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Qa'a the sabertooth cat taking a walk in the rain, listening to his music and enjoying the day.
Commission for
dastiger
Done with acrylic paints and a small bit of micron inks (for defining aspects of the character), on 11"x14" illustration board.
Commission for
dastigerDone with acrylic paints and a small bit of micron inks (for defining aspects of the character), on 11"x14" illustration board.
Category Artwork (Traditional) / All
Species Unspecified / Any
Size 1000 x 790px
File Size 205 kB
I vaguely recall your saying something about not being able to draw good perspective ;D. Umm well it always seems to me you have a great grasp of perspective. I am really drawn into the subdued colors of this piece. Something about the atmosphere takes me back to my childhood neighborhoods c:. Your technique just keeps blowing me away!
Thank you =). I'm working hard on improving my perspective... This time last year I didn't fully grasp the fundamental theory behind it - I had vanishing points, but they were all over the place and I didn't specify a horizon... Its taking a lot of practice to improve, but I'm pleased with the direction my work is going, in that regard...
Thank you =). As for references, I was given a google street view of the street, which was actually a bit more fish-eye in perspective than I wanted, but I tried to incorporate the elements that I wanted in the image (the road, sidewalk, and row of houses) and redrew it using 2 point perspective, only really relying on the photo for the details (its his grandparents house there, in the front, so I wanted to get it as close to accurate as I could for him) There were some other things I changed - in the reference there was a utility pole in the middle of the picture, and I moved it further back, and obviously I added the character and the rain effects.
As a technical demonstration, this shows some promise. Competence is seen with using the media as far as color, texture, and shade. A good amount of control is seen in the lines and curves. In particular, I like the attention to detail of the grass; though it looks a bit uniform (which is of course typical for such settings) the variance of shade found on lawns is convincingly depicted. I'd say that this level of work is that of a serious art student.
Some technical problems: the main thing is the perspective. To the left, you can see that the width of the sidewalk is about that of the car. Compare that to the sidewalk under the figure; the cars look way too small. In addition, the relation of relative size and perspective of the figure to the rightmost house is off; again either the house seems to small, or the character too large. all these have the affect of making the character look as if it is a giant, and as if the perspective is warped in such a way that it is bending off towards the lower edge of the page. Finally, while the anatomy of the character is generally good, the muzzle seems slapped-on; it seems bent to the character's left.
Aesthetics: the choice of viewer orientation is odd; it seems the viewer is standing on a car several feet higher than the character. I like how the mood of a rainy day is conveyed, however this piece doesn't seem to be very aethetically interesting or striking; it has the quality of a casual photograph.
Some technical problems: the main thing is the perspective. To the left, you can see that the width of the sidewalk is about that of the car. Compare that to the sidewalk under the figure; the cars look way too small. In addition, the relation of relative size and perspective of the figure to the rightmost house is off; again either the house seems to small, or the character too large. all these have the affect of making the character look as if it is a giant, and as if the perspective is warped in such a way that it is bending off towards the lower edge of the page. Finally, while the anatomy of the character is generally good, the muzzle seems slapped-on; it seems bent to the character's left.
Aesthetics: the choice of viewer orientation is odd; it seems the viewer is standing on a car several feet higher than the character. I like how the mood of a rainy day is conveyed, however this piece doesn't seem to be very aethetically interesting or striking; it has the quality of a casual photograph.
This is so delightful to see. You've always been impressive, but this particular piece shows a lot of progress when it comes to doing full scenes. There's a couple of little things I could nitpick about, but overall, it holds together very nicely and consistently. As always, the character is rendered beautifully, you never cease to amaze when drawing them. The rain effects here are quite impressive too. Given that things involving liquids seem to tend to not look right when rendered by an artist, I'm quite astounded by how well you've done that.
I'd definitely have to say you got the house spot on, even with the orange and white chair. -chuckle- That thing is seriously older than I am, and has seen a lot of travel.
Anyway, like I mentioned in the e-mail, this looks absolutely amazing! I'mma have to hang it up once it gets over here.
Also, quick question...Do you mind me posting this up on my FA, so long as I give credit where it's due?
Anyway, like I mentioned in the e-mail, this looks absolutely amazing! I'mma have to hang it up once it gets over here.
Also, quick question...Do you mind me posting this up on my FA, so long as I give credit where it's due?
I'm very glad that you like it =D.. And I'm happy that you enjoy that I included details such as the chair - I know that if I were painting my character in front of my parents house I'd be including all kinds of little details that just make it familiar and build the scene for me =) So I am very glad that you enjoy it.. =)
And sure, you may post it to your FA gallery =D.
