My Sketch Thread

[meridian]

I got a couple responses to my earlier post of my Captain America sketch, especially regarding his shield. Even though it was just a quick sketch, I couldn't just leave it alone. So here's an updated picture of the sketch:

http://www.studiomeridian.com/comicart/TheCapV2.jpg

And here's another sketch that I did earlier this morning again on the train to work:

http://www.studiomeridian.com/comicart/Snikt.jpg

I usually pencil my comic pages with a Staedtler Mars780 leadholder with 2H lead but it felt great going back to basics with a simple HB mechanical pencil. And the soft lead really helped me to loosen up the way I draw. For me, it's really helping me to keep my pencils "sharp" between jobs. So, again, on that note, if anyone has a sketch request of any comic character, I'd love to try it out, as long as it's not crude/rude...I need all the practice that I can get. I'm finding that trying to draw characters that I want to draw gets a little monotonous and unchallenging. So get your requests in! In the meantime, I'll have more sketches up on this thread as I get them done. Enjoy!

[Artsta]

i like your stuff man, keep postin'!

[DarkKni9hT]

Nice sketches meridian. In fact, that's some really good stuff for being done bouncing around on the train. I've done it, but my result were far messier than yours. :laugh:
Of the top my head, random sketch challenge... thinking... Mad Max, reverse angle, spinning around to shoot with his sawed off. GO!!! :banana:

[wisper]

a question? are these pieces referenced? thank you.

[salvador raga]

I like it. :)

[The Scribe]

:kewl:

Looks like Scott Kolins has a heavy influence on your art. ;)

I'd like to see a sketch of the Blazing Skull.

Actually, that would be a great idea for a draw-off. :thumbs:

[meridian]

Thanks again for the comments, guys!

wisper: Nope! None of the pics are referenced. Just goin' from the top of my head...I hope they're somewhat accurate.

DarkKni9hT: Yeah, the train ride can be a rough ride sometimes. Lemme just say that I tend to use the eraser A LOT! hahaha...as for your request see below. Thanks for that request...I was expecting a comic character but hey! in the comic business we're not exactly in the position of drawing whatever we want. Sorry the sawed-off shotgun's...well...sawed-off the page...I hope you like it nonetheless. I took a quick peek at a poster image of Mel Gibson but I didn't want to make the sketch look exactly like him but a comic representation.

The Scribe: Wow! I've never been told my work had a Scott Kolins influence...but thank you very much for that compliment. I took a quick look at the character of your sketch request on the web and it definitely looks interesting. It's next on my list!

http://www.studiomeridian.com/comicart/MadMax.jpg

Yeah, this sketch is a lot rougher than my other previous sketches and it was the most fun so far. I love the Mad Max movies...well, except for the third one. I've got two words for that film: Tina Turner. My favourite will always be the first one. Back to the sketch: I've always been somewhat nervous about drawing from real life characters because to me, it always feels like I'm taking a gamble: sometimes you get it right...sometimes you get it wrong. :confused: But I guess it's better than not taking the chance at all.Afterall, what fun is there in drawing when it's not challenging? Anyhoo...enjoy!

[The Scribe]

The Scribe: Wow! I've never been told my work had a Scott Kolins influence...but thank you very much for that compliment. I took a quick look at the character of your sketch request on the web and it definitely looks interesting. It's next on my list!


Well, it does. ;)

I'll be waiting for your Blazing Skull sketch. ;)

I like your sketches, I just don't have the money to pay you at the moment. :( Do you color?

Someone PM the person responsible for the draw-off contests and tell them to add the Blazing Skull to the list. ;)

[DarkKni9hT]

NICE go at Mad MAx, meridian!!! You kinda missed the reverse angle part of the challenge, but really well done nonetheless. Good job.
BTW, i completely agree with you on the thrid Mad Max film. Tina was alright in it, but what screwed it for me was the near complete digression from the spirit of the first two films, that of highway justice. Virtually no cars in Thunderdome except at the end. It would have actually been a far better movie if they had not applied tha Mad Max name to it and used it as a stand alone feature.

Next up: thinking... wait for it ... the Lone Ranger, seriously asswhupped and left to die, but just enough fight in him to get up and drag his ass on the trail of the bad guys. GO!!!

