tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86550132776738255112024-03-13T18:33:10.764-07:00William O'Connor StudiosArt & Illustration of William O'ConnorWilliam O'Connorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15017083587578009124noreply@blogger.comBlogger110125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8655013277673825511.post-56982627971354480052099-09-20T07:57:00.000-07:002017-09-20T10:59:07.186-07:00Welcome to WOC Studios!<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Welcome to William O'Connor Studios!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The Art of William O'Connor</span></div>
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Author/Illustrator of the best selling Dracopedia book trilogy, as well
as illustrator of over 5000 illustrations for the gaming and publishing
business, William OConnor's 25 year career has allowed him to work with
such companies as Wizards of the Coast, Impact Books, Blizzard
Entertainment, Sterling Publishing, Lucas Films, Activision and many
more. Winner of over 30 industry awards for artistic excellence
including 10 contributions to Spectrum: The Best in Contemporary Fantasy
Art and 10 Chesley Nominations. William has taught and lectured around
the country about his unique and varied artwork as well as being a
regular contributor to the popular art blog Muddy Colors and exhibiting
his work at such industry shows as Illuxcon, New York Comic Con and Gen
Con. </span></div>
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William now lives with his family and keeps his studio in New York. </span></div>
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William O'Connorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15017083587578009124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8655013277673825511.post-51581470059519223412017-11-08T08:26:00.000-08:002017-11-08T08:26:05.512-08:00Fantasy Character Workshop #011 Inktober<div style="text-align: left;">
This
October I participated in the online art challenge of Inktober, where
artists are encouraged to produce a work of ink everyday and share it on
Instagram. I had never done an online challenge before but I found it
was a fun and interesting exercise. Although I wasn't able to do a
drawing every day, I was able to produce a series of pen and ink
illustrations based upon my continuing Fantasy Character Workshop
challenge. I'm including three of those works in this post and calling
them Fantasy Character Workshop #011, Enjoy.</div>
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Please Follow and Share to see more Fantasy Character Workshop posts!!</div>
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<b>Race: </b>Elf</div>
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<b>Gender</b>: Female</div>
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<b>Class</b>: Fighter</div>
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<b>Armor</b>: Padded</div>
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<b>Weapon</b>: Short Sword</div>
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<b>Missile</b>: Composite Long Bow</div>
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<b>Motiff</b>: <br />
<b>Familiar</b>: </div>
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Elvish
warriors are natural archers, moving stealthily through the thick
wooded forest of her home defending her people from any evil that may
venture too close.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin26OZaLJ0J17cEGaE46ivW3N6Xnl9vVNpKFRKUmWis6CDNwUrdf34UOD70rLg8A0W_-eAZxXyAJDm7ndTD9NfF1hHdTsYKOSG5eZSlwQvfbUBt2ZstN8LQoxn97B9js9jZzDgm5xD0LM/s1600/FCW%252311a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="655" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin26OZaLJ0J17cEGaE46ivW3N6Xnl9vVNpKFRKUmWis6CDNwUrdf34UOD70rLg8A0W_-eAZxXyAJDm7ndTD9NfF1hHdTsYKOSG5eZSlwQvfbUBt2ZstN8LQoxn97B9js9jZzDgm5xD0LM/s640/FCW%252311a.jpg" width="418" /></a></div>
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<b>Race: </b>Dwarf</div>
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<b>Gender</b>: Female</div>
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<b>Class</b>: Ranger</div>
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<b>Armor</b>: none</div>
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<b>Weapon</b>: Scimitar and Axe</div>
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<b>Missile</b>: </div>
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<b>Motiff</b>: Eagle<br />
<b>Familiar</b>: Raven</div>
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<b>Equipment</b>:</div>
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Living
in alpine environments dwarves would make excellent mountaineers and
arctic warriors. Moving across icy precipices and glaciers with
sure-footed fleetness, this stalwart ranger surveys her land with the
aid of her raven familiar.</div>
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<b>Race: </b>Half-Elf</div>
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<b>Gender</b>: Female</div>
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<b>Class</b>: Cleric</div>
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<b>Armor</b>: Chainmail</div>
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<b>Weapon</b>: Halberd</div>
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<b>Missile</b>: </div>
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Clerics
are warriors of the gods, using their sacred piety and blessings from
their patrons to explore the darkness and mystery of the world around
them. This brave Cleric steps forward into the black unknown armed only
with her sacred, ceremonial halberd and her faith.</div>
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Thanks for visiting, and don't forget to Follow and Share... </div>
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To See more Instagram posts visit: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/woconnorstudios/">https://www.instagram.com/woconnorstudios/</a></div>
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To follow William O'Connor at Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/william.oconnor.9849">https://www.facebook.com/william.oconnor.9849</a></div>
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William O'Connorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15017083587578009124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8655013277673825511.post-29905728171223863482017-10-16T16:01:00.003-07:002017-10-18T06:13:42.852-07:00Dragonspell Preview<i><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></i>
<i><span style="font-size: x-large;">Dragonspell </span></i><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGqUQPfXWB94P2KpFoaoi5M-SIwrT_jk2xHFtLN4Z4HN2w_rcdilMQDQCu6KmZsobwXzJ3oMA-q7N0omcuPpe8HSbHJUyaepeTosI9NU3cSjHVwxLN4RldnBDlg1OZ9m2ca-y8CXLe5Ko/s1600/dragonspell.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="425" data-original-width="1200" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGqUQPfXWB94P2KpFoaoi5M-SIwrT_jk2xHFtLN4Z4HN2w_rcdilMQDQCu6KmZsobwXzJ3oMA-q7N0omcuPpe8HSbHJUyaepeTosI9NU3cSjHVwxLN4RldnBDlg1OZ9m2ca-y8CXLe5Ko/s640/dragonspell.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Dragonspell", 2017 William O'Connor</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheusprYFaQmZko4FQuH_s5jzPONQzWirsCt8wYFzmASlueaqKU4vz_xZDlkf3zp2KmjwTsY0yfv9ccsuFh18pboz3dWmjvqrAZdjgA5lyIJmzjfkLP15EbDyP4RDv4KIx1xBuRZZtD3S0/s1600/dragonspell-detail1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheusprYFaQmZko4FQuH_s5jzPONQzWirsCt8wYFzmASlueaqKU4vz_xZDlkf3zp2KmjwTsY0yfv9ccsuFh18pboz3dWmjvqrAZdjgA5lyIJmzjfkLP15EbDyP4RDv4KIx1xBuRZZtD3S0/s640/dragonspell-detail1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dragonspell-detail</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
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Recently I completed work on a personal painting for the upcoming IX artshow in Reading PA. Below are a series of work in progress images that show the various stages of development of this large oil painting.<br />
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I hope to see many of you at IX where I hope you will stop by to see Dragonspell in person and get to meet old friends and new!<br />
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Thanks.<br />
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WOC<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK-RBF0JMW-PlA8pACUyfN1so0KwmLsNCPlgz_g7VbXYBY899FYzAhEMqH9wxfGr1AQRW9qsTmi2rfu3J5-tPvIYMTQjOtBPR7iltSOu4tNhzz5z5gx6jxjHDwI49YkZ_U6WVrubKWcZU/s1600/dragonspell-5.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="364" data-original-width="1000" height="116" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK-RBF0JMW-PlA8pACUyfN1so0KwmLsNCPlgz_g7VbXYBY899FYzAhEMqH9wxfGr1AQRW9qsTmi2rfu3J5-tPvIYMTQjOtBPR7iltSOu4tNhzz5z5gx6jxjHDwI49YkZ_U6WVrubKWcZU/s320/dragonspell-5.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dragonspell. Pen on paper 4"x12"</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dragonspell. Color Comp 8"x21" Acrylic</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNex4v_ArPLD3xOEhFc1DbKWfuNSTG2QlLS2wXJQ8guvFItCZ-5cSNdmmnfxXudWNG8IGevS0McC97fvwi9EKR2YG6gawZzW5tfKyS509LK7P99FOaPWa-LeD5_Sga4XC_DYbmtKIHP6c/s1600/dragonspell1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="668" data-original-width="1000" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNex4v_ArPLD3xOEhFc1DbKWfuNSTG2QlLS2wXJQ8guvFItCZ-5cSNdmmnfxXudWNG8IGevS0McC97fvwi9EKR2YG6gawZzW5tfKyS509LK7P99FOaPWa-LeD5_Sga4XC_DYbmtKIHP6c/s400/dragonspell1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dragonspell. Stage1</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_tEJ7Su3xF_XaTpy0cuvbRdqnVdutZIJdLGPa9pRdJ4aOu5wxaDYJ95Be7EpeEfxaw1TgN3k1oO5Os25rTSWDdo0gmp3-Zpcw-iofhVH8o5SzrLxg4t5TQgT1Ts7IEjllGEiXITsJdIM/s1600/dragonspell2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="668" data-original-width="1000" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_tEJ7Su3xF_XaTpy0cuvbRdqnVdutZIJdLGPa9pRdJ4aOu5wxaDYJ95Be7EpeEfxaw1TgN3k1oO5Os25rTSWDdo0gmp3-Zpcw-iofhVH8o5SzrLxg4t5TQgT1Ts7IEjllGEiXITsJdIM/s400/dragonspell2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dragonspell. Stage2</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2EBclmFSpg-Q6Br2f4DK0nAZESq_K4Zj0YFyp9RIvL7_rvrV2yK6T5DmVKMMtdN4-jIvnbsmJ5_BtGt9_veduE9gXhqKngnutj6tCXIvlXmuzBeiZxa6DDCENvrC9LsSuSzCvLDL3vbE/s1600/dragonspell3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="650" data-original-width="938" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2EBclmFSpg-Q6Br2f4DK0nAZESq_K4Zj0YFyp9RIvL7_rvrV2yK6T5DmVKMMtdN4-jIvnbsmJ5_BtGt9_veduE9gXhqKngnutj6tCXIvlXmuzBeiZxa6DDCENvrC9LsSuSzCvLDL3vbE/s400/dragonspell3.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dragonspell. Stage2</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dragonspell. Stage3 detail</td></tr>
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<br />William O'Connorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15017083587578009124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8655013277673825511.post-74064658293691588782017-09-07T09:46:00.000-07:002017-09-08T06:45:15.943-07:00The Cursed Folk: Designing the Tiefling<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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by William O’Connor</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="560" data-original-width="1338" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCQuGIPn6BAM-7r6RXMQJOs6kvFVBuOtZOkJ-pgnra_7YZXkFkXhWZLsbvakecU5j4NbR_PoIVYGffIIUJ-MWdeT7Y8bB_DlD_Hr1Oh5BW6wmnsk8NawbogXf8SSjQwgJrVp01BlITHqY/s640/tiefling-neverwinter3.tiff" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Still Frame. Neverwinter 2013</td></tr>
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Ten years ago in the spring of 2007 I was given the august responsibility of helping the creative team at Wizards of the Coast design many of the Races and Classes for Dungeons and Dragons 4th Edition. This was a very exciting opportunity for an artist who had grown up with the art of Elmore and Parkinson hanging on his wall and had watched as Todd Lockwood had so masterfully designed the previous edition. <br />
