Darksiders Artbook Analysis

To compile my Artbook, I looked at both the content and layout of the Darksiders Artbook.

Winter Work: Life drawing composite

During life drawing, I asked the model to assume two distinct poses, so I could combine the two into a pose suited for a character that has a distinctly alien body. I felt it was somewhat successful, but some of the more interesting poses I would have liked to use with this technique, were too difficult for the model to hold for a prolonged period.

Left: Demonic Copy, Right: Original pose composite

Winter Work: Quick Poses, Life Drawing

During this life drawing session, I asked the model to adopt several poses that would aid me in my character designs, allowing me to see how the anatomy would appear whilst in those positions. While I could'nt get the exact poses I wanted/required, I plan to make a series of drawings that are developed from these images using my character designs and previous anatomical notes.

Concept Sketches

Protagonist Full Body Drawing: Vale

Rough Framework

Lineart + simple gradient background 

Greyscale fill

Shading

I used this drawing process to create an early draft of the final character designs that would be featured in the art book. The protagonist, Vale, seemed like a good place to start and I was able to put several of the methods I'd learnt into practice for this piece.

Putting the character in a simple greyscale made it easier to visualize shadows, form and shape, whilst still keeping the various sections of the character distinct. The addition of a subtle gradient across the character, keeps the viewer focused on his upper half, something I'm quite pleased with.

Hopefully, when more character art is complete, I will be able to apply colour to this image, and use more lighting based techniques to flesh it out further.

Primary character facial studies

Sketches: Kori, Lucifer and Liza

For the artbook, I have thought of using sketches similar to these to show detailed parts of a characters design, any expressions or possible action poses. This would go alongside the characters backstory and personality traits, balancing the books lore with the imagery.

I plan on arranging more life drawing for reference, during December Break to improve the quality of these sketches, focusing on dynamic poses and the human body in motion.

Rough character sketches

Minotaur + Gorgon enemy: 2014 version

I wanted to try and update some of the minor characters and creatures as well, since they would serve as good practice for the various lessons I've learnt on anatomy and proportions.

Gorgon and Minotaur sketches: 2016

I decided to sketch out a design based on the original drawings, but also sketch some alternate or variant versions, to see if I felt like developing them further as well. I then built on top of the initial sketch, as well as adding colour to define it's various features.