SciFi and Fantasy Art: Joanna's Extensive Wardrobe 2

Ah yes, we all know how effective and distracting, not to mention supremely practical, such flimsy attire would be against every bugbear, rot grub, carrion crawler, leucrotta, lich, iron golem, and fire elemental the party encounters! Not to mention impeccable against the elements of every filthy, hazardous environment the party travels through. Never mind the fact that one cut to an exposed thigh, abdomen, or underarm could be lethal. And those high heels are not only in vogue for the time period, they are the perfect design for travel and combat as well. Further to that, she never needs to carry anything either. I wonder if the men in the party should be loin-clothed to distract the enemy a bit, or totally nude to catch them off guard. The Celts used to fight like that, so you never know...

Okay, my biting sarcasm aside, please be aware that I love your work, it's just that I can't shake the feeling that you're often rationalizing the reasons you like to draw Joanna naked or nearly so. There's nothing wrong with doing this at all, and you are remarkably talented, but sometimes equipping female adventurers with attire that they might actually wear helps tremendously in adding plausibility to the piece. I've found, for example, that historical costume books are great sources of inspiration.

Matt Jarrett replies: "(Shakes his head in disbelief) I don't see anyone criticizing Elmore or Clyde Caldwell on the wardrobe he puts on THEIR women adventurers! Sheesh. The BS I have to go through is amazing. IT'S FANTASY! No spellcaster wears armor for protection *period* in AD&D. It disrupts their spell casting in some way as yet unrevealed. They rely (as Joanna does) upon spells and magical items to protect them from harm and for protection from the elements (ever heard of a Ring of Warmth?). So, if they can't wear armor and this character has a bit of an exhibitionist side, why NOT make her clothing revealing? Distraction is frequently just as valuable a tool as a sword. Why else are illusionists so effective? No one expects her flimsy attire to affect *every* opponent they come across, only the ones that are humanoid (which in my campaigns are a vast majority of the bad guys). And asking me to get tips from the clothing of the time is just plain silly. Our earth never had magic to protect them from exposure or harm and therefore their clothing designs would have evolved drastically different then our reality. I'll offer some advice of my own, if you don't mind; Dungeons and Dragons is an *escape* from our reality into one of mythical and even unbelievable proportions...to have fun and experience a world totally unlike our own. If you can't detach from this one enough to enjoy all the merits of that simple fact maybe you shouldn't play role-playing games at all, let alone offer biting criticizism how others should portray *their* characters. How would you like me to walk in on YOUR campaign and tell you "HEY! You're doing it all wrong!" I would find it presumptive and arrogant, wouldn't you?"

Hmmm...ok, so maybe I'm wrong, but I think there's been enough negative comments about her appearance and the way her body is built. Its art people...and very, VERY well done art at that. So she's a little skinny, so what? She's absolutely beautiful none the less. Keep up the good work, you have an amazing talent, and regardless of what the nit-picks say...she's perfect because its how you wanted her to be.

Matt Jarrett replies: "Thanks, Cayla. Finally! Someone who actually *gets it*. "

I like this drawing quite a bit. It's good work... honestly. But I do have a problem with it. I know that this is now a fantasy/sci-fi (I believe your going with fantasy here) area but this picture really doesn't fit either. I wish you would have added some sort of fantasy element to this piece. That aside, this is a very nice picture.

Matt Jarrett replies: "She's a Dungeons and Dragons character. That's fantasy. 'Nuff said."

Is she picking her butt?

Matt Jarrett replies: "Are you?"

Sweet picture! Most of the female commenters are probably just jealous of the body shape of her and feel they have to say it is unrealistic. I've seen some hot mama's with bodies like that so... whatever. My opinion people, flame me if you want 'cause I don't give a poo!

Evidently, they deactivated all my Yahoo stuff, so I had to reactivate Joanna's Yahoo Group under a new address. For those wondering where she went, her new home is http://groups.yahoo.com/group/JoannasGreyhawk

Nice image i like the colouring
(just so you know i like her to i just dont like sounding like a pervert)

Matt Jarrett replies: "Who cares what you sound like? Speak your mind, man! "

Ok this is my first Elfwood comment ever so be gentle with the newb please . That said, I found myself growing more and more disappointed as I looked through your gallery. The comments directed at you and what I can only describe as exquisitely detailed and wonderfully drawn artwork. The level of critique that has been put into this gallery in response simply astounds me, and I use that term loosely since I believe the only critism welcome here is productive, and I have seen little of that. Useless, aggrivating and incessant nitpicking on details and techniques used by many artists in Elfwood, of varying talents I find are celebrated elsewhere yet harshly condemmed here? *sighs* But onto better things. I personally find your artwork exceptional, and inspiring. Your detail sets you apart from the masses as an incredible artist and I do hope that we will all have the pleasure of seeing more of your works in the near future. I applaude your skills, and your opinions on fantasy. Whats the point if it's not fun mm? And this one, like all your others, is as always, masterfully done. And with that said... (Walks off with a rippin' case of typer's cramp )

Matt Jarrett replies: "Well said! And thank you for your compliments and for sharing your views! You reassured me that I'm not alone in my opinion about fantasy and art. Thanks!"

Caution hot.

Seriously, it's nics. =P

*Jillan Tyris laughs wickedly*
Sorry.
She’s really pretty and she does look like my character (originally from D&D, though translated into my own world with all the work that goes into pulling far enough away from WOTC so they don’t kill me)
And for all those who think that women can’t adventure and wear clothes like that, Jillian Tyris is a singer and the HIGH GENERAL, or will be, of an ancient organization devoted to peace. She’s also a swordfighter and she DOES wear clothes like that, especially while performing.
Enough shameless self plugging. I love your artwork, it’s all so nice.