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The other races such as the humans and the elves had all been well established and besides giving them a little stylistic tweaking there wasn’t much to do with them. The dragonborn were a new and unique challenge which I’ve already discussed in my earlier blog <a href="http://williamoconnorstudios.blogspot.com/2012/05/war-of-dragonborn.html">War of the Dragonborn</a>. However I was presented with a new race for the core set that despite my decade of illustrating for D&D I had never heard of before. <br />
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The Tiefling were a race that had been only had slight mention in earlier editions and the artwork for the race was very minimal. The most established depiction for the Tiefling was a small spot illustration in a 3rd edition monster manual. The 4th edition design team wanted to make the Tiefling a core race but wanted to radically update their appearance to make them look more intimidating and “cool”. The current depictions of the Tiefling did not inspire feelings of intimidation. The drugstore little horns glued to the forehead and the thin cats tail made them look like humans at a con masquerade. I knew that I wanted them to a be a distinctive race with unique anatomy and not a Star Trek Alien-of-the-Week or manga cartoon.<br />
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The horns and the tail were the defining elements of the race so my first direction was to make them as prominent as possible. Part of the design of the 4th edition was to integrate the design into being a miniature game so part of the process was to make the character’s silhouettes easily recognizable from a distance. This consideration also had the challenge of limiting the height of any figure so horns that protruded upward were unwanted, but I felt they should still be distinctive. I designed powerful horns that grew sweeping back from the skull and a tail that was not just a swishy, decorative monkey tail but a powerful dragon tail that was as substantial as a third leg. The tail would be capable of an extra sweeping attack and would grant the Tiefling powerful bonuses to dexterity, jumping, agility and discipline. These bonuses would make the tiefling natural rogues and fighters. With the horns as well I saw a fun opportunity to make them more than merely ornamental. Designing the horns to grow as the character leveled up I thought was a fun chance to give the tiefling a unique ability to display their power. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk9HGnGqpmlSnBFnGbLk3nKlbDzPjPdKlkt3ITbIkbPfnWv1PtLzV8CPMl_AACXt9SY6_OSp72BnWUB0UY_EkTU4rXspWxihuYl7tg0-BmSiWW8TVuSQWRDLjtTwL-XcIP87i-QRVzDXw/s1600/tiefling+body.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="842" data-original-width="1056" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk9HGnGqpmlSnBFnGbLk3nKlbDzPjPdKlkt3ITbIkbPfnWv1PtLzV8CPMl_AACXt9SY6_OSp72BnWUB0UY_EkTU4rXspWxihuYl7tg0-BmSiWW8TVuSQWRDLjtTwL-XcIP87i-QRVzDXw/s320/tiefling+body.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Early Concept Sketches Tiefling Anatomy 2007</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyWicU4M36JJMy-Ywjq3wCNjdwfLC2-e8dhUCA0cumku7UBHTBKt8_p5XWIL3tp_KXAtShrL8wrfJAOpOHO2oC9yvzUdNANB2_DT4R2psIL7liVjoFJ1xBUY94m86qG5sXc-BLWgGcq-E/s1600/T-F-Horns.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1170" data-original-width="1600" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyWicU4M36JJMy-Ywjq3wCNjdwfLC2-e8dhUCA0cumku7UBHTBKt8_p5XWIL3tp_KXAtShrL8wrfJAOpOHO2oC9yvzUdNANB2_DT4R2psIL7liVjoFJ1xBUY94m86qG5sXc-BLWgGcq-E/s320/T-F-Horns.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Early visualization for Tielfling horn growth 2007</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE8QL6mD8yDtpjZQ2WmElIxZco_b_ep1-0VgbVZc3yHTaNx2yiipDH8ve1bS1w3DUQt9im0jeCJ3FUg4d-lri9I0YoezeAhL_COx6Y3vd0lF8R8hyphenhyphenNf8_DnIl_-v3B22xjdJ1jLwJdIfw/s1600/t-body.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="700" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE8QL6mD8yDtpjZQ2WmElIxZco_b_ep1-0VgbVZc3yHTaNx2yiipDH8ve1bS1w3DUQt9im0jeCJ3FUg4d-lri9I0YoezeAhL_COx6Y3vd0lF8R8hyphenhyphenNf8_DnIl_-v3B22xjdJ1jLwJdIfw/s400/t-body.jpg" width="232" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tielfing Body Study 2007</td></tr>
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In concept design it is understood that the process is a team effort and that dozens of people will be weighing in and chopping your ideas down into manageable pieces. Knowing this I went in big with my initial ideas expecting them to be be turned down and needing to be modified. To my surprise the design team liked them and we progressed with very little change to the initial concept, but from a mechanical view not many of my ideas were incorporated. <br />
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Once the physical traits of the race became established I needed to start to design their cultural aesthetic. The dwarves were from the mountains, the elves from the woods, the humans from the plains, but where were the tiefling from? What was their history? I struggled with this in reading the texts since most of the descriptions talked of them being a nomadic people with no home living in small isolated communities mostly in human cities. I eventual cornered the creative director Stacy Longstreet and asked her to tell me who the tielfing were in one sentence. She thought for a moment and then said, “They are the cursed people.” Its rare in art when a bell goes off in your head, but that really happened and a flood of images poured into my head. They weren’t evil they were cursed. A dark, lost, unwanted people wandering the world carrying their shame with them wherever they went. I loved it. My immediate touchstone was of course vampires, and I worked to give the tielfing that sexy, dark and gothic appeal despite their "deformity". I carried this idea over into everything about them, their clothes and equipment. I wanted everything to have a twisted aesthetic as if all of their prized heirlooms and weapons, all the relics of a lost past, were also cursed and contorted into horrible but beautiful shapes, imagining that the forms of the weapons should reflect the shapes of their tails. Elegant and deadly like the tielfing themselves.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDD62WaPLUEsQwPgSbA_j7tb_zyxvKbOKQa-egSS8jEVWPjNWv4vwzOk1HSffXDmZo4VwIVbJgU888Tujf_6bRai7-Me-PA7-O9KBg08TSiQkBaT5l6aHI98oUK34cEePLW4K1g9V5hXs/s1600/tiefling-weapons2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="530" data-original-width="1056" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDD62WaPLUEsQwPgSbA_j7tb_zyxvKbOKQa-egSS8jEVWPjNWv4vwzOk1HSffXDmZo4VwIVbJgU888Tujf_6bRai7-Me-PA7-O9KBg08TSiQkBaT5l6aHI98oUK34cEePLW4K1g9V5hXs/s640/tiefling-weapons2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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It has been a great pleasure to watch over the years a design that I’ve worked on be developed and evolve in the hands of many other artists and animators. Below are some examples of never seen concept art I did ten years ago, Enjoy.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUu10GDxhAY8VJTsAs2kPF27xBlGyMXJHLdUftZJ6pPvUO2bwFicpAyMjihcRjvudpi_S4XD47Un9ONW2cgajRVDs5iJ-4OPemCogJPn-TkO8_FlghuX4b5xXH5LIhEVHQ2OIDLO7oGmg/s1600/T-M-F.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="969" data-original-width="1200" height="516" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUu10GDxhAY8VJTsAs2kPF27xBlGyMXJHLdUftZJ6pPvUO2bwFicpAyMjihcRjvudpi_S4XD47Un9ONW2cgajRVDs5iJ-4OPemCogJPn-TkO8_FlghuX4b5xXH5LIhEVHQ2OIDLO7oGmg/s640/T-M-F.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmb1kPgfd7ryN1B3nwy3DIgoDoAph1L-6uof1yAr6r18tmrTGAyn5UX_UUqA3Au6mtoGXfnS4EruIG-55qsUN1PMszJfDC_lAi_h9hkJMIJqGnx5qCLvq-8bvWi7Ar7aYp76BET3YNa5c/s1600/T-M-R.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="718" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmb1kPgfd7ryN1B3nwy3DIgoDoAph1L-6uof1yAr6r18tmrTGAyn5UX_UUqA3Au6mtoGXfnS4EruIG-55qsUN1PMszJfDC_lAi_h9hkJMIJqGnx5qCLvq-8bvWi7Ar7aYp76BET3YNa5c/s640/T-M-R.jpg" width="408" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">©2017 William O'Connor Studios</span></div>
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William O'Connorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15017083587578009124noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8655013277673825511.post-46170827925359635782017-08-09T12:00:00.000-07:002017-08-09T12:40:19.031-07:00The Mysteries of the Moonsea<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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William O'Connor<br />
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Recently I was asked in an interview which of my hundreds of D&D illustrations I was the most proud of. In my reflection, I contemplated that I began working for D&D in 1994 and have made art for Editions 2, 3, 3.5, 4 and 5. Hundreds of illustrations, book covers, mini designs, concept designs, card art, and board games. To try to narrow it down to just one piece is difficult. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7IgKp-qyiWkkBGegP6F_YB66g3JmjULPJOMJ1z7AcacYqTjASVdPw-crQlYdwem-OzBp1U0ON5NrBm967af4Ws-1wtd6HesC6aAgTJU_c8rgJtrHaek8jVfY5ghqJNUIacxCo_2UC6Vw/s1600/MotMS.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="534" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7IgKp-qyiWkkBGegP6F_YB66g3JmjULPJOMJ1z7AcacYqTjASVdPw-crQlYdwem-OzBp1U0ON5NrBm967af4Ws-1wtd6HesC6aAgTJU_c8rgJtrHaek8jVfY5ghqJNUIacxCo_2UC6Vw/s320/MotMS.jpg" width="244" /></a>I could've chosen my first or the one that earned me the most awards, or has the most likes on social media, but I decided my favorite was the cover for the 3rd Edition Forgotten Realms adventure <i>The Mysteries of the Moonsea</i> (2005). This painting stands out in my memory for several reasons. The design of these Forgotten Realms covers were unique in that they were long narrow horizontal compositions that needed to wrap around the book spine. I had seen a couple already done by other illustrators and was eager to try my hand at it. Working in such an unusual format was a huge challenge, and I love challenges. I had designed and drawn and had approved the sketch by the art director in late 2004 with every intention of painting it traditionally in oil. I calculated that the painting would need to be about 48" wide to accommodate the detail I had planned, and I was trying to plan my attack and set up my studio and easel to handle a canvas that large. </div>
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In January 2005 I purchased a new iMac upgrade to a powerful flatscreen model and it changed my life. Within a couple of weeks I had a stylus and was quickly learning to paint in Photoshop and soon was delivering digital paintings to my clients. I had never done a painting this big however, and I had never delivered a digital bookcover to D&D before. I remember I talked with Todd Lockwood and my Art Director asking for some advice, and I settled that I would paint Moonsea as a digital painting. </div>
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The results for a first attempt at a large digital painting were better than I hoped, but of course I look back and I see all the things I would have done differently today. This was a learning painting and I think that's what I love about it. All my favorite painting are the ones where I learn from them. I think that is the challenge of all art, to learn and grow as artists. Being an artist is a process that evolves one painting at a time. </div>
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Enjoy</div>
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William O'Connorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15017083587578009124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8655013277673825511.post-63670965588949635742017-08-02T10:38:00.001-07:002017-08-03T05:20:39.453-07:00Fantasy Character Workshop #010 Halfling Wizard<br />
William O'Connor<br />
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Working as a fantasy illustrator
for over twenty years I have created hundreds (maybe thousands) of
fantasy characters. When I was a student I would draw the characters of
all the players in my gaming group. later working for various games I
would be commissioned to illustrate and design characters from stories.
