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More from Bloodhound_Omega
Attention: Long and probably rambling as well as jumbled artist comment ahead.
This picture is my main piece for the Mephit Mini Con art show. The con's theme this year is death. Not the Zombie-Horror-Hollywood version, but „plain ole death“. In the beginning I was very opposed to the topic for various reasons and I could find no access to it. I had almost accepted the fact that I wouldn't be producing any art according to the con theme, but then something happened and I suddenly got buried in so many wonderful ideas circling around that topic so that I ended up having a hard time deciding which one to draw.
I don't have much panel space this time, as I won't be attending in person, so I had the choice of drawing many small pieces and cover as many ideas as possible, or concentrate everything on just one image and that's what I did.
Ever since I saw the anime “Ergo Proxy” I have developed a certain fascination for the “Ophelia” painting done by Sir John Millais and this is very obviously the main reference I used. This piece fascinates me. It crawls under my skin and horrifies me, yet I cannot stop to look at it again and again. → http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Opheli.....%28painting%29
I don't claim to be able to achieve the same effect with my humble homage, but I wanted to try to lean on Millais' original art work, add a personal note to it, steal a bit golden mania from Klimt's “Water Snakes I” → http://www.artsoho.net/imgg/klimt42.jpg and see what happens... You see the result here.
This was my first painting in which I used Gouache as a main medium, mixing it occasionally with water colours. This worked astonishingly well and I am pleased with the way this paint reacts and can be handled. Unfortunately I cannot say this for the golden pain which I used for the more abstract hair of Ophelia, which lies beneath the water's surface. Painting that often brought me to the verge of tears and I had to re-do many passages several times. Of course the gold and glittering effects totally got lost in the scan, which is why I made some photos in hope that they will help to bring across a more appropriate impression of the original colours. → http://dl.dropbox.com/u/5168503/oph.....ig_details.jpg
There would be so much more to say about why I chose the Ophelia imagery, why I made her a cat (besides the honest reason that I simply lack skill to create a believable human face that is even remotely as shocking as Millais' Ophelia), about women and suicide, the element of water, the symbolism of the flowers (begonias, daisies, marigold, a calla lilly and poppies) and so much more, buuuut... I think in the end it's better for the viewer to open up everything for himself, to find his or her own and most personal approach to this piece.
My own feelings about the outcome of this experiment are mixed. A few things turned out as desired, most did not. The final result deviates a lot from what I originally had in mind and I guess this leaves a bitter after-taste of disappointment rather than the feeling of accomplishment. This seems to happen with all bigger pieces I am doing since a while though, so I cannot really say if it's really just a matter of my Ophelia or “just” a general phenomenon.
I am rambling... time to sleep.
This picture is my main piece for the Mephit Mini Con art show. The con's theme this year is death. Not the Zombie-Horror-Hollywood version, but „plain ole death“. In the beginning I was very opposed to the topic for various reasons and I could find no access to it. I had almost accepted the fact that I wouldn't be producing any art according to the con theme, but then something happened and I suddenly got buried in so many wonderful ideas circling around that topic so that I ended up having a hard time deciding which one to draw.
I don't have much panel space this time, as I won't be attending in person, so I had the choice of drawing many small pieces and cover as many ideas as possible, or concentrate everything on just one image and that's what I did.
Ever since I saw the anime “Ergo Proxy” I have developed a certain fascination for the “Ophelia” painting done by Sir John Millais and this is very obviously the main reference I used. This piece fascinates me. It crawls under my skin and horrifies me, yet I cannot stop to look at it again and again. → http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Opheli.....%28painting%29
I don't claim to be able to achieve the same effect with my humble homage, but I wanted to try to lean on Millais' original art work, add a personal note to it, steal a bit golden mania from Klimt's “Water Snakes I” → http://www.artsoho.net/imgg/klimt42.jpg and see what happens... You see the result here.
