253 replies to this topic

[Silicate]

Greetings.

Although I have little material at hand, and even less a desire to post it, I thought it time to begin a thread which I can peroidically update with sketches or marginally interesting drawings. Highly likely to be somehow associated with SatAM, we begin with this: A rather morose or deeply thoughtful Robotnik.

By and far it is not a finished drawing, nor even a proper composition; nonetheless, it seems oddly reflective, and happened to retain my attention. Some little details I thought I would mention (just because I think they're amusing): there are a few stray hairs from where his moustache is pressed back, a corner of his cape is hanging down from the edge of the command chair seat, that circular suit-exoskeletal section on the leggings, otherwise centered on the great trochanter of his femur, and lastly some mild sketch-lines just under his pectorals meant to shadow the faint existence of his ribcage (along with a few lines meant to loosely imply serratus muscles). And some notes: Some shading, such as that where his forehead-ridge is, and the one flange of his pauldrons, is just there for the hell of it.

Comments and criticisms are always welcome. I'm more than well aware of many errors here... Let's see if our collective judgement is similar.

Details: blue col-erase (largely not picked up by scanner) and mechanical pencil on basic Canson sketchbook paper. About 6 inches/ 13cm square

[randomizer]

Something seems a little awkward about the left arm, though... can't quite place my finger on it...

I second that. Perhaps it seems like it's resting on something too high up? I don't know, there's something about it.... but the fact that nobody can quite work out what it is that's awkward is interesting too. Means we look at the drawing for longer, maybe it was on purpose

A very nice job indeed. It's a change from the magnificantly malicious look we often see

[Jason Ryan]

There's something raw and bare bones about pencil sketches. They have a certain character about them that's lost when you colour or ink them in. The intricate details you put into the shading is really impressive!

If I had to pick out one thing though, just like Phileas and randomiser, it would have to be his left arm. I think the problem lies in it's position; it's a little too high on his head and it makes him look a little cramped. It could also be that he's not quite leaning forward enough too.

Oh but I do love the brooding pose you've given Robotnik. Even a high caliber dictator like him with such pressures as the Freedom Fighters and a city as expansive as Robotropolis must feel the weight of it all sometimes. Why, a spare moment in his busy schedule to reflect you could say...

I would love to see more drawing from you Silicate, if you're willing to share them that is. Hehe.

[Velvet D'Coolette]

Wow! Silicate, that's beautiful, and I mean it! Very sensitively drawn and I love the alternative view of the evil dictator!

Do you have anything else in the pipelines? Please say yes, please say yes...

[Silicate]

Thank you for the thoughts. It is much appriciated.

I knew I should have added those further self-criticism comments.... Anyhow, sputtering aside, his left shoulder is meant to be raised a little, as is shown by his raised pauldron. Similarly, I've been aware his robotic arm is also on the thin side; I didn't bother fixing it. Also, the way they have his robotic elbow joint designed has always bothered me (although you can't see it in the sketch, originally the flexation bands of his robotic elbow had sliding plates between them; I've just noticed a slip of shading in one band). The trouble is also that that his robotic arm comes mildly forward in perspective, then back in supporting his head - which means his glove and elbow are going to seem inconsistent. (Assuming my knowledge of anatomy and general perspective is correct, and considering the perspective and build of his chair were added haphazardly included, it likley isn't.) I'd also ignored a large degree of the shading on his lower body, resulting in some visual inconsistency there.

(Julian Robotnik, I prostrate my delicate ego for thee. How deep run thy admonition?)

A pain, I say. Well, hindsight is magnified by the volume of one's critical judgement. I'm looking forward to more statements.

[Velvet D'Coolette]

A pain, I say. Well, hindsight is magnified by the volume of one's critical judgement. I'm looking forward to more statements.

Okay then!

The visible shape of his moobs echoes the sense of his ill-health so that I get a sense that Robotnik's running himself down, not taking care of himself. Sally may have an ethical standard that forbids his murder if and when he goes on trial, but it's likely Robotnik is the person who will finally kill Robotnik...

[Valerie Valens]

I think the reason his left arm looked awkward is because it looks pretty widely separated from the torso, making the left clavicle look unnaturally elongated compared to his right. With that said, this is a very nicely done picture.

[Silicate]

A fine point, Velvet. I have often wondered similarly myself. What is the substance of (essentially) ruling Mobius if one's own ill health causes them to drop dead or suffer severely debilitating effects within the range of 10 or 20 years? Moreover, Robotnik would stand nothing to gain if constantly distracted or affected by chronic impairments.