As an artist many of these commissions became derivative to the point
of becoming boring (Dwarf Fighter with an Axe, Elf Ranger with a Bow,
etc.) so I strove to change things up and make sure that I was always
coming up with new combinations. I created my Random Character
Generator. (attached below). This was based upon the appendixes that
were listed in the back of the D&D Dungeon Master's Guide when I
was a kid. I started using this generator routinely, and still employ
it when creating characters and when teaching character design to
students.<br />
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This series is intended to use my generator
to create characters on a regular basis to share the process with you. I
will try to be as faithful as possible to the attributes that are
created, as the series is meant to challenge my skills, and make the
characters as difficult as possible.<br />
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Enjoy<br />
WOC<br />
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<b>Fantasy CharacterWorkshop #010 Halfling Wizard</b></div>
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Race: Halfling</div>
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Gender: Male</div>
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Class: Wizard</div>
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Armor: none</div>
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Weapon: Club</div>
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Missile: Slingshot</div>
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Motiff: Eagle<br />
Familiar: Eagle </div>
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Equipment:tankard, canteen, bell, jar<br />
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When we think of Halflings usually images of Bilbo and Frodo come to mind, but Halflings are not Hobbits. Halflings are cunning and agile adventurers with sharp minds making them ideal quest wizards. Innately attuned to the natural world a Halfling wizard would very likely have a wild animal familiar like a hawk and the use of a common wooden cudgel would be quite effective in experienced hands. Never judge a character by his size.<br />
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WOC<br />
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Check out the time lapse video as well:<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">©William O'Connor Studios. All rights reserved.</span>William O'Connorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15017083587578009124noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8655013277673825511.post-1916346882710920532017-06-07T09:58:00.000-07:002017-06-11T09:51:38.555-07:00William O'Connor's Frankenstein<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Several years ago I was approached to develop an illustrated edition of Mary Shelly's Frankenstein. I was extremely enthusiastic since it was a favorite of mine and a literary classic. For several months I read and researched the work and produced a folio of sketches, color comps and diagrams based on my interpretations of the novel. <br />
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My immediate take on the early 19th century gothic tale was how scary it was. This was one of the first real psychological thrillers and works of science fiction. Grave robbing, corpse mutilation, zombies, paedocide, serial murder, mental illness and drug use were all front and center in the plot. Eventually however the project was canceled and I was left with a file full of concept art that never got finished or published. I'm attaching a sampling here for the first time for you to see my take on this literary classic in all its dark and horrific detail. Perhaps one day I'll get to finish it.<br />
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Enjoy!<br />
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WOC<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>"I will glut the maw of death until it be satiated with the blood of your remaining friends!"</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPplwNVimcG1F-SMi3zoca4nEMTNDDSAlyNjyiAScqcQqWnsODtuWRkTPuxnN3S1jfspEoymrwoAZVagrDKkn689CQnoeNf1tjk868G95c8EH_MWQ1kKR2KNAwTkDu5CNuDl9twj8eATg/s1600/woc.frank004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="686" data-original-width="1000" height="438" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPplwNVimcG1F-SMi3zoca4nEMTNDDSAlyNjyiAScqcQqWnsODtuWRkTPuxnN3S1jfspEoymrwoAZVagrDKkn689CQnoeNf1tjk868G95c8EH_MWQ1kKR2KNAwTkDu5CNuDl9twj8eATg/s640/woc.frank004.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>"We perceived a low carriage, on a sled, and drawn by dogs, at the distance of half a mile, a being which had the shape of a man, but apparently of gigantic stature."</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMtKKzFc4XocOD4F_J4ShufqucjRI38Uwxj9SbMZcwUThk0b2UDxJah2vBR_c8fu6U8-iE3fJl2uK7TjHaEu-abBOpeynSvaO-iY5md4t3osczmSEUVBddSf7exAwwPFzRK3AYR134RVE/s1600/woc.frank005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="647" data-original-width="1000" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMtKKzFc4XocOD4F_J4ShufqucjRI38Uwxj9SbMZcwUThk0b2UDxJah2vBR_c8fu6U8-iE3fJl2uK7TjHaEu-abBOpeynSvaO-iY5md4t3osczmSEUVBddSf7exAwwPFzRK3AYR134RVE/s640/woc.frank005.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>"...what I held in my arms had ceased to be the Elizabeth that I loved and cherished."</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGZtfARyNF5fHAwvGReNG3aFkOYokjsoIv4R_9AG5ySj431h_kWVxzfadj-dfuPeJILB7kg3mC9tDKcSn5C0xl8hZynlvVUYIIA_Q7egt5sm12N_7Xyb0sY0EbJ1hRkAzXzaVYSLlhklA/s1600/woc.frank006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="813" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGZtfARyNF5fHAwvGReNG3aFkOYokjsoIv4R_9AG5ySj431h_kWVxzfadj-dfuPeJILB7kg3mC9tDKcSn5C0xl8hZynlvVUYIIA_Q7egt5sm12N_7Xyb0sY0EbJ1hRkAzXzaVYSLlhklA/s640/woc.frank006.jpg" width="520" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>"The dissecting room and the slaughter house furnished many of my materials."</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPp3HKT08AALKha8mTXtfm6IPrNHxWzBxhNsn0JQpbTb2Nqdl4wib06U6SOpohePl7Va6LtCVSiG6peHduxbwlUUH79LNgQkgm33ssSmvRqkSJFn3Qae4YETLPyqHO8U-xlvYHRQVvCmk/s1600/woc.frank007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="806" data-original-width="1000" height="514" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPp3HKT08AALKha8mTXtfm6IPrNHxWzBxhNsn0JQpbTb2Nqdl4wib06U6SOpohePl7Va6LtCVSiG6peHduxbwlUUH79LNgQkgm33ssSmvRqkSJFn3Qae4YETLPyqHO8U-xlvYHRQVvCmk/s640/woc.frank007.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>"As I still pursued my journey to the northward, the snows thickened and the cold increased in a degree almost too severe to support."</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRVOS_5gPRvGUSUZpilebnRx29vDGdNEbKgANL0LlTe5rd7mYk9710xsJx9FQiiJbWDC-Izyn6-qs-SoVAoqgvK6gQct51c0Fpw1zt6lzByAlBb_TaTISolQoBi9ug6hN_TpZ_HjXJBzc/s1600/woc.frank008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="637" data-original-width="1000" height="406" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRVOS_5gPRvGUSUZpilebnRx29vDGdNEbKgANL0LlTe5rd7mYk9710xsJx9FQiiJbWDC-Izyn6-qs-SoVAoqgvK6gQct51c0Fpw1zt6lzByAlBb_TaTISolQoBi9ug6hN_TpZ_HjXJBzc/s640/woc.frank008.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Add caption</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheQt0rkeR2jbQqnV_gqNKrVFTDdwxKYq94ZglGoeWRD6wWZ2LlCbUwPG9lrX1KsxbN8Cc3JFPoOEUxDb5-icGftAME4BG8iZwujk8L_JyEXqvN8aoZSOii2Vj9D9BJwyOwHD5dq3wMY_s/s1600/woc.frank009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="898" data-original-width="744" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheQt0rkeR2jbQqnV_gqNKrVFTDdwxKYq94ZglGoeWRD6wWZ2LlCbUwPG9lrX1KsxbN8Cc3JFPoOEUxDb5-icGftAME4BG8iZwujk8L_JyEXqvN8aoZSOii2Vj9D9BJwyOwHD5dq3wMY_s/s640/woc.frank009.jpg" width="530" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>"..I kept my workshop of filthy creation."</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />William O'Connorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15017083587578009124noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8655013277673825511.post-56680204512110455072017-04-26T10:59:00.004-07:002017-04-26T17:06:17.115-07:00Python Dragon <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH3QgXHwZ8nklsEaclHt7Kuxvdp1yNxKDLvyhtBiyVggm9_ZPofSansPPGjMIM0VEU2b8XVeUt5D1sBEaJyFeJHFFfCdI-rkDsaDOQyZHcMPyBuL0y7s2Hxg-uJKLEEyFzJMYX2kIM5s0/s1600/python-head.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH3QgXHwZ8nklsEaclHt7Kuxvdp1yNxKDLvyhtBiyVggm9_ZPofSansPPGjMIM0VEU2b8XVeUt5D1sBEaJyFeJHFFfCdI-rkDsaDOQyZHcMPyBuL0y7s2Hxg-uJKLEEyFzJMYX2kIM5s0/s640/python-head.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Check out my YouTube video of a time lapse digital sketch of <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=deU3AGtGoPM&feature=share">Python Dragon</a>...<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=deU3AGtGoPM&feature=share">PYTHON DRAGON VIDEO</a><br />
<br />
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=deU3AGtGoPM&feature=share<br />
<br />
Enjoy<br />
<br />
WOCWilliam O'Connorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15017083587578009124noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8655013277673825511.post-47343592513943501852017-03-22T07:24:00.001-07:002017-03-22T07:24:31.680-07:00Fantasy Character Workshop #009William O'Connor<br />
<br />
Working as a fantasy illustrator for over twenty years I have created hundreds (maybe thousands) of fantasy characters. When I was a student I would draw the characters of all the players in my gaming group. later working for various games I would be commissioned to illustrate and design characters from stories. As an artist many of these commissions became derivative to the point of becoming boring (Dwarf Fighter with an Axe, Elf Ranger with a Bow, etc.) so I strove to change things up and make sure that I was always coming up with new combinations. I created my Random Character Generator. (attached below). This was based upon the appendixes that were listed in the back of the D&D Dungeon Master's Guide when I was a kid. I started using this generator routinely, and still employ it when creating characters and when teaching character design to students.<br />
<br />
This series is intended to use my generator to create characters on a regular basis to share the process with you. I will try to be as faithful as possible to the attributes that are created, as the series is meant to challenge my skills, and make the characters as difficult as possible.<br />
<br />
Enjoy<br />
WOC<br />
<br />
<br />
______________________________________________________________<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDpEsCulM74ehao67B25NfsPzW-0o3MrvFsgQXUVGlN26easH1cktj4F06HhaMYMFXIy_n-pZ_rlTuvL1Swwn0TQW4HCf8TeLV7SPtw7Jk3RDs4ng7AR_VPOY34mj8cVgPGJBF34t6j1c/s1600/fcw%2523009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDpEsCulM74ehao67B25NfsPzW-0o3MrvFsgQXUVGlN26easH1cktj4F06HhaMYMFXIy_n-pZ_rlTuvL1Swwn0TQW4HCf8TeLV7SPtw7Jk3RDs4ng7AR_VPOY34mj8cVgPGJBF34t6j1c/s640/fcw%2523009.jpg" width="476" /></a><br />
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<b>Fantasy CharacterWorkshop #009 </b></div>
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<div style="font-family: times; margin: 0px;">
Race: Human</div>
<div style="font-family: times; margin: 0px;">
Gender: Male</div>
<div style="font-family: times; margin: 0px;">
Class: Barbarian</div>
<div style="font-family: times; margin: 0px;">
Armor: Chainmail & Shield</div>
<div style="font-family: times; margin: 0px;">
Weapon: Spear & Longsword</div>
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Missile: none</div>
<div style="font-family: times; margin: 0px;">
Motiff: Celtic</div>
<div style="font-family: times; margin: 0px;">
Equipment:<br />
<br />
For this challenge I took a different approach than in the past. I began with wanting to design a viking warrior with all the necessary kit of that iconic character. Doing research for the historical accuracy of most of the weapons and armor, I decided to stray into the fantastical with the helmet giving this warrior impressive but fantastical horns.<br />
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Enjoy<br />
<br />
WOC<br />
<div>
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</div>
