The devil is in the details

Once I read: “The devil might be in the details, but so is the heart of a story”. I couldn’t agree more.

I’ve been doing my homework. One of the things I value a lot on an illustration is the power of detail. Little things like a rusty brooch, a fading tattoo, embroidered runes on a tattered cloak or an old parchment attached to some dented armour; all these things can tell you a whole story on their own.

So I’ve been gathering all the information I could about the Astartes. Some books are very difficult to track, but there are excellent sites out there like The Bolter and the Chainsword, where you can find the answers if you know the questions

I believe that the better you know your subject, the better results on your artwork. Details add character, realism and are a treat for those who know their lore: the passionates. After some researching and many doodlings I’m ready to start my next illustration. It is going to be part of a bigger picture, a nice little project I’m quite excited about. I can’t tell you any details yet but I’m very motivated and I wish I had more time in my hands.

Leaving Warhammer 40k for a moment and going back to the Old World, I got hold of a copy of Grudgelore -A History of Grudges and the Great Realm of the Dwarfs- by Nick Kyme and Gav Thorpe. Man, what a book! I’d say it is a must for any Warhammer fan. Nicely written it has a lot of detailed information and is full of gorgeous illustrations. It’s a shame it is sold out and I really wish the Black Library to make a reprint in the near future.

On a side note, as some of you may noticed, I’ve reorganized my links. I have added some more links from writers and artists that usually do some work for Games Workshop or the Black Library. If you have some related links that you think I should add, please let me know.

-Forjador.

Where is my mind?

I wish I could produce more artwork more often, I really do. If I just have a bit more time in my hands… but time… time is merciless.

I’m not fast at drawing, I’ve never been. I’m crap at speed painting as well. I like to get lost into details, to me drawing or painting is just like meditating. My mind takes flight and time stops… Well, I wish it did. I just lose track of it completely.

With my long commuting hours and many responsibilities I have been neglecting my drawing for years. Doing it very casually, refusing to do something too complex that would take me ages to complete. This year however things have changed. Something inside me, that inner child with wings, whispered me to remember. Remember old shattered dreams and make them true.

That’s why I started this art blog. I can’t thank enough the support from the WAR community and Warhammer enthusiasts as it has been incredible. I’ve been getting some constructive criticism that is helping me immensely.

Now I want to take a step further and start creating more complex pieces of artwork like full battle scenes. I want to be portraying not only Warhammer Fantasy but Warhammer 40k as well.

Through the next weeks (months) I’ll be showing you my ideas from sketches to full colour illustrations (like the Slayer one). You’ll be able to see the progress from doodles to digital painting. Just bear with me!

Step by step I want to get better.

-Forjador.