From start to finish: The Forest Guardian Squadt
- Posted: April 01, 2012 @ 4:20PM
- Category: Open Conversation
Hey guys, I'm really enjoying trampt now that I finally found it, and thought I'd make an effort to share some of my process here on pieces going forward. I know this post is a little lean on WIP details, so I'll try to doa better job of documenting for future posts!
To start, here's the sketch I started with:
So, the Collector loved everything about the sketch, but we agreed that he would be better suited with a staff than a sword, so I kept that in the back of my mind while the piece started to take shape:
It starts with several sessions of magic sculpt, each leaf being hand shaped and laid down, as opposed to sculpted into a mass on the figure. This is a bit more intensive and has it's own unique challenges, but I think it gives a better layered look that I was going for.
Everything was primed and then base coated with flat black spray. I had a can of a nice green color laying around, so I gave the body a quick hit of that as well, to help get the base color going:
Then, layered on some greens, and started painting on the veins into the ivy, which took a bit of time. The white stuff on the baldric strap is a layered paste, which gives a really nice texture to make it look more like a weathered leather.
I didn't take many pics of the head process, as it was pretty ugly at first. The trick to this was doing lots of subtle passes, to help blend the wood, and bring out contrasts without making it look deliberate or too unnatural.
Working mostly in shades of browns and yellow ochres, I then gave the head several glazes with purples and blues to help really lock in all the tones and lines in the mask.
Then, the staff started to take shape:
You can kind of see the shimmer of iridescent green on it, but only the owner of the piece will get this effect to the fullest. :P
It's mostly finished at that point, but I'll end up giving everything a couple quick hits with the airbrush to help sell the glows, and shadows I want in the piece.
After some final details, and several varnishes to help protect everything. The Guardian is finished!
description:
The Banteshians are not a people per se, but the spirit of the forest itself. The Majik energy of the forest God Bantesh, is concentrated and born into a tangible warrior weaved from the resources of the forest. They serve as vigilant sentries, guarding The more important and secretive groves and villages of Bantesh's domain. Although the guards often take the form of a solitary being, they are actually comprised of many consciousnesses, as several spirits work in tandem to control and manipulate the visage of the guard, making them incredibly difficult for mortals to best in combat, as should be expected when dealing with a sliver of a God itself.
I'm really happy with how the staff holder turned out too!
The shoulder pads have small dichroic glass beads in them a friend made for me. I'll definitely be working with these more in future pieces, as they have a truly unique effect in person.
I think I have five or six more Squadts to do in the next few months, and I'm really excited about the variety and challenges of all the designs! I'll be accepting limited commissions going forward to work on other projects in the future, so if someone wants to line up a piece, let me know, as I'm booking up quickly this year.
Also, since this is a "conversation" Feel free to ask me anything about this! I'm an open book! :)
Conversation Stats
- 100% Approval
- 8 Upvotes
- 0 Downvotes
- 1,535 Views
- 26 All Ups
- 0 All Downs
- 9 Members
- 8 Replies
- 6 Comments
Portfolios Mentioned
- Platform
Add Your Reply
You are not currently signed in. Sign in now.
Once signed in, Trampt users can vote, comment and post replies if they have unlocked the required badges by earning reputation points. As a member of Trampt, you can also manage your collection, help us maintain the library, earn reputation & badges, and more.
Joining is free and you can do it now in minutes!
8 Replies
What did you use to make the eye sockets (indentations) as well as the eyes?
about 12 years ago · Comment ·
Wow! Thank you for the glimpse into your creative process. I am wondering what attracts you to the Squadts format versus the other formats?
about 12 years ago · Comment ·
fplus v Honestly, I don't know if I'm more attracted to these than others, I really enjoy most the platforms I've worked on. These are neat because they tend to be a little more interactive I think. Also, the clearance between the head and shoulders leaves me a lot of room for shoulder pads and arm details, which is nice. I do kind wish the legs were just a tad longer though. about 12 years ago
Easily_Amused Thanks, I am curious to learn more about the customizing process and every perspective helps. Would you be willing to share your opinions on the other formats you have used? about 12 years ago
Promote your new release, event & more to 29,000+ people each month.
Unlimited impressions starting at a rate of .38¢ per 1,000.
fplus v For a couple different folks actually really dig the squadt format more than most customizers I think, and it seems like collectors have picked up on that, so now I have a bunch of great projects to work on! :) about 12 years ago