Jan / Feb '17 Lite Challenge: Opikanoba, daughter of the mists

[- JO -]

and you're right ! It's a perfect treasure map ! Looking forward to see what you'll do with that !

[ThomasR]

I'd like to try a new approach with artrage. We'll see if I come through.

[mixerbach]

Yaaay, thomrey!

Glad you are throwing your hat into the challenge, sir. I'm looking forward to what you do ON the gorgeous background (that I just stole)!
(Thinks to self: "is it in poor taste to use my newly pilfered background for MY entry? Hmmmmm... Yeah, I suppose so.")

[ThomasR]

No poor taste at all, that's the reason I posted it so early ... That and ego of course

[ThomasR]

Ok, so here's a first quick sketch. Dunno how I want to show the cliffs that surround the island but I'll figure something out soon I hope. I've been struggling with the shape of the island for a few days. I wanted a simple access through a big bay but locked by several rocky columns standing out of the sea and many sharp skerries right under the water (the bone shards ?) preventing any big ship to come near the beach. I also wanted some sort of inland lake, maybe in the remnants of a crater, that allows for a ship to enter the island. The entry (a hole in the cliff) is hidden by several rocky columns (the laughing skull's teeth ?). One can land on the other bays but the cliffs make the exploration of the island very perilous.

Here it is.

### Latest WIP ###
Quick sketch.jpg

[Mouse]

I love the curly swirly shape of the land already

Are those bays where two volcanoes have sunk beneath the waves?

[ThomasR]

Thanks Mouse ! The bays are indeed former volcanic craters.

Here's a polished version. Not sure about the clearer land and the skull and bones might be too corny but I'll try to keep it till the end. I'll need to erase some linework where the parchment is worn but I'll do it at the very end. Will add some shadow under the parchment too.

Next : land features and some watercolorish blue to the shores.

### Latest WIP ###

Treasure map1.jpg

Feel free to comment.

[- JO -]

I like the aspect "dangerous island" that your coastline is giving ! A lots of reefs and I'm looking forward to see how you'll render the aspect of your lagoons...
Maybe the borders of the two large lagoons are a bit too round ? It jumped on my eye when I first discovered your map, and I had troubles to separate land from see (and it was not the second day... - sorry, poor biblical joke). But I'm sure that once it's colored or detailed, that won't be an issue at all..
Anyway, I'm looking forward to see the next WIP !!!!

PS : are there any congratulations to send to you and your wife yet ?

[Bogie]

The map is looking good!

[Mouse]

Oh I've just noticed... the shape of the island is vaguely reminiscent of the top part of the skull of a dragon seen head on...

Was that intentional?