Critique Request Finished design?

[dcurrie911]

Thanks guys. So with the various teachings in mind I worked a bit on the left panel.

 

[John B.]

Right panel is much better with the large animal.
But too much negative space over the animals back.
Try a larger tree starting from behind the extended rear legs and back quarters.
In other words, just switch the tree pattern.
Abs raise the horizon line to the hocks.
Outstanding scrollwork, thank you for sharing.

 

[dcurrie911]

Thanks John. I spent far more time tweaking my scrolls than the scenes and greatly appreciate your’s and Marty’s suggestions. I took a little more time between posts to see if I could bring them more to life. More of Marty’s Wow factor. I know that muscle tension and release will make all the difference. I’m a little dark on the cat’s outline and still have lots of shading on the final product but hopefully this captures the idea.
Dan

 

[John B.]

So much better, reads well

 

[Roger Bleile]

Dan,

I am curious as to what kind of gun this is. It appears to be the action of an over/under shotgun but with African big game animals, I'm wondering if it is an O/U rifle. Nevertheless, if you can engrave this as well as you've illustrated it on your computer, it will be superior to many Italian engravings I've seen.

 

[dcurrie911]

Thanks John.

Thank you Roger, the gun is a P&V Eagle in 7x65. I’m thinking it might make a good leopard or plains gun for someone.

Dan

 

[mdengraver]

Great post! Thanks to everyone for participating! A lot of good design principles to be learned here!

 

[dcurrie911]

I did some shading on two of the animals and would love critique. Shading the loose skinned leopard is difficult. I feel like I need to overexagerate a little but don’t want it to look cartoonish.

 

[dcurrie911]

Hard to put the pencil down.

 

[dcurrie911]

Killed the over exaggerated shoulder blade worked on the nose and eye but still does not look right.

 

[mitch]

as just one minor point, the spots on big cats actually run in somewhat predictable patterns, they're not scattered randomly. i'll see if i still have the book showing this...

 

[dcurrie911]

Thanks Mitch, lot of the pics I have seen also show size variation of the spots in different areas and some that are solid dark while others are darker around the edges. I have not found many engravings of a leopard broadside but I have a couple of books that I will look through.

 

[dcurrie911]

Spending a lot more time drawing than I thought I would but hopefully getting better and will be able to carry over to cutting. Lowered the rear honches and worked on the chin. Sam, let me know if I am chewing up too much space though and I can stop the progressive postings.

 

[sam]

Sam, let me know if I am chewing up too much space though and I can stop the progressive postings.

Not at all! Keep 'em coming Dan! View attachment 43462

 

[mitch]

from "The Cats In Action" by Walter J. Wilwerding, a book i've owned since 2nd grade. i remember that because the first week back to school after Christmas vacation the teacher (Mrs. Dant) said we could bring one of the toys we got for Xmas on Friday, then play for the last hour of the day. i asked if i could bring my art books (incl. three other large formats by Walter Foster- i'm sure many of you know the sort i'm talking about) because i didn't get any toys. yes, at 7 yrs old i was done playing with kids toys. well, until i discovered tools- which are waaay more fun. (and eventually girls...)

 

[dcurrie911]

Wonderful! Thanks. Gives me something to work on during my flight.

 

[dcurrie911]

Hi Mitch, it was interesting trying to adapt the pattern lines to a crouching leopard but hopefully it worked pretty well.

 

[mitch]

much better! at a glance, your spacing might be a bit tight, making just a few too many spots on some areas. not a lot, but even only 10-15% can make a noticeable difference. for example, across the bulk of the thigh, you've got 7 spots, where Mr. Wilwerding put 6+. try counting the rows in both directions and redistributing the spots.

also try to find some shots showing the underside of the cat. iirc, the spots kinda peter out under the throat and belly.

 

[dcurrie911]

Mitch, I took out one column in the hind qtr, reduced the dot sizes in the mid section, lighted the dots in the under side and worked more on the head

 

[mitch]

time to put down the pencil and pick up the graver!