First, a quick run down of how I compose an image.
I begin with inspiration, be it a scene or concept floating around in my head or something based on reference material such as actual D&D play (as is often the case).
The next step is visualization, whereby I play with various layouts using pencil & paper. The tell-tale sign that I have done due diligence in this stage are many discarded quarter-sheets of paper with rough outlines. I generally settle on the layout I feel is overall the best and most dramatic and move on with that one, but sometimes I revert back to this stage if the one I had previously selected turns out to be fraught with technical problems (eg. conflicting negative spaces, awkward shadows, weird perspective). For instance, The Scarlet Lady [nsfw] went through 3 layouts I thought would work before I found one that actually did.
I use a 2H pencil initally, then when I am content with the general placement and look of characters and background I move to a 0.7mm HB mechanical pencil to refine the drawing and add detail. I usually add as much detail as possible at this stage so that while inking there is not a lot left to guesswork. I also decide on light source(s) near the end of the pencilling and lay down some general light /dark /shadowed areas.
Once the pencil-draft is complete I begin inking only outlines with either a 0.1 or a 0.3 black pigment liner. I often do a bit of cross hatching and shading of minor features just to 'break the ice' so to speak. The inking of all major shapes completed, I then use a no-smear eraser to remove all pencil markings.
The piece is now primed for all further inking.
So, here I present "Edge of the Slime Lands" which has just passed the initial outline inking and is moving quickly towards completion. Shading on the nguamadon is almost complete, outlines have been refined and most of the detail is in place.
Below is a scene in development from actual play. Four adventurers attempt entry into a dark tomb. This piece is right at the stage where all pencil has been removed - all that remains is the ink outline. At this point the image would be a great candidate for a D&D colouring book- not sure if there is a market for that type of publication though...
Anyways, this is usually the point at which I make a first scan. Firstly, to add to my portfolio of 'templates' (in case that colouring book idea ever comes to fruition), and secondly so that I can print up a copy of said 'template' and experiment with shading, values, etc without mucking up the original. For Psyclops Battle Scene I completely inked two template copies that ended up being discarded, but provided valuable lessons for the actual inking of the final piece.
I also very much like to 'capture' the piece at this step because of the wide range of possibilities available for the overall look. For instance, this piece could be extremely black-heavy with lots of negative space, with only the columns and the figures strongly illuminated by torch light. Or, conversely, the overall value of the room and figures could be medium cross hatching / grey tones with simple highlights, leaving the darkest values available for the pit and high contrast shadow effects.
Ah - the possibilities! Stay tuned for updates!