[Jasen Smith]

I have request....btw these all GREAT very good stuff.

Anyway back to the request...I'll give you a choice.

1) Psylocke
2) Evil dead's Ash J. Williams
3) Luke Skywalker
4) Frodo
5) Naruto (giggles)

Take your pick and I can't wait to see if you decide to use one.

I love your stuff though alot!!! :kewl: :kewl: :kewl:

[meridian]

DarkKni9hT: I'm really glad you like it. Yeah, whazzup with Thunderdome anyhow?! So much for highway justice...and I wasn't too crazy about the story revolving around those kids. Just goes to show ya, Hollywood can take a good thing and turn it into poop. I do have to say that the scene in Thunderdome where Max is chasing the Blaster with a chainsaw, only to have it die on him was hilarious. But that was it. Lone ranger, eh? Very interesting...stay tuned, man.

misteraxis: Geez, you've got some really good requests in there. And I like the fact you're reaching out of comics. I'm leaning more towards Ash or Frodo but Naruto's kinda intriguing me...I wonder what a comic book interpretation of that character would look like...hmmm...

The Scribe: Well, dude, here's your sketch request! Mind you, I've never heard of this character and neither did a couple of my friends. They thought I was talking about Ghost Rider...but hey! A challenge is a challenge! Thanks again for your request. I hope you like it. Personally, I would love to see Mignola draw this character. Enjoy!

http://www.studiomeridian.com/comicart/BlazingSkull.jpg

[meridian]

misteraxis: I had to do it. Naruto was beggin' me to sketch him! Hahaha. Except I wanted to do something a little different with this character. I kinda wondered how he would look a bit older...maybe as a teen/young adult. I may get a few complaints about changing this character but hey, we artists all gotta experiment sometime! I was going to draw Uchiha Sasuke back-to-back with Naruto but alas, I'm constrained for time. I hope you like it.

http://www.studiomeridian.com/comicart/Naruto.jpg

[sevans]

Nice bunch of sketches. Love the Mad Max one... and I own the first 2 films also (was even looking for one of the cars recently - I work for car painters, so it would have been turned into my own interceptor).

I'm actually more impressed by your willingness to do requests, a great way to keep things fresh and challenging. As I have recently been on an older film buzz have you ever seen any of the Sonny Chiba Streetfighter films? How about a sketch of that?

[Nitecrawlah2]

Great sketches man. Keep up the excellent work, and continue challenging yourself with the various poses and characters these guys throw at you!

[Jasen Smith]

Freaking love it!!! I agree with everyone else about your willingness to do request...its good for practice and you got the talent for it all.

[Defpotec]

Wish I had seen this thread earlier. Love your stuff, especially the Cap. I wanna see sequentials.

[meridian]

Sorry for the late reply, guys!

sevans: Thanks! Yeah, I love the cars in both films. And yep, requests always keeps it challenging. I find it much more stimulating to draw something that is unexpected. Sonny Chiba! Now that is cool! It's definitely on my list.

Nitecrawlah2: Thanks for the kind words.

misteraxis: Hahaha...I'm just glad that you guys like the sketches. It really motivates me to continue practicing my sketches. It's perfect preparation for my comic pages once the scripts come in.

Defpotec: Thanks! Cap's my favorite, too. My sequentials will come down the pipeline eventually. They'll all be posted on my sketchblog once I get to them.

And now, here's some more sketch requests I got from another forum. Starting with Ferro of the Legion:

http://www.studiomeridian.com/comicart/Ferro.jpg

And Batman:

http://www.studiomeridian.com/comicart/Batman.jpg

Added bonus sketch: The Hulk!

http://www.studiomeridian.com/comicart/Hulk.jpg

[SIN 78]

All your sketches kick ass! And your willingness to do requests just shows that you are a true artist. I have a request what about the Devil from the movie Legend? Keep up the great work.

[Nitecrawlah2]

Ferro's got a lot of character coming from out that mask. Impressive!

[sevans]

Ferro's got a lot of character coming from out that mask. Impressive!
Yeah, I dont know who this character is but, it's great how you've captured some attitude through a mask. Very nicely done.

This thread is getting damn impressive too.

