Hahli and Gali- Spring Walk

Several years ago during a warm afternoon, I snapped shots of Hahli Mahri and Gali Mistika taking a pleasant walk through the long grasses.

First we start off from a distance, then zoom in as they speak of Toa matters. (It's all concept really; these images were anonymous photos taken to look like the two ladies were traveling somewhere in a meadow just outside Le-Koro.) I'm considering a comic idea for them, or maybe add them to a mini story, but currently the basic photos are what I have to share in this post.

(More photos below, didn't feel like using my flickr).

  The above image is one my favorites out of the nine shared. I love how the sunlight illuminates them, and the angle brings you more at their level, like you can almost hear what they're talking about. Concept dialogue, Hahli puts her hand up and tried to assure Gali, "I know Jaller will do the right thing, he's not like Tahu; he's learned from other leaders examples and mistakes" she says. Gali nods, "Yes, you're right, Jaller is more likely to listen....unlike Tahu. It's a shame Ta-Koroans are so hot headed and confident; if it weren't for water, their behavior could lead to their destruction." she sighs. Both the Ga-Toa agree with concern.

 Close up side views above and below. These two are my second favorites out of the nine, specifically the one below, so clean and crisp, once again bringing you down to the figures level.

Closing scene, left angle of the ladies (taken right before the sun was going down and getting too dark for me to take more pictures.) Enjoy. ^.~

Lewa-Photo Drawings

Cocky Lewa

 Quite some time ago (about 2011) I strived for perfection, flawless detail down to the very last notch of a Bionicle figure in drawn form. I was tired of skewed, imperfect angles that constantly warped and changed as I tried to copy what I saw from a 3D object onto a flat surface.

Then I thought, if people trace over human forms and faces to obtain perfection in art; why not apply the same technique to one of my favorite Bionicle characters, Lewa. My goal was to make a few perfect drawings for the sake of using in a sketch book cover project; then came the photo shoot.

 I posed the figure in multiple stances, trying to figure out which pose I liked most as a book cover I planned on using for a notebook holding Life of Lewa art work. The photo of my first drawing "Cocky Lewa" (left), pleased me because I could hear in my head Lewa saying to his future sweet heart Venimbus, "Hey Venimbus, look what I can do. I can hard-fight and look good at the same time." Basically in this pose he's trying to show off and be attractive to Venimbus.

Once I had my photo's, I worked with an over layer (like tracing paper in the digital world), and worked many long hours on tracing over every detail, and every curve. The longer I worked, the more I wondered why I started the project, questioning my sanity and patients as I went; but in the end, after making the outline, I already started feeling great about the project. Then when I went on to coloring, the feeling returned, but I didn't let it stop me, I was determined to make this picture into something great. Finally I ended up with the full colored image, and was satisfied, absolutely tickled and warm about all the detail in this image (though it was technically cheating). :P

Lewa's Battle Stance

Several years later (as of today) I finally finished coloring the second image made for a book cover, "Lewa's Battle Stance". It took so much energy to draw both these images, and color the first back in 2011, that I put off finishing the coloring for second till many years later (better late than never).

I really like this stance actually, makes Lewa look very heroic in my opinion, a stance I'd be almost thrilled to see if he were protecting me. >_<

The coloring process for this was a tad bit different from the first image, but the drawing process was done the same as first (being that I made both in one sitting during 2011).

Original photo (below), and traced drawing (above). I can say it's still a ton of work to trace over an image with so much detail, especially when the lines get blurry, and the lighting is minimal in showing maximum details on every inch of the figurine.

 There you have it, perfect drawings made with patience and persistence, now complete and ready for use. (That's another thing, I never did use these final images as book covers, changed my mind over the years, and came up with better ideas). ^.~

Flight To Bioscraper-colored

 

Oh yeah! Back in Oct. 2011 I shared the Flight to Bioscraper pencil sketch. For those who follow me, you may have remember me mentioning that one day I planned on coloring it, just as I have for other pencil sketches; and now I have.

The coloring process took a bit more time; the building had to take the most work out of it all. In my mind, this scene always seemed to be a rainy, or gloomy about to rain kind of day. I emphasized on that concept, feeling it better aids in the mysterious underlying story concept of what this building could be, and sort of give a dark feeling to it with unanswered reasons as to why it's abandoned. Something terrible may have happened here, something dark...something evil. 

