The Riverlands

[jshoer]

Hello, Guild! I just finished taking way too long to ink a map, and before I start coloring in the scan digitally I want to solicit some feedback.

My goal was just to make fill an illustrative style map with as many details as I could. My inspiration came from a picture I took in Kakadu National Park, Australia, and the way stands of trees form in ski resorts in the Rocky Mountains, such as Winter Park. Here's my scan:
Riverlands1.jpg

Then, I went through with a light gray marker and added shadows to all the 3D elements:
Riverlands2.jpg

Finally, I took the same marker and added shadows cast on the ground. I, er, wasn't great at consistency...
Riverlands3.jpg

Which do you think would be best to start from?

[Narc]

I love it, the trees, the cliffs, the castle, the borders, all.

[XCali]

This is great. Wonderful job. I can just imagine the trees took ages.

There is so much to love about this map.

I did spot the shadow for the castle thingy, the tower and arch make long shadows and then the wall that is almost as tall as the tower makes a tiny shadow? That is something to maybe keep in mind.

Keep up the good work, this is going to be great one. *high five*

[jshoer]

Thanks, both of you.

I can just imagine the trees took ages.

I'm not saying that wasn't part of why I took several weeks (calendar time) drawing this.... I got a routine down, but it still took a while for large areas!

I did spot the shadow for the castle thingy, the tower and arch make long shadows and then the wall that is almost as tall as the tower makes a tiny shadow? That is something to maybe keep in mind.

Good point. If I go from that scan, I'll make sure the shadow length agrees better.

[ThomasR]

I really love those terraces ! It makes me think about the map you did a while ago with hexes islands. In it's black and white form, I have a hard time with the rivers (maybe a little texture to the banks ?) but I'm sure this problem won't survive the coloring phase Go on Joseph, it's marvelous !

[- JO -]

Really nice map !!! You really succeed with all these details !

[Kellerica]

Impressive penmanship, it's looking great!

[MistyBeee]

So many details to see ! It's a superb work, Jshoer !

[jshoer]

Thank you, all! Unfortunately I managed to hurt my index finger last weekend and it swelled up - so not much drawing for me lately. I hope to get back to this soon!

[Ilanthar]

Very nice work! And take care of your fingers, I do hope to see more of this .