SciFi and Fantasy Art: Archangel Jophiel: Detailed progressive--Not finished

Hey, you were right on my Vaernima pic, it`s indeed Alley Baggett`s face! Congratulations, you`re the first one to notice that, I thought it was obvious but nobody ever asked *g* Hard not to notice. She is an attractive little Spanish number...
I`m just browsing through my personal database of pics to find out where you got your pose here from, I`m damn sure I have the pic, but with another head than here (did you use another reference for the head than for the body?)Actually, I did. This is the composite of two images. Err, can`t find it...it`s rather difficult to keep an overview with several thousand files you know She's in there! (I`m sure your own database is very impressive as well!)
At military service we had our rooms plastered with photos of Alley and lots of other sympathetically looking models (in fact our military barracks looked more like an adult website from the inside...after a couple of days they ordered us to remove all the 'scum' (Laughing) (gee, those barbarians officers don`t know what quality is, either that or they`re taking another bus... ) Let us hope for the former, and avoid the latter *LOL*
Anyhow, I guess I should set myself to work since it`s now my turn to come up with something decent (actually it was always my time to come up with something comparable like this, but since you`re always putting down your own work you didn`t even notice ) Oh, yeah right, I'm always winning. Bullcrap! I haven't made one image that could possibly compete within any of your masterpieces!
Ok, I`ll shut up now and will come back as soon as I`ve got something comparable to this here, just give me some time ok? Take the time you need, friend! How ever long you take, it will be a fantastic work! You know at the moment I`m doing more fun stuff because I`m too lazy to finish all the old female works I`ve on my desk here *AAAARRRGH* Hehehehehehehe. Enough excuses now...I promise I`ll at least try to pretend to be able to imagine to keep up the pace, there is no better drive than competition! True, true
*the gallery doors shut with a clashing noise as Adrian runs off...leaving a rather amused victory laurel wearing Rich behind him...* Little does Adrian know he is wearing the laurel *LOL*

Aah, this must be the picture you meant when you were saying you`d come up with something to compete etc!! Compete, with you? I don't stand a snowball's chance in hades, my friend! (thanx for dropping a comment at my 'lil gallery over there, it reminded me that I haven`t been in here for quite some time now ) I had to look at your fantastic images again. Serves for inspiration.
As for the new pic now...this is really taking you a step further towards the photo realism you`re aiming for, in my opinion the frontal full figure here is a major improvement, not to say that facial portraits are less worthy, but full figures are a far more difficult task to achieve, so be proud of it! I am quite proud of it, and I have been wanting to realize a three/fourth body study. Unfortunately, for me, if I want to draw more 'body', I need a bigger sheet of paper. It is bad enough that the original drawing is an official 30 inches long by 22 inches wide. Any larger, and I would definitely go mad!
However, what can I say more...you`re technique is sophisticated, the subjects are gorgeous...well you know I`d like to see some more fantasy stuff on your pictures, like I pointed out earlier on, but you said you still want to practise a little bit more before you go into complex scenery, armor & stuff (light armor of course!), backgrounds etc...
But hey, why waiting?? Ever heard something like 'learning by doing'? Your skills are definitaly high enough to do all the stuff you could ever imagine! Just think about the possibilities instead of lamenting around 'I`m not good enough blah blah'...I'm not! I mean it`s kinda OBVIOUS that you`re good enough to draw everything you`d like to, and even if things wouldn`t look like you want them to be...But I'm not good! you can`t learn to draw monsters & stuff if you keep practising with woman only! (however, don`t be afraid, pictures of truly beautiful woman are actually never boring, so you`re on the secure side already ;D ) (Laughing) Good logic! *LOL* Actually, I did the dumbest thing. I actually wrote to the Kargatane, the guys who are now the official creators of upcoming Ravenloft games (can you say "Hell, yeah!"?). I petitioned them for information on the specifications for submitting works. If I get a shot, I would be drawing horror and fantasty monsters. No more nekkid ladies, at least, not for that...And this Archangel, when I finish it, I will send it to Marvel Comics as an example of my work, and maybe they'll give me a shot at drawing a card for any upcoming card sets (if they still make them) I know my chances are zilch, but I'm going to try anyway...

Oh! Absolutely exquisite! It's so nice to see a new pic up. ^_^ Thank you, Norma! What beautiful shading on the body...lovely and smooth, and the flesh is almost tactile. Don't I wish! (big smile) All the little detailing adds so much to the overall effect. And to the trying of my patience *LOL* Beautiful work, and I can't wait to see the finished version. ^_^ I'll be sure to let you know when it is ready!

This is so beautiful, Richard.. but then, all your art is, that I see... I love your style and the gracefulness of your art.And I love the heart and gentleness of your works, Lacey!

wow Rich, this picture is your best...Thank you, yifat! I do not like her face (but that has nothing to do with your drawing skills), but the body is exellent... and of course so is the shading...Thanks! I've tried working on improving several aspects of my lame talents. You know, you and a few others prefer the original or the second facial version. In a way, I do to, but this face just seems so serene that I couldn't ignore it! why don't you start to draw with colors, colored pencils are not much diffrent then pencil, and well since you are so good with pencil, I don't think you would have a problem...I am afraid of coloring. I feel to incompetent to even try. I can barely handle a pencil, and that is just in grayscale. Now imagine trying to handle tones of color...

*blush* thanks.. I do feel I've been improving..You are improving! you should see some of the ones I have not scanned (As I do not own a scanner *sniff*) Sorry to hear that. It really is a pain when one is not readily able to scan an image. Oh.. and I had the weirdest dream!! I dreamt that you were drawing me.. how weird is that? Guess that's what happens when you go to bed at 40 in the morning after spending all day doing cleaning and laundry... bad Lacey. Well, you probably had a hard day, and you were quite understandibly tired. But that dream, it is a bit strange (Laughing)...

WAAAAH! (bloody elfwood, I thought I did comment this, eh, I'll do it again) That happens at times This is beautiful! Thank you! O.O; I love the markings..tattoos.. erm, things that cover her. (Laughing) WONDERFUL. Boy. This really isn't something you've done before, is it? It's lovely! Thank you, Samantha. No, it isn't a work common to my style. At least, I have not done something this sophisticated before. Some billowing, open wings would really fit the scene. I just need the room to do that. Makes me wanna draw angels.. (since my scanner is being nice and scanning better, yay!) Do it! You would create beautiful works! But eeeeeh! This is sooo perdy. Great job, my man! I salute you! ^^; (Blushing) I am honored!

I just have to ask this Richard....where do you get your models from??? or is it all from your head. Also you must really stop putting yourself down you are very good just deal with it and say thanks!!!

how to you manage to make everything so detailed? I think this is even more detailed than a photo. The anatomy is masterful by the way... and I love the feather detail ont he wings!!! it's awesome!!! lovely piece of work!

Argh. I honestly should give up my art career. With people like you out there i'll never be noticed! Grr.
Wonderful Though. I must say, sadly enough for myself, it is wonderful.