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<br />William O'Connorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15017083587578009124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8655013277673825511.post-61386674796913597012017-02-03T08:39:00.000-08:002017-02-03T08:39:00.907-08:00Fantasy Character Workshop #007<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
William O'Connor</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Working as a fantasy illustrator for over twenty years I have created hundreds (maybe thousands) of fantasy characters. When I was a student I would draw the characters of all the players in my gaming group. later working for various games I would be commissioned to illustrate and design characters from stories. As an artist many of these commissions became derivative to the point of becoming boring (Dwarf Fighter with an Axe, Elf Ranger with a Bow, etc.) so I strove to change things up and make sure that I was always coming up with new combinations. I created my <u>Random Character Generator</u>. (attached below). This was based upon the appendixes that were listed in the back of the D&D Dungeon Master's Guide when I was a kid. I started using this generator routinely, and still employ it when creating characters and when teaching character design to students.</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
This series is intended to use my generator to create characters on a regular basis to share the process with you. I will try to be as faithful as possible to the attributes that are created, as the series is meant to challenge my skills, and make the characters as difficult as possible.</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
Enjoy</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
WOC<br />
<br />
<br />
______________________________________________________________<br />
<br />
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<b>Fantasy CharacterWorkshop #007 </b></div>
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<div style="font-family: times; margin: 0px;">
Race: Half-Elf</div>
<div style="font-family: times; margin: 0px;">
Gender: Male</div>
<div style="font-family: times; margin: 0px;">
Class: Barbarian</div>
<div style="font-family: times; margin: 0px;">
Armor: Platemail and Small Shield</div>
<div style="font-family: times; margin: 0px;">
Weapon: Pick</div>
<div style="font-family: times; margin: 0px;">
Missile: Crossbow</div>
<div style="font-family: times; margin: 0px;">
Motiff: Wolf</div>
<div style="font-family: times; margin: 0px;">
Equipment: Hat, spurs, wand, journal<br />
<br />
Another fun juxtaposition of elements I never would have come up with on my own. The half elf is not a race that one commonly associates with barbarians, while plate mail and a pick is not the kit commonly used to arm this class either. I was able to use the randomly generated motiff of the wolf as the unifying element both with the hide cape and small shield that would give the character a more tribal aesthetic, while the pick became more inspired by an American Indian war club rather than a European military pick. <br />
<br />
Thanks.<br />
<br />
WOC<br />
<br />
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William O'Connorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15017083587578009124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8655013277673825511.post-18117815396343304112017-01-19T09:29:00.002-08:002017-02-03T08:31:40.058-08:00Fantasy Character Workshop #006<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
William O'Connor</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Working as a fantasy illustrator for over twenty years I have created hundreds (maybe thousands) of fantasy characters. When I was a student I would draw the characters of all the players in my gaming group. later working for various games I would be commissioned to illustrate and design characters from stories. As an artist many of these commissions became derivative to the point of becoming boring (Dwarf Fighter with an Axe, Elf Ranger with a Bow, etc.) so I strove to change things up and make sure that I was always coming up with new combinations. I created my <u>Random Character Generator</u>. (attached below). This was based upon the appendixes that were listed in the back of the D&D Dungeon Master's Guide when I was a kid. I started using this generator routinely, and still employ it when creating characters and when teaching character design to students.</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
This series is intended to use my generator to create characters on a regular basis to share the process with you. I will try to be as faithful as possible to the attributes that are created, as the series is meant to challenge my skills, and make the characters as difficult as possible.</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
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Enjoy</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
WOC<br />
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______________________________________________________________</div>
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Fantasy Character Workshop #006 </div>
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<span style="font-family: "times";">Race: Dragonnoid</span></div>
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Gender: Female</div>
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Class: Paladin</div>
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Armor: Splintmail/ Large Shield</div>
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Weapon: Rapier(Fire)</div>
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Missile: xxx</div>
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Motiff: Pegasus</div>
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Equipment: idol,<br />
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After a bit of a break for the holidays and to meet some important deadlines, I've returned to my Fantasy Character Workshop. This one was unusual and exemplifies what I enjoy about these challenges. A dragonoid female character wielding a large shield and a rapier. Usually these hulking figures are depicted as brutish warriors using weapons such as clubs and battle axes, so the thin blade of a rapier as well as the more graceful design of a female paladin was a refreshing mash-up.<br />
I drew from the "steed" list for a coat of arms motif on the shield.<br />
<br />
Enjoy<br />
<br />
WOC<br />
<br />
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William O'Connorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15017083587578009124noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8655013277673825511.post-64386193875532282722016-12-07T10:35:00.001-08:002017-02-03T17:23:47.948-08:00Fantasy Character Workshop #004<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
William O'Connor</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Working as a fantasy illustrator for over twenty years I have created hundreds (maybe thousands) of fantasy characters. When I was a student I would draw the characters of all the players in my gaming group. later working for various games I would be commissioned to illustrate and design characters from stories. As an artist many of these commissions became derivative to the point of becoming boring (Dwarf Fighter with an Axe, Elf Ranger with a Bow, etc.) so I strove to change things up and make sure that I was always coming up with new combinations. I created my <u>Random Character Generator</u>. (attached below). This was based upon the appendixes that were listed in the back of the D&D Dungeon Master's Guide when I was a kid. I started using this generator routinely, and still employ it when creating characters and when teaching character design to students.</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
This series is intended to use my generator to create characters on a regular basis to share the process with you. I will try to be as faithful as possible to the attributes that are created, as the series is meant to challenge my skills, and make the characters as difficult as possible.</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
Enjoy</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
WOC<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
______________________________________________________________<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJhmD1ZJFZeSN0GVjpmEkVuthAYx71QJ_q_OVT3iwS919faYjQIB3GqOk8NtEPthRxj0bWYohH2mkr123syNT1PbqO9ke5ayQWD4SzjJyYTRiLSn2EIyaC_-jjpsUTCKqOO4slSxxHzaY/s1600/fcw%2523004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJhmD1ZJFZeSN0GVjpmEkVuthAYx71QJ_q_OVT3iwS919faYjQIB3GqOk8NtEPthRxj0bWYohH2mkr123syNT1PbqO9ke5ayQWD4SzjJyYTRiLSn2EIyaC_-jjpsUTCKqOO4slSxxHzaY/s640/fcw%2523004.jpg" width="486" /></a></div>
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Fantasy Character Workshop #004 </div>
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"Gladiator of the Frost Dragon"</div>
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Race: Half-Elf</div>
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Gender: Male</div>
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Class: Gladiator</div>
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Armor: Chainmail</div>
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Weapon: Rapier(Frost)/Mace</div>
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Missile: Blowgun</div>
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Motiff: Dragon</div>
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Equipment: Rope, Coffer, Award, Flute<br />
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This was a direct study of the generated character. Sometimes you need to keep it simple and tell the story using the details you're given. In this case, with a dragon motif and a frostbrand rapier I thought of a large frost dragon skull helmet, but then I realized, that would hide his racial identity. So I went in the opposite direction and shaved him bald and painted a white dragon on his face. much scarier. Fighting two handed would make him quick so the chainmail became a gladiatorial tunic that would allow for free movement. The award for his victories is attached to his shoulder.<br />
<br />
Note: This sketch was a test for my brand new Wacom tablet. Taking some time to get all the new buttons and preferences just the way I like them. Usually, I turn off about half of the functions.<br />
<br />
Enjoy<br />
<br />
WOC</div>
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William O'Connorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15017083587578009124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8655013277673825511.post-37788660007020593552016-11-30T11:15:00.002-08:002017-02-03T17:24:39.896-08:00Fantasy Character Workshop #003<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
William O'Connor</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Working as a fantasy illustrator for over twenty years I have created hundreds (maybe thousands) of fantasy characters. When I was a student I would draw the characters of all the players in my gaming group. later working for various games I would be commissioned to illustrate and design characters from stories. As an artist many of these commissions became derivative to the point of becoming boring (Dwarf Fighter with an Axe, Elf Ranger with a Bow, etc.) so I strove to change things up and make sure that I was always coming up with new combinations. I created my <u>Random Character Generator</u>. (attached below). This was based upon the appendixes that were listed in the back of the D&D Dungeon Master's Guide when I was a kid. I started using this generator routinely, and still employ it when creating characters and when teaching character design to students.</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
This series is intended to use my generator to create characters on a regular basis to share the process with you. I will try to be as faithful as possible to the attributes that are created, as the series is meant to challenge my skills, and make the characters as difficult as possible.</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
Enjoy</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
WOC<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
