I had the privilege of going to school with Dan and spent quite a lot of time talking to him about art, theory, and general BS. As such, I've also had the opportunity to watch him work, and I assure you, he can draw and draw well. Dan is well respected in the community, give him the respect he's earned. Jason Pedersen, Tattoo Artist & Illustrator
totally loved the way the face started forming when moved on to oils, very humbling experience there are no shortcuts to doing proper oilpaintings its just painstaking hardwork !!!
Thanks for the question. I don't want to speak for Dan, but I filmed the whole process so I'll try. The digital part was a pretty loose thumbnail he gave to the art director. He took photographs to give added realism to complicated areas like the drapery. By doing the final in oil he's able to seamlessly combine the photographic and digital elements. He also painted lots of details (like the hair) straight from his imagination. Oil has its advantages, so does digital... it's up to the artist.
I'm looking at this cover sitting on my desk right now. (great book, great author btw) The use of colour is so very important and well done in this picture given the story, but most impressive to me is the work done with the shading on the dress...the way oils can really mimic such realism is mind boggling to me.
I'm a huge fan of the book and I love the cover art! Beautifully done. I never realized that oil painting had so many layers to it - it's a lot of work. Wow.
Dan gives himself two weeks for a book cover illustration. The first week is for reading the book, taking notes, doing thumbnail sketches, and talking with the art director. The second week is for the painting. I don't know if you'd call this slow or fast.. but it seems about right to me.
@Phlaneran it was more than likely a polyurethane. You can find it at walmart or any craft store near you it's a sealer for charcoal, contae crayon, graphite and soft pastels. If sprayed lightly it won't seal it so much that paint won't stick to it. It's usually only about 3 to 5 dollars.
I'm going to say this: An illustrator uses photo reference for several reasons: to keep perspective correct, to make sure light sources/properties stay correct/ to digitally fix any issues before actually getting messy in oils. Artists who choose to do it all "from imagination" are still working from references. If they aren't, you will find mistakes in lighting, anatomy, clothing, perspective, etc, etc. Illustrators get the fun of messing with the details to personalize it.
mealexxx, the reason why their is a well shaded drawing under the painting is so that he has a form to go by. with oils you really do need to map out where everything needs to be so you dont use you lines...... so its not pointless it actually is a brilliant process that he use to achieve amazing results.
WOW!! The sword is my favorite part, it is so real, I don't understand how you got there... However, I liked the woman more when she had those different, unrealistic hues of purple, green and blue!!
The painting Dan is doing is the cover of the book Warbreaker by Brandon Sanderson. I don't think it's been released yet. Step 1. Thumbnail sketches Step 2. Approval from art director (Irene Gallo of Tor books, in this case) Step 3. Photo reference Step 4. Final painting What you see in his hand is a combination of digital painting and photos, but it's definitely not the final painting.
There's sections of the painting that are translucent and the original drawing shows through. The extra effort at the beginning ended up saving time in the end... but your mileage may vary.
That was so cool! I heard about you from the Moon Called series that my boss is letting me borrow. I'm on the second book and I'm loving it! You are an amazing artist!
dan uses a rigidly defined process that is highly dependent on mechanical aids and industry standards to produce an acceptable commercial product. in short, he is a technician that is good at his job, im sure his art directors are quite happy. as for your question, it of course depends how you define art. but for me it needs to have a more personal expression
if that is so then that's very good. I didn't know. I just said that cuz in the video I saw him painting over a well shaded sketch drawing, although it works for showing his customers a rough but if it is for a final illustration then that's double work. that is my view. I still respect him in many professional ways. thank you for the info tho.
that's the most amazing video i've ever seen! he's not only a perfect artist, his pictures are simply breathtaking! it really makes me read the book. does anyone know the name of the song and the guy that made it?
the composer is the one with the talent, so yes i would put a jazz improvization above a performing monkey. i think the sort of "talent" that allows for the mastery of technique is pretty common. creativity is rare.
I had the privilege of going to school with Dan and spent quite a lot of time talking to him about art, theory, and general BS. As such, I've also had the opportunity to watch him work, and I assure you, he can draw and draw well. Dan is well respected in the community, give him the respect he's earned.
