Wacky Reference Wednesdays, No. 106

Wacky Reference Wednesdays, No. 106

Monday, May 10, 2010

Amazing Spider-Man: Extra! #2, Page 1, Panel 1. 2008.
Ink with digital color on Marvel board, 11 x 17.25".
Original Art


As I mentioned on Monday, Google Earth is an invaluable tool for both reference and perspective. Here is an example in which I used a screen shot as the basis for an establishing panorama of the city. Using the time slider tool, I set the time of day to yield the greatest contrast, thus making it easier to trace. While the gray block-buildings help considerably in visualizing the space, the program now features photorealistic models for most of Manhattan, a boon to anyone who dreads drawing windows. (For another example, check out my process post on the Baxter Building).




I supplemented the core reference with other photos, in this case taken from a 15th-floor apartment in the city. I was there to photograph the model for this painting, but when I saw the view, I knew I could utilize it at some point in the future (nearly 4 years later, as it turned out).




By the way, in my constant search for reference, I came across an interesting article that revealed why most water towers appear to be old and worn, as well as the people behind the constuction of these urban rooftop icons.

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⊡ 9:00:00 PM