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Published: 2014-08-12 17:13:11 +0000 UTC; Views: 71242; Favourites: 1295; Downloads: 0
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Description
Illustration for the upcoming D&D 5th Edition Player's Handbook: An Elf Ranger protected by the spell Barkskin (in the spells section). Β©2014 Wizards of the Coast
This illustration was very rewarding- I can say that about the majority of my work, but this one was served up with a side of redemption. Back in early 2010 I did my first three jobs for Dungeons & Dragons (a character and two scenes for Dragon Magazine), and they didn't go so well.
Actually, that's an understatement. They were awful.Β I can't say whether or not the art directors hated the results or *really* hated the results; I was dealing with the aftermath of a death in the family and behemoth project at my day job, and it aversely affected the work at the time. Excuses, excuses. Needless to say, I didn't get invited back to do more D&D art until this piece four years later. I feel like I did MUCH better justice to the brand this go-round, and as a player of D&D too, I can't wait to pick up my copy of the new Player's Handbook.
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Comments: 36
bakootie [2019-03-06 18:57:15 +0000 UTC]
Β I know little or nothing about 'game' art but as a 'stand-alone' piece, I find this and others from your gallery to be fascinating fantasy art, and you as an artist worth following. In turn, please come and visit me.
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rgrzela [2017-07-24 04:54:45 +0000 UTC]
I see your ranger nad raise you one here D&D www.youtube.com/watch?v=O79nfXβ¦
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DoomyKitty13 [2015-11-09 18:45:16 +0000 UTC]
I don't know how to draw but I'm pretty good with at least describing what I like, drawing a template and creating a base.. not so good at 3D art.. thinking about downloading a software.. anyone got any tips for me? I'm making an Elven wizard. I really like the design of this picture but I'm doing my own.
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usoutlaw [2015-10-14 14:13:24 +0000 UTC]
its amazing seeing where these images come from i love your artwork
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RavynSoul [2014-12-31 20:51:46 +0000 UTC]
It's great to see the whole piece. The book cuts off most of the right side starting mid-arrow.
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sheppardarts In reply to RavynSoul [2015-02-28 03:10:57 +0000 UTC]
It's true, a lot of the full-page art got cropped in the PHB... It's hard to tell she's got an arrow nocked without the context of the bow! Thank you for taking a look at the full art.
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RavynSoul In reply to sheppardarts [2015-02-28 03:14:41 +0000 UTC]
Not a problem! I have been very impressed with the quality of all the art in all the books out so far and it's great to be able to see the full versions
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sheppardarts In reply to KCno [2014-11-25 19:13:31 +0000 UTC]
Not an easy task- thank you!
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Ysvyri [2014-08-15 11:18:20 +0000 UTC]
I always enjoy seeing new work from you pop up on my watch list. This is beautiful!
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Iavas [2014-08-14 01:06:23 +0000 UTC]
This is awesome! One of the better D&D illustrations I've seen, and probably the first of barkskin actually looking like... bark. Kudos.
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sheppardarts In reply to Iavas [2014-08-14 15:18:06 +0000 UTC]
The barkskin ... yeah. I mean, it's easy enough to paint a bark texture, but keeping it subtle enough that it doesn't completely obscure the figure is a challenge. Thanks for the kudos.
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sheppardarts In reply to Jonathon-Reed [2014-08-13 02:19:39 +0000 UTC]
Square rocks tilted slightly to the left... my trademark
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Jonathon-Reed In reply to sheppardarts [2014-08-13 02:28:36 +0000 UTC]
I appears a skull has also appeared from...well I hope not.
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agapetos [2014-08-12 18:59:55 +0000 UTC]
Lovely. I like the soft dappled light.
And thanks for providing us with a backstory. It's always interesting to read about the lives of fellow artists.
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Vercyngetorix [2014-08-12 17:18:17 +0000 UTC]
Very impressive. Nice pose and color!!! I like the details work and the textures!
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