Dead Dragon ([info]zarathus) wrote,
@ 2008-03-01 01:16:00
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Current mood:confused
Current music:Coil - Penetralia

Okay, I think I am due for an art post, since I have a bit of art that I don't feel like posting on DA. There is more, but that won't get posted here.

Something I started in 2005. I'm disappointed with how it came out, but a lot of the older flaws in it couldn't be fixed. Though it's made it clear to me that I need more practice rendering water.


A character of mine, Vetis, and some stuff.


A random idea that came to me one day, that I felt the need to get down. Didn't take too long. I wish I'd made the creature look different though.


This was a painting commission for Lakota's birthday. I think the background looks all right (although the photo makes it look like crap), but after I'd finished painting the wolf, it occured to me how much I'd messed up in places. I feel kinda bad for this now :| Need more practice drawing wolves...


DVD Cover
I was asked to do the DVD cover for the NZ furry con. So I did. Generic canine thing in a tree, yay!

Dakohta
Wolf-face practice. Essentially an excuse to make arts for Dakohta.
Crappy photo cause I don't have access to a scanner at the moment.

Coillscath
And... horse-man practice? This is for Coillscath. Ignore the peculiarly lumpy legs.

Tumuki faces
Kinda old actually. Study type thing of Tumuki's face :O

Lazrus11's characters
Also kinda old. Commission for Lazrus11

Sketch
Random sketch of random dragonthing.

Sketch2
And some more amazing sketches. Lee drew her character, with the speech bubble. I drew shit. :D

Zara and Draco
Just playing around with shading. Another thing I seriously need practice on, since I'm almost invariably unhappy with how my coloring work looks :| Lee's Dracowolf, and my Zarathus.

Failface
Lolwhat. This is from.. 2005? Never finished it.

I have about 10 other pictures in progress, and a few more ideas I've had floating around in my head for ages, that need to get started on.

As a side note, curried macaroni and cheese is quite wonderful.


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[info]dimruthien
2008-02-29 12:47 pm UTC (link)
Mm very nice. I am particularly a fan of Dakohta and Coillscath. Both images are nice and clean, without being so busy that it's confusing.

And I simply love the second picture. I believe I auto-faved it on FA as soon as I saw it. So conceptual!

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[info]zarathus
2008-03-01 04:59 am UTC (link)
Thank you. Those two were drawn as practice, and relief from the regular art I do. Just wanted to do some pictures that would be simple and quick.

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(no subject) - [info]dimruthien, 2008-03-01 06:33 am UTC

[info]eosfoxx
2008-02-29 01:39 pm UTC (link)
very nice drawings ^^
athoth you might not be satisfied with the first one.
I think it's very good :9 the shading on the dragons is perfect ^^
I like the sketches and the dvd cover :) just cool art ^-^

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[info]zarathus
2008-03-01 05:03 am UTC (link)
Thanks muchly. I'm glad you enjoy.

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[info]nyokirrr04
2008-02-29 03:24 pm UTC (link)
I love all of them, the shading looks good to me, and the sketches are very good also: great anatomy.
I'd like to trade with you at the occasion (maybe once I've had time to draw another Parvidraco scene, so there'd be a good ref for them :P ).

And I'd really like to see the other sketches as well: I guess I'll find them nice as well.

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[info]zarathus
2008-03-01 05:07 am UTC (link)
I'd be happy to do a trade with you some time. Just let me know when you'd want to, but as warning in advance, I can take a long while to complete art. Still, I'm finding drawing other peoples' characters really helps with general drawing practice.

Thanks. Most of the other sketches I've done are either so incomplete they're not worth looking at, or involve content I'd rather not show off publically.

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(no subject) - [info]brakker, 2008-03-01 10:06 pm UTC

[info]lmai
2008-02-29 04:15 pm UTC (link)
It's nice to see your artwork again sweets.

Lovely job. And the second sketch page was hilarious!

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[info]zarathus
2008-03-02 12:04 pm UTC (link)
Thank you! I was apparently incapable of drawing decently at the time, so I resorted to scribblings of the first crap that came to mind.

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[info]brakker
2008-02-29 06:37 pm UTC (link)
You draw such creepy things sometimes @.@

That first one looks like it has a bakel in it! With.. ears! And spines..! And.. oh wait its not bakel. Crap. =(

*laughs* It amazes me soo much how you can be at such a high level of art and STILL find flaws in it, Zara..