Basing this story concept off a previous notion I made in the pencil sketch post; here's what's starting to form in my head. (Long ago this building was made as one of three temples dedicated to Mata Nui, this temple representing the element of water. In this temple many Ga-Matoran and Toa studied, and dedicated their time and effort to better understand the world of Mata Nui and its functions. The Makuta were jealous that such wondrous structures were built to praise Mata Nui, and most of all, in order for the Makuta to rule, they knew they must keep the Matoran in the dark. These scholars were nearing dangerously close to discovering the truth about Mata Nui, some so into their research they believed the outer moons of the planet held other life forms who somehow linked to their existence; some even believed the great beings themselves lived on these moons, and that if they could generate enough energy for a portal, they might be able to speak with the makers of Mata Nui, and discover the secrets of the universe. Makuta could not allow this, and had Mutran genetically engineer a creature called the Zingley, a flying spider grab that could chew and claw through anything, and has mucus it shoots from its abdomen that increases itself on impact, and eats away at any surface (a most powerful acid that sticks and stays). The Makuta hid these creatures in cargo heading for the temple, and when it got there, the scholars and dock men were too late in realizing the ship was infested. Soon the entire fortress and all inside perished to the deadly Zingley which melted and ate everything in their path. No remains were lefts, not even a mask; but there were a few who survived, those who worked in the basement escaped through a secret tunnel after hearing the screams and chattering echoe through the vents from above. These three Matoran, and one Toa were the only survivors out the entire fortress, and were so terrified by the event that they denied ever being there.

Hundreds of years later, a rumor comes about that Makuta took over this abandoned temple, most not even knowing the history of it. The local Matoran feel threatened, and believe that the temple should be destroyed and toppled into the ocean, but also believe there may be captive Matoran still stuck inside, serving Makuta residence who use the temple as a hideout and lab. Toa Lewa is asked to take a dreaded journey to this dark and lonesome place, and scout for life on the temple platform and inside; but is warned to be wary, and one Matoran (a survivor) finally spills the story of what happened there. In some ways Lewa wishes he wouldn't have been told, it would have made the flight less heavy, and he starts to feel uneasy as the wind blows harder, and the sky darkens the closer he gets to this daunting temple of destruction.

(Okay, so that's a dark concept, not official. It might be fun to use as a story clip somewhere, but I'm not sure where, or in what fan fiction/mini story I could slip it. This is a definite alternate universe though, not canon.)

Art process: At first I thought of this building as being gray, but then I decided it should be tan with blue accents (like sand and water). Naturally the building has many windows, to better light the room for research. The distant jungle has a seashore, and this is another reason Lewa was chosen to go there; one the bridge was broken, so it would be better for him to fly there instead of the Toa trying to find a boat; and two the jungle is closest to this palace, which Lewa happens to live nearby to.

Toa Mahri Jaller -Colored

I mentioned back in 2011 about the Toa Mahri Jaller Pencil Drawing drawn around 2008; and have mentioned now and then on my art sites that I may just make a colored version of this image, just as I did for the Lewa pencil sketch from the same year.

Now I'm happy to introduce the full illustration for Jaller Mahri preparing to fight, fully colored and looking snazzy for being so old of an art piece.

This was colored a bit differently compared to how I did Lewa. This time I selected the areas for specific colors, then used the fill bucket and brush tweaks on a multiply layer (which kept the original pencil lines showing while applying color) and this resulted in a marker over wash look. To me, this style now seems to mimic the comic style during the Mahri series (you know, kind of squiggly, quick movements, with color slapped on).

As for the background, I picked two elements from a few desktop images, then changed up the color and applied a watercolor effect; the final results to simply add a few bubbles and tada, this projects is off the list. Also a little trivia, notice in the background there's some kind of wreckage? Well I don't really know what that stuff is, but in my imagination I feel it's leftover mechanical parts that fell off Mata Nui's body, or is the ship the Mahri traveled in. ^.~

Tribal Toa Tattoos

Woo! I've never been so exited to start and complete such a delicate first time project. It's been my dream for the past six months or so to create tribal tattoo designs over each mask of the Toa Nuva. What better combo of Mahori style doodling drawn over the masks of characters who are based off the very islands that contain such interesting art.

