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windfalcon — Mentor - Contest Entry

Published: 2009-06-25 19:49:00 +0000 UTC; Views: 6006; Favourites: 77; Downloads: 69
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Description Category: Traditional
Old version: [link] (Colored pencil, 2005)
New version: [link] (Watercolor, 2009)

Description/Critique: Here is my entry for the Kick Your Own @ss contest. Interestingly enough, I had forgotten about this contest until after I started the new version of "Mentor." I've wanted to redo that picture for a while now, and finally started a watercolor version. I suppose it was just happy coincidence that I rediscovered this contest as I was painting it!

This is a character that I created (or discovered wandering in my head?) back in 2005, back when I was writing a lot of stories with =ladydove7 and *InsaneJudge . She is my character Iolani's unnamed mentor, who taught her the art of blacksmithing and how to fight.

Four years ago, I had the image of Iolani's mentor in my head - a strong, beautiful winged woman holding a sacred object. Her wings were inspired by the iridescent feathers of magpie tails, and even after I finished the drawing, there were things I wasn't happy with. As years went by and my understanding of anatomy and color grew, I because more and more unhappy with portions of the piece.

Now, four years later, I finally found the inspiration and confidence to revisit this piece, and redo it in the medium I have grown to love - watercolor. Unlike the original, her expression isn't soft and weak - I feel I was able to give her the presence of strength I always intended with the original. I strayed away from the pure, dark wings in favor of lighter tones, fading into dark. I think it gives it a more dynamic composition, as well as the addition of flowing feathers and other elements.

In the end, I'm very pleased with the outcome of the new version, and it encourages me to try my hand at redoing some other old pieces.
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Comments: 42

bolsterstone [2010-07-04 05:27:48 +0000 UTC]

To be honest, I like both pieces but for different reasons. The one on the left for its use of saturated colours, youth and vibrance. The one on the right I like because of its firm linework, textures, gradated colours and apparent appeal to the Old Masters.

So, well done to both the you of four years ago and the you of now.

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Liennepien [2010-05-25 17:30:27 +0000 UTC]

Awesome, well done! You definately kicked some ass, haha!

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windfalcon In reply to Liennepien [2010-06-01 03:18:44 +0000 UTC]

Thank you

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ShadowIZ [2010-04-21 19:26:20 +0000 UTC]

It's hard to say which one I like better~
I really like the hair and the way the person's drawn in the original. But I love the oufit and wings in the more recent version.
Oh well, both are good

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windfalcon In reply to ShadowIZ [2010-04-21 20:47:35 +0000 UTC]

There are parts I like from the old one, too. I prefer the older one's hair in some parts, but overall I think the newer one is an improvement. Thanks!

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ShadowIZ In reply to windfalcon [2010-04-22 08:26:57 +0000 UTC]

You're welcome They're both good in their own ways x3

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LuckySquid [2010-01-24 17:15:18 +0000 UTC]

This piece has been featured in my journal features here: [link]

If for whatever reason you would like me to remove said feature, please reply to this comment saying so. Thank you.

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windfalcon In reply to LuckySquid [2010-01-24 17:30:19 +0000 UTC]

Thank you for the feature!

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LuckySquid In reply to windfalcon [2010-01-24 17:48:51 +0000 UTC]

You are very welcome!

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ZarineBashire [2009-07-12 03:47:07 +0000 UTC]

It's tough to say which version I like better. I think I prefer the face on the original and I love the dress on the original, but I also love the dress on the remake as well as the wings.

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Marker-Guru [2009-07-04 23:54:11 +0000 UTC]

Thats a huge leap in a relatively short time! everything from body language to lighting is improved so stunning

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windfalcon In reply to Marker-Guru [2009-07-05 02:49:27 +0000 UTC]

Thanks! I mostly wanted to prove to myself that I could make that image better with what I learned in the past four years, so I'm glad to hear other people say it looks better.

