eyes. Maybe she has faerie blood or she might be a witch.
More soon.
I know we've been doing a lot about witches around here lately but it is the Halloween season and they seem to keep coming up. I get so many e-mails from you edgier characters wanting to know about the creepy side of Gwelf and it's inhabitants that I've decided to give in and share a couple of real putrid specimens with you. So here they are.
These two menacing carbuncles are Goblin Wytches. They belong to the Sisterhood of the Dark Fields which, as you know, is a very sinister coven that we've discussed here before. I would hate to have to dredge up all that frightful nastiness again so I'm not going to this time. If you need to know more about them you'll have to scroll back through the blog and watch for the "Gwelf" labels. It should be enough to say that they are mean and vengeful, full of wretchedness, and perfect subjects for this spooky time of year. If you should ever happen to spot either one of these two in the open it will already be too late. There won't be enough of you left in the morning to bury in a shoe box. Extreme caution is required.
Travel carefully and enjoy your Halloween.
More soon.
Travel Advisory.
Although this looks like just another run of the mill cottage found in ubiquity all over the Gwelf region, it is in fact a cottage housing a candle waxing coven. A very unique and helpful band of witches. A neutral coven, neither lawfully good nor demonically bad, the Coven of the Silver Flame specialize in the art and craft of infusing particle magic with candles, otherwise known as candle waxing. This art has been discussed here before but I mention it now because a recent trip to Gwelf reminded me just how important it is to know where the candle makers are in your neighbourhood. It has been a while since I gave you a travel update and the time seemed to be right, considering the recent change of seasons and the new threats that come with it.
Not only do these witches provide the candles most commonly used in all effective defenses against the darker forces in Faerie, but they will give sanctuary to wayward travelers caught out of doors after dark, and are also well versed in the craft of healing. The subtle art of the kitchen is also known to them. They are a beacon of light on a dark landscape and despite their neutral stance, they tend to be helpful, friendly, trustworthy and allied against a common foe. Their neutrality being primarily founded on a resistance to dogma and a desire to make up their own minds.
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| Some of the Elder Witches. |
In this particular coven of related sisters, cousins, aunts and daughters, they keep their thinking grounded in the the traditional teachings with the elder witches providing the wisdom and experience of age, while the younger generation bring in the fresh new opinions and positive outlook of youth. The atmosphere here is studious, healthy and progressive, jovial, jocular and occasionally ribald. A lively environment indeed where an alert mind and flexible sense of humour are helpful if not necessary - a safe and comfortable, yet challenging shelter from a dark and dangerous road.
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| A few of the younger Witches. |
Revealing the exact location of this coven and it's cottage is strictly forbidden, however, if you should ever run across it, or any other candle maker's cottage while traveling, a visit or drop in would not be unacceptable. Especially if the sun has gone down and there are shadow shapes moving in the woods. This is exactly the kind of situation that could befall anyone traveling in the Faerie Realm, and knowing who and where your allies are is a valuable survival tactic. You will always know when you are in the vicinity of just such a dwelling because the unmistakable scent of a candle having just been extinguished will be in the air. This is their sign post if you will, their calling card and an open invitation to anyone recognizing the significance of this fragrance. A fragrance by the way, designed to repel those very creatures we mean to avoid and attract those of us rallying against them.
So take care fellow travelers. Help is at hand if you know where to look. There are candle makers scattered throughout the Gwelf region in covens, guilds or operating on their own. If you are honest and worthy they can be powerful friends and fellow adversaries against the unholy forces in Faerie. Be advised, your survival may depend on it.
Autumn is here - proceed with caution.
It's now Autumn in the Gwelf area and as we all know, witch activity is going increase substantially. I've given you plenty of warnings and survival tactics in the past to help make your travels in this dangerous region a little safer, but today I thought I might draw attention to the common head gear adopted by the covens of the Gwelf region. It is important to keep this shape in mind because you will often encounter these creatures at dusk when all you can see are shadows and silhouettes will be all you have to go by. These distinctive hats may be your first and only hint that you are about to have a close encounter with a nocturnal spell caster. Memorize this shape and be careful. It is also important to note that the trinkets and danglies that festoon their conical head coverings are indicative of the spells and hexes they most often use. In a later post we will delve more deeply into this potentially lethal branch of witch lore.
Peace be with you and stay safe. If you are close enough to identify this hat it may already be too late.
