15 May 2011

Eowyn and the Nazgul

I submitted my entry for the Art Order challenge, so it's time to post it here.

It's an allegorical intepretation of the scene, focusing on symbology rather than a literal depiction of the moment.

I looked for inspiration in Renaissance painters like Caravaggio or Bernini's sculptures. I think I've been exposed to those artists more than I ever realized (growing up in Italy) and I like those poses and expressions. I tried to do something along those lines and use very strong darkness and accentuated light sources on the points of interest.

It was really challenging. I changed the Nazgul once, the mace three times and the sky at least twice through the process, not to mention how much I worked on the female figure. I had no straight reference for that, so I had to look at several things, none of which with the correct light source, so I had to make that up. A lot of trial and error.
On the other hand, the sliced volatile was fairly easy.

Final size: about 3100x3600, Photoshop.


2 comments:

  1. Its gorgeous man, reminds me of old paintings like the work of Raphael. I especially love how you used light in this. I can see Caravaggio's influence. Eowyn literally glows in that evil darkness. :) Sweet!

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  2. What Philip said, plus the movement. Love how the mace and the sword look like they have action to them by the mist and blood trail.

    Sweet stuff Ale.

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