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[info]zarathus
2008-03-02 12:09 pm UTC (link)
I like creepy things :D

Lol, and I am happy you like.

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[info]synchra
2008-02-29 07:45 pm UTC (link)
omgsomuchart. :D THANK YOU FOR SHARING. I absolutely love the first one, how big is it?

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[info]zarathus
2008-03-02 12:09 pm UTC (link)
^_^
It's about 35 x 45 cm. One of the biggest paintings I've done actually.

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(no subject) - [info]synchra, 2008-03-03 11:56 am UTC

[info]wyngaed
2008-02-29 09:25 pm UTC (link)
I think the first one is absolutely gorgeous and the way you colored and textured the water charming. It looks magical and electrified. Maybe not your original intent but it really adds to the feel of fantasy and wonder. I adore it. If you make prints of that I'd snag one in a heartbeat. Hell, if I had the money I'd throw it at you until you let me have the original. o.o

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[info]zarathus
2008-03-02 12:13 pm UTC (link)
Hmm. I can see what you mean. Now that I look at it, the water reminds me more of a lake or river, rather than open sea.
I've been thinking of selling it eventually. Just like to hold on to things for a while after completing them. But I am quite honered you like it enough to consider it being worth buying. Thank you :>

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[info]rynaga
2008-02-29 11:59 pm UTC (link)
i notice you seem to be using different color tones - like the colors are more muted. i like it. i've been watching your art for a while, and i recently got a lj. i hope you don't mind if i add you so i can see more of your stuff...

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[info]zarathus
2008-03-02 12:18 pm UTC (link)
Thanks. I think I've developed a preference for muted colors. Drawing/painting on brown boards doesn't make colors stand out too much either. I'm going to try some more experimenting with colors though..
I don't update LJ terribly often, but I'm happy for you to add me if you like :)

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[info]meradragon
2008-03-01 12:19 am UTC (link)
I feel like making the statement that you really have a lot of creatures with straight serious faces :|
heh....
I really love seeing your art, though! Especially the first one you have here... the anatomy is nice and the ground is beautiful. I see what you mean with the ocean, as it's a little... too choppy, but it doesn't look BAD by any accounts.

Your style is still really nice. Great to see Zaraart :D!

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[info]zarathus
2008-03-02 12:21 pm UTC (link)
That's because they all realise the seriousness of business. :| :|!
You're right though. Most of my creature's expressions naturally turn out looking angry or :|-like.

Yep, you're right about the water too. It doesn't really look like open ocean to me, which was what I was going for.
And thanks very much!

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[info]tex777
2008-03-01 12:45 am UTC (link)
Wonderful. I really love the way you incorporate machine and biological elements together. Is there anything in particular that inspires you to do that?

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Re: nice work - from dargon1
[info]zarathus
2008-03-03 11:36 am UTC (link)
Thank you!
Hmm. I don't know, it just seems to be a style that I really enjoy. For some reason pipes and mechanical objects have a lot of visual appeal to me, but at this point I'm far better at drawing organic stuff. That and I like random stuff :O Combining the two does it nicely.

(Reply to this) (Parent)(Thread)
Re: nice work - from dargon1 - [info]tex777, 2008-03-03 10:05 pm UTC
Re: nice work - from dargon1 - [info]zarathus, 2008-03-06 10:51 am UTC
Re: nice work - from dargon1 - [info]tex777, 2008-03-07 03:26 am UTC

[info]greytail
2008-03-01 12:49 am UTC (link)
I think many artists find faults in their work, even if it's high quality, and people who view it aren't likely to find those faults unless they're told about them.

The first one I think is wonderful; I like the way the water looks; the 'unreality' of it appeals to me.

The picture for Lakota looks just fine to me; I'm not sure what you think's wrong with it, but as far as wolves go, it looks wonderful.

Excellent work on the Con DVD too.

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[info]zarathus
2008-03-03 11:39 am UTC (link)
When you're staring at a picture for 20 hours its likely you'll see more faults with it than anyone else. That and the standards that I have in my head are apparently a lot higher than I'm capable of producing. :|

Thanks though :D

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[info]jods
2008-03-01 01:09 am UTC (link)
I've always loved your art. :] There's some great stuff here. I'm just glad I get to see it. ^^

The first image doesn't really strike me as being "bad" either. I just think that the water and such needs more pink/purple in it so that the sky doesn't feel like a separate entity.