Jason Pedersen, Tattoo Artist & Illustrator
totally loved the way the face started forming when moved on to oils, very humbling experience there are no shortcuts to doing proper oilpaintings its just painstaking hardwork !!!
You don't make me want to quit. You inspire me to keep going.
He made it look so real I thought i could touch her and she's so vibrant! Talent.
I am in complete awe. I will never take my eyes off this video.
The pencil actual shows through the paint more than you'd think, and as a result, does a lot of the work for me.
Thanks for the question. I don't want to speak for Dan, but I filmed the whole process so I'll try. The digital part was a pretty loose thumbnail he gave to the art director. He took photographs to give added realism to complicated areas like the drapery. By doing the final in oil he's able to seamlessly combine the photographic and digital elements. He also painted lots of details (like the hair) straight from his imagination. Oil has its advantages, so does digital... it's up to the artist.
AWESOME! I know his gallery for some time now, but never had the chance to watch him painting, thanks for sharing this!
WOW! I couldn't bring myself to paint over the pencil drawing. That itself was beautiful.
Really great work, it even has this awesome 80s feel like it would be a album cover for a band
Beautiful woman. I love your work here we have been doing things like this for 30 years now. Excellent work!
Sheldon Borenstein
I was searching for Beginner oil videos & this came up. I don't quite think that's beginner but it's Amazing! Her hair just glows! Great work!
Absolutely beautiful. Next best thing to watching him work in person. Mathias: Music is Ratatat.
Song is Gettysburg by Ratatat. It's from the album Classics available from XL Recordings.
I'm looking at this cover sitting on my desk right now. (great book, great author btw) The use of colour is so very important and well done in this picture given the story, but most impressive to me is the work done with the shading on the dress...the way oils can really mimic such realism is mind boggling to me.
its been over 10 years of me watching this video lol i love the music and the art
U R KIDDING ME!! THAT LOOKS SO REAL AND PERFECT I HAVE SHIVERS WHILE I WAS WAtCHING THE VIDEO
dan, i love you! watching you paint gives me chills...
I'm a huge fan of the book and I love the cover art! Beautifully done.
I never realized that oil painting had so many layers to it - it's a lot of work. Wow.
Dan gives himself two weeks for a book cover illustration. The first week is for reading the book, taking notes, doing thumbnail sketches, and talking with the art director. The second week is for the painting. I don't know if you'd call this slow or fast.. but it seems about right to me.
THIS IS TALENT IN ITS PUREST FORM
It is hard to find the right word that describes the greatness of you and your painting...
@Phlaneran it was more than likely a polyurethane. You can find it at walmart or any craft store near you it's a sealer for charcoal, contae crayon, graphite and soft pastels. If sprayed lightly it won't seal it so much that paint won't stick to it. It's usually only about 3 to 5 dollars.
i got so excited when i heard the music. i love ratatat
Words cannot express how amazing you are!
Man dan! This is Unreal! Thanks for the inspiration
I'll die to paint like this , I bought your DVD , thank you for sharing .
awesome work :) thanx for the demonstration i love massive black productions.
beautiful pencil drawing into a gorgeous painting...great work!!! :-)
hard work and dedication kiddies is all it takes. many of u can be even better than this. the magic is TIME and EFFORT.
OMG I can't wait for this DVD!
Loved her hair and her face pause.
Simply beautiful
Very Very beautiful Art!!! Very Compliments!!!
oh austri god of colours ;D
wow i'm so in love with this story and this picture ;)
This man is a wizard!
Show de bola! mesmo sendo ilustrador não posso evitar de babar...
I'm going to say this: An illustrator uses photo reference for several reasons: to keep perspective correct, to make sure light sources/properties stay correct/ to digitally fix any issues before actually getting messy in oils. Artists who choose to do it all "from imagination" are still working from references. If they aren't, you will find mistakes in lighting, anatomy, clothing, perspective, etc, etc. Illustrators get the fun of messing with the details to personalize it.
mealexxx, the reason why their is a well shaded drawing under the painting is so that he has a form to go by. with oils you really do need to map out where everything needs to be so you dont use you lines...... so its not pointless it actually is a brilliant process that he use to achieve amazing results.