Tally Ho
A tale of the lost and found, of redemption, forgiveness and ascension - a personal project. A bit of recent sketchbook work.
With autumn just around the corner, witch activity in the Gwelf area is naturally going to increase. The days will get shorter and the nights will grow colder and darker. Caution is definitely advised and application of all the usual survival tactics is recommended.
Lock all doors and windows as evening approaches. Suspend all travel after dark. But if you absolutely must leave the safety of your home at night be sure to take the less traveled routes and do not use a candle or lantern - stealth is your best friend during these dangerous times. Do not accept gifts from beings you don't know - especially apples. While in your home be sure to burn the appropriate candles infused with witch defeating particle magic and always remember that the oldest melodies are still the best at countering the darker covens. If you've let your instrument practice slip over the summer then you have only yourself to blame.
Be well.
Be careful.
Be safe.
Autumn is nearly here.
Just a quick doodle page this time. Three witches from the well known and infamous Sisterhood of the Dark Fields coven, so active in and around the Gwelf region last year. The fear is of course that they will again surface when the days grow shorter and autumn deepens and becomes winter.
More soon.
After two years I have finally finished the Irish Faerie Tale book project I have been working on, Lavender Blue and the Faeries of Galtee Wood. It has been quite a journey. A wee bit longer than any of us expected I think.
So here we have the wild wood demon materializing in front of Lavender while trying to disguise herself as a benevolent faerie. Her feral forest nature is nevertheless showing through. Lavender will have to think fast.
Now all the art has to go the designer who will turn it into story telling magic and make an amazing looking book. I will keep you posted as to publishing schedules and related news. Whew !
More soon everyone.
Cheers !
Fox lives in a woody forest tangle, just outside of town.
Travel safely.
Rabbit has a garden, which he loves.
More soon.
A bit of rough design work for my new book project, The Book of Beasties. A wee peak into the world of Scottish myths and legends. We've got witches, goat men and evil faeries, mermaids, giants and helpful brownies. These are just a few of the many roughs I've been doing recently as we nail down the final designs and decide upon the look of each character.
More soon.
Travel safely and may peace go with you.
Cheers.
Yes - two posts in one day. To try and make up for some of the recent strangeness. I've been scanning a lot of bits and pieces lately to add to my Facebook Fan Page, which I'm finally working on - so here are a few random heads and characters.
I have a new book project starting up entitled The Book of Beasties. In this book we will be exploring the mythic beings and legendary characters of Scotland. The book will take the field notes/sketchbook form and this image is the first picture I have completed. She is a Scottish Giant known as Cailleach and with her I'm trying out the sketchy drawing style I will be using for all the following illustrations.
The Irish Faerie Tale I have been illustrating for the last two years is nearly finished - just one more painting to go, and when I have wrapped that one up I will be onto The Book of Beasties by Belle Robertson. This book should be a lot of fun and there will be many more interesting, weird and perhaps even disturbing characters to come. The Scottish myths are a very fertile area in which to draw from and I look forward to documenting my journey here.
More soon.
Well, it looks like I'm still here, for now anyway. I must have somehow misunderstood those ominous messages I received from Blogger. So I guess I will continue to broadcast from this station for as long as it lasts. Thanks so much for all your patience and support.
More soon.
Tally Ho !
Okay - I guess this is it for this blog. It will go off line, according to the e-mail I received from Google/Blogger, on May 31 of this year.
So from now on, you will be able to find me at my new bog here
http://larry-macdougall.blogspot.caI hope to see you there.
Cheers
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If it wasn't for NDAs I could show so much of my stuff than I do. I like where you're going with this Larry. I'd love to see her become a quirky eccentrically techniqued hunter.
Thanks Thomas. I kinda like that idea too. She should stay in the forest. :)
I love these designs Larry, so full of personality as with all of your work. I can't wait to see more on these characters and their story. I'm with Thomas, it would be neat to see Waif join the hunters.
Thanks Veronica. This story is just getting started but I really like that idea too. Perhaps a witch to be the villain. Lots to think about. :)
I love the hunter designs. Facial hair can be such a boon to character development!
Did you watch "The secret of kells"?
Nathalie - I absolutely watched the Secret of the Kells. I love that movie - the design is fabulous !
Thanks Christina - I totally agree !
Thanks for sharing this. great stuff.
thanks for share...
Don, City - thanks guys and you're welcome. :)