______________________________________________________________</div>
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Fantasy Character Workshop #003</div>
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Race: Human</div>
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Gender: Female</div>
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Class:Wizard</div>
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Armor:None</div>
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Weapon: Flail</div>
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Magic: Acid</div>
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Familiar: Owl</div>
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Missile: Crossbow</div>
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Motiff: Lightning</div>
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Equipment: Rug, Spork, Bottle, Coffer<br />
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This character design was a fun challenge. Initially focused on the flail and the owl, I finally realized that the off-hand addition of the rug, would make for an exciting addition for a wizard as an enchanted flying carpet. Balancing on a flying carpet gave the figure a twisting, surfing effect, while the cape and the addition of a scarf added movement and speed to the design. The lightning motif was incorporated into the carpet, the cape and the spell casting.<br />
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Enjoy<br />
<br />
WOC</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">all text and images are ©William O'Connor Studios</span></div>
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William O'Connorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15017083587578009124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8655013277673825511.post-7896287551992642742016-11-18T06:49:00.001-08:002017-02-03T17:25:38.348-08:00Fantasy Character Workshop #002<div style="text-align: justify;">
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William O'Connor</div>
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Working as a fantasy illustrator for over twenty years I have created hundreds (maybe thousands) of fantasy characters. When I was a student I would draw the characters of all the players in my gaming group. later working for various games I would be commissioned to illustrate and design characters from stories. As an artist many of these commissions became derivative to the point of becoming boring (Dwarf Fighter with an Axe, Elf Ranger with a Bow, etc.) so I strove to change things up and make sure that I was always coming up with new combinations. I created my <u>Random Character Generator</u>. (attached below). This was based upon the appendixes that were listed in the back of the D&D Dungeon Master's Guide when I was a kid. I started using this generator routinely, and still employ it when creating characters and when teaching character design to students.</div>
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This series is intended to use my generator to create characters on a regular basis to share the process with you. I will try to be as faithful as possible to the attributes that are created, as the series is meant to challenge my skills, and make the characters as difficult as possible.</div>
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<b>Fantasy Character Workshop #002</b></div>
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<b>Race</b>: Dragonoid</div>
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<b>Class</b>: Fighter</div>
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<b>Gender</b>: M</div>
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<b>Armor</b>: Scalemail</div>
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<b>Handedness</b>: Single Weapon/Shield</div>
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<b>Weapons</b>: mace/shield</div>
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<b>Missile</b>: crossbow</div>
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<b>Equipment</b>: bracelet, sewing kit, food, paintbrush</div>
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<b>Motiff</b>: feathers</div>
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A fun challenge to do a dragon-man! I like these guys because I love dragons, and I helped design the Dragonborn race in D&D 4th edition. Usually depicted as brutish characters I kept with this steryotype making his costume seem cobbled together out of pieces and bits. The scale armor helps enhance the dragon aesthetic, but that was sheer luck of the generator. I made the shield have a sharp, spiked silhouette that also should help enforce the dragon-esque look. The details of the small sewing kit with scissors and the paintbrush on his belt are just fun- maybe he's an artist!, while the feather motif lent to a tribal necklace of feathers and bird skull. All in all, an useful character that can bash skulls and mend socks.</div>
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William O'Connorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15017083587578009124noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8655013277673825511.post-25476665526928723582016-11-09T15:13:00.000-08:002017-02-03T17:26:50.633-08:00Fantasy Character Workshop #001<div style="text-align: justify;">
William O'Connor</div>
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Working as a fantasy illustrator for over twenty years I have created hundreds (maybe thousands) of fantasy characters. When I was a student I would draw the characters of all the players in my gaming group. later working for various games I would be commissioned to illustrate and design characters from stories. As an artist many of these commissions became derivative to the point of becoming boring (Dwarf Fighter with an Axe, Elf Ranger with a Bow, etc.) so I strove to change things up and make sure that I was always coming up with new combinations. I created my <u>Random Character Generator</u>. (attached below). This was based upon the appendixes that were listed in the back of the D&D Dungeon Master's Guide when I was a kid. I started using this generator routinely, and still employ it when creating characters and when teaching character design to students.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This series is intended to use my generator to create characters on a regular basis to share the process with you. I will try to be as faithful as possible to the attributes that are created, as the series is meant to challenge my skills, and make the characters as difficult as possible.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
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Enjoy</div>
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WOC</div>
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<b>Fantasy Character Workshop #001</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsgftWSucsgTR7KAychlWFd8m142CIb6lyDhCGJGh-WTO-ywGjMD2NsJSfepZW2sWAbnNC8NlfiKXzw1V3UXiX582xtkILXi0CXmUIiZjw1nF4A8zRwpZIRAOhgrTBIVKCqNB_io6tllM/s1600/rcg001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsgftWSucsgTR7KAychlWFd8m142CIb6lyDhCGJGh-WTO-ywGjMD2NsJSfepZW2sWAbnNC8NlfiKXzw1V3UXiX582xtkILXi0CXmUIiZjw1nF4A8zRwpZIRAOhgrTBIVKCqNB_io6tllM/s640/rcg001.jpg" width="434" /></a></div>
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<b>Race</b>: Human</div>
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<b>Class</b>: Fighter</div>
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<b>Gender</b>: M</div>
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<b>Armor</b>: Ringmail</div>
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<b>Handedness</b>: Dual Handed</div>
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<b>Weapons</b>: Rapier/ Sickle</div>
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<b>Missile</b>: Sling</div>
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<b>Equipment</b>: Reliquary, Spurs, Compass, Torch</div>
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<b>Motiff</b>: Wolf</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlkDQ8BVN88mbVrp-zAihQ6OY0IyiWDrrwOLeoZA8RjdP4cB1VTxY60nzBDvvKIwhZG9BMCUs-KAQVuv3RMdHpyeous6_08NfRGDmfcXtEinZKKIirJ-MIQA-n301lyAYYRk9iI2acPxw/s1600/rgc001s.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlkDQ8BVN88mbVrp-zAihQ6OY0IyiWDrrwOLeoZA8RjdP4cB1VTxY60nzBDvvKIwhZG9BMCUs-KAQVuv3RMdHpyeous6_08NfRGDmfcXtEinZKKIirJ-MIQA-n301lyAYYRk9iI2acPxw/s400/rgc001s.jpg" width="257" /></a>As a two handed weapon wielding character, and wearing ringmail, the design of this character needs to be fairly fleet looking. Flowing hair and cloak will help in this aesthetic. While a slick design might be a good first thought the inclusion of the wolf motif, the sickle and the compass details made me think that this character would be more ranger-like. The sling was tucked into his belt, the compass strapped to his wrist and the spurs, brought this Mongul-esque character into focus.</div>
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William O'Connorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15017083587578009124noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8655013277673825511.post-71058331054816803562016-10-12T17:28:00.000-07:002017-02-03T17:27:23.942-08:00Joan of Arc: Part 4 Finish<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig40T5t-Rd7ciNtd2aAlEMBOtQzoPpQ9G0OXpB7768lWNnk6xO6lVnqp2XJ-EMGFB1SKgwCiJmYsJjZ_jDXvQFqHi5Rywg_Q2aZCAFRDrajRKk0j70ru8zyJtUVUuC8PSc0JWMxO4EHwQ/s1600/maid-detail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
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<i><b>The Maid of Orleans</b></i></div>
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2016 </div>
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24"x48"</div>
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oil on wood panel </div>
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The completion of my painting Joan of Arc was delayed by a series of personal misfortunes. I broke my foot this past spring and was confined to crutches for two months, followed by a case of pneumonia which landed me in the hospital for a week. After what seemed an intolerable convalescence I was finally able to get back to work on the painting in June. The first week in August I had completed the painting and was able to bring it to Gen Con in Indianapolis where it received glowing reviews from friends and fans. At the end of August the painting was displayed again at The Delaware Art Museum in Wilmington where it had acquired a distinctive frame. </div>
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This month I was finally able to get the painting professionally photographed in order to document and share the painting to its best effect.</div>
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The final details of this painting were possibly the most important and rewarding stage of the work. Compositionally designed to be graphic, the finishing details are what brought the piece to life. Each form of the image was individually detailed with painstaking brushwork to create a patchwork quilt of textiles, metal, leather, chainmail and gold brocade. In this respect the painting achieved the Gothic impression that I was striving for, stitched together like a tapestry.</div>
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I hope you enjoy the details work as much as I enjoyed working on them. During the week of October 20-23, 2016 I will be attending Illuxcon in Reading, PA. I hope you get the chance to come see the work I in person.</div>
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Maid of Orleans- Detail<br />
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<br />William O'Connorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15017083587578009124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8655013277673825511.post-42788079848399476322016-02-28T13:55:00.000-08:002016-03-06T13:01:18.389-08:00Joan of Arc: Part 3 Color<div style="text-align: center;">
William O'Connor</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFg0l6-5cGjjridO1NhcDI_f6_6RFOxsfqUaxHE_5CjOk3GpHNPFh3YRMbLpX6EAtWti0YjrsWgJFyY2RwFFpSKIwceQWVg2A5dlBhocYR3LQ_gr6xM-DLQsAX9l7LBpP3iiWQcxebyR4/s1600/joan3.7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFg0l6-5cGjjridO1NhcDI_f6_6RFOxsfqUaxHE_5CjOk3GpHNPFh3YRMbLpX6EAtWti0YjrsWgJFyY2RwFFpSKIwceQWVg2A5dlBhocYR3LQ_gr6xM-DLQsAX9l7LBpP3iiWQcxebyR4/s640/joan3.7.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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As promised I am still working on my very large St. Joan painting when I find the time. Above is the most recent phase up to this date in the process. <br />