And sure, you may post it to your FA gallery =D.
Once again, people on Lulz are making some very interesting and, I think, useful comments about the perspective, colour, and composition of this picture. In the past, you've shown yourself willing to hear constructive criticism, and I think the illustrated comments on this page point out, in detail, the genuine strengths and the correctible weaknesses that you've shown here.
http://lulz.net/furi/res/647411.html#647524
I wish we had similar ways to analyze pictures on FA; but for now, Lulz provides.
Mark
http://lulz.net/furi/res/647411.html#647524
I wish we had similar ways to analyze pictures on FA; but for now, Lulz provides.
Mark
I appreciate the sentiment behind your linking to that thread, but I would appreciate it if in the future, you could summarize the criticism that you found to be constructive and present it to me independently of all of the drama and insults... which are more likely to ruin my day than help me out in any significant way.
From what I've seen over there today, the point that I found particularly useful is that though I've worked on my vanishing points, my relative scales could still use improvement, and I should pay closer attention to sizes in relation to objects as they recede in space. That seems reasonable enough to me, but I'm certain it could have been presented in such a way that didn't also include all of the rest of the insulting drama.
If you really think that the thread is polite enough and full of useful bits of critique that I should be able to manage it, then please send the link to me privately through a note, as posting it publically is just going to drag more people over there and prolong the flogging.
From what I've seen over there today, the point that I found particularly useful is that though I've worked on my vanishing points, my relative scales could still use improvement, and I should pay closer attention to sizes in relation to objects as they recede in space. That seems reasonable enough to me, but I'm certain it could have been presented in such a way that didn't also include all of the rest of the insulting drama.
If you really think that the thread is polite enough and full of useful bits of critique that I should be able to manage it, then please send the link to me privately through a note, as posting it publically is just going to drag more people over there and prolong the flogging.
>>I would appreciate it if in the future, you could summarize the criticism that you found to be constructive
What I find to be constructive and what you find to be constructive might be two very different things. I could summarize, but at the risk of distorting or even of missing a point that could be helpful.
For example:
>>From what I've seen over there today, the point that I found particularly useful is that though I've worked on my vanishing points, my relative scales could still use improvement, and I should pay closer attention to sizes in relation to objects as they recede in space.
Another point that came up was the issue of aerial perspective: the use of colour to suggest distance and mood (rain in the background and in the foreground).
>>If you really think that the thread is polite enough
They are never polite; but they can be useful, and they can be written by people who respect your work and believe that you have the courage and the tenacity to learn.
Mark
What I find to be constructive and what you find to be constructive might be two very different things. I could summarize, but at the risk of distorting or even of missing a point that could be helpful.
For example:
>>From what I've seen over there today, the point that I found particularly useful is that though I've worked on my vanishing points, my relative scales could still use improvement, and I should pay closer attention to sizes in relation to objects as they recede in space.
Another point that came up was the issue of aerial perspective: the use of colour to suggest distance and mood (rain in the background and in the foreground).
>>If you really think that the thread is polite enough
They are never polite; but they can be useful, and they can be written by people who respect your work and believe that you have the courage and the tenacity to learn.
Mark
I see what you are saying, but I am thinking right now that I would prefer to avoid going there, because it isn't going to help my morale any to be made fun of by faceless people who act like they know me.
Yes, there is constructive criticism to be found, but it could just as easily be presented here in an intelligent and constructive manner, which I would in fact greatly appreciate, as I know that my work could use improvement in more than a few areas. And I am more than willing to learn.
Regarding the atmospheric perspective, that is something I've been aware of for quite a long time and have used in several of my pieces - see:
http://www.furaffinity.net/view/871394/
http://www.furaffinity.net/view/1427765/
http://www.furaffinity.net/view/1710201/
http://www.furaffinity.net/view/928617/
In this case, it was a conscious choice to make it a brighter rainy day, to lift the mood of the piece - because the character enjoys walking in the rain. I'm sure there are enough variations in the natural world to allow for rain that falls from a cloud layer that is higher up in the atmosphere as to not obscure nearby houses and trees in the same way that low clouds and fog would. In any case, I have seen rain behave this way, so I don't think I'm being unreasonable in my choice of representation.
Yes, there is constructive criticism to be found, but it could just as easily be presented here in an intelligent and constructive manner, which I would in fact greatly appreciate, as I know that my work could use improvement in more than a few areas. And I am more than willing to learn.