[Necromancer XI]

how about a girl? maybe like vampi or something, all youve drawn us so far is guys
although they are fucking sweet man!
peace
Ross

[chrism78]

had to make a quick comment on the Naruto post. THAT IS FREAKIN AWESOME :thumbs: If you watch the current episodes he is about to come out as a pre teen. I think he is going to be around 16 or 17. The pic you drew looks like he is around 19 or 20. I love it man. Keep it commin. And since you take requests .... how bout an older Rock Lee. I think it would be hard to make him look older with those funky eyes. :blink:

[meridian]

Been a looong time since my last post and it really sucks since I wanted to keep a rhythm going. No time like the present to get back into the swing of things...

I've always hated inking my work and didn't really think a lot about it but I have to admit, I gotta give props to all you professional/aspiring inkers out there...it's not easy. I've been checking out how a buddy of mine does some of his sketches at cons and decided to give it a try myself. Suffice to say, my favourite new tools now consist of Faber Castell Pitt artist brush pens, Pilot DR Drawing pens, ShinHan Art Touch double-tip markers and a Pentel fine point correction pen. Taking a leap towards colour is starting to sound interesting but hey, I'm happy with simple gray tones. This sketch was inspired by a photo of Snake Eyes that I saw on the web, which was promoting the new GI Joe movie coming out next year. Gotta say I'm stoked...but I'm a little questionable on the Marlon Wayans casting. I'll be posting more work but preeeetty soon, in the meantime...enjoy!

http://www.studiomeridian.com/comicart/SnakeEyes.jpg

[Rorschach413]

These are quite impressive. I'm hoping to work up to this skill someday.

[Tayman227]

Awesome I love your art man! I got some requests
1 Red Tornado
2 Green Lantern
3 LOST
4 Young Avengers or Teen Titans
or
5 Two Face
Keep it up!

Taylor

[GRIMSCRIBE]

Top notch sketches, all of them. Being a Captain America fan, loved what you did with him. Please, keep posting.
Ron

[meridian]

Rorschach413: Much thanks!

Tayman227: Thanks for the kind words. Your requests are pretty interesting...especially, LOST. I'm a huge LOST nut. But Young Avengers sounds interesting, too.

GRIMSCRIBE: Thank you! I'll be posting much more down the pipeline. Stay tuned!

Today's sketch is Iron Man. Big, big fan of this character...especially from way back when I was a little kid. I thought he was sooo cool from the repulsor rays that shot out of his hands, right down to the cheesy (yet utterly useless) roller skates that came out of his feet. Anyone remember that?! Anyhoo, the movie rocked out for me and I definitely have to give props to Adi Granov. I haven't seen Iron Man look this good. Ever. Obviously this sketch is based on the first Granov design and right now I'm tempted to sketch out the current design. The one they used in the movie. Maybe I'll get to it down the pipeline.

By the way, I'm still taking sketching requests. It's a great challenge for myself to draw something I'm not used to...so keep them coming. I'll be sketching some current requests and catching up with some requests from waaay back. In the meantime, enjoy!

http://www.studiomeridian.com/comicart/IronMan_Flight.jpg

[meridian]

So here's my version of Ultimate Thor...I was going to give the regular version a try but wasn't too enthusiastic about comparing my work to Coipel's masterpiece :w00t: Enjoy!

http://www.studiomeridian.com/comicart/Ultimate_Thor.jpg

[meridian]

Tayman227: Here's your sketch request! :D

I thought I'd switch gears a little bit this time. My wife and I are utterly nutso over LOST...so much so that we once saw an entire season on DVD in two days...yeah, we're THAT crazy. Anyhoo, I thought I'd give Jack and Sawyer, two favourite characters of mine, a try. Hope you enjoy the sketch!

http://www.studiomeridian.com/comicart/Jack_Sawyer.jpg

[Rorschach413]

Oh god this is awesome. Haha, I am extremely happy with this sketch of yours. :thumbs:

[badapple]

Dude what a difference a year makes!!! I mean your stuff was already good and you just went ahead and amped up your talent!!!! Beautiful stuff you got here. Gotta ask, how long does it take you to go from thought to finishes ( roughly ) I really need to hit the tones with my work. Any tips on that. Keep on posting man.