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Marker-Guru In reply to windfalcon [2009-07-05 05:04:49 +0000 UTC]

Better doesn't begin to describe it. your first one was good to begin with and dazzled us all, then you make this one and it blows us away! You certainly are getting your educations worth so impressed

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Kassie114789 [2009-07-03 01:26:34 +0000 UTC]

i like the first one better. lol

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LuvLoz [2009-06-29 01:21:55 +0000 UTC]

I love checking out these progression pieces. While they are both lovely, the earlier one seems like just nice art while the more recent is much more realistic. I think it's funny that the second one seems a bit older and all the body proportions are a bit lower, like she really has aged. Anyway, fantastic work!

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TiaTsuchi [2009-06-28 20:43:00 +0000 UTC]

You are amazing. You continuously remind me of Jeffrey Bedrick. I am faving this. You are an amazing artist.

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Remige [2009-06-28 01:13:16 +0000 UTC]

I like the new one better, except for her eyes: her left eye seems to slant a bit too much upwards to me. Her dress and belt look wonderful, and her wings look much more real. Her skin's improved amazingly, too: You've worked the color beautifully.

*loves watercolor*

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LovelyLadyGray [2009-06-27 06:04:39 +0000 UTC]

This is quite an interesting look of the old and the new artwork. I like both pieces a lot. The first drawing is more like a romp in the forest with those lovely colors. Her expression is confident, gentle, yet strong. The later drawing shows just how much you've improved in your knowledge of the anatomy of the human figure. Her wings are just lovely, and I love magpies too. The face shows more of her power and strength than in the original colored pencil drawing. Watercolor is such magic. Hope to see more of your old & new artworks.

Which DA artist is having the Kick Your Own @ss contest? I like all of my artwork, yet it's so hard...
(My problem is to pick just one artwork from my huge span of drawings from 1996 to 2009. Might have to look through all of my sketchbooks again. Or I just might do several pieces like you, hon.)-

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windfalcon In reply to LovelyLadyGray [2009-06-27 15:08:44 +0000 UTC]

It's actually an official contest: [link] Though the deadline is tomorrow :<

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LovelyLadyGray In reply to windfalcon [2009-06-27 19:47:20 +0000 UTC]

I have been having a tough time with getting my Inspiration back from school. Thank you for the link. I just have to find an old drawing I really like a lot & redraw it. :< It would be better to have a longer deadline I think, even though it's the choice of the creator of the official contest.

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windfalcon In reply to LovelyLadyGray [2009-07-06 15:26:36 +0000 UTC]

I just saw this contest in the news - [link] it's similar to the Kick Your Own @ss contest, but the deadline isn't until September 1.

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LovelyLadyGray In reply to windfalcon [2011-11-09 02:45:34 +0000 UTC]

I will thank you very much for the information on this contest and for the link. All for doing your best and having fun with another contest which is similar to the Kick Your Own @ss contest, yet I'll check it out and give it a go.

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windfalcon In reply to LovelyLadyGray [2011-11-09 19:12:36 +0000 UTC]

Eep, this was a really really old comment! The deadline for the contest was back in September of 2009!

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Luusan [2009-06-26 19:59:00 +0000 UTC]

Hmm. I really like them both. I love the wings on the new one, and also her arms seem more realistic and posed to suggest more strength and confidence..

However, i personally feel that the first one's eyes are actually 'stronger' feeling.. The new one actually seems more wide-eyed and innocent, to me.. And her face overall seems a little more heart-shaped, with a narrower chin.. which also makes it seem a bit more feminine, to me. She seems a bit sadder and wiser than the original. Unafraid to look the viewer in the eye.. but more.. 'resilient' than 'strong', in my opinion.

Still, i love them both.. and i am especially fond of the more complex colors and textures that you achieved with the watercolor..

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onichan [2009-06-26 18:28:14 +0000 UTC]

ok now that i fangirled for a second, i want to say how impressive the advancement in a mere 4 years is. anatomically, it looks like a real human you captured on paper, instead of the cartoonish idea of one like the first picture. the arms and shoulders do look a bit soft (and a bit small compared to the head/neck) for a powerful blacksmith, but they do look womanly and human and the hands are perfect! perfecccccccccccccct i want to reach out and touch them <3

i also like how her eyes turned to yellow this time. i dont know if i would say she quiiiiite looks powerful, she looks less introverted to be sure. at the very least she seems calm and comfortable in her self, the look in the eyes radiates a feeling of total awareness and ease.
ramblerambleramble ~

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onichan [2009-06-26 18:22:08 +0000 UTC]

eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!