This was my first painting in which I used Gouache as a main medium, mixing it occasionally with water colours. This worked astonishingly well and I am pleased with the way this paint reacts and can be handled. Unfortunately I cannot say this for the golden pain which I used for the more abstract hair of Ophelia, which lies beneath the water's surface. Painting that often brought me to the verge of tears and I had to re-do many passages several times. Of course the gold and glittering effects totally got lost in the scan, which is why I made some photos in hope that they will help to bring across a more appropriate impression of the original colours. → http://dl.dropbox.com/u/5168503/oph.....ig_details.jpg
There would be so much more to say about why I chose the Ophelia imagery, why I made her a cat (besides the honest reason that I simply lack skill to create a believable human face that is even remotely as shocking as Millais' Ophelia), about women and suicide, the element of water, the symbolism of the flowers (begonias, daisies, marigold, a calla lilly and poppies) and so much more, buuuut... I think in the end it's better for the viewer to open up everything for himself, to find his or her own and most personal approach to this piece.
My own feelings about the outcome of this experiment are mixed. A few things turned out as desired, most did not. The final result deviates a lot from what I originally had in mind and I guess this leaves a bitter after-taste of disappointment rather than the feeling of accomplishment. This seems to happen with all bigger pieces I am doing since a while though, so I cannot really say if it's really just a matter of my Ophelia or “just” a general phenomenon.
I am rambling... time to sleep.
Category Artwork (Traditional) / Portraits
Species Housecat
Size 1000 x 616px
File Size 317.8 kB
If I must say, I love this, I can't believe how talented you are honestly, the coloring is sublime and the water effect is excellent. Also I checked the original painting for this: Eerie doesn't even START to explain my feelings XD
I think this is a wonderful picture, and in a way, filled with emotion X3 but that's just me
I think this is a wonderful picture, and in a way, filled with emotion X3 but that's just me
I think it's her mouth that makes for most of the eerie part. If it were closed it would have a less shocking effect. At least that's my guess.
And emotions is good. I mean, it doesn't always have to be just positive ones. A piece that can evoke fear or disgust or something in that matter is very valuable. I guess just because the emotion is negatively valued that also reflects on the picture in question.
And emotions is good. I mean, it doesn't always have to be just positive ones. A piece that can evoke fear or disgust or something in that matter is very valuable. I guess just because the emotion is negatively valued that also reflects on the picture in question.
I'm normally a lurker but I anted to comment on this too badly. Ophelia's death is probably one of my favorite passages in Shakespeare, not for the morbidity but because of how beautifully it was written. You literally took my breath away when I saw this painting because it captured that passage so perfectly. I love looking at artist's interpretations of literature and you have just blown my mind with this piece!
If you are ever planning to do prints of this please let me know! :D
If you are ever planning to do prints of this please let me know! :D
Outstanding job, both in terms of symbolism and composition. Maybe not exactly what you had in mind, but what that comes out of our pens ever is _exactly_ what we had in mind?
Really stunning and beautiful. Probably one of the best pieces I've seen this year out of the fandom.
Really stunning and beautiful. Probably one of the best pieces I've seen this year out of the fandom.
To get something done exactly the way it was imagined is a rare occasion, but it happens. It's still a difference thought if just some elements are off or if the entire image turns out different. Well, at least to me it does, but then I know I tend to be a hard judge on myself lately...
Oh my... thank you.
Oh my... thank you.
This is something I think the images do no justice to... I could only imagine how the image looks in the flesh.
It is beautifully stylised. I'd still love to hear your own take as to what made you select certain elements as I'm sure there is a lot of reason behind each surrounding element and the subject itself that any personal analysis would miss.
Beautiful image. Thank you for sharing it.
It is beautifully stylised. I'd still love to hear your own take as to what made you select certain elements as I'm sure there is a lot of reason behind each surrounding element and the subject itself that any personal analysis would miss.
Beautiful image. Thank you for sharing it.
This was sadly one of the downpoints I already had to accept the moment I decided to paint this: Neither a scan nor a photo alone could capture the image, which is probably a reason as well why I am now so unhappy with it, as most people will only see the scan and it's simply... crummy. ;_;
Oh wow, this painting literally took my breath away. The emotions shown in her face are beautifully done, and I love the warm colors that are used on her, which give such a contrast to the dark water which will soon be her fate. I rarely want to buy pieces of art from people, but this one I would most certainly purchase in a heartbeat if I had the funding. Absolutely wonderful job!
