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sheppardarts β€” Elf Ranger with Barkskin

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=O79nfX…

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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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Mad-Willy [2015-03-17 04:55:05 +0000 UTC]

Yay barkskin! Great wood texture

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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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Estonius [2014-12-08 11:23:17 +0000 UTC]

Killer pose and styley!

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KCno [2014-11-16 11:55:15 +0000 UTC]

Really cool to see barkskin visualized

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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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Gipgm2 [2014-09-04 00:54:31 +0000 UTC]

I could fav all of your work---awesome talent

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CapitanaRecondita [2014-08-24 11:07:44 +0000 UTC]

wonderful!!!

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SukedIjo [2014-08-20 11:53:08 +0000 UTC]

Nice

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funkyalienlovers [2014-08-15 18:04:50 +0000 UTC]

fantastic artwork

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MattJWood [2014-08-15 15:42:01 +0000 UTC]

Excellent!

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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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circleinpaper [2014-08-15 05:30:36 +0000 UTC]

love it

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henriqueart [2014-08-14 17:24:54 +0000 UTC]

lindo trabalhoΒ Β 

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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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nickmouture [2014-08-13 07:39:32 +0000 UTC]

beautiful...

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ortheza [2014-08-13 06:45:27 +0000 UTC]

great!

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Jonathon-Reed [2014-08-12 22:45:39 +0000 UTC]

Tilted rocks, yo!

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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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PapaG-art [2014-08-12 19:24:20 +0000 UTC]

Great work!!

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LucasParolin [2014-08-12 19:11:43 +0000 UTC]

Ohhh this is greaat!!!

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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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IzoLeeLove [2014-08-12 18:15:52 +0000 UTC]

Great Work.

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akrasiel [2014-08-12 18:03:58 +0000 UTC]

Oh, the barkskin is so cool. Very nice work

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Fedodika [2014-08-12 17:50:03 +0000 UTC]

cute

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Captain-Savvy [2014-08-12 17:43:35 +0000 UTC]

I think you did awesomely!

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kwikdraw [2014-08-12 17:34:34 +0000 UTC]

The pose does it.

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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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Yanderika [2014-08-12 17:15:24 +0000 UTC]

really awesome~~ QvQ <3

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