So based on what I read in the brief and the clarification by banjaxedmtd, it's just supposed to be art depicting the sword in its location, not Arthur or anything else--correct?

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You can stick people in there if you want (it often helps for establishing scale anyway).

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First sketch looked too similar to Simolin's (excellent start btw, love the light in the trees) so started again.  Have been inspired by the orignal text link earlier in the thread.  The sword appeared in the stone (with anvil) at christmas time so therefore snowy.  It was also in a church yard so have included buildings and church cloisters in the background.  Black and white at the moment, colour later

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You can't build a reputation on what you're going to do.

Looking good all...

 

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[Sketchbook] | [Blog] | [deviantART]

its all looking really good this week, from everyone

Wip4

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Here's my work http://guang2222.deviantart.com/
juanphotoshop@yahoo.co.uk

Great pieces all!

Updated. Insight please, criticism welcomed as well as tips

Hey jokael, I think your sword needs to pop more, maybe a bit less highlights on the tree and more on the sword should help. even another light source would grab attention.

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Here's my work http://guang2222.deviantart.com/
juanphotoshop@yahoo.co.uk

Update on my pic.

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I am looking for freelance work.
www.alexson.se
alexforssberg@gmail.com

Steflack, that's looking really nice, particularly in how you have handled the water in places... but I have to say (with no disparagement towards this version) there was something epic about the cliff face setup you had going before, with the mists. This one feels more tranquil...

alexson - that looks fantastic!

 Right, i've had a complete change of heart and I've decided to redo my image as a sword in the stone instead of lady in the lake. It's still the same sort of image structure, mind. I wanted it to look like getting the excalibur in the first place is a hard enough task on its own.

 

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www.mleeg-art.co.uk

mleeg.design@gmail.com

Alexson - Looking good mate,

Dave - Thanks for the feedback, I might have time to revisit the first idea again and see if I can do something with it.

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[Sketchbook] | [Blog] | [deviantART]

This is my final. I actually became interested in this piece more as a simple painting than as "movie concept art". I don't know if it's particularly cinematic, but I really liked how the composition was working, and how the forms came together. I think this is the most successful I've ever been at evoking a sense of place and time of day, so I am quite pleased. :)

Great work everyone so far!!

Ste - Great picture!! But i also like your first composition a bit more. As Dave said, it has something epic.

Wip-1

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~ My Sketchbook ~ My Blog ~

and Wip-2

 

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~ My Sketchbook ~ My Blog ~

Alexson - Looks excellent. It seems like more of an object shot than an "environmental scene", because you've got the sword and stone more or less in isolation from any surrounding environment. But it's a great piece so far.

Steflack - Both versions are great: one is harsh and forbidding, the other is more pastoral.  Tough call!

Mleeg - That's a really great start. I've been struggling with a layout for mine, and what you've got here reads clearly and keeps the eye interested.

Dave - My only quibble is the scale: the sword looks huge to me. Maybe more detail or contrast in the foreground to establish scale? But I'd hate to mess with it. The lighting is fantastic and the whole thing looks like an oil painting that's darkened a bit with age. It's really beautiful. (And thanks for the kind words -- that made my day!)

Mhugo - Wow. That is epic.The lighting is really dramatic, and so is the setting. Great stuff.

Sinistral - Great setting. You established a very specific and believable sense of place. But keep an eye on the values so that the sword doesn't get overwhelmed by those arches.

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Nick Avallone
AngryFungus Art Blog | Sketchbook