Shukaku - too late for GameArtisans

Darksun · Oct 2007

Heh, wanted to redesign this guy for The GameArtisans.org Naruto compo. Unfortunately I learned about it too late but I wanted to follow through.

I wasn't a big fan of the design from the Manga/Anime so I wanted to make the Shukaku feel more like Gaara's primal self, reflect his selfish bloodlust, rather than the playful, silly nature of the Tanuki.

Stuck with the bottom design for the most part:

Took some bits from these as well:

So I've been painting:

Asherr · Oct 2007

nice work. but where's little Gaara sticking out of its forehead?

Darksun · Oct 2007

Hehe, I put one it, but it looked stupid..

Done I suppose:

Rob Galanakis · Oct 2007

I love it dude, but I think it needs better contrast, and some shading in the shadows (the "dark" areas aren't really dark and they don't have any forms in them). I did some quick curves (my tablet is not hooked up so its a rough job on the masks):

Darksun · Oct 2007

Wow, That looks really cool.. I was questioning weather or not to add contrast, because I didn't want to lose that sandy/dusty feel. I'm still on the fence as to weather or not the contrast is keeping it..

Looks really good though! Maybe that's the important thing hehe.

Japhir · Oct 2007

really cool design! i wouldn't add gaara in his forehead either, just make the beast "when gaara is still awake" :P
i'd add more contrast too, maybe not that much to keep the sandy feeling but a little anyway.
good luck, too bad you found out so late!

Wells · Oct 2007

came out very cool. I like it with the low contrast - helps him blend in with the smoke and all - though I think he could even be more obscured, as right now no dust/smoke is in front of him.

the blue elements could have been blended in better. they're kind of sitting on top of the painting

Mark Dygert · Oct 2007

Low contrast original for the win, that is if was an actual entry heh. Too much dust and grit is lost to the contrast. I think a little contrast might help in a few key areas as well as some more defined bounce lighting, but only if you add dust over the top.

Darksun · Oct 2007

waaa! low contrast/high contrast opinions split down the middle!

[ QUOTE ]
the blue elements could have been blended in better. they're kind of sitting on top of the painting

[/ QUOTE ]
Hmm.. I'll see what I can do. I haven't thought of a very good way to blend them yet.

Darksun · Oct 2007

Rob Galanakis · Oct 2007

Yes! Much better, IMO. I definately understand the feeling about not losing the dusty feel, which is why you went low contrast... however, I think there are better ways to show the 'dusty feel' without hurting your form and composition- light streaks, dust, perhaps less-sharp contours, etc. I think you nailed it in the newest, and brought them out to just the right degree... added contrast where it needed it, and emphasized the dust as well (head, tail, left arm and left, etc., all 'evaporate'). Definately my fav version.

Laheen · Oct 2007

Hot.

This should be an interesting piece once it's finished!

BoBo_the_seal · Oct 2007

looks great

I_luv_Pixels · Oct 2007

That is one sweet ass raccoon!!!!!!!!!!!!! keep up te cool work

Shukaku - too late for GameArtisans

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