"The Mourning Dove" by Brian Keith Cooke

My favorite of your collection, quite possibly due to the level of detail and the shading effects. The implied sense of seeing different stages in the character's life added that much more to the piece, giving the character a real feeling of depth. Great work! I can only hope to be up to your level some day.Thanks very much. I put a lot of work into this one, probably more than it needed. Still, I did turn out reasonably well. And I would hope that you aspire to go beyond my level, though I appreciate the complement. Hitch your wagon to a star, not to this donkey cart

Wow! I like the side view of her face! The detail in this picture is amazing!

Brian Keith Cooke replies: "Thank you very much. I try to work in as much detail as I can, although I fall short sometimes. (Especially in background detail.)"

Donky cart me A**!!! More like a Ferrari with wings baby!

Brian Keith Cooke replies: "You know, it took me a long time to figure out what the hell you were talking about I'm back on M-F til SW falls in on my head, so maybe some weekend I can catch up with you and Kilroy at the Peppermill...talk to ya soon "

the armour...OMG the armour its perfect...Well, far from perfect, but much better than the original. I was quite pleased with this second version.

Wonderful character study. I loved the detail in the armour as well.The one thing about this version that really pissed me off was that I had this *wonderful* helmet drawn...it was perfect...and it was too small for the body I had drawn...*sigh* I had to erase it and start over, and this one isn't as good...

Brian, I think it has improved since the revision. The other thing I like about the piece is how you see an entire tale in the composition. I can't wait to read the poem that goes with it because there is definetly a tale told here.Yes yes, a tale of love, hate, revenge, and death. I just have to write it. :/ Glad you like the new version

Very nice armor there.Thank you very much. It's loosely based on a suit of gothic armor that I did some research on.

I'm not seeing the problem with the helm. The dove design is very good. Perhaps the tail isn't as 'neat' but what the hey, it makes it look more real to me. I'll be looking forward to the poem (dying to know about the broken/re-forged blade, always felt them to be symbolic of the people who wield them)Less a problem with the design itself, and more of the fact that the first head/helmet that I drew looked much better except for the size. As far as the poem, it still rattles through my brain occassionally. The biggest setback has been that I'm not entirely sure how to get it started. It's less about reforging than it is just about the breaking. It is a dirge, after all Thanks for stopping by.

gee does that maiden on the ground need saving? (yes i know she has a sword but its broke) *Schwing, draws sword* well just in case
great pic i like itYes, she probably could have used the help, but the events were so long ago that it's too much past time to make any different. Valiant effort, though. Thanks.

This is the total package.Headshot detail,armored & unarmored.This is true art.