Another shameless indulgence

[Eric Lofgren]

As Storn wisely stated earlier, I got permission to post this piece. It's better to err on the side of caution, as you could damage your rep. by posting potentialy sensitve company artwork.
Anyway, enough of me preaching, this is a little illo I did for Christian Walker of Scrollworks Press. If anyone appreciates us artists, it's Christian and if your not familiar with Scrollworks Press yet, definitely check it out at www.srollworkspress.com
The picture in question illustrates the story of The Cursed Armour of Naulus Antem. Comments and crticisms please.

Thanks,
Eric

[Jon H]

Hi Eric - I thought it was about time I said something about your posts, as you were very forthcoming with mine!

I like the armour piece a lot - you have a really strong graphic style - there's no messing about here - its all banged down in place very confidently. I like the wash work towards the bottom of the piece, where the ground is reflecting up onto the armour, particularly. Cool lighting, which is something I'm struggling with. I'm awed by how you manage it in very economical b/w work. I tend to throw everything into the mix, which isn't always the best way to get results.

I haven't said much because you're work is very different to mine, so I don't really feel qualified to say very much, but keep it up because its strong stuff!

[Storn]

Eric, love the cleaness of the line. Damn that's hard to do...

I do have a critique though. On two things...

1) I'm not really sure what happened. The poor schmuck got gelled inside of his armor? This is a very small, nitpick. If it went with the text and supported the text... that is all the much better.
If it is blood, its not reading as such.

I'm not really worried about point 1.... this is dinky, dinky, dinky.

2) This is a bit more important, but still a small thing. The prone figure's head is not in the right place. The crown of his head should be more to the left of the illo....or he has no neck. The armor covers the shoulder... there is a bit more room there for the neck.

IF the head is craned toward us, and we are seeing the top of the crown of the head, then the pauldron armor should be covered a bit more and the lines of the head overlap the armor.

Does that make sense?!!?!?

But don't worry, these are little detail things. I'm of two minds on details...

1) don't sweat the details
2) god is in the details.

Nice and contradictory, dontchyathink?

But overall, a beautiful piece. Take my criticism with a huge grain of salt.

[csaar]

Eric....if i have to describe the image in one word: WOW!

I've said it before, but i don't really have to say it, because it's clear, your work is the best.


C. Saar

[Eric Lofgren]

Thanks guys for your feedback. Jon, don't try and compare styles, it can be an exercise in futilty. The truth is, I like your stuff better than mine, so where does that leave us :)
Storn, yah, the story is fairly self explanatory, anybody wearing the armour, unless they're of very high moral fibre, doesn't fair that well in battle. The head part was actually pointed to me by my wife. I didn't notice until then and it was too late to do anything about it. If you look close though, you'll see that the view there is taken up by his armour. I was trying to show how armour would lay naturally on the ground with a body in it, all bunched up and in the way (of his head, as it were).
Christoffer, thank you very much for your praise. Makes me think I'm on the right path. I hope you post some soon.
For those who are interested, I used greyscale designer markers and ink to get the various hues. Markers rock, but I'm finding them expenssive and they get used up fairly quickly.

Thanks again,
Eric

[Christian]

Originally posted by Eric Lofgren
Markers rock, but I'm finding them expenssive and they get used up fairly quickly.



I wish I had the time to do some research into NEA grants, or cash awards from some similar body. The art that sc-fi and fantasy artists do is rather spectacular and it would be great if somehow those efforts could be subsidized via a grant or award of some type. Maybe if I come into fabulous wealth I can become a patron of the RPG arts or something.

On a related note, my dad-in-law had an interesting observation. He thinks that as gamer geeks like ourselves age, we will become more wealthy as our salaries (hopefully) increase. With that money we might go out and buy art and coffee table books to decorate our homes. While our parents and grandparents favored more traditional fare, we might go after that rare fantasy piece. "Why yes, that is an early Lofgren. Notice the fine detail with the markers."

[Mock]

Okay, I've had about enough outta you, Lofgren. ;)

Seriously--I really enjoy your work, not only the things you've kindly attached to your posts, but also the stuff on your website--especially your vehicle designs.

I have the idle fantasy of becoming the World's Most Sought-After Artist, but I don't have the skill (yet--I'm workin' on it) nor, truthfully, the time to devote to it. But seeing great stuff like yours, and the other artists who have the stones to put their stuff out for the world to see, is inspiring.

-Mock

EDIT: By idle fantasy, I mean truly idle--I'm not an artist by trade, but I like to draw.

[Matt_Snyder]

Eric, this piece is great -- the armor detail / scrollwork (pun intended) is beautiful. It really caught my attention, and I didn't even realize 'til later it was SUPPOSED to be about the armor.

Anyway, just wanted to say I liked it and that I KNEW I was on to something when I contacted you. Art like this makes me wanna dance a jig when thinking about my game.

Matt

[Eric Lofgren]

Thanks guys. Once again, the time you all take to leave a comment is of high value to me. I'm not the best judge of my abilities and hearing what you have to say helps me gauge my approach to my art.
Christain, the "Rpg Arts", I love the sound of that. I do believe it may catch (unless, of course, it's been coined elsewhere). Your sentiments on our illustrative struggles is to be commended and it doesn't suprise me to hear you say something of that nature. You're a good man, man:)
Mock, for heaven's sake, don't fret because of me, it's guys like Storn, Csaar and Jon you need to be agonizing over (much like myself). Btw, thanks for noticing my space ships and things. I love doing those.
Matt, you have a critical eye, I better be wary of that, LOL. Did you get my note earlier? And please, can we watch you jig:)

[Matt_Snyder]

Eric -- got your note, and you will be receiving the legal schtuff shortly. As for that jig-watching, well, it won't be pretty.

Matt

[chriss2d]

Kickass! I love this kinda stuff! You have a very good sense of design. I really liked the contrasts as well. Gotta love those markers! Theyr'e expensive but worth it in my opinion.
Give us more man.