Shadowsea sculpts: clal-chk scavenger, trog shaman

[vulture]

Hi all,

my adventures in sculpting continue! I am really pleased to present these two sculpts to you. I have been a big fan of Antimatter games' ShadowSea setting for many years so I was ecstatic to have the opportunity to sculpt a few pieces for the sunless kingdom faction (my favorites!). These models posed a significantly different challenge from anything I had done before - lots of equipment and  highly detailed, true to the style of the line, and working from very specific concept art. All the detail work was very time consuming, but also rewarding. those little bits add loads of character and each allows me to practice new skills - how crisp can I make that angle? how smooth the transition? how to style the texture? each little bit a project of its own.

 

Here is the first completed: Trog Witch Doctor, Jujazca

I really like the ShadowSea trogs, probably the most original interpretation of a lizardfolk type humanoid I have seen. there are several warrior troops available and this was to be the first character. I did my best to blend the wonderful concept art with the existing models so that they would be a nice coherent group. lots of details and doodads made this model a challenge but also a fantastic learning experience. My personal favorite bit is the iron cross belt buckle, almost too small to see in these pics.

concept art: https://scontent-b-sea.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc1/t1/1779690_668188083228190_1905188012_n.jpg

 

 

and the second, just off  the work bench / kitchen table: Clal-Chk Scavenger, Slithack

Love these guys! they are the insect-men that I always wished I had, and now I've sculpted one. These critters are enigmatic, wielding alien technology for unknown purposes. This is a model that when I had finished it, I found myself thinking how I wanted to paint it. for me, personally, that is my ultimate goal. I pushed my new found detailing skills as far as I could. Three things stand out to me as particular successes: the face (it turned out exactly as i had hoped), the lock-picks on the strap (pics not shown, very fussy details) and the draped fabric (my first attempt at folds). the crisp geometry of the pack was a pleasant surprise as well.

Concept art: https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc1/t1/1794642_668188073228191_524415439_n.jpg

There are four more angles on the AMG facebook page

 

Thanks for looking guys and gals, I would really appreciate any feedback you might have that might help me become a better sculptor. I really do hope you like them, though.

 

On a personal note: I want to extend my deepest thanks to Eric Louchard (proprietor of AMG) for taking a gamble on me for these complex minis  (something I had never done). I have been unemployed for 10 months now after moving halfway across the country and the chance to make art to fight off the cabin fever and - feel useful - has been invaluable.

Second, my appreciation to reaper for allowing me to share my art here, to my friends on the web, even though it is intended for another company. class act, Reaper, class act.

 

on to the next!

Edited March 5, 2014 by vulture

[Trodax]

Wow vulture, I didn't know you were sculpting for AMG; that is awesome!

 

They look great. Of the two I think I like the Trog better, but that's partly because I like lizardy beasts more than insecty beasts. The detailing on that Trog is pretty damn excuisite though, very nice work there (I like your sculpt a lot better than the concept art actually). Don't get me wrong, the insect-man is good too; as you said, the face is well done and very creepy.

 

Sadly, I didn't opt for these two guys from the last AMG Kickstarter, as I thought I'd wait until a full Sunless Kingdom starter set was released (do you know if they'll do a KS for that in the near future?).

[redambrosia]

These are just amazing vulture! The details are fantastic and I love the bases you made for them

 

Maybe I should see what other goodies this company has for me

[Shakandara]

Way to rock it, Enos! Congrats on getting the chance to sculpt for Eric, and for doing such a bang-up job on both figures.

 

~v

[klarg1]

These are fantastic, Vulture. I think you've captured the detailed, and equipment-heavy look of the AMG line very nicely. Hopefully, they'll send more of the jobs your way.

[smokingwreckage]

I have no constructive feedback. You are sculpting like a total pro. I've only had a quick look, but here's my impressions:

 

Details look crisp and natural; symmetry looks good, proportions look precise. Motion and balance look right; cloth and clothing is mostly moving in sympathy with the body and with its own weight.

 

So, all in all, I think there's going to be stuff you pick up on as not being quite right or as needing more work as you push for more perfection and develop your style, but both of these are 100% professional. Really, really good work, worthy to stand alongside any collection IMO.

[naponatom]

Very nice!

[tbroadwater]

Amazing! I am excited to see these and possibly paint them in the future. Really nice work overall. I think you did a really nice job working some somewhat suggestive concept sketches too as opposed to mechanical view drawings...very impressive.

[vulture]

thanks guys, i am humbled by the positive response! it is easy for me to get hung up on imperfections ; i am trying so very hard to learn as much as i can and really put solid effort and total commitment in to each piece and it is easy to lose perspective. every kind word in incentive to keep pushing myself and keep practicing.

 

Sadly, I didn't opt for these two guys from the last AMG Kickstarter, as I thought I'd wait until a full Sunless Kingdom starter set was released (do you know if they'll do a KS for that in the near future?).

as i recall, there will be a "mini-kicker" around May after this one has been fulfilled to complete the SK starter, add the draconids and expand the factions

 

 Hopefully, they'll send more of the jobs your way.

 

 

So, all in all, I think there's going to be stuff you pick up on as not being quite right or as needing more work as you push for more perfection and develop your style, but both of these are 100% professional. Really, really good work, worthy to stand alongside any collection IMO.

so true about the little things. in sculpts i have completed  tiny "errors" i didn't notice at the time are glaring...

 

 

Amazing! I am excited to see these and possibly paint them in the future. Really nice work overall. I think you did a really nice job working some somewhat suggestive concept sketches too as opposed to mechanical view drawings...very impressive.

thank you! the concept art was not mine, however. credit for that goes to Víctor P. Corbella.

[Metalchaos]

Very cool concept arts and excellent work on the sculpts. Thumbs up!

[Shakandara]

Are you attending RCon, Enos? If you want really good feedback, it's an excellent time to talk with the sculptors. They are, to the last (wo)man, super-awesome folks who will gladly spend time discussing the craft with you.

 

~v

[joshuaslater]

Damnable sculpts!!  I feel like my wallet just flew out of my pocket!!

[vulture]

Are you attending RCon, Enos? If you want really good feedback, it's an excellent time to talk with the sculptors. They are, to the last (wo)man, super-awesome folks who will gladly spend time discussing the craft with you.

 

~v

I would love to and I am really hoping funds permit this year. I get giddy just thinking about it.

[smokingwreckage]

I say this to budding artists, as a cheerfully and without regret failed artist: that niggling dissatisfaction with your own work is a key part of developing your awesomeness. Just don't let it poison you or your enjoyment. You're not in the very top ranks yet but you are working at a really solid commercial level and your total commitment to each sculpt really shows. In fact you seem to have a precision and a technicality to your work that surpasses some of the work of well-known and successful sculptors. ETA: which means actually that you ARE top-notch and I don't know what I was smoking. Crack, probably.

 

Admittedly we've gotten a peek into your process so we get a bit of an insider's view, but I truly believe that commitment to each sculpture in its own right is actually visible to the naked eye. I admire your commitment to your craft very much.

Edited March 6, 2014 by smokingwreckage

[robinh]

as a person who can't sculpt a square box I stand in Awe of what you have done.   Keep it up and like the others here have said.. I look forward to being able to acquire a few of these so that I can humbly apply paint to them and addthem to my collection.