Views of the Bat

[yomark]

mmmpig: I don't mind the treatment at all. Actually: I thought the drawing of Batman falling was even more suited to the vibe you picked up on (almost woodcut-like)

Again guys: encouragement ALWAYS appreciated, especially as I'm only retruning to drawing after about 15 years of not. I'd like someday to be able to illustrate like Ross, Bianchi or Hughes. So any suggestions that will get me nearer will equally be appreciated.

[mcsween]

Wonkyness aside... I think these are pretty cool. I think it's the "not the usual" take on such a familiar character. To wonk or not to wonk? This is just me, but you might want to get back into a de-wonk mode. Once you learn (re-learn) the... accepted?... methods for anatomical correctness then you are in control of wonk and not the other way around. Also, since you haven't been a member here too long, welcome to the Drawingboard!

[yomark]

Thanks mcsween; I've already felt welcomed by the responses. And I agree with you: you need to know the rules before you break them.

[yomark]

Okay. It's been about a month since I've set pencil to paper, so I guess I have to admit I'll never finish this drawing. Apparently, I'm still inhibited by the comments pointing out the shortcomings of my figure-drawing. I do not contest my weakness. But I guess it serves me right for seeking approval by posting drawings.

Here I show the original thumbnail and the incomplete full-size drawing. My intent again was to set the Bat in a pose that suggested the "classic" or the "mythical". The pose is an unconscious parody of Adam in the famous Michelangelo Sistine chapel painting, only reversed (now I KNOW I'm asking for flame for such pretension!)

What I would appreciate is any comments that might get me drawing again, even if not on this particular image.

[Tooninator]

just draw!!! If you love drawing...just draw. It really doesn't matter what anyone has to say. Everyone is gonna have an opinion. Some are gonna like what you do, some aren't, but as long as you're drawing to improve, or just drawing because it makes you happy. Draw.





-Matt

[mcsween]

Don't sweat it. It's just a process and I think Tooninator made a good point in saying "have fun" Just keep knocking them out with a mindset to get better. It will still be fun, perhaps even more so as you improve.

[Bubbashelby]

I love what you are doing here. Sure, there are some anatomy issues which you already know - and that can only be remedies with practice practice practice draw draw draw!

That said - I really like the style that is coming through and your inspirations for your pieces. The gritty feel reminds me a bit of Paul Pope's work. Keep posting them!

[yomark]

(tearful catch in voice):
You guys (and gals) are the best! I wish this community had been around 20 years ago-it might've saved me about 5 years of therapy, and I might have actually BEEN a professional illustrator by now.
I do realize that not everybody is going to like what I do, but it took me by suprise just how sensitive I AM to an honest critique. Of course I agree the best advice is just to keep at it (I'd be a lot further along if I hadn't put the pencil down for 10-15 years). So I would say to all you young bucks that you should take that lesson from my experience, except that you all seem to have your heads screwed on a lot better than I ever did, and probably don't need to be told so.

But again: THANKS, I really needed it!

[laseraw]

looks great man.
i love the mask in particular. the head shots are tremendous, very powerfull gestures!
fantastic !
the feel for the overall representation of the character is really interesting.
it unmistakably references the 1939 appearance but clearly has something else to it.
i really like it and would love to read a story developed with such interpretation in mind.

have you seen paul pope's batman year 100?
the artist has a very personal way of drawing batman and the world surrounding him.
in the trade paper back edition of the book you have a backup story by the same artist titled berlin i believe.
which puts batman as German artist on a pre ww2 scenario (if i remember correctly) it was esthetically very interesting.

love to see your take on the joker one of this days!

[Jarhead1]

I second the request for a Joker drawing.

[yomark]

I've only recently heard of Paul Pope, probably here at the drawing board. I stopped collecting comics when they hit 75 cents a piece (can you beleive it!) I may have to look Pope up again on the internet.

I just may take ya up on the Joker challenge, but probably not very soon (going through some crap right now).

But thanks again for the encouragement, guys--it's mainly why I post here.

[yomark]

I went through my archives and found this one from the 80's. I haven't improved much since then, have I?

[yomark]

This may be the height of bad nettiquette to post on such an old thread, but I wanted to post a couple of newer ones I'm particularly proud of, if for no other reason than to show my progress.

[doodledude]

Cool drawings.

[yomark]

Cool drawings.

Tenks!