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[info]zarathus
2008-03-03 11:42 am UTC (link)
Thank you!

Although the photo doesn't make it apparent, I tinted the water reflection slightly yellow, but you're right, pink or purple would probably add to it well. Thanks for the advice :)

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[info]geddarkstorm
2008-03-01 01:16 am UTC (link)
For some reason I really like the flow of anatomy on that random sketch one. In any case, amazing arts : O! You always have had such a realistic anatomy to your pictures, which is oh so nice.

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[info]zarathus
2008-03-03 11:43 am UTC (link)
Thanks. I'm trying to practice at drawing different kinda of creature anatomy.

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[info]moonfeather
2008-03-01 01:35 am UTC (link)
yay! gorgeous arts :)
Im hoping to attend this years furrycon in auckland, id love to catch up with you :)
Just needa find where it is held, how much it costs to attend, where I can stay and again the coast, and pricing for flyng there. *wipes brow*
What month is it held do you know? it will be my first con lol.

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[info]zarathus
2008-03-01 05:02 am UTC (link)
The con for this year hasn't been arranged yet. The location changes from year to year, so it'll probably be further south than Auckland this year. I've even heard talk of it being held around Christchurch. But we shall see, I guess. Either way, I'd love to see you ^_^
It's usually held November or December.

And thank you!

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(no subject) - [info]moonfeather, 2008-03-03 02:20 am UTC
(no subject) - [info]zarathus, 2008-03-03 11:32 am UTC
(no subject) - [info]zarathus, 2008-03-02 12:06 pm UTC

[info]baphnedia
2008-03-01 04:05 am UTC (link)
Very nice :)

Odd, that the first one is hauntingly similar to the first visions of myself as a dragon... *reminisces*

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[info]zarathus
2008-03-06 10:36 am UTC (link)
Thank you.
Ooh, and that's interesting :O In which ways is it similar?

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(no subject) - [info]baphnedia, 2008-03-08 02:31 am UTC

[info]silere
2008-03-01 07:35 am UTC (link)
Mmmm. lovely. thanks for sharing. I actually really like the feel of the water in the first piece.

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[info]zarathus
2008-03-06 10:39 am UTC (link)
Thank you kindly. Glad you like it.

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[info]crimsonfang
2008-03-01 10:36 am UTC (link)
Wow. Just wow :)

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[info]zarathus
2008-03-06 10:40 am UTC (link)
Heheh, thank you :>

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[info]pr0stsh0cker
2008-03-02 07:40 am UTC (link)
Oh wow. Always a treat to see an update from you. 8>

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[info]zarathus
2008-03-06 10:41 am UTC (link)
Thanks, and likewise.

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[info]bearwithin
2008-03-03 09:20 am UTC (link)
Hey! Very nice.

I love the foggy background in the second pic - a lovely sense of depth there. And the third one is very cool, although disturbing. I must say you do come up with some very far-out ideas. They definitely make a statement which is cool.

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[info]zarathus
2008-03-06 10:43 am UTC (link)
Thanks Southpaw :>
I really enjoy random conceptual stuff. Though it does have a tendancy to turn out looking slightly disturbing in some way or another :D

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[info]serilyn
2008-03-04 05:14 am UTC (link)
.. You're reminding me of the 30 odd pictures I currently have in my 'working on' art folder. I'm going to make some comments on your pictures, but I doubt they'll end up being very intelligent comments : P