This is absolutely beautiful...I remember first seeing that very painting illustrating the story it was made for....when I was reading Hamlet for school. It's a very touchingly beautiful and poetic piece of work, and I think you've captured it even more, actuall. I really like that close-up cropping of her face - it pulls you in and emphasizes the emotion there. And that loose hand on the flower...just wonderfully done. And even if you aren't as happy with it as you'd hoped (and really, we're our own worst critics!), I think it's stunning! :3
Very beautiful, I love how you painted the water with the swirls of color to perfectly look like they are the water, not just in it. Very expressive, very beautiful. I can't say anything more than that, or comment more as my own art knowledge is limited, but I quite enjoy this piece.
Being a fan of the original picture and PreRaphealites in general, and liking some of Klimpts stylizations as well, I can see them both in this. I can also see other influences. This is a very very nice picture, well done, well designed and very emotional! I would LOVE to see the original, I am sure the gold makes an amazing effect! As a fine artist more than an illustrator, I think this is worthy of any fine art gallery!
I usually see myself as an illustrator and don't dare calling myself an artist, but once in a while I dare reaching out for that title... reluctantly and being afraid to bite off more than I can chew, but occasionally I do think I create something that deserves to be called "art" in the true and old sense of it.
I can honestly say it's been a long time since I was so drawn to a piece. I instantly recognized the reference, having been drilled in the histories in college...lol But besides that, I think your piece captures a feeling the same and yet very different, in a good way.
Even though you seem a little disappointed about the outcome, rest assured it's a very strong piece, both compositionally and in the way the media was handled. I'd say it's truly a success, if not perhaps the exact thing you imagined! <3
Even though you seem a little disappointed about the outcome, rest assured it's a very strong piece, both compositionally and in the way the media was handled. I'd say it's truly a success, if not perhaps the exact thing you imagined! <3
It's been said again and again... but .. stunning hun. I love the interpretation that you have brought to it. Your execution is flawless here. I knew your inspiration as soon as I opened my inbox.
Unbelievable.
I wish I could see this in person. Whoever bids on this will be lucky indeed! oh my goodness!
Unbelievable.
I wish I could see this in person. Whoever bids on this will be lucky indeed! oh my goodness!
>>I think in the end it's better for the viewer to open up everything for himself, to find his or her own and most personal approach to this piece.
I wish I could give you a definite response, but the truth is, I feel conflicted about this picture.
On the one hand, I applaud any artist on FA who studies the techniques and approaches of painters from outside the fandom, especially those painters who strive to observe the world around them and to reproduce effects of lighting, colour, and texture with fidelity to life. Millais certainly did that.
On the other hand -- and I can only speak for myself -- I would prefer to see artists on FA use that careful study to present their own unique impressions, their own personal works of art. To see that study result in the furrification of a well-known painting seems like a dead end to me... because, when I see this picture, I don't think Bloodhound-Omega, I think, Millais... furrified. :/
As an experiment, as a way to learn how to apply certain techniques, then yes, this kind of work can be useful. But it can also be self-limiting.
At any rate, my personal approach to this piece. I'm sorry for that ambivalence.
Mark
I wish I could give you a definite response, but the truth is, I feel conflicted about this picture.
On the one hand, I applaud any artist on FA who studies the techniques and approaches of painters from outside the fandom, especially those painters who strive to observe the world around them and to reproduce effects of lighting, colour, and texture with fidelity to life. Millais certainly did that.
On the other hand -- and I can only speak for myself -- I would prefer to see artists on FA use that careful study to present their own unique impressions, their own personal works of art. To see that study result in the furrification of a well-known painting seems like a dead end to me... because, when I see this picture, I don't think Bloodhound-Omega, I think, Millais... furrified. :/
As an experiment, as a way to learn how to apply certain techniques, then yes, this kind of work can be useful. But it can also be self-limiting.
At any rate, my personal approach to this piece. I'm sorry for that ambivalence.
Mark
Knowing the original and the time it as drwan just to well, and having seen your shots on Furbase, i can only say that you created a worthy equal. Though you might not be content with how it turned out, yet i think it is just awesome.
I really envy those that will be able to see it on MMC :/
I really envy those that will be able to see it on MMC :/
I think this turned out much better than you think it did. I can understand how the hair may not have achieved the effect you desired but I think unintentionally it creates an artistic sense of contrast between the realistic imagery above the water and a sense of style that differs for the hair beneath the water. At least that’s how I see this when I look at this and I still think it’s a great piece overall.
