My Male Nude Figure Drawings Need YOUR Input !!!
Huh? Just what the hell is that supposed to mean? Well, let me backtrack a little. You see, I’ve been working for months now on actually getting some of my Figure Drawings up & posted at the Kyle’s B&B website. If you’ve visited this blog already, you may have seen a sample of some of my male figure drawing in an earlier post, (there are also a few samples posted, somewhat cropped, at the Kyle’s B&B website too, in the merchandise area). This is not exactly in the style of the Kyle’s B&B art…oh, it’s similar, but it is for the most part pencilled, not inked…and drawn in a more detailed style. I was heavily involved in figure drawing classes in college at Geneseo, ( I surmised it would be the best type of training for drawing comics). In the past few years, I’ve gotten back into working with live models, going to figure drawing sessions, and building a portfolio of some quality drawings, which I am eager to get up and posted on the web. However…scanning these drawings into the computer’s a little more complicated than scanning the Kyle’s comics, which in their black & white, linear art style are much easier to scan, (or, at least, I’ve figured out how to do them well). As for the pencilled figure drawings, well…I’m still working out the bugs. That’s where YOU come in. I have posted 2 samples of the same figure drawing below, each scanned in using a different method. What I’d really appreciate is, if you could take a look at each one, and let me know which looks better to you. (To differentiate them, I’ve designated one as the “CX” version, and one as the “FS” version. This refers to the scanning method used). So, please….take a look at each, and then if you could post a comment to the blog, (yes, you can do that here, by clicking on the “comments” link at the end of this post!), to let me know which one looks better to you. (By the way, I apologize that some of the “frontal-ness” is hidden behind a copyright notice, but this blog doesn’t allow frontal nudity). So, anyway…onto the drawings! The first one is the “CX” version:
OK, now here’s the second version, which is known as the “FS” version:
By the way, yes, I realize that one is slightly larger than the other one. Don’t let that influence your vote…that was just an accident in sizing when I was adjusting the files. What I’d like you to focus on is which one actually looks better to you, regardless of the size.
Thanks so much…now, let’s hear your vote, by clicking on the “comments” link!
Greg, I like the CX version better. Personal opinion, of course, but the sketch seems to be more detailed than in the FS version. It’s like the difference between doing a photo on glossy and matte finish. I think the CX stands out more. Better quality
Comment by Kevin — March 9, 2006 @ 7:36 am
Hey Greg. Good work. My impressions are just that - impressions. I’ve no art background - I’m the typical philistine - “I don’t know art, but I know what I like.” Despite your appeal that we not allow the different image sizes to influence us, I’m can’t be sure that it doesn’t have any bearing on my opinion. I see the first (larger) one as being more ‘immediate’, with less ‘finish’. It may be the smaller size of the second image has compressed some marks and lines to give a smoother look. I find the lack of texture, both of the background and of the pencil strokes themselves to lend the second image a greater sense of the comic style. All in all, I prefer the first image for the depth and vitality that comes out through the greater texture.
Comment by James - Wales, UK — March 9, 2006 @ 8:03 am
I’m not sure but I think I prefer the second picture. It’s softer, if that makes any sense to you. The lines don’t appear to be as harsh as the first picture.
Comment by Corrinne — March 9, 2006 @ 8:20 am
Hey Greg, As per your request, I think I like the “FS”
scan better. I have really enjoyed your artwork over the
last three to four years that I’ve followed Kyle’s B&B and
have given copies of your book to some friends for Christmas
gifts. Please continue in your adventures and I will continue to advocate your excellent work.
Comment by Gary Augenstein — March 9, 2006 @ 8:39 am
FS!
Comment by john — March 9, 2006 @ 10:21 am
Greg: I’m not artist, but here’s my thoughts. Version 1 has much clearer lines and the picture stands out much more. In general, I’d think that this one would be the best option. However, if a particular drawing needs a softer edge (i.e., to give off a certain feeling of the subject), then it might be a good idea to use the second style.
Comment by Shane — March 9, 2006 @ 10:58 am
I like the second, smaller one. The contrasts in the first version seem harsher; I like the smoother, more subtle look of the second.
Comment by Mac — March 9, 2006 @ 11:09 am
Greg, after looking at those two drawings for a few minutes, at first i liked the first one the cx version, but I haved decided that I really like the fs version the best. They both look great.
Gary
Comment by Gary Bearden — March 9, 2006 @ 11:31 am
FS
Comment by Rex — March 9, 2006 @ 11:32 am
The FS version is the cleaner, more precise version. Althought the size of the CX version is preferred; mistake or not.
Hope that helps
Comment by Joe Sigmond — March 9, 2006 @ 12:59 pm
I like CX better simply because these 44 year old eyes can see the larger pic better. I don’t really see that much difference in them otherwise.
Comment by Tymythy Aieran — March 9, 2006 @ 1:19 pm
I think the fs version looks better. But it might be because it is a bit smaller. I think it looks clearer, but it is difficult to tell whether that is because of the size difference or because of scanning clarity.