By the way, I'll throw in a request:

Moon Knight!! ;)

[rson]

loving your work hope to see more :thumbs:

[meridian]

Rorschach413: Thanks! It turned out waaay better than I expected.

badapple: Thank you so much for checking out my past stuff...yeah, things have changed a bit. Like they say..."practice, practice, practice". My sketches are done rather quickly. I take about 20-25 minutes to layout and then another 10-15 minutes for ink...and then another 5 minutes w/ the correction pen for highlights/touchups. So I'm guestimating about an hour for an illustration. Usually I'm a little too into the details and it takes a toll on me when I try to get through my comic pages because I keep going back to see if my work's okay. These sketches are a way for me to learn to leave well enough alone...at least most of the time, since ink is a lot harder to erase than pencils. LOL As for the tones, I'm still learning (aren't we all?) but one thing I like to do is to layer my tones to give it a bit more dimensionality. Do a light pass w/the marker to set the tone and continue multiple strokes to emphasize shadows. Also I find it very useful to use Faber Castell PITT brush pens for my tones. By the way, Moon Knight's added onto my list!

rson: Definitely a lot more to come!

I don't know if it's subliminal but I find that I don't draw enough women. Maybe because there "seems" to be more male superheroes than female ones? I don't know. Here's my try at Chun Li...the Street Fighter: Alpha version. I've illustrated a Ryu/Guile piece for UDON's Art of Capcom and tried sketching other characters like Bison, Dhalsim and Vega at cons but no girls. Weird. Anyhoo, I hope you enjoy the sketch...

God bless!

http://www.studiomeridian.com/comicart/SF_Chun_Li.jpg

[meridian]

Here's a particular favourite of mine. I used to be part of an art studio waaay back that included some very talented aspiring artists and it's the work of a particular artist/friend that I wanted to focus on this time: Francis Manapul. I've been checking out his past work on Iron and the Maiden and I have to say he did some serious phenomenal work on that series :blink:. I'm constantly amazed by his pencil work and ability to tell a story. Granted, building on Joe Mad's incredible concept artwork is no easy task but Francis really kicked it. This is my first time sketching out the lead characters from that amazing book. Hope you enjoy it.

http://www.studiomeridian.com/comicart/Iron_Maiden.jpg

[meridian]

Here's my take on Impulse. I've never really gotten into this character but I was always interested in how other artists drew him...and I always found Mike Wieringo one of the few artists that was really capable of capturing the true look/feel of that character. Man, I miss his art. Hope you enjoy the sketch!

**On a side note, for those wondering, all my sketches are available for sale. PM for details. In the meantime, keep those sketch requests coming! **

http://www.studiomeridian.com/comicart/Impulse.jpg

[Izik]

great wrk! looks like your making good use of some prism markers.. love all this stuff.. great iron man

[badapple]

Looking good Meri!!!!! Keep em coming :thumbs:

[meridian]

Izik: Thanks for the comment! I use Faber Castell PITT brush pens for my graytones...but hopefully, with more practice (and courage) I'll move onto full colour markers. :laugh:

badapple: Always more to come...stay tuned!

Today's sketch is Street Fighter's Ryu...I thought how cool it would be to add red as the only accentuating colour and having graytones take up the rest of the colour spectrum. Whenever I played Street Fighter waay back in the day, I would always use Ryu. I loved that character... and he was the only character that I remembered the moves for. Anyhoo, compared to some Ryu/Guile and Ryu/M.Bison pieces that I did for UDON's Art of Capcom and Street Fighter Tribute books, respectively, I'd like to say I've kinda improved...at least I hope so. Hope you enjoy today's sketch!

http://www.studiomeridian.com/comicart/Ryu_Hadouken.jpg

[Calloway]

On your pencils all I can say is clean the lines up for submissions.

You should be published now :thumbs:

[meridian]

LilGreenMan: Thanks for your comment/critique! As a penciller, I'm already published.

For today's sketch, I did a quick piece for a special auction for Wonder Woman Day on October 26th, with proceeds going to domestic violence shelters in Portland, Oregon. Check out their site (http://www.wonderwomanmuseum.com/WWDay3/WWDay3.html) for details and to view other artwork, if you're interested.

http://www.studiomeridian.com/comicart/WWD08.jpg

[Fernando Lucas]

:banana: nice!