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This phase is my underpainting stage. Below you can see the process of laying on the paint. I begin with a tonal painting of acrylic. I chose acrylic because of the sheer square footage of surface and the drying time and fumes that would be created by this stage in oil. Once I am satisfied with the forms I're created of positive and negative shapes I can begin separating some of the objects into colors. At this point I switch into oil. The difficulty is to know when to switch, because once you start with oil you can't go back to acrylic. This process is fairly quick, scrubbing in shapes and forms of color. I'm not concerned about detail. This is still the same technique that I was taught as a student. My teacher used the analogy of a sculptor and a block of stone. Work the whole painting at the same time, bring it into focus slowly. That old adage of the sculpture being locked inside the marble and its up to the sculptor to remove the unnecessary parts. This is more additive than marble carving, but the theory is the same. I can picture what it will look like, I just have to put all the brush strokes in the right places in the right order.<br />
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<br />William O'Connorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15017083587578009124noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8655013277673825511.post-23170659955293383652015-12-30T12:39:00.001-08:002015-12-31T06:46:00.464-08:00Star Wars: The Force Awakens Review<div style="text-align: justify;">
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by William O'Connor</div>
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<span style="color: red; font-size: large;"><b>!!Spoilers!!</b></span></div>
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I hardly ever review movies because although I have a lot of opinions and consider myself an ardent cinephile, I am not a film critic. <u>Star Wars: The Force Awakens</u> is an exception for several reasons. One. The mythology is so ingrained in my imagination that I feel extremely invested in the story. Two. I work in the Sci-Fi industry and have worked extensively on Star Wars projects for Lucas Films and its license holders in the past. There are three ways to review this movie. First as a movie, secondly as a Star Wars movie, and thirdly as act one in a three act play.</div>
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First as a movie. There are always three criteria I use to measure a film. Writing, Acting and Cinematography. Objectively, the writing of the screenplay (by JJ. Abrams and Kasdan) was darker and grittier for Force Awakens. Immediately Mr. Abrams establishes the tone that this movie is a human drama, with the death of a stormtrooper that bleeds and dies. This is not a video game of nameless, lifeless CGI droids being cut down, but real people with real emotions. The dialogue and action was very dense and the scenes and characters raced along at a frenetic pace, which may require me to watch it a second time just to catch things I missed. This aesthetic is quite common among contemporary super hero movies and particularly Mr. Abrams' films, which I find a little disorienting, but forces your attention. There were a few scenes, such as the monster hallway chase scene aboard Han Solo's Freighter, that had hallmarks of <u>Cabin in the Woods</u> and <u>Aliens, </u>that just seemed silly and unnecessary. Abrams has the Post-Modern habit of inserting pop and historical cultural references into his films much like Quinten Tarrentino, both as homage and as a self deprecating awareness. "I know, that you know that I know that I'm borrowing this idea." he seems to be saying. Supreme Leader Snoke (Andy Sirkis) was obviously inspired by <u>The Wizard of Oz</u>, the Temple of Maz Katana looked like the bath house from Miyazaki's <u>Spirited Away, </u> the Starkiller base carved out of a planet's interior had the reminder of many a Bond Villain lair, the shot of the tie fighters coming out of the sun was a direct homage to <u>Apocalypse Now,</u> Han Solo being run through by his own son was a tribute to King Arthur and Rey being stranded on a craggy island with her father* is a lift from Shakespeare's <u>The Tempest. </u>(even my 9 year old daughter caught that one). There's more, but I'd have to watch it again to catch them all. It was obvious that Abrams' key as writer and director was to make Force Awakens seem as familiar as possible.</div>
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Although the plot arc heavily mirrored the original 1977 New Hope, the script pays homage to Episode IV while giving the story a fresh face, staying within the strict Campbellian Monomyth guidelines of Hero's Calling, Spirit Guide, Finding the Magic Sword and Departure on the Quest. The added sense of humor that was thrown in was a much welcome change from the earnest drudgery of the prequels.</div>
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Secondly, the acting. The standout performance was by Daisy Ridley as Rey. Beautiful without being too pretty, youthful without being girlish, strong without loosing her femininity, intense and funny, she, without a doubt, was the keystone to this film and held it up admirably on her young shoulders. The other performances were fine. John Boyega as Finn was funny as the born again storm trooper turned resistance fighter (inspired by Robot Chicken's Gary the Stormtrooper?), as well as Oscar Isaac as Po Dameron the brash and cocky fighter pilot. Adam Driver playing the emotionally tortured Kylo Ren was excellent, adding a deep sense of gravitas to the role. Performances by Harrison Ford and Carrie Fischer were fairly lifeless and forgettable. Fisher in particular, whose extreme plastic surgery seemed to make it impossible to perform facial expressions or move her lips was more robotic than the droids.</div>
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Thirdly, the Cinematography. By this I mean all the art production including editing, costumes, makeup, special effects and music as well as camera work. This film looked a great deal different than previous Star Wars films. The first difference I noticed was, no screen wipes, which for me is a hallmark of the Star Wars aesthetic, but thankfully no lens flares either. The set designs were more natural than earlier productions as well. Where in all the other films the characters go to exotic locations in Force Awakens the environments were fairly recognizable. A desert in Tunisia with sweeping pans of <u>Lawrence of Arabia</u>, A forest in Montana, A glacier in Iceland, and even a World Heritage ruins in Ireland. All the locations were recognizable as places on Earth, not a Galaxy Far, Far Away, unlike Pandora of Avatar for example. This again harkens back to Abrams' apparent desire to ground the movie in the familiar. This added a much needed shot of realism compared to the CGI video game environments of the prequels, but didn't make the galaxy seem particularly diverse or alien. Costumes and makeup were excellent, as well as the design of ships and hardware. Everything was in keeping with the Star Wars classic aesthetic so that the viewer could easily follow good guys and bad guys, again the formula of the familiar. The only artistic misstep was in the places where CGI was used too heavily. Supreme Leader Snoke looked like a cross between Gollum and Voldemort, Maz Katana looked like a smurf and the CGI roly-poly D&D Beholders on the space freighter were glaring CGI inserts that didn't seem necessary and broke the realism of the rest of the film. The spiraling camera angles of the dogfights were hugely enjoyable having everyone in the audience sway and squeal as if on a roller coaster. Finally, the impressive score by Williams was much enjoyed and added to the familiar and beloved flavor of Star Wars.</div>
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Overall Score: B</div>
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Overall ranking as a Star Wars Movie: 4th, (1:Empire; 2:New Hope 3:Jedi)</div>
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Predictions for Acts Two and Three</div>
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As with all Campbellian myths, this story needs to have a predictable arc in the future. Student trains with the master, learns new skills and wisdom, descends into the dark other-world, does battle with the dragon using the magic sword, sacrifice of flesh, death and resurrection and or redemption followed by the return of the hero. How those details play themselves out will be the interesting part. That doesn't bother me. That's how hero stories progress. Just as my knowing that Macbeth and Hamlet will die in the end doesn't stop my enjoyment of watching the tragedies over and over. This is just Act one of a Three Act play.</div>
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Enjoy!</div>
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WOC</div>
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<br />William O'Connorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15017083587578009124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8655013277673825511.post-4799667954750841282015-12-09T16:45:00.000-08:002016-03-06T13:01:18.394-08:00Joan of Arc: Part 2 Final Drawing<div style="text-align: center;">
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William O'Connor</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj37OW_t0Qj6Tj8ULGOdcqhiQutZf8ql7-2o500puJoPuUv4wuB_psLj9XwDd66btbmN64j2rrMOX-xsp-97POy3J3pY0eKGgbeJge3Pv9bT4Lr_zjT_y_4CV5aXbfPKZn0y60B4FxX7A/s1600/JOAN-Drawing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="338" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj37OW_t0Qj6Tj8ULGOdcqhiQutZf8ql7-2o500puJoPuUv4wuB_psLj9XwDd66btbmN64j2rrMOX-xsp-97POy3J3pY0eKGgbeJge3Pv9bT4Lr_zjT_y_4CV5aXbfPKZn0y60B4FxX7A/s640/JOAN-Drawing.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Joan of Arc" Graphite and Gesso on Wood Panel 24"x48"</td></tr>
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My Joan of Arc painting is progressing quickly, but when the Muses strike you have to work!<br />
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I began by griding off my gessoed panel in order to enlarge the sketch to the board, but immediately realized that this was not a technique that was going to work. Using the grid technique is ideal when blowing up photographs to eliminate distortion in the proportions, but for this drawing the proportions had already been composed, and the grid would take too long. <br />
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Instead, I used a technique that I have been employing for years. I blew up the sketch in the computer to the size I needed and printed out the image on a series of 11"x17" sheets. Tiling them together I used a 6B graphite block to blacken the backside. Positioning the carbon copy over the panel I used a red ballpoint pen to trace the sketch onto the surface of the panel. I use red so that I can keep track of the transfer work. <br />
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Once the sketch has been roughly transferred I begin drawing the details onto the panel. At this point I adopted a medium that I had never used before. Super Heavy Gesso. This material has the consistency of thick oil paint, but dries in a matter of minutes with a smooth chalk-like surface that is ideal for drawing on. Instead of erasing my corrections I spackled the heavy gesso like joint compound with a palette knife adding dimension to the surface while rendering detail with the pencils. Spot sanding the gesso smooth is also very quick and simple. I had never used this technique before, but the physicality of sculpting the painting was very enjoyable, allowing me to make large changes quickly.<br />
