Great challenge. Big thanks to Dan and Dave for giving up their time to host this (as ever). It's amazing.
Really pushed myself, tried lots of new things. Some good, some not good. It's all learning.
Anyway, I give you....
'Acies', the self proclaimed 'King of the Battlefield'. But known amongst foes as the 'Scourge of the Battlefield', or if they're absolutely sure he can't hear.. 'The Pirate of the Field'.
His garb, a mismatch of pieces of armour taken from the dead, hung over his sorcerers robes. His Golem, created from all the dead matter on the battlefield. Acies swoops in when a battle seems at it's end, mopping up the spent spears, trebuchets, siege towers, swords , even bodies, and through his magic binds them into his own monstrous form. The Golems head even comprises of a tower brought down through fire, the crenelations striking a similarity to Acies' salvaged crown, and the billowing smoke seemingly echoing his unkempt beard. The more death and destruction Acies sees, the bigger his Golem grows, and the more the people fear his power.
[Edit: Basically castle golem attacking castle. Durp.]
Here's the process breakdown:
Acies the Sorcerer Thumbnails sketches:
Character Final design with mood board/ref/inspiration:
Final Character variations and exploration:
...and...
Golem Thumbs:
Final character variations and exploration:
Studies etc:
Illustration composition thumbs:
And final illustration:
Best of luck to everyone. Really great work, and people have really gone all out. :)
(If you need anything higher rez for judgeing etc... just shout)