Hellboy Sketchbook

[DevinC]

I'm embarking on a sketchbook journey with a few friends of mine. I the basic idea is to fill an entire sketchbook with one character (chosen for you), never doing the same drawing twice. My character is Hellboy. So I thought I would start my sketchbook off with a "classic" HB drawing - something in the style and tone of Mignola's comics - before I branch out and experiment (the idea of the the challenge). Anyway, here goes:



I really took my time here, spent about an hour and a half to two hours, cause I was just doing it for fun, and was in no rush. Also, it was unplanned, so I didn't really know where it was going when I started out. I'm no totally sure I sold that he's supposed to be hunching or leaning, he looks a little squat, but lemme know what you think!

Thanks

[Whune]

great (what I call "character") in the elements overall; just feels nice.

second thought:
seems like two different sets of proportions:
1 - head is a bout right size for clunky arm.
2 - body, legs and skinny arm are bout right size to each other as well..

but/thus:
head and clunky arm are too big for body and skinny arm and etc.

[crazyjedichicken]

very nice! for some reason i like anything drawn in red or blue pencil! looks more professional! ha! i can see whunes point but i don't think it's a major issue, it doesn't jump out at me as a glaring fault!

[DevinC]

Thanks for the comments, guys!

I definitely see what you mean about the proportions. I made the conscious choice to make his hand large to reflect how Mignola draws him nowadays, and cause I think it looks wierd small, but I might've taken it too far. The head should definitely be about 15% smaller, though

[covie]

I think his stone hand looks just right, but his head is a tad large. You've already heard that though. I love this sketch as it is spot on for the feel of the character. Really enjoyable.

[qrowdad]

Awesome sketch you really nailed the Mignola vibe. The only crit I would add is the left arms elbow seems a bit too low.

He really reads like you intended leaning forward while walking feels like he's moving at a good clip. Love the menacing figure in the background, could that be Rasputin?

but sincerely man, great sketch, great start and best of luck with the rest of the sketchbook Devin. Please post more as you progress.

[ajkarp]

Darn. I was hoping for a daily post. Maybe weekly? So what were some of the other chosen sketchbook subjects that you and your comrades came up with? Will you be posting any of their work? I picked out the perfect hard cover sketchbook for a try at a
similar challenge. Anybody have any suggestions as to what one character I should proceed with?

[DevinC]

I'll post what I like, when I can. Unfortunately, this sketchbook is just for fun, so it has to take a back seat to more important projects sometimes.

The characters other people got were: Captain America, Ganondorf, Alfred (from Batman), Voldemort, Wolverine, and Frog (Chrono Trigger). The basic idea is that you get a character you like, but it's chosen for you. Unfortunately, I wouldn't be able to post any of their stuff.

[HB Lovecraft]

Dear Devin: This is an AMAZING drawing. (Full Disclosure: Mignola is my all-time fave). I know that some of the posters have (justifiably) mentioned that there's this or that proportion issue, but ultimately these things don't matter, because this sketch is remarkably effective. Consider me a fan.

[Langleyeffect]

JUST awesome! Mignola would be proud, dude!

[DevinC]

Some more pages:




I don't really like the head in the bottom left. It just turned out... weird.

EDIT: Do people prefer if I keep updating this thread, or should I make new ones for new pages? My fear is people only seeing the first image and not realizing there are updates on later pages.

[Carl_Shinyama]

I agree with Whune's assessment in the first one, though I don't think it's noticeable until you study the illustration line for line. At first glance, there's nothing to distract you about the piece because it's very well-executed and balanced. Very good job.

And I'd say that you succeeded in capturing the Mignola vibe.

[crazyjedichicken]

liking the feel of these and its a great idea to just focus on one character! keep posting!

[ajkarp]

EDIT: Do people prefer if I keep updating this thread, or should I make new ones for new pages? My fear is people only seeing the first image and not realizing there are updates on later pages.

I'm subscribed to this thread so I alway see there is new content when the thread is "on top".

[yakemofv]

That's a cool idea! I like it and your approach to the style as well, nice work. Do you plan on using different materials for your sketches?