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To the detriment of my bad back I spent many hours rendering details and repositioning elements. Researching Latin phrases for the banner and finding medieval ornaments that complimented the costuming. The biggest changes I made was that I positioned the figure of Joan more towards the center, in order to replicate the symmetry of Gothic equestrian paintings, entering the banner logo so to create a halo element behind Joan's head, and repositioning the dove to add movement into the composition.<br />
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At this point I have done all the work necessary to begin painting. After a three day drawing marathon my back is giving out and I need to take a break! Much of this detailing will be obscured by subsequent layers of paint, but will act as a guide as I move forward.<br />
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Keep watching to see how it progresses.<br />
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Enjoy<br />
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WOC<br />
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Below I have added some of the reference that I am using as inspiration for this painting.<br />
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<br />William O'Connorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15017083587578009124noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8655013277673825511.post-35691087919309768822015-12-07T16:34:00.002-08:002016-03-06T13:01:18.384-08:00Joan of Arc: Part 1By William O'Connor<br />
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Once again I have begun a large scale personal painting project, and once again I thought that I would share my process with the public. The advantage of a personal piece is that I am free to share the process in "real time" without the constraints of an NDA.<br />
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Recently I wrote a blog about <a href="http://muddycolors.blogspot.com/2015/12/artist-of-month-joan-of-arc.html">Joan of Arc at Muddy Colors</a>. The research that I did included a great deal of work to understand this historical, religious figure and her context to art and history. This extensive study made me want to try to do an image of St. Joan myself. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5na6hAF8BZNXpxUECCbSO2fyqM9teQg8sg0MXxE_5Y30bM6D-8HUdNB5CPiOW8ohmA-VU93lLKt4I-j4jw4FSR-_Bevgg5-JaaNCirBkNiDA6QvMpVPUv5yC0CaK_bzA8AHHhXfCBVvs/s1600/s-st.joan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5na6hAF8BZNXpxUECCbSO2fyqM9teQg8sg0MXxE_5Y30bM6D-8HUdNB5CPiOW8ohmA-VU93lLKt4I-j4jw4FSR-_Bevgg5-JaaNCirBkNiDA6QvMpVPUv5yC0CaK_bzA8AHHhXfCBVvs/s640/s-st.joan.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Joan ofArc" 10"x20" graphite on paper</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivvUmskTsbBxCkswIRW-AdgGlfLABZGziKvMQCkI8uIDAM8wa5N25YI_nx-8JS6twTOMcbYI_KQFzreuubfCGogyotwMdBjdGGzIFP2Hl1rFBkNb3-TDi1grVQhwCqwbKT5Od9GCCYrcY/s1600/joan+of+arc2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivvUmskTsbBxCkswIRW-AdgGlfLABZGziKvMQCkI8uIDAM8wa5N25YI_nx-8JS6twTOMcbYI_KQFzreuubfCGogyotwMdBjdGGzIFP2Hl1rFBkNb3-TDi1grVQhwCqwbKT5Od9GCCYrcY/s640/joan+of+arc2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Joan of Arc" 10"x20" graphite and digital</td></tr>
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I did a variety of sketch comps until I came up with one that I was happy with. This sketch included the elements that I was trying to explore. A Gothic sense of grandeur including all the heraldry and pomp of the 100 years war, as well as the austerity of an altarpiece from the 15th century (ala: Van Eyck). <br />
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I developed a color comp using the computer over the sketch and decided that this was a piece that could be a successful painting. I wanted the piece to have the size to accommodate all the intricate details I envisioned, and the gravitas to do homage to the subject. <br />
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I settled on a 24"x 48" format using birch panel. This was both a creative and practical decision. 24"x48" is a little more than double the size of the sketch, and conveniently is the size of panel that comes pre-cut from the local home supply store. My experience with wood panel in the past has been that any cutting with a circular or table saw produces a shivered edge, so this eliminated that problem. I have never used wood panel before (preferring hardboard) but I thought I would use this support for its light, rigid and economical benefits. The hard surface should prevent any chips and corner damage, and many of my colleagues have recommended it. I gave the panel three coats of gesso, sanded smooth, the last lightly tinted with Yellow Ochre to eliminate the glaring white.<br />
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This painting will be approached very differently than my last online painting "The Gandalf Triptych". With this image I have already settled on a composition, color design and general detailing, which in the last painting was not decided until the final phase of the work.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4w0zEgYQJA3-giwr3350jtwB_gpj19AkKtvN2VfddCkNO4M7O27qNemk8mjY3vs3ydcl0rYnf79TXlLpHRnhJ-Nq9HP3vkqn4o8jCosFX3PaqPv-3OLnkOot6N2Xo0Jz3tt3Cks0YRvM/s1600/joanWIP1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4w0zEgYQJA3-giwr3350jtwB_gpj19AkKtvN2VfddCkNO4M7O27qNemk8mjY3vs3ydcl0rYnf79TXlLpHRnhJ-Nq9HP3vkqn4o8jCosFX3PaqPv-3OLnkOot6N2Xo0Jz3tt3Cks0YRvM/s640/joanWIP1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Joan of Arc drawing with gessoed panel</td></tr>
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With an overlay of acetate gridded-off with two inch squares over the drawing I'm preparing to transfer the drawing to the sized panel. This sketching stage will be very labor-intensive because of the amount of detail that I've designed, but I hope will save me work in the long run. At over 1000 square inches this will be the largest painting I've embarked on in over 15 years. I have no deadline, so I have no estimate of when it will be completed. Now comes the hard part. Wish me luck!<br />
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PS. I'm still toying with the title: "Joan of Arc"; "St. Joan of Arc"; "Joan d'Arc"; "Jeanne d'Arc"; and "The Maid of Heaven". Please leave any questions or suggestions in the comments section.<br />
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Keep watching and follow to see the next stage when its complete.<br />
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Thanks<br />
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WOC <br />
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<br />William O'Connorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15017083587578009124noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8655013277673825511.post-17176911814052017922015-11-29T15:15:00.000-08:002017-02-03T17:36:41.181-08:0020,000 Leagues Under the Sea <div style="text-align: center;">
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William O'Connor</div>
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I am very excited to be able to share some of the work that I have done for my latest illustrated book <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Leagues-Under-Sterling-Illustrated-Classics/dp/1454914017"><span style="font-size: large;">20,000 Leagues Under the Sea</span></a></i> by Jules Verne.<br />
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This project has been under development for nearly 20 years! I first read the book in 1995 and immediately became fascinated with the exciting imagery that Verne described in the text. My first interest in the story was to see how accurate Verne had been in his wonderful descriptions. I was surprised by how different the text was to all the previous depictions that I had seen during my childhood. The story of Captain Nemo was much darker and more mature than the children's versions that I had experienced. Also, Verne's detailed schematics of the ship, equipment and locations were so specific I wondered if they could be rendered based solely on his writings. <br />
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Beginning with the design of the Nautilus itself, I mapped the schematics that Verne related in the text down to the last detail and discovered that they made for an extremely believable ship. The design that I rendered was word for word with he text, making a lovely vessel that was true to the story.<br />
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In the late nineties I had enough artwork to shop the idea to several publishers. My result was editors responding saying that they liked the artwork, but that they already had an illustrated version of this classic. My endeavor however was to create a full unabridged and illustrated edition which had never been done before. Despite the rejections from publishers I continued to work on the idea for the next several years on and off.<br />
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Around 2010 I struck upon the idea of a Steam Punk version, seeing that genre becoming popular with the public. Re-reading the text again for at least the fifth time I produced detailed schematics and some new artwork with this theme in mind. In 2011 Sterling publishing contacted me to let me know they were interested. They too were interested in the fact that an illustrated unabridged text had never been available and we soon contracted the book to be completed. <br />
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The research and creation of the hundreds of pieces of artwork to be included in the book was daunting but enjoyable. I wanted the book to have the same feel of the great Golden Age of Illustrations classics by Pyle and Wyeth. It has been a long road to see this book come into production, but one that I hope the readers will appreciate as much as I did creating it.<br />
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Enjoy.<br />
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WOC<br />
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to purchase this book visit:<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Leagues-Under-Sterling-Illustrated-Classics/dp/1454914017">Amazon</a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Leagues-Under-Sterling-Illustrated-Classics/dp/1454914017" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="78" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ1CbN7JWZenFZGrZK2K63syFcwCYT7taUWQxK4uyJI0ObXdTwA0TpNW4wzsmvP5Trj46VXYLr7WSpjyoMfQalHYDf8tmHUCVf24XMVEdAdluYQF46_lqvXfcKlJGzcnJNa50jfcz8sns/s200/amazonlogo.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/20000-leagues-under-the-sea-william-oconnor/1121130411?ean=9781454914013">Barnes and Noble <span style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="50" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho4DsNgSohrcTB8H4h9UZODe13Qfd9RB5b9qNqxkua3cVyqSMQUK4VlMKHXb1d6aRzKkz2eYrOeB0pPcSOPjJs-QU284zS0x1sFaBDI7qcHVkubxKP-Rw2s9yJNtWsUaZYEsXlwWsl4uU/s200/bnlogo.jpg" width="200" /></span></a><br />
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<br />William O'Connorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15017083587578009124noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8655013277673825511.post-33496842999932487712015-11-23T16:32:00.002-08:002016-03-06T13:02:33.785-08:00The Gandalf Triptych-Part 6: Finish<div style="text-align: center;">
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William O'Connor</div>
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Finally Finished!! <br />
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Those of you that have been following the journey that I have been making with this painting for the past 6 months have been wonderfully supportive. The Gandalf Triptych was completed and debuted at the Illuxcon Exhibition in October, and the reception they received was wonderful! The set was sold to a private collector, and I shipped them off a couple of weeks ago to their new owner. <br />
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Its been many months since my last blog about this painting, because as I said, it would probably take as much time to complete the details as all the steps up to that point combined, which turned out to be true. Details, Gold Border and Frames were all decided within the last month of the work.<br />