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LunaPlina [2009-06-26 17:54:05 +0000 UTC]

oh wow... this i s beautiful!

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Zephyri [2009-06-26 10:52:54 +0000 UTC]

The difference is quite staggering! I love the form and volume to the new piece, it's much more like she's stood in a 3D space rather than being a flat drawing. I really like her strength of presence in the latter one too, she looks a lot more sure of herself, but not without a certain degree of fragility.

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Aryenne [2009-06-26 05:50:26 +0000 UTC]

I really like both, but the face of the first one appeals much more to me. It's more gentle and innocent, in my opinion and I also really like the fullness of her hair. A lot of the newer angel's hair is hidden behind her winds. I do love all those amazing details you added in the new one, and the wings are just incredible. A great job on both.

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windfalcon In reply to Aryenne [2009-06-26 13:54:10 +0000 UTC]

Ah, see, the gentle and innocent face was actually a mistake in the first. I intended for her to look strong, so it was a shortcoming in my part in that first picture. However, I won't be one to deny someone's enjoyment in a piece even if what they like wasn't my intention And I do like the fullness of the hair in the first as well, but that was another aspect that bothered me a little, that it blocked so much of the wing.

It's refreshing to see what people like from each, though. Thanks!

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ScaredyCat [2009-06-26 01:09:47 +0000 UTC]

I love your anatomical understanding and the gentle power your redo holds, but the sheer richness in color and steadfast way she holds herself in the original makes me prefer it over the newer one. *chuckles* Maybe that isn't a good thing in your opinion, but in my eyes the first holds more strength and draws my attention the most.

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windfalcon In reply to ScaredyCat [2009-06-26 03:47:48 +0000 UTC]

Yeah, there's something to be said over an amateur use of color, in that sometimes the vibrancy can make up for mistakes Though I consider it more an illusion - I used to use things like bold color to make up for my poor grasp of anatomy, as you can see in that image. I think the newer one would be too garish if I tried to pull that same trick.

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ScaredyCat In reply to windfalcon [2009-06-26 18:10:04 +0000 UTC]

*chuckles* You never know 'til you try! ;3

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Sophia-Christina [2009-06-26 01:01:37 +0000 UTC]

I LOVE seeing Growth like this wonderful wonderful!!!!!!!!

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SlayerSyrena [2009-06-25 22:54:12 +0000 UTC]

The new version has a lot more form (really good) and detail to it. Very nice.

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SageKorppi [2009-06-25 22:29:34 +0000 UTC]

I really like them both, but I certainly think the new one is more dynamic and flows well. I love the wings especially

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LuthienNightwolf [2009-06-25 22:03:19 +0000 UTC]

I hadn't heard of the Kick Your Own Ass contest but I really like that concept of going back and redoing one of your older pieces in your current style and ability.
You can really see what a difference 4 years can make -I think I'm gonna try this with one of my pics from 10 years ago, just for fun. It should be interesting.

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megcowley [2009-06-25 21:00:32 +0000 UTC]

Oh... my god... I have no chance in this competition at all after seeing this This is the nicest entry I have seen by far... (and hopefully I will have time to comment more on the picture, its saved in my inbox for the weekend~ ) *hides her WIP entry* Good luck~! <3

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windfalcon In reply to megcowley [2009-06-25 21:03:30 +0000 UTC]

Aw, don't say that! It's not just the quality of the finished piece that they're looking for, but how much you've improved. I'm sure you have as much a chance as everyone else.

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megcowley In reply to windfalcon [2009-06-26 17:40:21 +0000 UTC]

Hmm, I guess! ^_^; I can already tell my WIP thus far is about a 100000% improvement on my old piece (no joke, it really is that bad ) Still, excellent work and all, good luck to you ^^ <3 I hope I can get my entry finished, I still have lots to do :S

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Linuska [2009-06-25 19:52:22 +0000 UTC]

both are wonderful

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windfalcon In reply to Linuska [2009-06-25 20:00:22 +0000 UTC]

Thank you!

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