Altered Art Question

[Nosomo.]

I have been looking at what our fellow sorcerers (I gave us a name) have been altering and extending and I wanted to ask how you have learned to create them and how can I a complete nub go and learn to draw as good as you?

[DeathwingZERO]

Practice.

1- Get anatomy books or pics off the internet/library, practice forms (especially muscle and bone structures). Trying to form an actual being correctly is infinitely harder than trying to draw out a simple shape like a sword, etc.

2- Work on landscapes. Sketch out things outside your window, etc. Then start working in colors, like pastels, pens, and pencils.

3- Work into the application and use of paints. Pick up a pad of canvas papers and some thick paper that can handle the paints and mess around for a while.

Most of the guys that do paint alterations use acrylics that have been watered down a little so they aren't as thick, and multiple layers. Patience is a virtue here. You'll have to know when to let layers dry to put more on top, or keep them wet to blend with.

A lot of this applies to working on actual pieces of art as well, not just modifying already existing art. Just be prepared to muck a lot of work as "practice", you're hardly going to have anything you will really be proud of the first few times around.

[Sanguine Voyeur]

It doesn't matter what kind of medium you're using, practicing is the only way to get better at art.

[Metaknight]

I'm sure you are aware of this, if you have been reading the altered art forum, but i would like to remind you that if you plan to use the card in tournament play, to check with your local judge (or where ever you may happen to play) to see the legality of your ideas. I know i had a couple that i wanted to do, checked with the judge and found that it wasn't legal. Just a tip so you don't get DQ'ed at a tourny.

[Pinder]

I'm sure you are aware of this, if you have been reading the altered art forum, but i would like to remind you that if you plan to use the card in tournament play, to check with your local judge (or where ever you may happen to play) to see the legality of your ideas. I know i had a couple that i wanted to do, checked with the judge and found that it wasn't legal. Just a tip so you don't get DQ'ed at a tourny.

We know. Can we seriously stop having someone bring this up every single time?

[yawg07]

Haha exactly.
I KNOW that they may not be legal, and I DON'T particularly care.
If you are playing at shops, seriously, who gives a shit.
If you are going to a big tournament and the judges somehow thinks you can tell the difference between one of MY alters and a normal card, ah well you took a risk.
I say MY alters, because I make them the thinnest of any that I have seen.
Even this full-textless fow cannot be found in a deck of normal cards.
(and I understand why it wouldn't be legal, but I'm just using for the argument about thickness, it is covered in paint and cannot be differentiated)

http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l189/yawg07/MtG%20Art/FULLfow.jpg

I make my alters for the tournament player, but I know that at least half of them are bought by collectors.
Believe it or not, collectors are much more into this than players are.
They also spend far more money, trust me.

[Nosomo.]

Practice.

1- Get anatomy books or pics off the internet/library, practice forms (especially muscle and bone structures). Trying to form an actual being correctly is infinitely harder than trying to draw out a simple shape like a sword, etc.

2- Work on landscapes. Sketch out things outside your window, etc. Then start working in colors, like pastels, pens, and pencils.

3- Work into the application and use of paints. Pick up a pad of canvas papers and some thick paper that can handle the paints and mess around for a while.

Most of the guys that do paint alterations use acrylics that have been watered down a little so they aren't as thick, and multiple layers. Patience is a virtue here. You'll have to know when to let layers dry to put more on top, or keep them wet to blend with.

A lot of this applies to working on actual pieces of art as well, not just modifying already existing art. Just be prepared to muck a lot of work as "practice", you're hardly going to have anything you will really be proud of the first few times around.

Thanks DZ for your suggestions. I also am a combo enthuist.

[TeenieBopper]

Haha exactly.
I KNOW that they may not be legal, and I DON'T particularly care.
If you are playing at shops, seriously, who gives a shit.
If you are going to a big tournament and the judges somehow thinks you can tell the difference between one of MY alters and a normal card, ah well you took a risk.
I say MY alters, because I make them the thinnest of any that I have seen.
Even this full-textless fow cannot be found in a deck of normal cards.
(and I understand why it wouldn't be legal, but I'm just using for the argument about thickness, it is covered in paint and cannot be differentiated)

http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l189/yawg07/MtG%20Art/FULLfow.jpg

I make my alters for the tournament player, but I know that at least half of them are bought by collectors.
Believe it or not, collectors are much more into this than players are.
They also spend far more money, trust me.

I know I busted a nut over this in the other thread, but I think it bears repeating: I would fellate you for a playset of those.

[noobslayer]

That is without a doubt the pimpest FoW in existence.

EDIT: I think I found a new hobby.