This week The Gnomon Workshop releases a wide range of new titles to help you end 2008 on a very positive note. From THE SKINNED CHARACTER RIG to WATERCOLOR AND GOUACHE PAINTING, these DVDs offer something for everyone.
COLOR THEORY: THE MECHANICS OF COLORAPPLIED AND THEORETICAL COLOR WITH RICHARD KEYESBeginning with some thoughts on how we define the concept of color, Keyes explains various methods people in history have used to systemize color. These systems include the additive and subtractive color wheels, which are addressed as metaphorical maps of color. The basic vocabulary we use to describe color -- hue, value and saturation -- are explained through illustrative and graphic means. The majority of this DVD is concerned with color harmonies and contrasts, with references to over 350 paintings. This lecture is intended to do more than spend time defining this list of terms -- advice is offered about how to best use these "Mechanics of Color" to your advantage, and a few traps to avoid.
DESIGNING CREATURES IN ADOBE PHOTOSHOP WITH AARON SIMSIn this DVD, Aaron Sims shows how he uses Adobe Photoshop to create and design characters and creatures. Sims covers many of his techniques for designing character concepts and discusses the logic behind his methods. He shows you the entire process including sketching and drawing in Photoshop, and manipulating, warping and blending photos to develop interesting features, backgrounds and textures. Sims explains how to effectively design with tools like Warp, Liquify and different layer blend modes for quick results. He also demonstrates how to paint in finer details such as wrinkles, scars and hair. Finally, Sims covers some of his techniques for unifying an image and giving it a more finished look.
THE SKINNED CHARACTER RIG:SKINNING AND DEFORMATIONS WITH CARLO SANSONETTILead character rigger Carlo Sansonetti shows the skinning process from start to finish. The lecture begins with the concepts required to understand basic skinning, allowing the viewer to quickly start deforming their characters. It then progresses to detailed examples and explanations of advanced techniques. Sansonetti covers his favorite tools, smooth binding, deformation order, deformation correction, indirect skinning and deforming cloth. This DVD is for artists who are new to rigging as well as for experienced riggers who are looking to expand their current knowledge base with varying approaches on advanced topics.
CREATING A CHARACTER FIGURE WITH WENDY FROUDIn this two-disc DVD workshop, renowned artist Wendy Froud explains and demonstrates how to create a character figure of your own design. Froud reveals her process in step-by-step detail, beginning with a discussion of how to use reference to inspire the look and feel of your designs. She sculpts three different character heads, covering a variety of techniques for giving personality to your figure including facial expressions, wrinkles and lines. After painting each head and discussing ways to add skin details such as age spots, she chooses one head to turn into a full character. Froud then covers sculpting hands and feet, fabricating the body and costuming the character complete with boots, hat and staff. This DVD is meant to follow Froud's first DVD, CREATING A FAERY FIGURE, and focuses on character sculpting and costuming without the same emphasis given to body fabricating.
WATERCOLOR AND GOUACHE PAINTING: THE TECHNIQUES OF ERIK TIEMENSThe essence of an exciting idea can be captured successfully using a limited palette gouache and watercolor thumbnail technique. Artist and designer Erik Tiemens presents a compelling demo and covers multiple topics, including how to start visualizing through multiple mini-sketches that take into account lighting, atmosphere, high-key and low-key plans, palette mixing, and brush control. Additional areas covered include paint consistency, working on toned paper, and zeroing in on your final direction. The lecture concludes with a detailed step-by-step demo for creating a finished small-format painting.
Visit www.thegnomonworkshop.com for more information on The Gnomon Workshop and their DVD training library.
