Self Study Project - Mounted Zulu

So today I finally got to start painting for my self study. I have a lot to catch up on! This was today's effort:

More to come!

Robo Love

So I've been sick for two whole weeks now, but I am finally back on my feet. As such, today I painted a robot to get back into the groove:

I'm gonna have to work overtime on the self study in the next few weeks, stay tuned for that stuff!

Self Study Project - More Sketches

I just noticed I hadn't uploaded all the thumbnails I did last week. Here's some monster and architecture stuff. These are pretty rough, while it was fun working on paper I definitely think I should get used to doing these thumbs digitally in future.

Zulu huts. These need to be pushed further.

Xhosa water huts.

Mali architecture.

Masaai architecture.

Creatures of various shapes.

More monsters.

Yet more monsters.

Next week I'll start painting characters!

Speed Paintings

Sadly I've been sick this week so I'm a little behind schedule on the self study. I'll make up for it in the winter holidays, in the meantime here are some 30 minute speed paintings! Lately I have a thing for glowing stuff. Looking forward to working on some longer pieces though.

Until next time!

Self Study Project - Initial Sketches

So I spent the entire first week of my self study project simply doing research on African culture and mythology. This week I decided to start working on creating four unique factions to inhabit this world (which I am calling Jahai for the moment), which might contribute to the various classes that are expected in a videogame or roleplaying game. Here are some early sketches and thoughts.

The sorcerors of this world are based on the Masaai people.

The warriors of Jahai are based on the Mali Empire.

The healers of Jahai are based on a mix of Xhosa culture and
Ganvie village.

The scouts of Jahai are based on Zulu culture.

Of course these are all early, but they're a start. It was nice to work on paper for once but now I will be moving on to digital to continue development. 

Self Study Project - World Building

So after a quick winter holidays I am back at school and moving on to new projects.

Currently I have opted to take a two month self study period while the rest of my class takes a VFX course. I'll be working alone and have only myself to answer to, so it's a bit of a test for myself to see how much I can do without anyone breathing down my neck. Should be fun!

In particular I want to use this time to polish up my painting skills and improve my ability as a concept artist. As such I've decided to do some world building and make my own fantasy setting, which I will then design all the characters, monsters and environments for.

I'll be taking a lot of inspiration from Guild Wars: Nightfall.

Considering my upbringing I decided to create a fantasy world based on African mythology, and I'll be updating my blog soon with my intial pitch and concept for this world. So far the first week at school I have simply spent researching African culture, peoples, animals etc. so that I have a solid base to build on. Next week I'll start painting. :)

Until next time!