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I'm very pleased with the result. This was a challenge that I gave myself to try to challenge what I could do as an artist. Three paintings that would would work individually and as a set. There were points in the process where I considered quitting, but I slogged through it and finished what I started. Posting the process with no knowledge of the outcome was an added challenge. I learned a lot along the way, I hope some of you did too about the work that artists put into their creations. The painting is the work, and the final product is only the veneer of the process. <br />
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Enjoy.<br />
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WOC<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_AifQXSXETbL9l3WupJ3sjKFfbS9nKHDMi_BlWX5EXMXsQKYxDpKbw-w1NNESLK7tgLnVVLWyPTGAAKV2-bDi4NTe9F6Ych5-cbPKl9rvicGErm4JOxYk4sb4KXTJR3tsZbJtEwEow7E/s1600/o%2527connor.GT1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_AifQXSXETbL9l3WupJ3sjKFfbS9nKHDMi_BlWX5EXMXsQKYxDpKbw-w1NNESLK7tgLnVVLWyPTGAAKV2-bDi4NTe9F6Ych5-cbPKl9rvicGErm4JOxYk4sb4KXTJR3tsZbJtEwEow7E/s400/o%2527connor.GT1.jpg" width="152" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gandalf Triptych Part1 Mines of Moria<br />
©2015 William O'Connor</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gandalf Triptych Part2 Minis Tirith<br />
©2015 William O'Connor</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuiF3gN16rmnnfTNrxWuwG8rRbgdveTeRzpfiXjUP8HqfKbAw1napLpTZPFY6nm11mnpkz55WQXxxb_Z0rNt3M6Duw7AoKpc5dy9Td3-mTdyaWpYll8k_bczhQ0tqxq6bho3dbz32PwLA/s1600/o%2527connor.GT3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuiF3gN16rmnnfTNrxWuwG8rRbgdveTeRzpfiXjUP8HqfKbAw1napLpTZPFY6nm11mnpkz55WQXxxb_Z0rNt3M6Duw7AoKpc5dy9Td3-mTdyaWpYll8k_bczhQ0tqxq6bho3dbz32PwLA/s400/o%2527connor.GT3.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gandalf Triptych Part3 The Grey Havens<br />
©2015 William O'Connor</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"> all images and text are © Copyright William O'Connor and William O'Connor Studios</span>William O'Connorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15017083587578009124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8655013277673825511.post-74505243683460894932015-07-20T08:22:00.001-07:002016-03-06T13:02:33.789-08:00The Gandalf Triptych- Part 5William O'Connor<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinCBebF4c3cJeX0UZJV4n8VI15QTQP2PP4L0sFK-sizvvMMNfxT-6P1PrGxyqLmaO7eNikT_h2RzTR3HivaBTZQGM47u8v_OlyTARZUSMEukbEee3ZPLigVlLsTLv4E50KL7LTlBPzanY/s1600/gandalf+triptych+frame+style1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinCBebF4c3cJeX0UZJV4n8VI15QTQP2PP4L0sFK-sizvvMMNfxT-6P1PrGxyqLmaO7eNikT_h2RzTR3HivaBTZQGM47u8v_OlyTARZUSMEukbEee3ZPLigVlLsTLv4E50KL7LTlBPzanY/s640/gandalf+triptych+frame+style1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gandalf Triptych work in progress with rough layout of framing and display mock-up</td></tr>
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It has been a bit over two months since my last update about the Gandalf Triptych that I've been working on in my free time. Free time is something is hard to come by. Currently proofing a new book due out in the fall and another due out in August has kept me busy and not painting, but as promised I have made progress.<br />
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I've moved into the Focussing Phase of the paintings. This is where the design, lighting and underpainting is completed, and now its time to begin refining details and making smaller decisions. This is one of the hardest parts of painting because what starts out as what appears to be a sloppy mess, begins to come into focus as a storytelling picture, and where I'm most likely to give up and put into my slush pile of unfinished work.<br />
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This is very much the adolescent phase of a painting, that every parent of a teenager knows all to well. Conception was the easy part, the growing pains and sleepless nights of early childhood are over, but now its all clumsy, awkward, emotionally distraught pangs of pimply shyness that argues with you at every turn. You think it will never get its act together and turn out okay. But, as every artist and parent will tell you, it all will be okay. Every painting goes through that phase to become the mature, young adult you hoped it would be and you begin to see the adult painting it will become.<br />
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Here are a few pics of the triptych as they are now. Click to enlarge and see details. <br />
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The next and final painting phase will be the Detail Phase where glazes and details are rendered to finish the pieces. This will be the most time consuming, but least stressful, since all the creative decisions have all been made.<br />
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Enjoy<br />
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WOC<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Z429AuRjhkWg6yQLOy5JYx6glSmfxEGStFr0WYXfiIkYOoEHzoAnS4UQNOLbe8bAmFZBw4TMwqQZgrnRLteEUTcmYJVHP4_KtBSmwy85k3p1GMIScTt62FiRNGsaIqP1kLnR5wejvM0/s1600/5a1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Z429AuRjhkWg6yQLOy5JYx6glSmfxEGStFr0WYXfiIkYOoEHzoAnS4UQNOLbe8bAmFZBw4TMwqQZgrnRLteEUTcmYJVHP4_KtBSmwy85k3p1GMIScTt62FiRNGsaIqP1kLnR5wejvM0/s320/5a1.jpg" width="119" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grey Havens Pt.1</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8BJO7GOa3cR3fsrPzHxq_ZcWmXVM5XCTCefvHtvbdV_jzbu3e6zEk4dZgmCRioYc0V0gWBhMMZy2a37MeMkmIy3MhOY8IenAVlWOODaP3LsawsUQD8UlLDHqkgWee9ctGsw5-957FiO8/s1600/5a2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8BJO7GOa3cR3fsrPzHxq_ZcWmXVM5XCTCefvHtvbdV_jzbu3e6zEk4dZgmCRioYc0V0gWBhMMZy2a37MeMkmIy3MhOY8IenAVlWOODaP3LsawsUQD8UlLDHqkgWee9ctGsw5-957FiO8/s320/5a2.jpg" width="125" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grey Havens pt.2</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIIF0xHOANi91JF2AxwvZnashIZZh5ohUHotgUVZS-aVAtrj5CmmLHF2mvKxEKC7xRVA5ZyIgakA5y2rpYl_hD8myzCDT3UWkItF3vPlGeZMgU7fAeIQLSQHchzAXrBl-GQKBzMDmIHps/s1600/5b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIIF0xHOANi91JF2AxwvZnashIZZh5ohUHotgUVZS-aVAtrj5CmmLHF2mvKxEKC7xRVA5ZyIgakA5y2rpYl_hD8myzCDT3UWkItF3vPlGeZMgU7fAeIQLSQHchzAXrBl-GQKBzMDmIHps/s320/5b.jpg" width="125" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Gates of Minith Tirith</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCcpAqwdk6n4q_iQKMsnpCgUpuwBCZGKsUR6Png_BuUttDmq5bCd0a6CLpglCNOqjT52cXT2T4YbWXuDyOyfQyq9ycwLvQYhYgqxfTW0riCKfflVRtYJmMtBmCIFR6Dcd9oa6oLgowSpk/s1600/5c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCcpAqwdk6n4q_iQKMsnpCgUpuwBCZGKsUR6Png_BuUttDmq5bCd0a6CLpglCNOqjT52cXT2T4YbWXuDyOyfQyq9ycwLvQYhYgqxfTW0riCKfflVRtYJmMtBmCIFR6Dcd9oa6oLgowSpk/s320/5c.jpg" width="126" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cave of the Goblin King</td></tr>
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<br />William O'Connorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15017083587578009124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8655013277673825511.post-91996786729841178812015-05-04T09:32:00.000-07:002016-03-06T13:02:33.799-08:00Scroll Landscape: Part 4 (The Gandalf Triptych)<div style="text-align: center;">
William O'Connor</div>
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The scroll trilogy paintings are starting to come into focus. I think I can officially rename the piece from the ambiguous "Scroll Landscapes", to "The Gandalf Triptych."</div>
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In order to echo more of a Japanese aesthetic, I consider the concept of including a frame painted into the design. I have never done this before, and I'm not sure on how it will be fulfilled, (whether a painted frame or applied graphic or even gold gilding.) But I've masked off the appropriate surround with tape to include this into the design. If this concept does not work out I can always paint over it later.</div>
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Pressing onward I begin the "Pushing Paint" phase of my painting. This is just what it sounds like and is just as fun. Since all three pieces are to be interrelated, I'm painting them together, and once again being influenced by my Japanese source material, I'm picturing a very monochromatic gray tonal image for all three. </div>
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Gray-Blue-Green. This is a great undertone for covering the canvas. It lends itself to tonal mood, and atmosphere, while can also be easily punctuated with colors leading into the purple-violet-red scale allowing popping orange-yellow highlights of fire and light to accent the design. This will also stand out very nicely with the envisioned gold-gilt framing.</div>
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Here I'm pushing the design's value scale from mid tone washes into a misty cool background with deep rich foreground elements. This "Pushing Paint" stage is still very abstract and loose. My intent is to get the entire canvas covered with paint. This is not one of those paint-by-number paintings, where you first paint the face, then paint the tree, then paint the cloak, then paint the hair, etc. and follow the steps until its done. I'm designing as I go, carving and softening edges and shapes and forms out of paint until the positive and negative elements work individually and as a triptych. This is both thumbnail and painting at the same time. The lump of clay beginning to take shape. I'm trying to create a mirror image in the left and right panels, with the Mines of Moria and the Ruins of the Gray Havens having similar shapes. The central panel is symmetrical.</div>
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Still early days. Keep posted to see what happens next!</div>
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William O'Connorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15017083587578009124noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8655013277673825511.post-89395437144609853412015-04-27T17:56:00.001-07:002016-03-06T13:02:33.794-08:00Scroll Landscape: Part 3<div style="text-align: center;">
William O'Connor</div>
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I have spent some time imagining the triptych landscape series. I've begun to approach the images from a purely thematic basis. I have decided that the trilogy will have the theme of focusing on the character of Gandalf.</div>
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Designing the three panels together allows me to compose three individual images that will work as a set or individually. Working very loosely with oil paint washes allows a free-form sketching process open to a great deal of alteration and manipulation as I proceed. This is the part of painting I enjoy the most. It looks like a mess, but this is where I'm making the important decisions!</div>
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I decide that the two panels to the left and the right should be compositionally similar, echoing one another. The left hand panel being Gandalf leading the Fellowship of the Ring into the Mines of Moria. The right side panel should be Gandalf and the Heroes of the Ring departing Middle Earth from the Gray Havens. In the Middle, the fulcrum of the story arc, being Gandalf standing at the Gates of Minis Tirith fending off The Lich King.</div>
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Compositionally the two bookends should echo one another in design, with angular forms, while the center panel will represent Gandalf the White in his full splendor and moment of greatest power!</div>
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This is still being sketched and conceived as I proceed, so may very well change dramatically. I'm of a mind that the center panel should be larger in the tradition of catholic alter pieces, but that would mean starting that panel over again. Something that an artist must consider, not to be limited by your medium...</div>
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Stay tuned.</div>
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WOC</div>
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William O'Connorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15017083587578009124noreply@blogger.com0