Nick's Rage Against the Machine Spot

[Chuckart]

I'm so thick that it never occurred to me when I was a nipper, that folk might use models

It's interesting Nick, it never occured to me until i saw Reference/ models were used by Reynold "The Man Who Drew Bug Eyed Monsters" Brown and another program i watched also showed some of the reference images used by Norman Rockwell.

[Nickillus]

I now have the books by Norman Rockwell and James Gurney - two illustrators that I find very inspirational - and both books are a fantastic guide to how to use reference properly among a plethora of other priceless information.

Meanwhile here's a quick sketch that ignores all that as usual. A bit of character development from my imagination again.

[Caesar]

Dear Nick, this last sketch is another great drawing lesson from You for me. Thank You! I don't know if I told You, but my two kids were quite excited to know that we had exchanges on this Forum after I bought them a fantasy paintings book where You appear among other masters.
I have a book too with many Norman Rockwells illustrations and paintings and pictures where You see how he used references. I fully share Your appreciation for such a great artist going well beyond a sheer top class professional talent and skill.

[Chuckart]

Thanks for the heads up on James Gurney Nick, interesting blog and books available. Also, thanks for the slide show on your site, the AR Pro guys use stencils in a way that probably would not occur to me and i'm finding the techniques very interesting.

Keep the images coming, the advice and tips, Pro Chat going (if work etc allows ) they are fantastic, helpful and inspirational.

[Nickillus]

Thanks again Caesar. I do like those fantasy art books - so reasonably priced and I can actually name drop a few people in them that I know - gloat. Not sure how I sneaked in as I'm not really a proper fantasy artist - my specialist subject being children's book illustration. Not complaining in any way though. Chuffed to be asked.

Chuckart - have you tracked down Jon Hodgson's free videos? They are brilliant. He does things with AR I'd never thought of. It's wonderful how we all find our own way. Same applies for pretty much any artistic endeavour, whatever medium you use I guess.

Meanwhile here are a couple of earlyish progress stages from some things on the go at the moment. I won't be able to show later stages for a while - sorry.

[Chuckart]

Chuckart - have you tracked down Jon Hodgson's free videos? They are brilliant. He does things with AR I'd never thought of.

Yer found him via your AR Pro Chat.

I'd not checked his channel out for a couple of weeks and i've just found out he also does brilliant things with google sketchup.

http://www.youtube.com/user/MrJonHodgson

[Nickillus]

Oh yes - Jon is an extremely talented and imaginative chap.
Hope you enjoy looking at his vids as much as I do.

Meanwhile here's another little thing progressing on the drawing board (well on the Wacom - you know what I mean), destined for an editorial, but not bound by strict copyright in this case. Leaning towards the very silly again - just can't resist.

[Alexandra]

Always great work. Love it Nick. Poor guy! lol

[Caesar]

Dear Nick, your works are always a sheer pleasure to the sight and the mind and makes us enter in Your marvellous world which is fantastic and credible at the same time.
A bunch of new amazing illustrations I like very much!

BTW, I ordered Gurney's book on light and colour I hope to receive soon to learn some of the vast magical powers You share with him thereabout.
Thank You for the suggestion.
I also sent You a PM about a specific technical issue (hopefully it won't bother You reading my question) not to tire anyone else thereabout in here.

[Mairzie Dotes]

Nickillus,
Possibly it was something you ate ... or could you have been struck
on the head by a wayward rainbow? Do your dreams move themselves
through your brush? Whatever it is that inspires an artist such as you
cannot be denied. Even though still in progress, your creative offerings
here bedazzle the likes of members such as I. Excellent updates all ...
pardon ... works of art.