Regarding the atmospheric perspective, that is something I've been aware of for quite a long time and have used in several of my pieces - see:
http://www.furaffinity.net/view/871394/
http://www.furaffinity.net/view/1427765/
http://www.furaffinity.net/view/1710201/
http://www.furaffinity.net/view/928617/
In this case, it was a conscious choice to make it a brighter rainy day, to lift the mood of the piece - because the character enjoys walking in the rain. I'm sure there are enough variations in the natural world to allow for rain that falls from a cloud layer that is higher up in the atmosphere as to not obscure nearby houses and trees in the same way that low clouds and fog would. In any case, I have seen rain behave this way, so I don't think I'm being unreasonable in my choice of representation.
Nor do I, thanks to the skies of Québec. :)
Sometimes critical views will apply, sometimes not. We live in a world of perspective, but weather varies; for that reason, most people will notice problems with vanishing points, even if they can't articulate the cause. But some people will look at your rainy sky and think, "It's just like home."
>>it isn't going to help my morale any to be made fun of by faceless people who act like they know me.
That's true; but it can be hard to avoid such things, there... or here. Perhaps avoidance is not the answer; but that's a personal choice.
>>there is constructive criticism to be found, but it could just as easily be presented here in an intelligent and constructive manner
I think we have that responsibility to those artists willing to work and willing to learn. FA has never been a good site for feedback, but that could change, if people are willing to see and willing to speak.
An uphill fight... but there's always hope. :)
Mark
Sometimes critical views will apply, sometimes not. We live in a world of perspective, but weather varies; for that reason, most people will notice problems with vanishing points, even if they can't articulate the cause. But some people will look at your rainy sky and think, "It's just like home."
>>it isn't going to help my morale any to be made fun of by faceless people who act like they know me.
That's true; but it can be hard to avoid such things, there... or here. Perhaps avoidance is not the answer; but that's a personal choice.
>>there is constructive criticism to be found, but it could just as easily be presented here in an intelligent and constructive manner
I think we have that responsibility to those artists willing to work and willing to learn. FA has never been a good site for feedback, but that could change, if people are willing to see and willing to speak.
An uphill fight... but there's always hope. :)
Mark
yeahh..uhm, i was going to say there seemed to be something...just slightly off in the scale of the image from one object to another, it wasnt something...specific, just...something...
still, your artwork is by far high on the list of the best ive seen, both inside and outside the furry world, if people have something rude to say about your work, ignore them, they are beneath you, in skill, style, and substance, all
still, your artwork is by far high on the list of the best ive seen, both inside and outside the furry world, if people have something rude to say about your work, ignore them, they are beneath you, in skill, style, and substance, all
A few notes on Qa'a and the homes, just in case they look to be too far off.
The character's physical appearance is due to these factors:
- He walks with a limp and gait favoring his right leg, and as the pants are a little tighter up top (a lot of muscle up there), they seem to make his hips look bigger. Also, the pants are straight-legged, which, with what are for lack of better terms able to be known as "thunder thighs", give the appearance of bell bottoms and larger than normal hips.
- He has a tendency to pull on the pockets if he has the iPod in one of them, just as a habit when changing songs.
- As he is probably in better physical shape than most of the posters on this thread, he has some bigger pectoral muscles.
- The shoes are Chuck Taylor's, which have a tendency to make the feet look smaller than if he had a pair of Reebok's or Nike's on.
As for his height compared to the houses, it's simple:
- The prefabricated homes in that area of the city are a mere ten feet in height at maximum, with indoor ceilings at six feet six inches. The character himself is five feet seven inches tall, and when placed roughly twenty-five to thirty feet away, as he is in the piece, he'll appear to be a giant. That portion of the city is dominated by small homes.
The character's physical appearance is due to these factors:
- He walks with a limp and gait favoring his right leg, and as the pants are a little tighter up top (a lot of muscle up there), they seem to make his hips look bigger. Also, the pants are straight-legged, which, with what are for lack of better terms able to be known as "thunder thighs", give the appearance of bell bottoms and larger than normal hips.
- He has a tendency to pull on the pockets if he has the iPod in one of them, just as a habit when changing songs.
- As he is probably in better physical shape than most of the posters on this thread, he has some bigger pectoral muscles.
- The shoes are Chuck Taylor's, which have a tendency to make the feet look smaller than if he had a pair of Reebok's or Nike's on.
As for his height compared to the houses, it's simple:
- The prefabricated homes in that area of the city are a mere ten feet in height at maximum, with indoor ceilings at six feet six inches. The character himself is five feet seven inches tall, and when placed roughly twenty-five to thirty feet away, as he is in the piece, he'll appear to be a giant. That portion of the city is dominated by small homes.
