I very rarely find myself wanting to draw other people's characters. I always start with an odd shape or a basic idea, and eventually flesh it out into a new character. Then, naturally, build an entire world around them and get paralyzed by the sheer weight of it. Rinse, repeat etc. Some stories or worlds stick with me though. The "Song of Ice and Fire" characters are a good example. I've only watched the show, so I don't know if they're completely off base from the novels, but I get caught up in that world none the less. Another world that sticks with me is "Adventure Time"...

At any rate, here is "The Hound". He's very under utilized in the show to date, but perhaps that changes. I like the complexity of a completely ruthless killer that can befriend a lost princess and has a complete aversion to fire. I didn't stay faithfully close to the design on the show, I just sort of ran with the idea. Hope you enjoy!

Labels: A Song of Ice and Fire, fantasy, fire, Game of Thrones, The Hound

My apologies in advance if this particular piece of artwork ruins any plot lines for those of you not familiar with the "A Song of Ice and Fire" novels by George R. R. Martin, or the "Game of Thrones" television show (based on the books). I've only watched the show, so I can't speak to discrepancies between the two. Eddard (Ned) Stark is a favorite character. I added the direwolf just for kicks. The biggest issue with "Game of Thrones" is it feels like a creepy, guilty pleasure that's a very well-written, creepy, guilty pleasure. I have a hard time recommending it, because it can be a very brutal story at times, but it's a great fantasy world that's well realized, if not a bit, ah, adult.

At any rate, I wanted to really limit my approach this time around. I really fall into a trap of over working my art, and wanted to limit the tricks. I think it worked, but I'd love to know what you think. For kicks, I've included some of the other steps in the process. As always, enjoy!

Pencils (mechanical pencil over non-Photo blue pencil): Inks (done in Adobe Illustrator): Flats: A note about the flats: This was the first time I added a light layer over the flats. Normally I'll flat to the highlight color, then added shadows. For those of you interested in that sort of thing.

Labels: A Song of Ice and Fire, Direwolf, fantasy, Game of Thrones, ghosts, Ned Stark, wolves