Tahu's mask was my first try, and as a whole attempting to draw in the Mahori style was a very new experience, this project being my first test to see how well I can doodle similar designs. I had to look up plenty of references, and sort of just winged things from there; combining my own style and doodle patterns, while still trying to keep the look of Mahori tattoos.

In total I'd say this project took me about ten hours for all six masks. My inspiration and motivation to finally make these kicked in after I made the Female Junti Motif image (which is similar in style to that of tribal tattoos). 

The black and white designs above are my final results. Note I tried designing each mask to mimic each characters element, while keeping fairly consistent to classic tribal design.

Also, for those who like colors, I made this gradient color addition for the sake of interest. Only issue with color is that it thwarts all the delicate details in each mask (so I'm sticking with tradition black and white as my official panel).

For Bionicle fans out there, I'd say these designs would make awesome henna patterns for those who like the look. Nothing sillier than having a temporary stain on your arm, displaying your favorite Toa Hero. One day I may try more designs; till then, enjoy! ^.~

Female Junti Motif

This is a compiled motif image of a female Junti, based off Venimbus, a female Junti character from my fan fiction Life of Lewa.

I love the black and white combo that looks almost like a tribal tattoo and reflects the island, jungle theme of the Bionicle universe. Care to know more about this art form, then check out the blog post Compiled Motif Art- Jungle Being Enjoy and feel free to tell me what you think. ^.~

The Red Nin-Geisha (Ninkei) MOC

 This is the red Nin-Geisha (ninja geisha), an MOC created from spare parts during an experiment to create some kind of smaller structured female MOC. I had minimal choices for the project, and wanted to make unique looking feet, so I played with some odd parts and got what now looks kind of like a set of traditional Japanese sandals; hence the idea of a ninja geisha came to be.

My options for a mask were near to nothing, the only spare I had was a silver mask of light, so I used it, and did what I could to match the color scheme as best I could. 

She ended up being quite tall for a female character because of the shoes, but I worked with it, and added a set of wing launchers to her back, in order to balance out the fact that she was almost too small in shoulder width. The wing launcher serves as a glider for when she jumps from buildings and needs to soar quietly to another roof. On the glider is a holder for two grappling weapons that aid this ninja in hanging from roof sides, and spinning in circles to clear a path when she's surrounded. When not in use her weapons appear as decorative tassels. Her basic weapon is a spear, traditional and multipurpose for fighting, or fishing.

 This character doesn't yet have a name (I've considered calling her Ninkei *nin key*) , but for now I only have a concept history which formed in my head after I made her shoes. By day she's a geisha (at some point I may dress her to look the part); and by night she's a ninja.

She lives in a simple town, and is rather quiet, her mentality somewhat dark and slightly vengeful. I might make her a character in the LoL series, just haven't settled on where or when yet.

 Ninkei prefers to stay quiet, unless she's performing during geisha hours at a tea house in her town. Her back history (still concept) is that a Makuta or maybe a Jusha gang lord killed the man she loved; ever since then she's been determined to find out which gang lord it was, and assassinate him. 

Ninkei doesn't fully abide by the code of Toa, though she is of the same species. Her mentality is that those who have wronged and killed more than one should share the same fate. 

During her day job, Ninkei performs as a geisha for extra money, and uses this job as a cover for spying on Makuta/Jusha gang lords who visit now and then for lunch, tea, and sometimes dinner. Her determination to find the gang lord that killed her love never weakens, and she only has one lead to go by, the knowledge of what tattoo symbol the lord she's looking for has on his neck. During her day job she always tries to get as close as she can to gang members, in order to get a glance at their neck; to see if they are her target.

Sometimes Ninkei hears gang members speak of assassinating certain people in her town, and she won't stand for it. When night falls and it's necessary, Ninkei becomes what the locals call "The Red Ninja"; a spirit protector of the land, and justice keeper of right. Most don't even suspect the red ninja to be female, and in legend many speak of her as being male. Ninkei takes this folk lore to her advantage; seeing people believe the red ninja is male, better clouds her cover as a geisha spying on gang lords. Who would suspect a tea server to be a skilled fighter and legendary protector of the land, supposedly a man, no mere female singer/dancer.

Her story may become more complex, and one day Ninkei may get her revenge; but for now, enjoy the MOC! ^_^