Action sketch for Theseus

Whilst playing around with ideas for scenes of Theseus in action I came up with this sketch.

I want Theseus to use the environment around him whilst fighting. Jumping off ledges, swinging from vines and constantly moving.

Statue of Poseidon

I have to bring Greek references into the animation, even if they are altered, in an attempt to convey the feeling that it all somehow belongs together. The Original story of the Minotaur and the altered one in this telling have to be connected. Visual referencing is the best tool I have so here is one, an imagined statue of Poseidon, the god of the seas.

Hi there,

Its been a long break since my last post, a summer holiday, moving house e.t.c. but here is a start in bringing things back on track.

The character in the Golden mask is an idea for a Sage character in the animation but since then I have changed my mind on his appearance.

The other image is an idea for a backdrop, the adventure's starting point for the hero.

City on the Rocks and Watchtowers

Theseus's home? I liked the idea of placing Theseus's starting point for the journey in a place surrounded by water, a stark contrast to my ideas for the Minotaur's maze which will be heavily influenced by fire and heat. Very rough ideas at this stage for the city but taking shape. I want there to be a sense of utopia about the city. There also needs to be a larger scale impact on the viewer than these sketches portray.

Environments

Having a look at some of the imagery I have already I thought that I needed to add variety to the landscapes that Theseus interacts with. Here is the first environment sketch.

Moleskine Monsters

More sketches from my moleskine. This time drawings of possible rock monsters that emerge from the cave walls to confront Theseus.

Latest Sketch

Here is the latest piece from my moleskine. Theseus walks into a large cavern with a strange construction in the middle. Enough room here for a fight of some sort with a large scale opponent and some problem solving to follow.

More from my Moleskine

Just a couple more sketches from my sketchbook which can also be found at the link below.
I will be posting some animation pieces soon, mostly background stuff and some simple pieces.































I've been looking at Ray Harryhausen films for inspiration hence the giant hornet in the second image.

http://www.skineart.com/

Sketchbook

Hi again. I thought I would post up a page from my moleskine sketchbook. I found a great website that displays sketchbook work from artists who use Moleskine so I have put the image below on the site.http://www.skineart.com/

The different obstacles and physical challenges that Theseus faces in reaching the maze and within are going to be the focus of ideas ahead for the next few weeks. In this image Theseus is having to travel from a high cliff ledge across a narrow rock 'beam'. I will probably add to his problems in this scenario with high winds and maybe a monster or two, more to follow.

Painting

Here are some images of the painting finished. It is of the Kabba and 1metre by 70cm. No portrayal of features on the people were allowed so the crowds in the foreground are depicted as shapes. It was a lot of fun but I must get back to work on the animation.......................................................

Thesus in action

It's been a while since my last post, mainly due to work on a commisioned painting which is due for completion at the end of the week. Getting out the paints and working on a canvas is always a pleasure. I will upload images of the painting when finished.

I have managed a few sketches of Theseus in action and thought I would post them up to maintain some momentum on the project.

concept work on Theseus

I've been playing around in my sketchbook trying to come up with an image of Theseus. Usually when drawing characters I like to draw the face first and the rest of the character follows. The face usually indicates to me, amongst other things, the build and personality of the character.

So far I've not come up with anything I'm happy with but thought I would share with you some of the ideas.

Introduction

Welcome to my journal. The idea of this journal was to motivate me into finishing an animation project I have been playing around with for some time. To document the process of creating an animation from start to finish including all the joy and angst involved in doing so is an interesting prospect. I welcome any thoughts and feedback you might have to offer.

So what is the idea?

An animated re-telling of the greek myth of the Minotaur and whilst trying to stay faithful to the original storyline I'd like to present it with a visual twist. The animation will be mostly created using Flash.

As a starting point here are a few of my drawings.