You did really well on the gorgeous coloring of the cat’s hair above water as well as her fur being gorgeously rendered. The flowers have a very realistic appearance to them as well and I think you captured a sense of release or lifelessness in the appearance of her expression really well.
Anyways I understand what you desired to achieve BUT I think what you did achieve was really good in itself.
You did really well on the gorgeous coloring of the cat’s hair above water as well as her fur being gorgeously rendered. The flowers have a very realistic appearance to them as well and I think you captured a sense of release or lifelessness in the appearance of her expression really well.
Anyways I understand what you desired to achieve BUT I think what you did achieve was really good in itself.
As an art history major, i see tons of paintings in and out of class, and even though this isn't the original, it's extremely impressive x3 You've achieved something amazing here and i was so happy to read your description and how you combined two fantastic artists. I -love- the softness and still moment you were able to capture; almost as if the viewer is witnessing her last breath. I'm sure I can go on and on, but I'd probably be repeating what others have said Dx Regardless, millions of 's for creating this! :3
I think what fascinates me most about this picture is the sense that she is literally moments away from slipping under the surface completely. In water I don't float: if I was in this position and was as still as she appears to be in this image, I would be beneath the surface immediately. So it reminds me of when something is knocked off-balance and almost recovers, but has still tilted too far. You know that it's going to fall over, but for just a moment before it's static.
The breath before the plunge. That's what it is. All she has to do is exhale and it's over.
The breath before the plunge. That's what it is. All she has to do is exhale and it's over.
Ophelia was a tragic character and one of my favorites from Shakespeare's 'Hamlet.' I love this portrayal and honestly I think the tabby cat look suits it just fine. It's a very sad yet beautiful painting. It makes me think and delve deeper into the meaning behind it, which is quite often hard to accomplish in art. I love it. :)
i think you're seeing all the flaws you want to fix in some future version...
but...
This is perfect.
It's off the scales - 100 on a ten scale.
And you can make it better. :)
we're all swooning, but there's something you want to change/tweek, a different version -
go for it. :)
but...
This is perfect.
It's off the scales - 100 on a ten scale.
And you can make it better. :)
we're all swooning, but there's something you want to change/tweek, a different version -
go for it. :)
I recognized this instantly as Ophelia, and the last time I was exposed to Hamlet OR the art was in high school ~ 10 years ago. Excellent job on that!
Is there any chance of obtaining a higher-resolution image for use as desktop wallpaper, possibly without the framing effect? I'd kill to have it render at my monitor's native resolution. (1680x1050)
Is there any chance of obtaining a higher-resolution image for use as desktop wallpaper, possibly without the framing effect? I'd kill to have it render at my monitor's native resolution. (1680x1050)
Please treat this file with respect to its creator.... http://dl.dropbox.com/u/5168503/ophelia.jpg
Ich hätte es auf MMC so gerne mit genommen... Brogon und ich haben es in die Auktion gebracht, aber dann hat es sehr schnell mein Budget überstiegen. Haja.
Aber das Bild ist es auf jeden Fall wert gewesen und Felfur war echt happy, dass er es bekommen hat. :)
Sooooo schööööön!!!!!
Aber das Bild ist es auf jeden Fall wert gewesen und Felfur war echt happy, dass er es bekommen hat. :)
Sooooo schööööön!!!!!
You leave me absolute speechless at how beautifully done this painting is, both in choice of colours and composition. I think you've exceptionally well captured her expression and though I know the original, it does not havet he 'I cannot stop looking at it' effect for me. But your Ophelia has. Thanks for sharing this piece of art, and congratulations to the lucky bidder who finally got it in the end.
Really good looking details there ;)
The funniest thing is - I saw this picture while listening to THIS particular song: ''Dear Ophelia" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AzpBOazn1P0 :D
The funniest thing is - I saw this picture while listening to THIS particular song: ''Dear Ophelia" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AzpBOazn1P0 :D
Oh wow, the emotion is really well portrayed here! Makes on think~
I like symbolism, and the where the original human painting was a bit rough (I think) this is smooth and real beautiful in many ways~
The photos of the glittering parts bring it alive even more ^^
Love it~
I like symbolism, and the where the original human painting was a bit rough (I think) this is smooth and real beautiful in many ways~
The photos of the glittering parts bring it alive even more ^^
Love it~
This is so surreal... And after seeing your photos, it appears the scans did your painting no justice.
