Topic: Treefox's Elfquest portrait journey (Read 4915 times)

jaRf · « **Reply #25 on:** November 03, 2024, 04:51:50 PM »

I'll check it - but now I got to sleep. (Finally submitted my calendar entry.) And hopefully there will also be time for a comment on the elf-self. Just really tired now.

Treefox · « **Reply #26 on:** November 04, 2024, 11:59:44 AM »

Be proud! You also put it out into the world! Congratulations!

Treefox · « **Reply #27 on:** November 08, 2024, 01:30:42 AM »

Soooo, basic Joyleaf is done. There will be a rather big final step in which I put in all the highlights and bring everything together.

Next are the butterflies!

Maggie · « **Reply #28 on:** November 08, 2024, 07:08:16 AM »

Wow, that took quite the jump. I look forward to seeing her with all the shiny details.

Treefox · « **Reply #29 on:** November 08, 2024, 11:38:01 AM »

Wheee! Thanks Maggie! Yeah, I got into the flow and actually wondered if I should post an update, but was too lost in the drawing process and here we are.

I might be able to finish it the weekend! Unbelievable!

Treefox · « **Reply #30 on:** November 09, 2024, 01:27:18 PM »

Next up: Treestump!
Gosh, I don't think I ever drew him before...so another challenge. But then, I don't think I ever drew Bearclaw or Joyleaf...
However, before I start on him, I want to insert a little 4 picture series. A crossover with a super popular version of Cinderella here in Germany.

But anyway, for Treestump I would like to incorporate elements from Rillfisher, Dewshine and Clearbrook.
I already got some great ideas for that brewing! This could be good!
His animal companion will be little surprising: it's going to be a bear.
I mean, what else, right?

Do you also want to see my first super rough sketch that probably nobody except me can decifer?

Amberfox · « **Reply #31 on:** November 09, 2024, 01:36:30 PM »

Never considered it, but I think a bear is a very appropriate "totem" for Treestump. I was surprised he is your next choice, but what a great one to do! I don't think I've tried to draw him, either (or Bearclaw or Joyleaf), but this should get your creative side motivated! Can't wait to see what you come up with, including what you incorporate from the other three in his life. I'm all for seeing your rough sketch, even if I can't decipher what's going on. Maybe I could see something you can't/don't and offer some advice, or at the very least, be inspired to get busy with my own efforts. Sounds like a win-win to me!

Treefox · « **Reply #32 on:** November 09, 2024, 01:43:10 PM »

Yes, Treestump is on the back cover of issue 5 together with Scouter and Dewshine. So he's next.

The rough sketch is so rough that I'm not sure if there's anything to point out yet. But you're more than welcome to give feedback!
And if it inspires you, it's truly a win!

Treefox · « **Reply #33 on:** November 09, 2024, 01:56:32 PM »

Here's the sketch. Gosh, it's really just a couple of rough lines.

I think probably the biggest challenge will be the composition. Squeezing ripped Treestump and such a large animal in a picture together... Not that easy. But I think it could work like this.
There will be some characters with larger companions... Maybe a challenge we can overcome together.

But at least I think that only Joyleaf will have more than one animal in their picture. Phew
Oh, one more thing: in the sketch he's looking sort of upwards. I already want to change that to make him look straight ahead. I think it fits better and his pose won't look to similar to Bearclaw.

Amberfox · « **Reply #34 on:** November 09, 2024, 11:20:19 PM »

I could tell he was looking upward. See? I can vaguely make out the sketch! Beaerclaw, Leetah, and Rayek were looking directly at the viewer, Joyleaf up, so it works. Hard to say at this point about the composition. I think once the basic lines are decided on, you can get a better idea of if the current composition works or if you should make any alterations. Definitely need to work in at least a bladed weapon, if composition permits, maybe a small shadow hinting at an anvil and hammer or make it more prominent. Again, I think that can be better determined once the image starts coming together more. Can't wait to see the progress!

Treefox · « **Reply #35 on:** November 09, 2024, 11:42:58 PM »

Wow, you are a wonder! Your interpretation is correct. And of course he needs a weapon.

Only visible to me, he's holding his signature axe in his left hand.
For the direction the characters are looking,I plan on wide variety. The only thing I'm probably going to avoid is doing a profile. Even though I sorta wanna do that for Dewshine. But then I definitely want to draw her gorgeous eyes.
And thanks again for the lovely input.

Afke · « **Reply #36 on:** November 11, 2024, 12:20:36 PM »

It'll be fun to see you going from this to your end result.

I already liked some of the big leaps from Joyleaf's sketches.
I think I see the axe though! His hand is going up a bit and the blade is near his shoulder?