Relating to the drawing, Robotnik is supposed to be leaning back somewhat, as that command chair of his tends to leave him in an oddly reclined position - not that this drawing features much in the way at all as to proper planning of the said computerized throne of his. I've clearly deviated towards the more realistic essence of Robotnik, as opposed to his SatAM cartoony roundness. Already the portly figure, the manner in which I see him is more one of veiled capability: a muscular body overlaid deceptively by fat - his (years?) of plenty as War Minister would have lent him much opportunity to develop his girth whilst his time ad interim would have impressed a rather survivalistic requirement of capability, likely resulting in some loss of adipose tissue and resultant (somewhat sickly) appearence. I don't see Robotnik as one to let himself go to waste, in fact, considering his potent ego, I've long assumed that he may privately border on the paranoid, keeping any sort of physcial prowess in check in order to maintain an element of surprise should he encounter wayward, bold, and determined Freedom Fighters. Though rotund, I've also assumed Robotnik to not partake in much extravagance, despite his position. Quite possibly his place as genius-dictator would require him to maintain a spartan rule of operation along with as much keen attention as he can muster. I find that such minor physical degradedness adds to his character, a sort of subtle self-loss incurred in his efforts - those just as constant as his opposing Freedom Fighters.

It isn't clear what technologies (aside from the obvious Roboticizer) he may have at hand to extend his lifespan or maintain his health. I'd the inkling that he intended to maintain his reign for a long time, alongside plans quite enigmatic. Judging from Sir Charles' comments that the Roboticizer was meant to extend the life of the old, there must have been existing focus on medical technology. My only thought as to anything direct related to the metallic reverberation in his voice. In Blast to the Past, Robotnik hardly seemed phased by the thick, smoky residue venting from the Destroyer (in fact, he seemed to enjoy the aspect of pollutants, as if they were signs of devleopment, industry, and accomplishment); it led me to believe that, like his bionic eyes and ears (artificial, enhanced tympana? Neat), that curious quality of his voice might actually be some form of filtration system. (Of course, that string of information alone relates to another long concept which I'd been thinking over. That may be for some later explaination. )

If anything, I lack much concrete knowlege of how various amounts of fat affect the male figure, yet alone how development of the pectoral muscles affect growth and drape of the surrounding skin (not that devising a realistic version of SatAM Robotnik is my goal). To that end, his overall torso placement and posture is likely incorrect, but I'd be at a loss of just what aspects to apply in order to correct it (hypothetically). One tends to find plenty of fine art models, but hardly any of the fat/obese male figure.

As for your comment, Valerie, thank you for the observation. The junction point of his robotic left arm has always bothered me. The shoulder is the most complex joint in the human body, and the SatAM art shows it only as a rounded shell housing unknown internal mechanisms. One of the earlier scribbles lost within this sketch was a rotator cuff segment anchored to his ribcage, from that would extend the characteristic spheroid of his robotic shoulder. An idea I was toying with would be to have his scapula instead be largely immobile, as the coupling section would serve as the rotary mechanism, the scapula instead serving a powering function as opposed to being a gliding-joint segment as that of a real arm; I picture a complex design whose ridging mimics the spine and fossae margins of the shoulder blade itself, though distended somewhat to reflect a certain symbolism of personal depravity. His clavicle, likewise, would simply be largely anchored in place, still bone - a single piece of the complex shoulder/arm structure ironically untouched by the Roboticizer's effects.

[Silicate]

Greetings once more.

Another swift sketch deemed somewhat fit to be uploaded here. I've many other sketches, largely concept development, but this is another such spontaneous and rather unfounded scribble. I've little time here at the moment, but comments, questions, and any matter of discussion is always welcome. Perhaps I will provide further comment later; I can't provide my own 'cynicide' pill at the moment.

Details: HB mechanical pencil and blue col-erase on Canson sketchbook paper, roughly 8 inches by 6 inches. Minor photoshop cleaning.

(I wonder what matter of serious business Robotnik is so focused on?)

[Velvet D'Coolette]

Matter of serious business? By the look on his face, he looks like he's concentrating on something more recreational than business. Although he does seem to take pleasure in new schemes, so who can really tell? But his expression is almost... playful.

Another strangely elegant piece of work!

[Gojira007]

I'm diggin' that holo-screen he's using.

I really like your style, it's very..."intense", I guess would be the right word for it.

[Silicate]

Greetings.

Yes, it is an example of mere work-on-a-whim. But, to the same measure, it's spontaneity has a sure value of dredging the unexpected from an otherwise flat concept. Of course, Velvet, I agree; it was my first thought on completion that Robotnik appears almost peaceful in his activity of technical creation.

Though I won't dissect the shortcomings of the drawing at this hour, there are a couple of curiosities in it which I thought I would mention: one, that rolled-up left sleeve/shoulder fabric. I am definitely not skilled at rendering of cloth, but there is something minorly charming in noting that while the labcoat-like design is quite formal overall, the left sleeve appears to have been almost hastily rolled back (I picture it more as being tailored whole, with that sleeve later severed, perhaps even ripped off; a strangely expressive gesture). In the same area of the drawing, another minor detail: a small chip or disc inserted into the partially-open housing of his shoulder, with wires trailing off off it to some other location; in that light, with his right eye overlaid by some display plate, Robotnik appears to be working largely with the left side of his body, whilst calmly assessing some form of detail and activity with the other. A curious division... In addition, though the porportion is horrible, I find his robotic hand to be one of the most alive and active elements of the sketch. in it's detail and organic reflection, it's ironic to think that the same information and dextrous work from that hand also makes it directly and indirectly capable of such wanton destruction. I suppose there is a certain gentleness to the pose in the sketch here, but in the same light, and with due interference by a certain meddling antagonist, those soft lines would rapidly dissapear into the harsh lines of a brutal metal fist.