I was originally going to say that, I'm really not the type to say much the first time I look at a painting, but, those photos really helped to bring out the true details that you can't really pick up looking at a scan of a real painting. Your work truly, and ironically, comes to life in it's true form, with an effect of floating in water so realistic that I almost thought I really saw this feline woman floating out of the painting. I can't say I've ever come across an effect that grabbed my attention like that before..
Could you tell me a little about the symbolism you had in mind? This was also my first time seeing the Ophelia piece, so I don't have a good grasp on details such as the flowers.
I was originally going to say that, I'm really not the type to say much the first time I look at a painting, but, those photos really helped to bring out the true details that you can't really pick up looking at a scan of a real painting. Your work truly, and ironically, comes to life in it's true form, with an effect of floating in water so realistic that I almost thought I really saw this feline woman floating out of the painting. I can't say I've ever come across an effect that grabbed my attention like that before..
Could you tell me a little about the symbolism you had in mind? This was also my first time seeing the Ophelia piece, so I don't have a good grasp on details such as the flowers.
Depicting golden paint and lgitter is a task no scanner I so far posessed was really up to. That's why I decided to add the photos to this upload.
Oh well... There are many things... the irony of water bringing death to Ophelia when usually being the female element and the bringer of life, gold as the colour of the divine (feel free to interprete that anyway you like) and the symbolism of some of the flowers according to a homepage I stumbled over (i.e. poppies for sleep/death, daisys for innosence, calla for beatuy).
Oh well... There are many things... the irony of water bringing death to Ophelia when usually being the female element and the bringer of life, gold as the colour of the divine (feel free to interprete that anyway you like) and the symbolism of some of the flowers according to a homepage I stumbled over (i.e. poppies for sleep/death, daisys for innosence, calla for beatuy).
Also this might be of interest to you http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Language_of_flowers.
Omega, as has been said many times now. This image is very amazing, and for many reasons. You poured heart and soul into this and it can be seen. That love for this piece is what made all the details come forth in your mind. That gave you the perfect position for the face, hand, and flows within the hair. That her last breath is about to be given up. It's what makes us feel that she was escaping, and understanding that her knight/prince never came. That she felt her place in world had become so low beneath everything, that she might as well be there.
I did not read the description you gave. This is what I took from the image I see. And the image I see is stunning, haunting, and yet alluring. You are an artist with this piece, you have attained a place among the best in the fandom.
I did not read the description you gave. This is what I took from the image I see. And the image I see is stunning, haunting, and yet alluring. You are an artist with this piece, you have attained a place among the best in the fandom.
I don't really know what to say... thank you so much for this thoughtful and very touching feedback. I feel flattered and honoured that you have such a high opinion of me due to this piece and it certainly encourages me to dare leaving my comfort zone a bit often in the future. Maybe not on a regular base, as this is still too painful for me, but I certainly experienced that daring to do something new is very often worth the tears and frustration that often come along with it. X3
When down her weedy trophies and herself
Fell in the weeping brook. Her clothes spread wide;
And, mermaid-like, awhile they bore her up:
Which time she chanted snatches of old tunes;
As one incapable of her own distress,
Or like a creature native and indued
Unto that element: but long it could not be
Till that her garments, heavy with their drink,
Pull'd the poor wretch from her melodious lay
To muddy death.
Fell in the weeping brook. Her clothes spread wide;
And, mermaid-like, awhile they bore her up:
Which time she chanted snatches of old tunes;
As one incapable of her own distress,
Or like a creature native and indued
Unto that element: but long it could not be
Till that her garments, heavy with their drink,
Pull'd the poor wretch from her melodious lay
To muddy death.
I love this pic.
By coincidence, I'm listening to this http://youtu.be/Orr0kf9RSK0 (Om - Pilgrimage) and I think it fits perfectly. Well, I don't know the meaning of the lyrics, but the instrumentation fits perfectly, I think.
By coincidence, I'm listening to this http://youtu.be/Orr0kf9RSK0 (Om - Pilgrimage) and I think it fits perfectly. Well, I don't know the meaning of the lyrics, but the instrumentation fits perfectly, I think.
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