I'm sorry that you had to see that thread =(. I noticed it this morning, only shortly after having posted this here - it seems like whenever I post anything with significant time and effort into it, I get a kind of public flogging over there. I normally don't even look there because I know if I find something like that it will just upset me, but I mentioned to my wife that I suspected they had started another thread about me due to the nature of some of the comments left here - and she checked it out for me, and I was right.
Sometimes their comments are useful, and heaven knows I've been trying to increase the accuracy of my perspective work - which some their did seem to appreciate, but it always seems to devolve quickly into insults and defamation of character.
I hope that it hasn't pointed out to you every little flaw in such a way that you like the artwork any less... I know that my work may not be technically perfect, but i do try very hard and I really did like the piece as I was working on it, and after I finished it. Its something I'm proud of... and I hope the internet trolls haven't ruined it for you...
Sometimes their comments are useful, and heaven knows I've been trying to increase the accuracy of my perspective work - which some their did seem to appreciate, but it always seems to devolve quickly into insults and defamation of character.
I hope that it hasn't pointed out to you every little flaw in such a way that you like the artwork any less... I know that my work may not be technically perfect, but i do try very hard and I really did like the piece as I was working on it, and after I finished it. Its something I'm proud of... and I hope the internet trolls haven't ruined it for you...
I only explained what I felt necessary. Those homes are truly small, I lived in one of them for years.
Besides, I don't let a bunch of folks with little or no artistic talent ruin something by someone who obviously does have the talent.
Don't worry, I still love it, and so do many of the folks I've paraded it to. XD
Besides, I don't let a bunch of folks with little or no artistic talent ruin something by someone who obviously does have the talent.
Don't worry, I still love it, and so do many of the folks I've paraded it to. XD
I.... thought this was a picture.
Now I'm glad I clicked on it. o.o
You use a photo-reference or is this all freehand?!
I feel stupid pointing out one thing I like when the whole piece is fantastic, but that sky really looks great.
Its blended between colors so well and has separate texture from the rest of what is going on. And I remember looking at such similar skies on rainy days as the one depicted. <3
Now I'm glad I clicked on it. o.o
You use a photo-reference or is this all freehand?!
I feel stupid pointing out one thing I like when the whole piece is fantastic, but that sky really looks great.
Its blended between colors so well and has separate texture from the rest of what is going on. And I remember looking at such similar skies on rainy days as the one depicted. <3
This is just an amazing picture in almost every aspect. The environemental details are astonishing, and nearly photo realistic, especially in thumbnail view. The amount of detail put into this is simply mind boggling...from the rain patters to the the sidewalk to the trees on the horizon, this is just a masterpiece. I also love the color pallete of grey and green here.
If I was the comissioner, I would find absoloutly nothing wrong with this picture. Astonishing work!
If I was the comissioner, I would find absoloutly nothing wrong with this picture. Astonishing work!
Simply gorgeous. I seriously thought that the houses were part of an actual photograph and you had put the character there with photoshop or something before I read that this was a painting. The grass and sidewalk look extremely realistic and I love every single detail you put into this painting. The reflections on the streets and whatnot are simply amazing. You obviously put a lot of effort into this, just as you have with all of the other artwork you have in your gallery. I am very impressed with your artwork. :]
![james[fox]](http://a.furaffinity.net/1424255659/james%5Bfox%5D.gif)
Came to look at this piece again because it's probably my favorite you've ever done... I'm a huge fan of slice-of-life type artwork :) and I can't believe the things people are saying over on that forum. Even if it sucked (which it OBVIOUSLY doesn't) I'll never understand why people care so much. Just look at artwork and enjoy it. Seriously.
Amazing work, Kacey.
Amazing work, Kacey.
I'm shocked at the lulz thread, tbh.
Your perspective looks pretty spot-on to me. Claims of the character appearing 10 ft tall are ridiculous. I saw this for the first time, and it looks right. The elements in the character's immediate surroundings are to scale (for example, the curb goes up to a little over his ankles), the grass is the right height/size, the cracks in the sidewalk look proportionate. The stuff in the background is further away (ie, houses, cars) so thus appear smaller, but in the right increments. The sky looks very much like our Florida sky looks when it's in the process of a light rain and things are just on the verge of breaking up. The shadows look correct. The 'shadow' under the character is a bit 'stronger' due to being a partial reflection on the water. The raindrops are breaking up the water on the ground.
I mean, really, the background/mood/weather/perspective are all incredibly rendered and quite correct. If they're nitpicking this one to death, I'd hate to see what they think about the rest of the art in fandom. Most of us don't even bother to put in a background, and most paintings/drawings/renderings in fandom are more simplistic as far as sheer scale of detail (who draws houses? Hardly anyone!).