Hey guys this is a good stuff. Very nice work, please keep posting!!!
WOW!! The sword is my favorite part, it is so real, I don't understand how you got there... However, I liked the woman more when she had those different, unrealistic hues of purple, green and blue!!
Amazing, great process shots.
You sir, are amazing.
I wanted the video to never end.
after this i just can say WOW
Woah, that's really awesome! I love the details that your painting gives. The original concept art is good, but this... it's amazing.
just one word PERFECT !!!!!!!!! i like it
i...want...those...skills!!!
SO AMAZING!!
:D
The painting Dan is doing is the cover of the book Warbreaker by Brandon Sanderson. I don't think it's been released yet.
Step 1. Thumbnail sketches
Step 2. Approval from art director (Irene Gallo of Tor books, in this case)
Step 3. Photo reference
Step 4. Final painting
What you see in his hand is a combination of digital painting and photos, but it's definitely not the final painting.
what an awesome work!!!
amazing.....just WOW
Thanks for the demo. You are very good.
What a superstar!
WOW! its amazing!
Incredible!
That´s great love the way you work :)
There's sections of the painting that are translucent and the original drawing shows through. The extra effort at the beginning ended up saving time in the end... but your mileage may vary.
That was so cool! I heard about you from the Moon Called series that my boss is letting me borrow. I'm on the second book and I'm loving it! You are an amazing artist!
Just amazing man, this is my first time seeing an oil painting to dude
esto si es arte buenisimo !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
pure perfection!
Fantastic!
Fantastic.
omg.....O.O..incredible
i think... i love you :) this is amazing....blew my mind man
ПОТРЯСАЮЩЕ!!!!!!!!!!!
Marvellous filmwork and surprisingley inspiring! Many many thanks from Lineke :-)
wow, only ONE day?
I think it'd take me a YEAR to complete in that size and quality!
dan uses a rigidly defined process that is highly dependent on mechanical aids and industry standards to produce an acceptable commercial product. in short, he is a technician that is good at his job, im sure his art directors are quite happy.
as for your question, it of course depends how you define art. but for me it needs to have a more personal expression
this guy is a freakin Master painter
You def inspired me. Thank you so much for uploading this video. =)
fantastic!
Awesome!
brilliant work, dan! :D
gosh the sword stands out as if its real and could be grabbed at any time :S superb..
How can you possibly dislike this?
@1mcool Like I said, true development occurs when you learn to draw those things without any crutches like grids.
this is amazing
soooo much detail.
Some painters use watercolours or acrylics at the beginning of their works because they dry very quickly and create a good ground for oil.
i wish i could do that, that is awsome
if that is so then that's very good. I didn't know. I just said that cuz in the video I saw him painting over a well shaded sketch drawing, although it works for showing his customers a rough but if it is for a final illustration then that's double work. that is my view. I still respect him in many professional ways. thank you for the info tho.
holy captain kurk! thats amazing!
i just love it...thats what i want to do instead on cartooning.
that's the most amazing video i've ever seen! he's not only a perfect artist, his pictures are simply breathtaking! it really makes me read the book.
does anyone know the name of the song and the guy that made it?
Inspiring!
Master!
whoa!
wow!!!
Oh god. That part where he paints the face is like... absolute artist porn. I think I need to watch that again.
i like how the music went with the speed... now i think you've tricked me somehow... cool thing any way, really cool
Gettysburg is the name of the track, off their album classics. All of their albums are worth buying, though, imo.
o_O Wow Wow WOW! Well done.
@stevespira10A i was thinking about buying those! I like warbreaker enough and I heard mistborn was like fighting oriented.
@t260y It's Gettysburg by Ratatat.
fucking wonderful really nice work
the composer is the one with the talent, so yes i would put a jazz improvization above a performing monkey.
i think the sort of "talent" that allows for the mastery of technique is pretty common. creativity is rare.
@8freemind7: It's mostly Rembrandt Brand oil paint.
wow u r amazing
@Phlaneran no problem.
sweet!