Yesterday I received this interesting email and I thought you might want to read it…
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Hi Petar,
You don't know me. I'm Henrik Pettersson (carnalizer on the internet). I've been watching your Death Dealer sketches closely as I'm a fan of both you and Frank. I have no idea if you feel you need or want feedback, but I just wanted to show what I thought was "not so Frazetta" about you sketches. They are awesome in their own right and if anyone can pull of a good FF these days it's you.
Here goes. Sorry about the abuse of you sketch. First is how I perceive your Death Dealer sketch(es), second is how I feel FF got it.
You don't know me. I'm Henrik Pettersson (carnalizer on the internet). I've been watching your Death Dealer sketches closely as I'm a fan of both you and Frank. I have no idea if you feel you need or want feedback, but I just wanted to show what I thought was "not so Frazetta" about you sketches. They are awesome in their own right and if anyone can pull of a good FF these days it's you.
Here goes. Sorry about the abuse of you sketch. First is how I perceive your Death Dealer sketch(es), second is how I feel FF got it.
I'm sure you are aware. I can sense you're after a very specific moment of tension. The pose is good and the anatomy fantastic, but I don't think it's what Frank would have chosen.
Please don't be offended by my mail. It is in utmost well-meaning.
Please don't be offended by my mail. It is in utmost well-meaning.
Best regards,
Henrik Pettersson
Henrik's got a point I think. Much of Frazetta's "dynamism" comes from these sweeping curves in the composition.
ReplyDeleteOn the other hand Death Dealer is always a very vertical character in his paintings. Except for the one with the spear, he's captured either looming over the viewer quite menacingly, leaning on his axe, or mid-swing with the axe over the head.
(I hope You'll share the finished painting too, can't wait to see the end result!)
Very brave of you to post this response Petar. To me it shows how willing you are to get things exactly right.Given your already stunning accomplishments, it would have been easy to just ignore this input, but taking it into consideration, as well as sharing it, shows the mark of every truly great artist: that no matter how good we get, there is always room to improve. The more I know, the more I realize I don't know yet. Seems that you share this philosophy. I am looking forward to seeing the finish.
ReplyDeletePetar,
ReplyDeleteI have to agree with Jan. Though Henrik is probably correct about most of Frank's pieces, I think the vertical torso and the well-planted leg create the solidity and menace that Death Dealer should have. When looking at Death Dealer, you should know that you're not getting past him. You are going to break yourself on him because he's just not moving. There should be solidity to him. Your version captures that.
I do think the steeper angle to the axe is a good idea and provides just enough movement.
Again, thank you for sharing your process with us. You are a consummate professional and I'm sure whatever direction you go will be fantastic!
I just wanted to say that posting this email shows a lot of character, and it really impressed me.
ReplyDeleteIt is extremely interesting the opinion that Mr. Petterson made about what Frazetta had made regarding the character, but in this case, provided the final decision would take the artist who, after all, makes his version and his vision should prevail:
ReplyDeleteAlways, always, the artist should seek and find what you want based on their own criteria, since trying to look like a work already done, it would be a (good) copy, but copy to the end of the day ..... ...
In any case, Mr. Meseldzija, his work is great
While I think Frazetta did have a strong sense of designing the pose for dynamic flow, Henrik Pettersson's curve through the axis of the body is weak- if he is suggesting its the way it should be. In my opinion the stronger "curve" through the axis of the character should be the other way as not to bend the death dealer over into a weaker position. I think your more vertical take in the torso better serves the strength of the character. If anything making the vertical err more towards a leaning back diagonal.
ReplyDeletealso the sense of movement works great with the sweeping shapes, doesn't mean its better or for that matter what you were after.
Thanks for posting the unsolicited feedback to your work. I think the lesson works both ways. for mr. Henrik Pettersson's work does not show the same observations to his own craft. And that his observation is purely that..... an observation only. NOT a critique.
Humbly
Mark Andrews
I actually thought that the second drawing with those red flow lines on it was suppose to read like a giant F ! (you know for for Frank Frazetta. ) Im glad you chose to share this email as it illustrates that every artist approach differs,there is no absolute correct answer
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