Anyway, as another artist, your art always amazes me.
Your perspective looks pretty spot-on to me. Claims of the character appearing 10 ft tall are ridiculous. I saw this for the first time, and it looks right. The elements in the character's immediate surroundings are to scale (for example, the curb goes up to a little over his ankles), the grass is the right height/size, the cracks in the sidewalk look proportionate. The stuff in the background is further away (ie, houses, cars) so thus appear smaller, but in the right increments. The sky looks very much like our Florida sky looks when it's in the process of a light rain and things are just on the verge of breaking up. The shadows look correct. The 'shadow' under the character is a bit 'stronger' due to being a partial reflection on the water. The raindrops are breaking up the water on the ground.
I mean, really, the background/mood/weather/perspective are all incredibly rendered and quite correct. If they're nitpicking this one to death, I'd hate to see what they think about the rest of the art in fandom. Most of us don't even bother to put in a background, and most paintings/drawings/renderings in fandom are more simplistic as far as sheer scale of detail (who draws houses? Hardly anyone!).
Anyway, as another artist, your art always amazes me.
>>If they're nitpicking this one to death, I'd hate to see what they think about the rest of the art in fandom.
Not much. ;)
But any artist who puts effort into work deserves to have the work seen with greater effort, as well. Kacey knows this, and she knows of comments that have been posted on Lulz in the past:
http://www.furaffinity.net/view/1217764/
Quite often, Lulz has been one of the few places where pictures can be taken apart and examined in detail. Some of the critical assessments have been valid, and (I would like to think) helpful. I'd like to think, as well, that good advice can come from anywhere, from anyone with knowledge and passion, and the courage to share it. On Lulz, we've had artists and viewers who have done just that.
We've also had trolls. That's the Web. :)
Mark
Not much. ;)
But any artist who puts effort into work deserves to have the work seen with greater effort, as well. Kacey knows this, and she knows of comments that have been posted on Lulz in the past:
http://www.furaffinity.net/view/1217764/
Quite often, Lulz has been one of the few places where pictures can be taken apart and examined in detail. Some of the critical assessments have been valid, and (I would like to think) helpful. I'd like to think, as well, that good advice can come from anywhere, from anyone with knowledge and passion, and the courage to share it. On Lulz, we've had artists and viewers who have done just that.
We've also had trolls. That's the Web. :)
Mark
hmmm...now that I look at it a bit, all the trolling you get about how the figure is huge is all wrong. The houses are just a bit small X3
I know it's still the same problem, but I'm surprised none of the trolls really picked up on the real spatial error XD Excellent work with the detail and atmosphere; never can go wrong with the pleasant texture that natural media gives.
I know it's still the same problem, but I'm surprised none of the trolls really picked up on the real spatial error XD Excellent work with the detail and atmosphere; never can go wrong with the pleasant texture that natural media gives.
really great job kacey. like always. it is nice to see how a "rainy day" can brought light in my day=^_^=
it is always the same pleasur to look your art.all the details.
no, really , i always talk about you like my favorit artist and i know that will never change =^_^=
however... if i can say something about this art...
HOW A FELINE CAY ENJOY A RAINY DAY !!!!!!
*hates watter*
it is always the same pleasur to look your art.all the details.
no, really , i always talk about you like my favorit artist and i know that will never change =^_^=
however... if i can say something about this art...
HOW A FELINE CAY ENJOY A RAINY DAY !!!!!!
*hates watter*
This one's just gorgeous. The details of the slats on the houses (I still don't know the real name for it, though I've lived in America where they're all over the place for three years now...) and the look of wetness to everything, both the street and his tail nearly dragging on the ground... there's a ripple for each raindrop! This must have taken you ages.
OMG Oo
What is that? An amazing piece of art! *breathtaked*
For say, I though it was a tiger added on a real photography when I clicked on the thumbnail. No. It's a full drawn image. Gawd ><
I really don't see what could we say else about this. May the teeth? I didn't see them at first and I though Qa'a was just chubby. But even if chubby, it's still... Wow...
Instant faved
What is that? An amazing piece of art! *breathtaked*
For say, I though it was a tiger added on a real photography when I clicked on the thumbnail. No. It's a full drawn image. Gawd ><
I really don't see what could we say else about this. May the teeth? I didn't see them at first and I though Qa'a was just chubby. But even if chubby, it's still... Wow...
Instant faved
Aside from the badge you drew for me a few years ago this is by far my favorite piece you've done. I don't know if it was intentional or not but the sky looks so clear, like this is a sun shower. That, the droopy tail fur and the way the street was done all make this one really stand out for me.
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