Gojira, likewise, thank you for the comment, but my curiosity is piqued: what is this 'intensity' you speak of? Could you clarify? If anything, it is good to see the more refined artistic stylizations of others (of which I am rather incapable, or so I consider), but I do not find myself fully appriciative of their smoothness or bold inking; I remain attracted to the raw nature of sketching. As mentioned, the latest picture was merely a whim, rather literally put there just to have something unexpected and unplanned to scan and place here - such tends to generate the most interesting and quirky sets of material.

[Gojira007]

[color=#000080]
Gojira, likewise, thank you for the comment, but my curiosity is piqued: what is this 'intensity' you speak of? Could you clarify?

I think it's the cross-hatching that does it, at least for me. Even though both pictures depict relatively passive moments of the Good Doctor's time, the way the lines are moving all around the picture gives it a real sense of edge, a sort of reminder that even at his most peaceful, Dr. Robotnik is a man to be feared. I realize that, as sketches, that may not have been your intent, but it's what I take from the pics and it works really well IMO.

[MistressAli]

Ooh, some nice pics of the bad Doc. I like how you give him some different expressions other than 'evil'.

[Silicate]

Greetings, and thank you Gojira, Netsuye, and Mistress Ali.

It's a surprising, though apt, view which you hold, Gojira. Though I couldn't hope to consciously harness such abstract concepts as a foundation of any artwork I produce, I certainly appriciate that subtle thought of yours. Much thanks. (Not that I doubt that disturbing the Doctor while he is in either state as shown in these sketches would be a wise idea... Actually, I'd think his reactions to be far more volatile whilst so rather than any other more tempered point.)

Likewise, Netsuye, an amusing statement. I'd not have viewed it that way, as such eccentric portrayal of Robotnik was never my intent - but, in searching for atypical matter, these sketches have come about as they are. Word Whomp... Perhaps dear, old Julian's parallel would be something more along the lines of toying with nuclear fusion reactor outputs, empire logistics, or planetary pollution-degradation models... I've had a liking for SimEarth in my time.

Ah, and Ali! So glad to have you respond here in my humble thread. Much as the previous paragraph, I do have some material of Robotnik appearing as he usually does, but I don't find any of that particularly compelling. I do have a few expressive studies I wanted to work on, but those alone are rather stoic, and likely wouldn't offer as much in the way as such sudden sketches like these would. It's simply too constrained... And, I admit, I'd sooner see the possible range of sensible eccentricites of Doctor Robotnik, if at least to grant him a greater sense of (extraneous) depth. (Speaking of which, perhaps I should finally start applying my stationery to dear Snively sometime; he is another very interesting character, though of an entirely different scope than Robotnik. I've certainly had some amorphous concepts floating about.)

[An7imatt3r]

Thats awesome stuff! I particularly love the first of the two sketches. I have never seen Robotnick look so human or showing that much emotion before, it's really cool.

[Silicate]

Greetings. Well, here we go again... Finally, some good, old-fashioned rage.

Another sketch, this one equally thoughtless and rapid as the last. Perhaps it has the advantage of being more energetic and dark. I admit the concept of his mechanical arm base and housing, including those horrid mechanics, is poorly designed. There is something of a tricep-equivalent, and a darker bicep section, but largely the shading on the image is mere formbuilding, 'coloration' (as to differentiate the crimson of his suit from the yellow torso cross), or mere volume accents. I'm terribly unfamiliar with working via such a low facial angle; hopefully the skewing is excusable... But concerning the same rapidity, I should note his bristling, unkept moustache, the tip of his tongue as he is mid-bellow (not entirely discernable in the mess and small size of the sketch), and that unintentional nimbus around his head and lancing red glow from his eyes.... I wager that some forest-denizens have just had a crippling impact on one of his peripheral operations.

The full image of him does have him pointing outwards, but at about an angle of 60 degrees on-page, and with interfering pen-ink notes and other sketchbook white-noise, I thought it better not to include that. In addition, with all surrounding notes largely erased, it'd make for nearly 1/3 of the image nothing but blank space; none too pleasing, and surely a waste of kilobytes.

As ever, any thoughts or reactions are always appricated.

Following the usual formula: mechanical pencil and blue/orange col-erase on Canson sketchpad paper, current image about 3 1/2 inches by 5 inches wide. Estimated time (very rough): perhaps 20 minutes, if that.

[Gojira007]

And that intensity I mentioned before is back in full force. I LOVE the glowing eyes, the dramatic pose, even the pencil-roughs floating around him...it's as if his rage is emanating power.