Tracing the contours of Shard

This initial loose sketch for the ShardWay presentation was No.2 marker on layout paper worked over with a 2.5mm fineliner. This method for very free early Concepting is inspired by concept artist and designer Scott Robertson and his excellent "Free Tutorial Friday" Channel on YouTube.

Actually, the original was flipped vertically to obtain the above image. The long "Crystal" was originally drawn hanging down but I decide it looks better pointing upwards.

At this point I comp in a layer of Aurora Borealis for it's shimmering colours and ethereality,

I begin painting in Photoshop, imagining this world as it takes shape.

As the main feature of the crystal structure forms whilst painting I christen it "the Shard".

At this point the idea for a Magic Duelling game with dimension gates still resides in the rummage drawer, this begins purely as an exercise in concept painting; the two are not yet connected. 

As I draw I imagine a vast network of caves and mines with a civilisation built upon the riches found deep within this asteroid.

Then a visceral surge of thoughts. The crystal as a valuable magical source, as a gateway to other dimensions!

Worlds to explore and conquer with magic!

Behold, ShardWay!

With the direction of Lothar Zhou I further develop this initial rough concept into an image to present and pitch this new idea for BA7.

Immediately Lothar mentions the over-saturation and we discuss monitor set-ups which may be an issue whilst working on a laptop in a darkened attic!

He suggests tilting the 'asteroid' and moving it further up the frame to allow it to have space to 'float', and I also increase the canvas size. These changes in value and composition improve the painting dramatically without even touching the brush palette. I take note to think about the context of the image whilst initially sketching in future.

I continue to work, adding a distant planet that blends more into the background to sell the idea and scale of 'Outer Space'. Lothar suggests a darker foreground element. A brain flash occurs and I quickly render a figure enjoying the vista with a vintage wine.

Immediately a sense of mystery is brought to the image as the viewer asks, "Who is that?". We are now related to the image through another human viewing the same scene. The image is now grounded in a sense of reality; without this figure to relate to the subject is too unearthly, almost surreal.

A blazing explosion creates an interest point that links the man and the city. The intense orange against the purple of space is placed using the rule of thirds.

A few tweaks to overall colour and it's done. Although I spent a good while over Summer reading and practising these fundamentals of painting, this intensive learning under direction has improved my 2D skills tremendously, and also given me confidence to continue Digital Painting and Concepting. My 3D skills and workflow will greatly improve when I can more fully express the original ideas and vision in 2D.

Cheers!