Portraits: Drakes

[xtifr]

Minor possible issue--the flameheart somehow seems to me to look more like a human-in-costume than the other drake portraits. It's not easy for me to be sure why, but I think there are two factors.

One, the bottom edge of the wing seems oddly even and too perfectly parallel to the ground. To me, this makes it read more like a cloak or costume wings than an organic body part. The effect wasn't as noticeable before the latest shading, or I would have mentioned it sooner. More scalloping on the wing edges might help offset this effect, if you decide it's worth doing anything.

Also, the legs seem a little more humanoid in their positioning than the other drake pics, although this is even subtler and more minor than the wing effect.

Not sure any changes are actually justified, but the effect was just barely strong enough that I thought it was worth mentioning.

[thespaceinvader]

Thanks kitty.

Changes made to the Inferno. I think this is probably good to go now. Let me know.

EDIT: would you also comment on the redone Hurricane Drake wing? I can probably finish him soon if this schema works.

[Thrawn]

The inferno drake's head looks almost 2-D because of all the highlights, and lack of darks. I at least lose the fact that he has a protruding muzzle, which leads to a more human-like face.

Not sure how to fix this, but it's something I noticed.

[kitty]

Thanks kitty.

Changes made to the Inferno. I think this is probably good to go now. Let me know.

EDIT: would you also comment on the redone Hurricane Drake wing? I can probably finish him soon if this schema works.

Yeah, the Hurricane is fine to go

Unfortunately I can't see any new version of the Hurricane - forgot to post?

[thespaceinvader]

You mean the inferno I take it I'll commit it this evening. EDIT: committed as Fire, Inferno and Armageddon drakes.

Attached is the Hurricane I was on about.

[thespaceinvader]

Not actually a portrait, but an animation for the Flare. If anyone fancies committing these whilst I'm still in the wilderness of no-internet, feel free =) the WML needs writing though, I didn't quite have time to do that. SHould have it tomorrow though, along with the equivalent anims for the Flameheart.

I also have the feeling that the current base frame has a minor mistake, which this version fixes.

[SouthernOracle]

Haven't posted in ages, but wanted to say bravo on the work done so far on the drakes. If I'm not too late, I just wanted to point out something on the Blademaster's snout. Kitty may have nailed it with the darker internal shading of the teeth, but I was thinking that from the angle the viewer would look through his open mouth and out, near the front at least. Overall, I really enjoy these poses. You really brought this Drake line 360.

[Lord-Knightmare]

The leading animation is looking good!

[em3]

He could additionally raise his wings a little. But that's just wishful thinking on my part.

[thespaceinvader]

Indeed he could. I'll incorporate that into the Flameheart, and backport it if I can be bothered.

[kitty]

Hey, much progress again on the Hurricane (how is moving ?)! Did I mention that I really like his smug expression?

- Why is the shadow cast on his body by his left wing (our right) so saturated, nearly purple on the tunic and emerald green on the scales? To me that makes no sense and is confusing - it's a shadow, it obscures stuff not highlights it!
- As I mentioned already the hands need to cast shadows on his legs and/or torso, plus I don't know where the light on the backside of his right hand (our left) comes from.
- Get rid of those sloppy brushstrokes on his right (our left) wing

[thespaceinvader]

Attached is the updated Flameheart and Blademaster. Assuming I can get this library connection to work long enough to upload. These probably aren't totally good to go yet, particularly the flameheart, but I've uploaded both versions just in case, so someone else could commit if they are.

Hurricane is proceeding gently, but the version you see up there isn't new. The comments still apply, however, I'll work them in as I go.

[Telaron]

Just a quick nitpick on the drake at the bottom. The wing on our left seems to have a stray line up at the (joint?). Was that intentional?

[thespaceinvader]

Yes, but it does look out of place now that you mention it. Will fix.

[Spi]

I am not sure, but it seems the Blademaster's left blades angle seems off compared to his hand. As far as I'm able to judge from what we can see of his right blades, we should see more of the flat with his left hand's angle compared to us.

Just a thought from the peanut gallery.