Two things: I think the helmet needs stronger blacks somewhere in the shadow. Rendering metal usually has a harder edge somewhere in the inks. I like the dot pattern, but I think it's too strong/dark and conflicts with the red in his shirt.

I do like the look of what you've got going on, tho!

Yeah, I don't like the way it turned out so I'm going to re-color it.

Someone should Avatarize that for Ross.

This is a good page! I think I like page 8 the best.

Page 8 was one of my favorites as well. Kind of funny coloring a sequential story, I felt as though my feel for the character and the artist increased as the story went on, thus my color choices improved as well. Then as soon as I was really gaining steam, the story was over. Oh well, that's the way it goes I guess.

Well here we go, the update. Redefined the helmet and recolored the shirt and lost the dots because they were competing too heavily with the logo.

Good choices on the edits. Very nice piece.

Well, when I started coloring three or four years ago my ultimate goal was to be able to draw, ink and color my own pieces. This fanzine quality piece perfectly illustrates my lack of inking knowledge, but I'm sure with a lot more practice that will improve over time. HI - YAAA!!!

i like your line-work, it was a very classic feel to it-- reminds me a little of Mike Allred's line.

Since I'm just starting out, I'm going to keep things simple and focus on form, proportion and line weight.

Very cool!!

Derek, If you don't have it already, I highly recommend this book:



http://www.amazon.com/dp/1593074050/?tag=imwan-20

It's pricey, and if you can get it used go for it. But the second edition has both books 1 and 2 in it, and has at least 3 or 4 practice pages. The guy breaks down a lot of inking theory, how to use line weights to convey mass, lighting, etc., texture, all that stuff. Very good book. I can't stress enough the theory the guy shares.

I have vol. 1 of that book. It is really good with great art as well.

Thanks guys! I appreciate the encouragement and help.

How does the Gary Martin book compare to DC Guide to Inking book by Klaus Janson?

I have no experience with the DC book, but have heard good things about it as well. I just really like Gary Martin's style and the fact that he's got a bunch of my favorite inkers in there, with mini interviews, and talking about what materials and stuff they use.

Here's everything I know about the technical processes involved in creating art as it pertains to this thread:
Derek makes nice pictures.
(Even luddites appreciate you, sir!)

Really had fun with this one.

Pretty cool!

See? So much better with colors.

Nice work on this.

Looks great!

beautifull ! id love to see a bigger version