1. That water makes me want to scoop it up in a bottle and keep it. Wait... Does that front dragon have mouse ears? Now that I've noticed them it looks adorable XD
2. Hmm, you seem to like squishy organic stuff growing out of... industrial-looking type stuff? I can just imagine a huge splatter of pulpy mess spewing out if he pulled that thing out (ew, overactive and gruesome imagination). Ever considered mixing slightly more high-tech stuff with the organics?
3. I like the birds, the one in the far right corner seems to be holding something that looks like bits of the creatures tail. It makes me think that the tail might be growing fruit, or... Giant bird seeds. Yay veiny pipes.. .. I now wonder if the creature is hungry and annoyed that those birds are always just out of reach.
4. The style of the wolf matches the background. Maybe the problem is too much detail on the fur or perhaps too much light shining on the fur? Did he just chop down a tree?
5. I want that tree.
6. I like the way the wings curl around... And that wolf is glaring at me.
7. Ohh, I love that rather than hooves or normal hands he has something like mini-hooves on each of his fingers. And now, my brain points out that he could tap really well, and play a xylophone.
8. Funny how the sketch looks almost happy or content, and as the shading comes in the mood gets more and more gloomy. Yay for messy hair.
9. Neon glowy stripes! And nifty markings. I love the way you do their feet.
10. Why is my brain telling me that this looks like a dragon office worker? All the feathery bits are really interesting, especially on the neck.
11. XD The one at the bottom is my favourite.
12. That turquoise/aqua colour is lovely. I'm running out of commenting steam so I can't say much more : P I like how... Sort of, gender neutral a lot of your creatures seem to be, they don't have big breasts shoved on to say they're female.
13. Ohh dark, chompy. Humm, almost looks like bits of the snake-things back are growing into the hair.

Thank you for sharing your art! It's always wonderful to see :3

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[info]zarathus
2008-03-07 11:56 am UTC (link)
Wow, thank you. Awesomest comment evar :D

2 - Yes, I'd like to be able to draw more complex tech stuff, but at this point its far beyond me. My whole life I've been drawing pretty much exclusively organic things, and I'm only just beginning to incorporate non-organic elements into my stuff. I hope to be able to draw mechanical type stuff eventually :O
4 - Lol, he may have chopped down a tree. Who knows :O What bothers me about it is mostly the shading giving things a warped look, particularly on the legs. And the face.. augh. Pretty much as soon as I'd finished painting it, it occured to me how wrong it looks. The shape of the face doesn't look very convincingly wolf-like to me. The excessive highlighting on the wolf was actually intentional though, to try and bring the character out from the background. Otherwise it blended into the background just a bit too much.
7 - Yes, he should definitely play a xylophone. He could make astounding music-noises.
8 - Shading is an angering thing, didn't you know :O
12 - Yah, the aqua creature belongs to Tastelessfate on DA. And it's interesting you should mention that about gender. My zarathus is actually supposed to be genderless, and I think Tastelessfate's character is non-specific when it comes to gender also.
I know what you mean though. I've never really been a fan of characters that have massive breasts jumping out at you saying "hey look, I'm female!!"

Thanks again for so much feedback :D Very much appreciated! And I'm always happy to see new arts from you also ^_^

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[info]acid_shadow
2008-03-06 11:07 pm UTC (link)
gawd, I always love your surreal/abstract stuff. it's always full of imagination and very beautifully done without stopping for boundaries.

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[info]zarathus
2008-03-07 12:02 pm UTC (link)
Thanks very much! I am always trying to expand on that kind of stuff. I really enjoy more abstract and surreal themes.

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Zarathus, what does it mean?
(Anonymous)
2008-04-07 03:49 pm UTC (link)
Let anonymous write in your livejournal also.

"Lick"

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Re: Zarathus, what does it mean?
[info]zarathus
2008-04-12 12:00 am UTC (link)
Good day, anonymous.

... Who are you? D:

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[info]riax3x
2008-04-11 01:54 pm UTC (link)
Hello im Ria. I don't know if you remember or know me, but im riax3x on DA and Ria on FA (although ive left now). I prefer to ask if im allowed to add other peoples journals instead of just adding so would it be ok if I watch your journal?

The first picture is stunning. The picture feels so organic. I love the feel it gives you, just wonderful. I have always admired your art, very inspirational.

Your machine and organic pictures are very unique too, I just like how they seem to mix well :)

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[info]zarathus
2008-04-11 11:59 pm UTC (link)
Hey there.

Of course, I'm happy my journal might seem interesting enough to watch, lol. I don't update very frequently however.

And thanks very much! Glad you like them :)

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(no subject) - [info]riax3x, 2008-04-12 06:11 pm UTC

(Anonymous)
2009-04-15 11:15 am UTC (link)
Could your art be more boring? You're sailing into the anathema of the high fantasy artist hack. Fine, dull and two-dimensional acrylics, interesting and dynamic dragons slowly turning into lizard-like wretches with dead eyes and tiny immobile legs. And the Native American wolves...

It won't be long before we start seeing your art printed on The Mountain t-shirts.

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[info]zarathus
2009-04-15 12:15 pm UTC (link)
O_o
*facepalm*

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