Nice to see you draw Treestump.
I always saw him as the great big rock that everyone can lean on, someone who has everybody's back.
I'm not sure the expression "rots in de branding" exists in English too though...

Treefox · « **Reply #37 on:** November 11, 2024, 12:41:09 PM »

Yeah, I really enjoy looking back at the process of beginning with a couple of wild lines and see the emergance of a character.
And you see the axe correctly! That's where it is. 😊 You guys are amazing.
And you nailed EXACTLY what he also is to me! I don't know if this saying exists in English, but we do have the same in German the "Fels in der Brandung". That's what he is!
I love to hear what the characters mean to you, what they stand for to you. This also broadens my view on them and will also influence the outcome.
Currently I'm already working on my little Elfquest Christmas project. It's fun so far.

Treefox · « **Reply #38 on:** January 11, 2025, 01:02:17 PM »

I am at it again! It's slowly coming together.

I need to tackle the bear next. Need some good Grizzly reference, this should be feasible.

Wildfire · « **Reply #39 on:** January 12, 2025, 01:14:47 PM »

Oh wow, this looks great already!

Treefox · « **Reply #40 on:** January 13, 2025, 10:08:50 AM »

Yay! Thank you so much for the motivation boost!

Treefox · « **Reply #41 on:** January 13, 2025, 01:19:07 PM »

I think I got a bear! Just a few more details and then I can start coloring.

Startear · « **Reply #42 on:** January 14, 2025, 05:02:27 AM »

Oh hell yeah! I have missed a lot of updates due to being very busy lately, but I am digging the progression you are showing here! Also yes yes yeas to Treestump with a bear!

Treefox · « **Reply #43 on:** January 14, 2025, 05:32:48 AM »

Whee! Thanks for taking the time to comment! A bear for Treestump is a given, right? I mean everything down to his color scheme seems to scream bear. His personality also fits. Just don't get him mad!

So, he will have:
- his cloak holding "ring" with the decorative shawl hanging down will be reminiscent of Clearbrook
- his fish-shaped armband will be symbolize Rillfisher
- still missing: the armband will be decorated with Dewshine's classical feathers as a tribute to her

I think these are the most important persons in his life. I hope it will look decent in the end.

Looking forward to all the warm colors I'm planning to use!

Treefox · « **Reply #44 on:** January 24, 2025, 06:12:19 AM »

And I'm continuing to work on the Treestump portrait. The background and the bear are taking shape! I decided to change the bear paw back to my original idea and I like it better that way. Once Treestump himself gets a little more color on him, the background and the bear will get their final touches. But I do like the warm mood of this. It's what I was looking for.

Amberfox · « **Reply #45 on:** January 24, 2025, 08:51:02 AM »

How is it that I don't recall your Treestump illo being this far along?! You have definitely captured his essence, and he is stunning here! Of course I'm seeing Dewshine's feather decorations, some Clearbrook fringe, the ax (can't leave that out!), and a bear as his totem is perfect. He's quite handsome here and, I can't stress it enough - you nailed his look! Can't wait to see this completed!

Treefox · « **Reply #46 on:** January 24, 2025, 01:46:03 PM »

I've been working a little on it lately. Not as much as I would have liked.
Thank you so much again for the lovely comment, it really makes want to keep drawing! I'm happy to hear that he looks like himself. He was very pleasant to draw and it's fun to draw something different from my usual stuff. Same with the bear. Just so cool to be drawing a bear for once. And to pair him with a bear was truly a no-brainer. It just fits. In the future there will be one or two characters for which I'm very unsure as what animal to choose... If I ever get to them, that is.

Now on to coloring Treestump! This will still take a while....

Startear · « **Reply #47 on:** January 25, 2025, 02:23:41 AM »

Oh man, I love the update! The orange, yellow and greens are just lovely, and I really like the shaggy, course texture on the bears fur! You’ve also caught how the fur will change in hues.

And hilariously, due to angle, Treestump is now looking like the bears trophy husband

I dig it!

Treefox · « **Reply #48 on:** January 25, 2025, 09:45:52 AM »

Oh man!! Trophy husband!! I love it!!

Thank you, that was a wonderful laugh! See, one more reason why I love to share my stuff with you guys. You make me see it in a completely different light! And I love it!
Also glad that you like the mood of the background. It's somewhat close to Maggie's portrait of Treestump, but if anything it's a loving hommage and not a copy. And I guess these are just Treestump's colors.
And looking at bear fur for this was fascinating. It really has quite stark changes from light golden-browns to almost black. So cool!

softasvulvet · « **Reply #49 on:** January 28, 2025, 10:43:40 AM »

OOoh, these colours are beautiful! I'm so impressed by how great the bear looks!!
(also loling at the trophy husband comment)

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