Jorg WIP

Well, while 3 other "have to's" were drying, I went back and worked on Jorg. Played around with some more filters and layers and came up with this.

Jorg Ancrath, Prince of Thorns

I should be working on something else right now. Shhh. Don't tell on me, please. I HAD to take a break from "the commission" so I don't go postal. I've read a few books recently that have me thinking about certain characters and how to visualize them. This is Jorg and yes, he is the bad boy of the bunch. He's from the Broken Empire series by Mark Lawrence. It's one of those dark fantasies that isn't my usual fare (glad I stayed with it). But this character is so complex and offers such a challenge that I wanted to try. This is extremely rough...but I like what's going on in his eyes. Yes, that is a scar on his face. I will keep playing with this at recess time. But for now, back on the clock.

Prince Honorous Jorg Ancrath

Thorin Oakenshield and Filters

Given how I feel about Richard Armitage *swoon*, it was inevitable that my next sketch from the Hobbit would be of Thorin Oakenshield or "Thorton" Oakenshield, as he is known among the females of this household (most likely, only fans of North and South will get the reference). Been playing around with this sketch for about 3 days, trying to take my reference from 3 different photos to try to create a more unique portrait. Here is the scanned graphite sketch, only slightly darken with the "levels" adjustment in Photoshop.

Then I played around with some of the filters and enhancements. These were three of my favorites.

WARNING: Playing around with PS filters can be highly addicting. Proceed with caution.

I can't wait to see The Hobbit again, only in 2D. No more 3D for me. 

Also, we took 10 of our grandkids to see Rise of the Guardians yesterday. I've been a huge fan of William Joyce's artwork since reading Dinosaur Bob. I have the two Guardian picture books and so was familiar with the story. We were not disappointed. Not only was the animation amazing, the story was original and the messages timely and tender, with emphasis on cultivating the WONDER of childhood  which fits right into my new year goals. When a children's movie can ask important questions, like "What is at your center?" I have to give it my heartfelt recommendation.