Views of the Bat

[yomark]

This is my first blog, so forgive any glitches. I'm still not clear how this works-my intent is to display the various drawings of the Batman I've done over the course of the past year. As you'll hopefully see: I favor the original (1939) cowl design, though I don't always manage to capture it.

I apologize for having so many posts in a row, but I haven't yet figured out how to post more than one drawing at a time.

I just looked at someone else's post, noting some issues with Mac and Safari, which is what I'm using. If you see no images, please let me know.

[yomark]

12/30/07 (I'm short on space: image removed.)

[yomark]

Pencil Line drawing meant to have classical/mythical overtones

[yomark]

This was the result of inspiration after discovering Simon Bainchi's work

http://www.simonebianchi.com/mainfox.asp?L=e

I didn't get there, but it's about the most serious of my efforts fo far.

[yomark]

Another pencil drawing, this time fully shaded out, trying to stick to the discipline of line for the shading instead of smudging.

(1-1-08: image removed for space)

[yomark]

Another pencil experiment in shading with line only. Attempt to set a mood. I tried to imply the beginings of his shoulders and chest "out of focus".

(1-1-08: image removed for space)

[yomark]

This is a second attempt at this pose, using one of the wooden posing models for reference. I added the background in PhotoShop.

[yomark]

A pose for a future series casting superhero icons in religious/mythinc themed paintings (a la Alex Ross's Kingdom Come). This image is meant to cast Batman in the role of Lucifer, depicting the expulsion from heaven.

[yomark]

This was drawn quickly, trying to keep the lines more expressive/energetic.

[Jarhead1]

I especially love the close-ups of the Batman heads. There is definitley something classical about them that is very appealing. I like your overall style with all of them, but I'm a little distracted on your full-figured drawings because of some proportions issues. Some of this may be purley stylistic and intentional on your part, and if it is, just ignore the next part of the comment.

I scanned the ideal prortiions diagram from Andrew Loomis' "Figure Drawing for All It's Worth," (along with a diagram of Alex Ross' Superman to show how Ross uses the same diagram in his studies). This is a useful diagram when drawing in idealistic proportions. Like I said, if your proportions are just a stylistic choice, ignore this:

http://www.flickr.com/photo_zoom.gne?id=1282753602&size=o

[em...]

Yeah, I'd agree with Gannon - the heads and mask images are great, and really quite creepy, but the wonky anatomy on the full figures is a bit off putting.

[yomark]

WONKY!? Did you call my figure drawing "wonky"?

Just kidding. I'm the first to admit I'm weak on anatomy. It's been 30 years since I've had a figure drawing class. Thanks for the references, I do actually have the Ross book: "Mythology", as well as some other excellent anatomy books. I suppose you've convinced me to pay more attention to them.

I've toyed with the idea of picking up some muscle magazines (I already have PLENTY of female anotomy references-wink-wink, nudge-nudge, say no more), but I really think the answer is to get back to a figure drawing class.

So: no, the weak anatomy is not a stylistic choice, just weakness.

[Jarhead1]

Regardless, that first Batman head is really something. I love the intensity of it.

[mmmpig]

I might incur the wrath of some anatomists, but I would suggest you get comfortable with your style that you have and really push it. It has a 1880's newspaper feel to it that is really nice. I hope you do not mind by I PS'd some aging to the first full bat you have to make it look yellowed with age. If you want me to remove it, just ask and I will

[yomark]

Thanks, Jarhead. Appreciation always appreciated. I DO also appreciate constructive criticism. I was exploring your other blogs (Squidoo, for example), as well as Euan's other web pages, when I noticed your response.