Comment by Tim — March 9, 2006 @ 1:23 pm
Greg,
I think the CX version shows more of the detail in the drawing. They are both excellent quality.
Comment by David Stocum — March 9, 2006 @ 1:54 pm
I consider the FS is better, the draw looks more clear and detailed.
Comment by Antonio — March 9, 2006 @ 2:32 pm
Beautiful work, Greg. While the CX version seems sharper and more detailed, it also has a lot more background “noise.” The FS version could use a little more contrast, but it’s much cleaner looking. That’s probably the one I’d go with.
Comment by Dawson — March 9, 2006 @ 2:36 pm
i like the second one ,the smaller one it looks more real and better defined.
Comment by L Nickler — March 9, 2006 @ 3:05 pm
Sorry, but they both look the same to my “old” eyes.
It is like going to an opthalmologist, who asks, “which is clearer, the first or the second.” One reaches a point where he can’t tell the difference.
Quick comment…wow, you certainly have talent!!!!
m
Comment by mars — March 9, 2006 @ 3:23 pm
It appears to me that the first CX version is brighter and clearer.
Nice work. Thanks for sharing your talent Greg.
Your fan, george chicago
Comment by George — March 9, 2006 @ 7:42 pm
The CX version shows more of the detail in the sketch. Ths FS scan seems to lose something. Sorry if this isn’t much help. But when I put my portfolio together I had a company do all the photos and scans for me.
Comment by TonkaManOR — March 9, 2006 @ 8:30 pm
Excellent drawing! The CX version seems to give a “brighter” picture with greater detail, so that might be the one to go with? Hope this helps. Have a good day
Comment by Saad — March 9, 2006 @ 8:35 pm
After looking over your scanned images, I belive the FS version is better. It is not as grainy as the CS which makes it more clear. Good Luck.
Comment by Tom — March 9, 2006 @ 9:58 pm
I like the CX better and size isnt everything
Comment by Mike — March 10, 2006 @ 1:01 am
CX
Comment by Ron — March 10, 2006 @ 1:04 am
Both very nice drawings. Good detail to each, very life like. Not much if any difference in each other. Number 2 is very nice.
Comment by Jeffrey Thompson. — March 10, 2006 @ 1:26 am
The CX version appears sharper, yet “grainier” than the FX version. I found the FX version easier to make out some details, like the nip ring. All told, I liked the FX, since it had a smoother appearance, but I liked the CX for the texturing that gave it more of an artist’s sketch pad look….Does that make sense? =-)
Comment by Buffbuild — March 10, 2006 @ 1:41 am
The CX version is by far the best.
Comment by ra510 — March 10, 2006 @ 3:25 am
CRX. THanks for sharing! And when / where will we be able to find the images / buy your book?
Comment by Christo — March 10, 2006 @ 3:46 am
Greg, I like the look of the CX scan, but I think most will prefer the smoother, more polished look of the FS version. Thanks for sharing. Please sir, I want some more!
Comment by Angel — March 10, 2006 @ 6:30 am
I prefer FS
Comment by Adam — March 10, 2006 @ 7:08 am
Greg, I like both but the CX version is a bit more raw in form and brings out the contrast between the duotone hatching a bit more, as well as highlighting more detail. It also gives (or simulates) more the texture of the pad paper stock you use, although I suspect that could just be a product of the scanning. The FS version I believe does look nicer if you yourself are trying to convey a softer context for the subject and crispness of detail. I think you should go for whatever your gut feels is more appropriate, as your work is an extension of you!
Comment by Rob Skeates — March 10, 2006 @ 1:59 pm
I prefer the FS version to my eye is has greater shading within the drawing and the background… Curious how the color of the backgrounds compare with the original…
Comment by Dino — March 10, 2006 @ 3:20 pm
Why don’t you post both ?
Comment by Coucou21 — March 10, 2006 @ 6:33 pm
I like the FS version better of the two, but both are very good. I think it would depend on what the subject would be as to which version to use.
Comment by Kelly — March 11, 2006 @ 8:49 pm
FS version more intimate.
Comment by Sydney — March 12, 2006 @ 5:49 pm
Hi Greg,
)
Great sketch, the CX version shows off your work more. See more definition down to the toes.You did the work, you should use this one to show it all in it’s entirety.
Comment by Jamie G - Glasgow, Scotland — March 14, 2006 @ 9:53 am
Greg, The CX version shows more detail, contrast, and texture but also darker and harsher. The FS is lighter and smoother but fewer details and contrast. Which one to use depends on what you want in your work. For art work i might use CX because of the details but for magazines i might use FS since some magazines darked art work when printed. Ben
Comment by benjamin biordi — March 14, 2006 @ 3:26 pm
Hi Greg, I like the CX version better then the other one. It’s crisper, more refined!
Comment by Peter S. Amsterdam, Netherlands — March 15, 2006 @ 7:37 am
FS version is more finished and appealing to me.
Comment by Dave — March 17, 2006 @ 1:44 pm
My eyes could detect very little difference, but I seem to prefer the CX a little more.
Comment by Doug B — June 6, 2006 @ 6:52 am